- April 2009
- Current Events
- Travel Tips
- Supplier News
- Regional
- International
- Government/Legislation
- Technology
- Industry Trends/Innovations
- Spotlight on Leisure Offers
- Supplier Spotlight
- Supplier Promotions
Travel Tips
-
Traveling to Spain
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand rapidly. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on Spain.
Good to know:
- Spaniards write the day first, then the month, then the year (e.g. April 15, 2009 is written 15.4.09 or 15/4/09.)
- Spain is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
- If a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, Spaniards usually take a four-day weekend.
- Social events seldom begin at the time they are planned. Try to determine actual expectation for time of arrival, as it is likely to be 15 to 30 minutes after the scheduled time.
- Dinner is rarely served before 8:00 p.m., and often not until 10:00 p.m.
In business:
- The workweek is generally 40 hours in Spain, however hours of operation may vary.
- Make business appointments well in advance, and confirm by phone and/or e-mail prior to your arrival.
- Conducting business meetings over lunch may be challenging. It is proper to wait for your Spanish counterpart to begin the discussion, which usually takes place at the end of your meal, most likely over coffee.
- Avoid scheduling appointments around Easter or Christmas.
Sources: travel.state.gov, “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries,” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
Documents required for business travel to Canada
Business visitors planning travel to Canada should be prepared to present the following documents at the Canadian border, as outlined on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site.
- A passport or travel document that is valid for the traveler’s entire stay and guarantees re-entry to the traveler’s country of origin
- A valid temporary resident visa (if applicable)
- Letters of support from the traveler’s parent company and a letter of invitation from the Canadian host company
- Other documents such as warranty or service agreements, contracts, etc., if relevant to the visit
- 24-hour contact details of the traveler’s business host in Canada
- Proof that the traveler has enough money for both the stay in Canada and the return home
Additional information, including checklists for business visitors can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site. U.S. citizens can also find information regarding travel to Canada on the U.S. Department of State Web site.
Sources: cic.gc.ca, travel.state.gov
Travel tips from frequent fliers
Frequent travelers know the travel industry’s ins and outs, and most have tips and tricks they swear by. The travel tips below cover everything from how travelers should dress on board, to staying connected through technology. While some of the tips are simple, they may help to minimize stress and make travel more relaxing:
- Stay connected—Staying in touch when away from the office is essential. Travelers can get instant Internet access anywhere there is cell-phone coverage using a wireless card offered by various vendors.
- Keep moving—Experts recommend walking up and down the aisle or stretching while in-flight to promote good circulation. Other activities such as yoga can be done in the hotel room, and some travelers find it helps them remain stress-free during their travels.
- Dress appropriately—Flat, comfortable shoes can help keep the feet and the rest of the body relaxed during travel. Bring clothes that don’t require ironing if travel schedules necessitate a quick change between your arrival and your first business meeting.
- Stay charged— Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged before departure. Pack appropriate chargers and power adapters for all devices. Some products on the market today can charge multiple devices simultaneously from a variety of power sources including standard wall outlets and in-flight power outlets.
Sources: ForbesTraveler.com, Canada.com
