Travelling for business purposes is significantly different from going on a trip for pleasure. You may prioritise convenience over comfort to ensure a meeting or an important event proceeds smoothly, which can easily lead to an unpleasant travel experience. However, for business visitors, Hong Kong city offers a seamlessly connected public transport system and numerous hotels and accommodations for tourists to navigate the city effortlessly and have a comfortable stay. If you are travelling here for work, here are several important hacks and key tips for each phase of your journey, helping to guide you in planning a perfect arrangement.
Since you are not going on a trip for sightseeing or a fun, relaxing time that requires you to bring heavy equipment for outdoor activities or large cameras for taking memorable photos, try to pack only the essentials and work-related items, such as business documents, a laptop and name cards, in the suitcase. As one of the most convenient cities in the world to travel, you can easily buy any toiletries or items you forgot to bring or need in Hong Kong. Bring only the necessities to make going through customs less of a hassle.
A travel hack that many business tourists often ignore is that early arrival at the airport makes for a more relaxing journey ahead. Checking in at the airline counter, printing the boarding pass and passing the security screening can be a hectic experience altogether, taking up a significant amount of time. Reserve at least 3 hours for this process prior to the flight departure time; it can put your mind at ease and prevent you from missing the cutoff.
Your work trip may be meticulously planned beforehand, yet accidents can still happen. This is why purchasing travel insurance is paramount; it offers you adequate compensation in case of baggage loss, sudden flight delay or cancellation, property damage, or any unforeseen circumstances. Carefully review and compare the terms and benefits of different available policies to choose the plan that is best suited for your travel needs.
From flight tickets to dinner at a networking event, business travel can be a substantial expense. Remember to keep every receipt for each purchase and meal so that you can report the overall costs to your company for a claim. Moreover, it is vital to check for company policy regarding expenses incurred during the trip to obtain the types of records and documentation required for proper reimbursement.
Using a prepaid SIM card during the trip is a common practice for both business and leisure travellers. However, the data runs out fast. With limited access to a high-speed internet connection, you may have trouble locating a particular venue swiftly through your navigation app to attend a business meeting on time. Hong Kong has one of the widest free public Wi-Fi coverages in Asia, spanning across MTR stations, shopping malls and tourist districts, such as Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. One helpful travel tip is to utilise this expansive Wi-Fi network whenever possible to avoid running out of mobile data.
It may be tempting to sleep for an entire day as soon as you arrive at the hotel, especially after a long-haul flight. However, it can severely hinder your ability to get used to the new time zone and overcome jet lag. Schedule a routine for yourself to follow, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the new sleep-wake cycle. It can help avoid insomnia at night and fatigue in the morning.
To show standard professional courtesy and reinforce business relationships established during your travels, send thank-you or follow-up emails to the contacts you meet after your return. A necessary networking hack is personalising your messages by addressing their names and mentioning key points you have discussed. These actions will certainly leave a lasting impression on your potential clients or corporate partners.
During your travel to Hong Kong, you may need to connect to an outdoor Wi-Fi network and access your online account for work in public spaces. This can potentially put you at risk of compromising sensitive information, such as passwords, personal contacts, or business details. To ensure your private data remains secure, check for any unauthorised access, update your passwords and remove any unnecessary applications or software installed on your device once you return from your trip.
Did you have an enjoyable stay at your chosen accommodation for this business trip? If your experience was exceptional, then make sure to record the name and location of the hotel for future travel reference. This invaluable tip helps you effortlessly plan your next visit to Hong Kong, guaranteeing another comfortable and productive stay.
Consider staying at the Hopewell Hotel, renowned for its prime location and business-friendly facilities that make every work trip a breeze. Book now to enjoy premium amenities and an unparalleled experience of comfort.
