When the COVID-19 pandemic struck more than two years ago, international and domestic travel became virtually impossible. Before the outbreak, international travel was a reality for many business people who would regularly go from city to city for extended periods.
Now that the world is slowly opening up and things are going back to normal, traveling for business is picking up again. Sometimes, you’re traveling for conferences and are away for only a couple of days. Other times, however, you may be up for an extended business trip that lasts for anywhere between two weeks and six months.
After spending more than two years holed up at home with your loved ones, you may find preparing for your impending trip harder than usual. Don’t worry – we’re here to help.
In this guide, we will share five quick tips to remember when you’re getting ready for an extended business stay in Boston.
Do a lot of research
It’s always unnerving to find yourself alone in an unfamiliar environment. Doing adequate research is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with a city before you land there.
Where can you find the best vegan restaurants in Boston? Can you find a good spa and have your nails done while there?
These are some things you should strive to find out before you go on the trip. The idea is to be as adequately prepared as you possibly can. This way, you’re likely to feel all the usual jitters and anxieties disappear since you’ll have more awareness and better control over the situation.
Prepare an itinerary
This is a crucial part of getting ready for an extended business stay in Boston. You will need to prepare a schedule to help you stay on top of your duties and responsibilities.
A detailed, well-prepared itinerary will help you remain in control of aspects of your trips. It should contain all the information you will need or find handy, from the names and contact details of the people you’re meeting to your travel reservations.
Overall, an itinerary is not only efficient but also a safety measure, especially if you’ve never been to Boston before.
Rent a corporate apartment
For most people, travel is made uncomfortable because they have to spend the time in hotels. If you’re going for an extended business stay, this is likely a concern you’ve had. What if we told you that doesn’t have to be the case?
It’s possible to rent a furnished apartment for the entirety of your business stay. This comes with many advantages, including more privacy, the option to prepare healthy homemade food, and most importantly, more peace and quiet.
Today, there are a few reputable companies that offer corporate housing solutions to business travelers and even allow you to customize your stay according to your needs. For example with TheBlueground, you can take out a larger space if you’re traveling with a group.
You could also have one room set up to be a conference room where you’ll take calls with your supervisor back at the company’s headquarters. The possibilities are endless!
Get into a (fitness) routine before the trip
Most people tend to slack on their health and fitness regimens when they travel. This is entirely understandable – we’re all creatures of habit, and no one wants to go to the gym in a city they’re unfamiliar with. This is why it’s essential to develop a morning or evening routine as you prepare for your trip.
A morning routine could look like this:
- 6.00 am: Wake up
- 6.05 am: Brush teeth
- 6.10 am: Meditation/Yoga
- 6.45 am: Shower
- 7.00 am: Breakfast
- 7.30 am: Journal
- 7.45 am: Check emails
- 8.00 am: Prepare for 1st meeting of the day
- 8.45 am: 1st meeting of the day begins
Once you get accustomed to a routine, it becomes harder to break. It will also create a semblance of normalcy and make you feel less unhinged when away from home.
Prepare a schedule in which your family can visit
Being away from your family, friends, and loved ones is undoubtedly the most challenging aspect of traveling for work. This is even more so if you’re away for an extended period. As such, where possible, be sure to make plans in advance for when you can visit your family or they can visit you.
You should also agree on the most convenient time for you to FaceTime or call each other. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can’t connect and communicate with the people you love. Distance separates bodies, not people.
Mind your finance and taxes
As with most long-term business trips, your company or organization will likely be paying for most of your expenses when traveling to Boston for business. Even so, you still need to understand everything about the finances involved including per diems and reimbursements among others.
Besides, try to find out if there are any tax implications involved if you are traveling to Boston from another state or country. If unsure about anything, ensure that you seek clarifications from an experienced accountant or discuss it with the company management.
Finally, be sure to inform your card providers and banks about your travel schedule to avoid disruptions with your money when you need it the most. You certainly don’t want to have your account held once your bank notices transactions coming from an unusual geographical location.
We hope you enjoy your stay in Boston!
Traveling for work is nothing like going on vacation. Sure, you’ll be in a city with great weather and access to the beach, but there are still a lot of responsibilities and expectations to fulfill.
While it’s important to handle all these tasks, it’s just as crucial to take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep and endeavor to eat whole, healthy meals.
Stick to your itinerary and routine, and spend enough time relaxing, checking out different spots in Boston, and, if possible, try to make a friend or two. Enjoy your stay in Boston.