Biz-trip ups!

FIRST time traveller or a seasoned voyager - a business trip to a foreign land is always somewhat unsettling. If you are a bit apprehensive about travelling into the unknown; being clued-in about diverse cultures and peculiar customs does help. It is best not to offend anyone by doing something altogether objectionable. Dos and don'ts, airplane etiquette and general protocol can save you a lot of embarrassment and contribute to making your trip, a successful and hassle- free one.

Things you need to do, and things to watch out for -

Deja- vu!

Read up about the place or get a first hand account of it. This will help you get familiarised with the local customs and mannerisms. Once your ticket is booked, don't make last minute changes, as flight cancellations can be expensive.

Flight delays are common. Connecting flights can drive you crazy! Always keep some writing jobs at hand, or things you need to catch up on, or things that need doing, so that you can fill in those hours waiting well.

Feel-good formulae

A small snack before you board the flight is usual and make sure you've had your share of sleep for the day (if the journey is a long one.) Try not to overeat but include meals of high vegetable fibre. Air in the aircraft is dry so hydrate copiously.

Bag and baggage

Keep hand luggage as light as possible. Remember that you have to lug them around between connecting flights. Make sure all your baggage bears your address on the inside as well as outside. Don't leave it with strangers even for a short while. Remember unattended luggage is suspect and liable to cause alarm.

In-flight etiquette

If you are a vegetarian, inform your airline in advance especially if it is an international airline. Ask for a `Hindu vegetarian meal' Jain Meals, Kosher diets, low fat diets as most airlines provide these services. Alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks make you feel sick and uneasy.

Do not invade the privacy of your neighbours. Try to stretch your legs and move around in the aisles-not in your seat! - It's very dangerous to remain seated throughout a long flight. If someone requests you to switch places so that he can sit with his family, do oblige, if you can.

When it hits you

Jetlag is a condition that occurs due to a change in time zones, which disrupts your biological clock. Acclimatising to the new place also adds to this and you might end up feeling more stressed and tired than usual. The best way to cope is to get a good night's sleep after the journey, and try napping on the flight. If you are travelling to a faraway place where the business hours are just the reverse, follow their sleep- time patterns a few days before the journey to make sure you don't stay indoors during the daytime, when you get there.

Ahoy landlubber!

Formalities and etiquette are important to maintain a cordial relationship. Always see that you don't offend the other party with your mannerisms or behaviour. Keep your conversation business-like and don't inquire too much about your host's personal life. Talk slowly and clearly: Indians are known for talking too fast. Don't use the generic Indian nod to signify a ``Yes'' and ``No'' but state your point of view unmistakably.

Stand up and shake hands whenever you meet a person (unless you are a lady) this rule applies practically to every country. Be respectful and courteous always. Don't differentiate between sexes; remember that women are treated on par with their male counterparts especially in business circles.

Business trips let you learn a lot about the world, and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Be professional at all times, and you'll have a lot of `success stories' to take home with you and many pleasant experiences to share. If you don't you'll still remember your trips but for the wrong reasons.

ARCHANA JAYAKAR

archana.hyd@careercommunity.co.in