​10 Things to do the Day Before a Business Trip

Are you going on a business trip for the first time in two years? Feeling a little out of the groove? Not sure what to do before your departure date? Well, no worries! We have a little checklist of things to do the day before your next business trip:

1. Confirm your travel accommodations with the IMS Travel Department
   Even if you confirmed your accommodations with the travel department or the property directly, it never hurts to double-check. Especially while we are still struggling with new variants of Covid-19. Anything can happen or be canceled at the last minute or there may be new policies in place that you need to know about.
   
   
2. Confirm your transport/flights
   As mentioned above, Covid-19 has affected many aspects of the travel industry, especially flights. If you can check in early, do it. Make sure you have your airline’s app downloaded so you can get notified immediately if a flight is canceled. Know your airline’s policies on rebooking flights and have travel insurance. If you need to rent a car, have all that information prepared and ready in your carry-on.
   
   
3. Do you need PPE?
   Look up the places you will be going while you are on your trip and see what their Covid-19 policies are and if they require a mask or your vaccination card. It wouldn’t hurt to pack both, just to be sure.
   
   
4. Make sure all devices are backed up and charged
   As you are packing, have all your devices backed up and charged, including power banks. Also have all charging cords and adapters, especially if you are traveling out of the country. Nothing is worse when you get to your destination and your phone is dead or you forgot your laptop charger at home.
   
   
5. Download the IMS App
   If you have some downtime or want to take your coworkers out but don’t want to use cash, make sure you have the IMS App downloaded! The IMS app can show you the nearest places to eat that accept IMS Trade dollars. A bonus is that you can authorize any transactions wherever you are! So your work does not need to slow down while you are away.
   
   
6. Locate the local IMS office
   Before your trip, familiarize yourself with the local area. Is there an IMS office? What products, services, or certificates do they have available to you to enhance your stay?
   
   
7. Make sure your medicines are in date and clearly marked
   Health is a big priority nowadays, so if you need to take any medication, have enough for your trip and that it is clearly marked (this is more if you are flying vs. driving).
   
   
8. Do you have all your business files?
   Make sure that you have all the business files and documents you need, either printed out or secured on a backup USB drive. You don’t want to waste time trying to print out documents at a hotel the morning of and it's always good to have a backup drive just in case your laptop is not compatible with the presentation equipment at the venue.
   
   
9. Your bags are packed
   Be like Santa and make a list and check it twice! Traveling is always stressful so make it easier but packing the day before and have everything. You don’t want to be wondering if you packed your good shoes while you are on a three-hour flight.
   
   
10. Get a good night's sleep
    Traveling is not only stressful, but it’s tiring. Even though it’s common sense, sometimes we need to be reminded to sleep! So get all the sleep you can so you can take on your travels without woes!

If you have any questions about your travel arrangements or want to plan a trip (for business or leisure) contact the IMS Travel department today!