Minority Career Network

Minority Career News
July - September 1998

Managing Business Travel
By F. Renee'

Reaching a comfort level with business travel is essential for many who function in national or international environments. Acquiring the skills of a savvy business traveler can be as simple as following some basic steps, and using a few tools. Granted, every trip will not be free of seat mates who talk incessantly when you are trying to take a nap, or crying infants, or passengers who bring sardines aboard for a snack. (Believe me, it'’s happened!). These are things outside your span of control, but there are some aspects of travel that can be managed. Here are some tips and tools you can use to make your trips more comfortable and enjoyable.

Tips:

  1. Use the Internet to book flights and reserve rental cars. Many times last-minute deals are available. Use the ticketless travel option when possible. It eliminates the possibility of misplaced, forgotten, or lost tickets.
  2. Create an itinerary. Leave a copy with your secretary, friend or family member. The unexpected can happen so someone should know where you should be. Copy your passport also when travelling internationally. Take a copy with you and leave one with your itinerary. This expedites replacement if it is lost or stolen.
  3. Allow time for delays in your agenda. Avoid over scheduling.
  4. Dial direct for hotel accommodations when possible and ask for the best rate. Bypass the toll-free national number, and talk to someone who can tell you specifics about the facility and the weather tendencies. Make your accommodation preferences known at this point.
  5. When scheduling international flights, plan day into night trips. For example, leave at 10:00 AM; arrive at 10:00 PM. Schedule an overnight stop whenever possible on extremely long flights.
  6. Join an airline club if you travel frequently. Clubs offer different amenities, but they all offer a place to relax and unwind.
  7. If you are traveling in hostile or underdeveloped environments, check your company’s policies regarding emergency health care and subsequent evacuation.
  8. Dress down for travel. Be comfortable, but polished.
  9. Follow the airport rules, and keep your eye on your luggage even when it enters and exits the airport scanner. Scanners can be target areas for thieves and scam artists.
  10. Sit in the emergency exit rows whenever possible. There is more knee space in these rows, and children under fifteen cannot occupy these seats.
Tools:
  1. Salk’s Airport Transit Guide
  2. Kroll Travel Watch Fax Advisory
  3. International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
If after all your efforts, you end up with delays and annoyances, let someone who can do something about it, hear about it. This may contribute to better future travel experiences for you as well as others. Yes, there is “comfort and joy” in knowing how to manage the process of getting what you need.

Return to Home Page Back Newsletter Index

email: mcn@minoritycareernet.com

Minority Career Network
P.O. Box 1131
Sugar Land, TX 77487-1131
(281) 499-4889 fax