Business travel is making a comeback, and is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels. This means that more and more companies are sending their employees on business trips to network and expand their reach. But with so many prime business travel destinations around the world, it can be somewhat difficult to decide where the best places are to plan a business trip. And with everything on your plate, figuring out where to go is something that you shouldn’t have to worry about.
That’s where we come in! We have done extensive research on the top business travel destinations, and wanted to share everything that we found, so that you don’t have to do any research. Ready to learn more? From the top international travel spots to important travel document information and much more, here’s everything you need to know about 2024’s premier business travel spots, along with expert insider tips.
The Top Business Travel Destinations of 2024
Though it’s true that people travel all over the world for business, there are some destinations that are more popular than others, with many international destinations climbing the list. But which international destinations are companies favoring the most in 2024? According to a list released by American Express, some of the most visited international destinations for business travel include:
London, England
Do You Need a Business Visa?: Yes, you will probably need a work visa. You can apply for your work visa by going here.
Best Way to Get Around: Walk, take the bus, or ride the subway.
Best Hotel: Kimpton Fitzroy London
Best Restaurant: Padella
Business Etiquette Tip: Have a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have good posture.
Top Bleisure Activity: Take a ride on the London Eye.
Paris, France
Do You Need a Business Visa?: No
Best Way to Get Around: Take the bus, walk, or get a taxi.
Best Hotel: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Best Restaurant: Restaurant Le Cinq
Business Etiquette Tip: Dress well and arrive early to any meeting.
Top Bleisure Activity: Go sightseeing and don’t forget to visit the Eiffel Tower.
Shanghai, China
Do You Need a Business Visa?: Yes. Apply for your China business visa by going here.
Best Way to Get Around: Take the train or ride the bus.
Best Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Best Restaurant: Mercado 505
Business Etiquette Tip: Arrive early to meetings, dress well, and greet everyone with a handshake.
Top Bleisure Activity: Shanghai Disneyland
Berlin, Germany
Do You Need a Business Visa?: No
Best Way to Get Around: Take the subway or ride a train.
Best Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin
Best Restaurant: Restaurant Facil
Business Etiquette Tip: Arrive early to meetings and give others their personal space.
Top Bleisure Activity: Walk around Berlin and go shopping at local stores.
Tokyo, Japan
Do You Need a Business Visa?: No
Best Way to Get Around: Ride the subway, take a bus, or get a taxi.
Best Hotel: Hilton Tokyo
Best Restaurant: Toufuya Ukai
Business Etiquette Tip: Receive gifts or business cards with both hands.
Top Bleisure Activity: Explore the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
How Can I Get a Business Visa?
If you plan on traveling internationally for business, one of the first things you may need to do is obtain a business visa. When you are planning your trip, it’s important to check and see if your destination country requires you to get a business visa. If they do, you’ll need to make sure that you apply for your business visa as soon as possible to ensure that you get it in time for your trip.
If you find that you need a business visa, we can help! Once you’re ready to begin the application process, head over to the Business Visas section of our website. Here, you can fill out your visa application, complete the checkout process, and send in all of the required documentation. Our team will then process your application and send your visa directly to you when it’s ready.
Why Should I Get My Business Visa With Swift?
We understand that you have many options when it comes to getting your business visa. But we are confident that you will have a smooth and easy experience when you choose to obtain your visa with Swift. Not only are we leading experts in passport and visa processing, but our team also has years of experience in the travel industry, and is here to help you obtain your travel documents in a timely manner.
We will monitor your visa application throughout the entire process, and address any questions or concerns that you may have along the way. Further, we will ensure that you get your visa in time for your business trip so that you can focus on preparing for your meetings instead of having to worry about receiving your travel documents. You can always count on our expertise to make the business visa application process as easy as possible for you.
Where Can I Apply For a Passport For My Business Trip?
Besides obtaining a business visa for your trip, you may also need to get a passport if you plan on traveling to an international destination. If you already have a passport, you may think that you’re ready to go. But you need to make sure that your passport is still valid before going on your trip. We highly recommend checking your passport’s expiration date as soon as you know that you’ll be traveling for business. If you find that it’s expired, visit our website and apply for a passport renewal as soon as possible to ensure that you get it in time for your trip.
On the other hand, if you’ve never applied for a passport before and need one for your upcoming travels, you’ll need to apply for a new passport. New passport applications can take longer to process than passport renewals, which means that you’ll want to apply for your passport right away. Visit our website to get the passport application process started, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions along the way. We’d be happy to help!
Business Travel Tips
1. Apply For Your Travel Documents Early
If you plan on traveling internationally for your business trip, you’ll need to ensure that you have a valid passport and possibly even a business visa. We strongly suggest that you apply for these travel documents as soon as you know that you’ll be traveling for business. This way, you can have your travel documents in hand without having to worry that they won’t arrive in time.
2. Make a Packing List
There are so many important things to bring along with you on your business trip, that it can be hard to remember everything. This is why you should always make a packing list. Divide the list into sections, including clothing, electronics, and any other essentials that you know you’ll need along the way. Then, the night before your trip, go over the list one last time and check that you have everything you’ll need.
3. Download Helpful Apps
There are so many apps that you can download onto your phone before your trip that will be extremely useful to you. For example, there are apps to help you get directions from one place to another, apps to help you book transportation, and there are even apps that can help you communicate in the chance you are in a country where you don’t speak the local language. To learn more about mobile apps that can help you during your business trip, check out this article.
4. Only Take Carry-On Luggage
You are probably going to be bringing a lot of essential items with you while on your trip, and the last thing you need is for your luggage to get lost. That’s why we suggest only bringing along a piece of carry-on luggage with you. This way, you’ll know exactly where your stuff is at all times, and have everything that you need throughout the entirety of your trip.
5. Arrive at Your Destination Ahead of Time
Last but certainly not least, we suggest arriving at your destination ahead of time. Odds are that you’re going to have a full schedule, and you don’t want to miss out on any important meetings. Arriving a day ahead of time allows you to explore your destination so that you know where all of your important landmarks are and ensures that you arrive with plenty of time to spare. As a bonus, if you have the time, consider arriving a few days early and turn your trip into a mini vacation.
