Washington DC besides being a business center is city full of buildings, memorials of historic significances and monuments. On your business trip to Washington DC, it is guaranteed that you will have a great time here. You can squeeze in some memorable experience in between your meeting schedule. It can be little overwhelming if you are on your first visit in Washington DC. However, to put you at ease here are 5 tips for your first business trip to Washington DC.
These tips will make your first business trip go smoothly.
1: Sign up for frequent flyer programs.
On your first business trip, you will be in trying phase in regard to airlines, hotels and limousine companies. Why not reap the fruits of your labor!
It is indeed early to pledge allegiance to any one of the companies but make your mind to register for a few airline, hotel and car companies. Only sign up for those which you are planning to use again for next trip. Many well established travel companies provide rewards and loyalty programs which will help you gain miles, points, and perks.
This will make your every next business trip easier and comfortable in many aspects. As the points accumulate, you can cash them to get free room or plane ticket.
2: Get an upgrade at the Hotel
As a newcomer, you may not be aware of this trick. Depending on the availability, you can avail an upgrade at the hotel. Usually, no front desk agent will offer their clients an upgrade but to your surprise, simply asking can get you a lot. For your first business trip in Washington DC note these unwritten rules which you should follow in any case. Step one is to politely request for an upgrade but keep in mind you may not always get what you want.
Being rude or any reaction will not help you. Poor managers deal with so many guests all day long that there is a chance they are not in good mood. Next, you should be very specific with your request like ask for a room with a better view or upgrade from your current standard room to deluxe room.
3: Carry-On Whenever Possible
If your first business trip is short then there is no point of packing huge bags. Business trips are already hectic hence don’t waste your valuable time with luggage struggle. There is a chance your airline lose your luggage or someone mistakenly take your luggage at the airport. Eliminate such possibilities by following some cardinal rules of carry-on luggage. Make sure your carry-on size is the one allowed by the airline to avoid any hassle later.
Since it will be your first business trip, buy a high-quality carry-on suitcase which will last for many years. Don’t place water bottles or other liquid stuff in it which is more than 3 ounces. This is to prepare you for TSA.
4: Prepare an Itinerary in advance
According to a survey, many business travelers still depend on printouts or emails to manage their business trip details. This may seem doable but in reality it is not efficient enough while you run from one meeting to another. Try TripIt to regulate your business trip details such as hotel confirmation, flight alerts or limousine rental confirmation. Instead of take stress at the last minute, make yourself more organized and reliable in front of your colleagues or business clients.
Creating a itinerary via Tripit will help you reach at every destination on time. This app help in keeping track of your loyalty points as well. Every little detail can make or break your first business trip experience in Washington DC.
5: Keep time margins
On a business trip, it is very important to manage time. As a part of your travel skill, you should beware that flights, limousine service, meetings and almost every other thing takes longer than you expect. Hence, your business trip plan should be flexible for unexpected delays.
For example, reach airport at least an two hours before the check-in. From one meeting to another meeting, give yourself a margin of at least 30 minutes. Make late dinner plans than usual to handle anything that can come up after final meeting. On your first business trip, you should be about to handle uncontrollable factor to avoid bad impression on your business clients and work colleagues.
The most important tip for those traveling to Washington DC for business purpose is to hire a limousine instead of using DC metro. It may sound easy and quick but in reality metro system has many flaws. Business trips need serious and secure transportation with good punctuality.
Best limousine service is the right company for business travelers. Our corporate transportation received awards for being the most professional and comfortable limo service. We offer all the extra amenities which are suitable for business travelers. Book Rolls Royce or a Mercedes limousine, our limos can conduct urgent meetings on the go. Best Limo is offering various packages for your convenience so hurry up and hire us in advance.
Charlie everly 02/25/2020 at 11:37 AM
Definitely going to keep these points in my mind for my business trip.
Well written!