The holidays are almost upon us. However, if you are reading this, you have one more business trip ahead of you. We know that you can’t wait to get home for Christmas to your family and friends. And we are here to help you with some advice on how to plan the last business trip at the end of 2021 in a way that will be enjoyable for you and you will manage to get the work done in a great way. Here we go!
Agenda of the business travel
First of all, check the agenda you have ahead of you. If you can influence the agenda and it seems too spread out, try to make some changes and fit everything in one or two days. In most cases, such trips are planned in a way to have some free time and there is some room to move meetings around. Probably everyone will be happy to get home earlier. Discuss such changes with the organizers and try to push them through. You can even try to remove some items from the agenda. It is common for the last day to finish around noon and a formal goodbye dinner to be planned for the evening. If you have an afternoon flight, just skip that thing and go home.
Christmas shopping
Try to save some time and do the Christmas shopping while you are away on corporate travel. In this way, you can buy some interesting gifts for everyone and get back home like Santa Claus. Usually, you can find Christmas markets with a lot of interesting small stores that sell crafts and souvenirs. While exploring the city, you can combine this with buying presents for your loved ones. A beautiful scarf for the wife? Or maybe a hat for your husband? Let your imagination run wild and dedicate your free time to shopping!
Hire corporate transportation
One thing you can do to make everything easier for you is just to hire corporate transportation. You will have a driver that can take you and your colleagues around the city. You don’t have to worry about driving in the winter conditions and the busy traffic and where to park. A professional driver will help you save time and be calm about security and safety. And on the other hand – if there is a business lunch, you can have one or two glasses of wine with a clear conscience. And nobody has to be in the role of the designated driver.
Become a present for the family
This one only works if you are coming home for Christmas or the day before. You will need to have an accomplice in the family. Tell everyone but him/her that you won’t be able to make it in time. The truth is, you will be home. Buy one huge cardboard box and decorate it as a present. Have it with you and once you are on the front door, get inside or have it over you. You can call your “partner in crime” to help you. Then ring the bell and get him/her to take the family to the door. Once everyone is there jump out of the box – it will be the perfect surprise for them!
Business travel around the holidays is something that nobody likes. It is not good for you, for your family, and in most cases – for the company, but it has to be done. Make the best of it for you – stay in a good hotel, hire corporate transportation to get around, and enjoy nice meals. Just be sure to get back in time for that amazing family Christmas dinner.