Sometimes, work can take you to different places across the globe because of meetings, events, oculars, scouting new partnerships and deals, and more. Of course, everything should already be mapped out in terms of schedules, food sources, and budget allocation before you even start booking your flight. That said, when prepping for your business trip, there are a few more things you should take some time to research so that you have everything covered.
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Reliable healthcare options
Even though one would like to think of the best rather than the worst, it’s better to know about some excellent resources for medical assistance just on the off chance you’ll need it for an emergency. It’s best to avoid doing tasks that put you at risk for accidents. However, you never know if you might get an allergic reaction or a bad stomach bug because your digestive system is not accustomed to different herbs and spices that might be in the land you’re temporarily staying in. It’s even more important to do this research if you have underlying medical conditions that could need professional intervention if triggered.
That is important for any foreign trip, but especially when you’re going to third world countries. You’ll find that there are many world-class institutions with high standards and primarily English-speaking staff if you seek them out, such as the international hospitals like Kasih Ibu in Bali or St. Luke’s in the Philippines.
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Local cultural customs
One of the worst situations you can find yourself in is an awkward moment where you’ve unknowingly offended the locals, or worse, the locals who you are directly working with. Research about greetings and etiquette practiced in the country you’ll be staying at, especially if you’re going to be dealing with clients or partners from the place. That also applies to any meetings you might have over food, as different regions have their own customs on how to dine correctly with others.
For instance, locals in the Middle East only eat with their right hand as a rule. In Mexico, it’s considered pretentious to eat a taco with utensils while in Chile, doing the same would be considered uncouth. Japan requires proper usage of chopsticks while Thailand prefers forks. Each country and culture has its nuances, and you don’t want to ruin a deal over unwitting ignorance.
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Accommodations and transport
Read up on where you’re staying, especially if your company has already set everything up for you. Otherwise, rely on trustworthy feedback for finding a space that fits both your comfort and budget needs. It’s best to find one in a location that would be near the food you want, areas you know you will be meeting in, and where there is accessible transportation. Finally, look up the modes of transport that will be available to you, especially if you have to find your way around on your own. Different countries have varied public vehicles and ride-hailing platforms, and it can save you a lot of headaches and confusion to learn about these and download them beforehand.
Over 400 million Americans take long-distance trips for business every year, so you may likely run into a fellow countryman in your travels who you can reach out to if you’re seeking other individuals to guide you around the areas.
