In 2015, domestic and foreign airlines serving the U.S. reported an all-time high of 895.5 million scheduled service passengers, a 5% increase from the year prior. It’s clear that Americans are still choosing to fly internationally, especially for business purposes. If you’ve already explored the most cost-effective business class airfare and have booked your flight, you might think that the bulk of the job is already done. We can help you find great business class flights to popular European destinations, but there’s still much to be done before take-off. After you’ve bought your business class tickets to Europe, these five travel tips will ensure that you’re well-prepared for your trip.
1. Check your passport
Obviously, you’re going to need to bring your passport to the airport. But don’t wait until the last minute to give it a good once-over. Your passport may technically be good until its expiration date, but some countries won’t let you enter if you’re traveling too close to that date. You’ll need at least six months left on your passport before it expires; if it’s less, you should put in a renewal application immediately. You should also ensure there are at least two to four blank pages within it. Finally, make a photocopy of your passport for your loved ones and for your company, just in case something should go wrong.
2. Notify your credit card company
If you’re flying business class to London, Rome, Paris, or any other European destination, you’ll probably need to use your credit card at some point during your travels. Credit card companies are getting better at detecting fraud, which is usually a good thing. However, if you’re traveling and the company takes note of “unusual” transactions while abroad, they may shut off your credit card for fear that your information has been stolen. This can be disastrous for your travel plans, so you should notify them ahead of time about when you’ll be out of the country and where you’ll be. Remember to think about layovers, too. You should also notify your bank of your plans.
3. Come with currency
Don’t depend on your credit card to fund your trip. If you have a problem with your card or can’t get an ATM to work at your destination, you’ll be in hot water. It’s better to have at least some foreign currency with you when you arrive, especially for taxis and public transportation. You should also avoid dynamic currency conversation whenever possible. It allows visitors to pay for goods and services in their own currency for convenience, but it actually ends up charging you more in the end. You’ll save time and money by using local money.
4. Plan your itinerary
After you’ve bought your business class tickets to Europe, it’s time to really start planning out your trip. When traveling for business, you’re bound to have a lot of appointments to keep. Learning to navigate a foreign country takes time, so don’t schedule appointments back-to-back and assume you’ll have enough time to find your way. Create a detailed schedule that gives you plenty of time to get where you need to go while allowing for unexpected delays. Give your superiors and family a copy so that they know where you are at all times.
5. Read up on the culture
Even if you’ve booked business class tickets to European countries that speak the same language, there are bound to be cultural differences that could throw you for a loop. In France and the U.K., for example, you may find that your business talk may not be welcome during a meal. Doing a bit of research on the history of the country to which you’re traveling will let people know you care about making a good impression and will probably save you some embarrassment in both business and social situations.
Just because you’re traveling for business doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself, too. Once you’ve booked your business class tickets to Europe, these tips will make certain your trip goes smoothly. Of course, getting your tickets for a great price will start your business trip off on a great note. For more information, contact Wholesale Flights today.