Voyage to Europe in Comfort
Europe is home to several business powerhouses. Frankfurt in Germany, London in the United Kingdom, and Zurich in Switzerland are all home to international headquarters for some of the world’s most impactful organizations.
Because Europe is home to so many fantastic business destinations, American workers find themselves traveling to these destinations for face-to-face business meetings, client introductions, and international branch management or audits.
Restrictions from the pandemic are no longer impacting corporate travel as before, allowing more employees to undergo business voyages. If you find yourself in a position where you’re traveling to Europe for business, you might have some concerns.
This article attempts to ease some of those concerns by breaking down business travel eligibility and tips that make the journey more enjoyable.
Don’t spend your business trip flying in Economy. The industry insiders at Business Class Experts can put you in a business class cabin at a considerable discount. Call us today to find out how affordable your next business class trip can be.
Can You Travel to Europe on Business?
Europe is a hot-spot destination for business, with several countries serving as bastions of industrial procurement and production.
Europe is a hot-spot destination for business, with several countries serving as bastions of industrial procurement and production. Diplomatic relations in the European Union allow for open and unrestricted, visa-free travel, also known as the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area includes twenty nine European countries that have removed their internal borders to allow for free and unrestricted movement of people (SchengenVisaInfo.com).
These countries include:
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Belgium
- Switzerland
In addition to these countries, several European Union member states and a handful of other European countries don’t have visa requirements for business travelers. However, travelers from the United States will still have to manually submit a business visa form and have their passports stamped by the incoming country.
On the other hand, several countries are under the ETIAS, which requires waivers to travel on business. These waivers include a 90-day stay within any 180-day period. These countries include:
- The United Kingdom (excluding Ireland)
- Canada
- The United States
- Mexico
- Australia
- Ukraine
Starting in 2024, 59 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free travel will now require ETIAS waivers to travel for personal reasons, business, or transit. While this requirement puts a strain on visa-free travel, the application and entry process is available online, eliminating the need for manual passport examination and stamping.
Top Tips for Traveling to Europe for Business
Some people love corporate travel, while others loathe the idea. Regardless of how you feel about it, you can make your next business trip to Europe more enjoyable in several ways. Here are our favorite tips on making the most of your next out-of-office adventure.
Use a Travel Management Agency
International travel is challenging enough without adding business requirements and objectives to the list. That’s why many frequent business travelers utilize a travel management company (TMC) or agency.
These agencies, like BCD Travel, handle the booking of flights, accommodations, ground transportation, and the occasional other travel services. Although these one-and-done solutions provide a limited-stress approach to global business travel, it can be a pricier way to book.
Instead of relying on a company to handle all of your travel arrangements, Call Business Class Experts to help you find the lowest pricing on airfare. Our insider partnerships allow us to locate business-class tickets at up to half-off competing methods.
Travel in Comfort and Style
Traveling to Europe in economy class is a fate we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy. Having to fly for business deserves a step up in comfort and style. Business class offers improved seat improvement, even converting into a bed in some cases. Passengers also enjoy elevated menu options, more privacy, and amenities kits to arrive feeling refreshed.
Many airlines offer work-centric amenities for business-class passengers. These amenities can include larger tray table spaces, available in-flight Wi-Fi, and power outlets for laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Upgrading to first class aboard some airlines opens additional offerings that might be attractive to business fliers. These first class amenities can be private suites, in-flight social spaces, or dedicated personal assistance while at the airport.
Upper class passengers have access to lounges at airports worldwide. Many of these lounges have bar service, food offerings, workspaces, spa showers, and high-profile business and travel news, like BTN Europe or the Wall Street Journal.
Business class is more affordable than you might imagine. Business Class experts can help you find two-for-one business-class tickets, a friendly solution for expense management, and travel spending limits. Call us today to see how much you can save on upper-class tickets for your next business trip!
Ensure Your Documentation is In Order
Before you depart, you will need to have all required documentation in order. That means ensuring your passport is current, visa applications (if applicable) are completed and approved, travel insurance policy documents are packed, and any other essential documents are ready. Be prepared to bring most of the following:
- A valid passport and accompanying personal data
- Round-trip itinerary
- Travel insurance policy
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Cover letter
- Letter of intent or letter of invitation
- Employee contracts
Depending on the arrival country, the required documents may be thoroughly examined or briefly scanned. Regardless, have your ducks in a row and be prepared for anything to happen.
Head to the Bank
Your business trip to Europe will require money in Euros or British Pounds. Before you leave, you’ll want to plan how you will pay for things. That could be a currency exchange or a debit or credit card.
You will need USD cash if you plan to do a currency exchange. Make a budget of how much you plan to spend on travel expenses or other items and estimate the currency exchange rate. The Federal Reserve website lets you plan the exchange rate minus transaction fees. Many airports and major banks can help you perform cash currency exchange.
Likewise, if you plan to use your debit or credit card, make sure you don’t have any restrictions. As a general disclaimer, Visa and Mastercard enjoy more accepted establishments in Europe compared to American Express. Alert the credit company or bank of your travel plans to avoid blocked transactions.
Purchase Electronic Convertors
Much like how the metric system makes things challenging for U.S. calculations, the electric grid supports different voltages, plug shapes, and amperage ratings. That means, in order for your equipment to work, you’ll need electronic outlet converters.
Many laptop chargers will handle the difference in power delivery when traveling to Europe. However, you will need an adaptor to fit the plug. You can find these adaptors through major retail centers like Best Buy or online through outlets like Amazon. Or, you can purchase one at your destination, but likely at an upcharge.
Your cellphone and some mobile tablets can use USB charging; just be sure to plug into a compatible charger or platform to avoid unwanted damage to your device. You can also ask your hotel or host if chargers are available to support European sustainability efforts.
Find Affordable Airfare to Europe with Business Class Experts
Europe is a prime destination for international business. With those close ties come business trips. While business trips are a common occurrence, there are some visa-related restrictions to research before you book accommodations and airfare.
Once you clarify your eligibility, use a few of our insider’s favorite tips to ease the stresses of business travel. Kick-back in a business-class cabin with plenty of room to work, elevated meals, and amenity kits stuffed with essential toiletries to land refreshed.
Flying business class doesn’t have to break corporate travel budgets, either. With Business Class Experts, you can find affordable upper-class tickets for a fraction of direct airline or TCM pricing. Call us today for the best business-class deals.
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