The Last-Minute Checklist for Business Trips

Are you preparing to leave on a business trip in the near future? Do you have everything in order, or do you have some concerns that you’re going to leave something of importance behind?

Packing for business trip

While there may be a lot going through your mind as your business trip closes in, here are some of the last minute questions you should definitely address:

1. Did you book your hotel?

If the answer to this question is yes, make sure you have your reservation information handy.

If the answer is no, now’s the time to begin your search for the perfect hotel. For example, if you need to book a Hollywood hotel, you can use Expedia to find the perfect accommodations.

There are many options to choose from, such as the Loews Hollywood Hotel, so even if you wait until the last minute you should be able to find something that suits you.

2. Did you book your rental car?

This is important to some people when booking a business trip, but others don’t think twice about it.

If you need to book a rental car, make sure you plan in advance. A lot of last-minute expenses come from waiting until you’re there to talk to a rental car company. Call ahead and make sure that you have everything you need arranged. Otherwise you’re in for a headache once you touch down in the airport.

Conversely, if you think you can get by without it, you may want to do so. After all, Uber and Lyft are in nearly every city you can think of. Skipping the rental car can save you both time and money (as well as some hassle and stress).

3. Have you set a budget for what you can spend while you are gone?

This is a big deal, as you don’t want to find yourself spending more than you should. Even if you think you are keeping track in your head, you could find yourself spending too much at some point. Make sure you and accounting are on the same page and if need be- have one of them book your hotels and flights for you to avoid confusion.

In addition to setting a budget, do your best to track your expenses while you are away from the office. This can be a bit of a pain, but it will definitely work in your favor over the long run. There is no worse feeling than finding that you spent too much money (this could also get you in trouble with your employer).

Day planner

4. Do you have your schedule in order?

There is a lot to think about when it comes to your schedule, so you want to get everything in order as quickly as possible.

You need to know when you leave, when you can check in to your hotel, and when you need to get down to business. If you’re struggling to get everything in one place, try and app or digital list like Bear that has the ability to set reminders and interactive lists.

It may sound like overkill, but there are benefits of writing out your schedule in advance. When you do this, you’ll always know where you need to be and when you need to be there. This helps you avoid a situation in which you overlook an important time or date.

5. Is there any technology in particular that you need to take with you?

You have a lot to pack when taking a business trip, so it’s a good idea to get started on this as soon as you can. Technology is a big deal in today’s day and age, as it helps you stay connected while you’re away from the office. For example, you probably want to pack your smartphone, tablet, and computer (and that may just be the start).

If you’re considering the trip a content creation opportunity, take a video camera with you to record scenes, updates, and other memorable moments. Video marketing is taking the digital world by storm and creating revenue for just about every industry. Need proof? This blog from Square Ship highlights why video content should be a part of your marketing strategy.

Don’t hold yourself back when it comes to taking technology with you on the road. This can help improve your efficiency and productivity.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many last minute questions to address before leaving on a business trip. Although there may be other things that come to mind, these details are definitely among the most important.

If you want to make the most of your trip, it’s important that you prepare accordingly. This means double-checking everything one last time before you leave.

What types of steps do you take to ensure that you are 100 percent prepared for a business trip? Would you add any other questions to those above? Share your personal approach in the comment section below, as your advice can help other travelers.

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