On-SIGHT opportunity

The ultimate joy of being in IT industry is the on-site or business trips that one encounters very often. The greatest advantages being all expenses paid and top of that you will get a daily allowance (what is called as ‘per-diem’).  Above all, you get to visit a new place and start enjoying the new culture altogether without shedding a cent. Here are the highlights that I experienced over different office trips. Also, tips for other travelers on a business trip.

The travel : The business trip travel will not be as cumbersome as your personal vacation. The reason being, YOU ARE NOT PAYING FOR ANYTHING : ) The ultimate challenge is you need to be ready for Monday morning office. Means, make sure your office attire (dress, shoes etc.,) are in a good shape to be used for the office day. The flight travel is pleasing part. Most of the times I will be travelling alone, use the time to the best for reading books. I usually love to pick a book randomly (just go by the cover page info) from the airport, head on to coffee place or viewing gallery, sip n read -> heaven

Credit card : Most of the companies will give the option to pay and claim for the expenses based on the agreement. So, always keep the card ready for any surprises. Once, I had to end up paying 3 weeks of hotel stay (in KL) and claim later due to my office admin’s mistake. Always, be safe and ensure you exchange enough money in local currency or have good amount of US dollars for your safety.

Behave : You might be a super star in your team or family but while you are on travel in a public, you are just another human. Be extremely careful with your communication and activities especially in alien countries. Be extremely patient and co-operative to immigration official. Your visa status or reason to enter the country may b 1 out of 100 which the official are encountering each day. They are in a pressure to ensure no illegal entry and very likely that you might be suspected. The more co-operative and polite you are, the less trouble you may face. This is embarrassing but I have to highlight. The Dresden (Germany) immigration officials ripped all parts of my DSLR to make sure I am not smuggling any drugs. Me, being the only colored guy might have been mattered but they apologized and appreciated my co-operation. They even explained the hidden cargo on a flight from UK to Dubai incident that happened the day before. And, they fixed my camera back in to shape : )

License : Carry your driving license where ever you go. This is very much handy. If possible, have an international license too. Driving anywhere out of Indian cities is a bliss and you don't wanna miss the fun. Most of the countries does accept Indian driving license if you are on a short trip (some countries allows longer duration too) If your base is out of India, try and get a local license too which will be very handy. If you don't know driving, LEARN FAST otherwise you are missing biggest fun in life. Ya, drive safe and observe speed limits all the time. I had a very bad experience in South Africa due to speeding and after a havoc, got rid off it. After that I vowed not to speed even when I go for Marathon run ; )

Research : Do a research about the country you are going to. Wiki is an amazing source. Learn the local culture, weather, currency conversion rate, where not to go, what not to do etc., Since, am a person always excited about new culture, I do these religiously if not, atleast for the sake of safety and comfort, know where you going. Since its official trip, all you got is weekend to hang around. Make the perfect plan from Friday evening to Monday morning before you reach. My best plan and execution was Dresden (Germany) to Prague (Czech) weekend trip with my mate from Dubai turned out to be one of the finest memory of life (ya, we ended up staying in a Boatel (Hotel on boat) filled with mostly honeymoon couples and imagine the state of 2 (male) guys ) : (

Food : I am ovo lacto vegetarian (vegetarian who eats egg) and I have no problem in traveling to any corner. Reason, I can adjust myself to eat anything vegetarian. You cannot definitely get Dal Tadka in every corner of the world. However, being an Indian vegetarian is again a privilege. Indian food is almost everywhere I went : ) But I still love to taste the local cuisine (of course vegetarian options) The best surprise is the everyday south indian lunch I got in Brunei (that too in a remote town called Siria) close to my office.

Enjoy : Above every thing else, enjoy the trip and make your trip more meaningful by accomplishing what you went for (I meant work) and study the place you live. Remember, per diem (the daily allowance) purpose is to support your stay in the country and not your salary. Stop complaining the company and love travelling (be it official or vacations)