Monthly Archives: May 2011

Business Travel

Business travel is probably the oldest form of travel known to man and perhaps the single most influential reason behind the development of the travel industry. A few millennia ago traders and sea farers undertook arduous journeys across the seven seas and the five continents in the name of commerce. Today company executives undertake the same journeys, sometimes even visiting the same cities in the name of corporate travel.

With the globalization of international trade and emerging markets, business travel has grown exponentially. Following the post Second World War era and the expansion of trade and commerce many corporate organizations looked towards expanding their horizons and spreading beyond their homelands. This concept is not entirely new, for example the colonial eras preceding the 20th century saw certain European companies expanding into Asia, Australia and Africa.

Following this phenomenon and the emerging markets in Asia and Latin America fuelled the growth of business travel.

Especially with the current lull in the global economy, increasing inflation, high oil prices and the specter of terrorism leisure travel has seen a decrease. However, by stark contrast business travel has been increasing rapidly. Many attribute this to North American companies outsourcing production to emerging Asian players such as China, Vietnam and Thailand. Also the booming economies of India and China have made it the place to be as far as trade and commerce is concerned.

With a number of factors fuelling the growth of business travel, many airlines, hotels and other travel related service providers have been quick to explore this vibrant market segment.

Business travelers are mostly affluent and demand a certain level of sophistication. They also require tools to facilitate their business transactions such as meeting and conferencing facilities, the latest communications technology and most importantly a serene environment at the hotel they chose to stay in.

For business travellers to treading all around the world, Langham Hotels offer a luxurious gateway. Langham International, a reputed luxury hotel chain offers great comforts to business travelers from around the world at its numerous properties.

Travelers Checklist

DOCUMENTS:

o Flight Tickets
o Accommodation Vouchers
o Transfer Vouchers
o Prepaid Attraction Tickets
o Passport (If traveling overseas)
o Visa (Check with Travel Agent if needed)
o Travel Insurance
o Phone numbers for home
o Health Documentation
o Emergency Information
o Currency
o Currency calculations sheet
o Credit Cards x 2/Travelers Cheques,
o Make copies of all documentation keep one copy with you and leave a copy of your passport, credit cards, travel insurance with a friend or family member

CLOTHES:
Before you pack ensure to find what kind of weather you will be getting and pack accordingly, always remember weather can change quickly so ensure to pack for the unexpected changes.

o Underwear
o Socks/Hosiery
o Belts
o Casual Day Wear

o Sleepwear
o Cold weather gear (jumper, coat, warm hat, gloves, scarf)
o Warm weather gear (swimsuit, shorts, sandals
o Comfortable walking shoes (must be worn in)
o Sun Hat

TOILETRIES:

o Comb and/or brush
o Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss etc
o Deodorant
o Soap
o Shampoo & conditioner
o Skin-care lotion
o Razor & shaving cream
o Personal hygiene items
o Vitamins
o Bath / beach towel
o Inspect repellent
o Sunscreen
o Nail clippers
o Aspirin
o Antiseptic wipes
o Antibiotic cream
o Band-Aids
o Upset stomach / Diarrhea medication
o Regular medication, plus a letter from your doctor for anything unusual.

MISCELLANEOUS
o Luggage (Check any weight restrictions)

o Back pack
o Wallet
o Money belt
o Organizer bags (mesh or different colours)
o Ipod/MP3 Player
o Camera & memory cards
o Guide book and maps
o Travel journal & pens
o Games / playing cards
o Small padlocks for suitcase
o Luggage ID tags
o Alarm Clock
o Sunglasses and case
o Travel clothesline & pegs
o Sink plug – (multi size)
o Laundry bag
o Zip lock plastic bags
o Large plastic garbage bag – to use as rain protection for your main bag
o Electrical converter / adapter if you have AC appliances
o Earplugs / eyeshades

o Your favourite book from The Book Brothers www.thebookbrothers.com.au

HANDY TIPS:
o Keep extra cash – 0 in a safe place
o Drink plenty of water and little alcohol on the plane
o Stick to a bland diet
o Always read up on the city before you get there.
o Always take an extra pair of underwear in your hand luggage
o Check luggage weight limits for all modes of transport you are taking your luggage on and purchase luggage accordingly
o Check to see if any vaccinations are required for the country you are visiting
o Set up a worldwide email account if wanting to correspond back home via email

AT HOME BEFORE YOU GO:
o Stop deliveries and have Australia Post hold mail
o Arrange for care of pets, lawn, house plants, garden, swimming pool
o Arrange for home security if you’re worried
o Empty refrigerator and garbage
o Turn off hot water cylinder
o Pre-pay bills (or ask close friend to collect mail and pay bills for you)
o Lock all doors and windows
o Triple check that you have Passport / Tickets / Money