Attending a conference in Auckland in a few months? Or, maybe you are coming to New Zealand from abroad, and you need transportation to your worksite? If you are planning a business-related road trip in NZ, try using a checklist so you can make sure you don’t forget anything on your travel “to-do” list. The following suggestions are in sections so you can focus on what you need during each stage of trip preparation.
Prepare Your Paperwork
You also should store a few other essential documents in your bag or travel wallet, including:
- Passport (if travelling abroad)
- ID
- Emergency contact information (also give a copy to your employer)
- Hotel confirmation
- Reimbursement forms from employer
- Currency and traveller’s cheques
- Tip: A travel wallet is good for prioritising what you need versus what you can keep at home in your regular wallet or purse.
Pack Your Personal Items
Whether you will be gone a few days, a week, or more, you need to pack enough items to last the duration of your trip. Yet, you don’t want to burden yourself with packing too much. Decide what the necessities are and then compromise on the things you want to bring, but you could take off the list to make your bags lighter. Also, don’t forget the job-related items you have since you’ll be conducting business, networking, and completing assignments on the road. Here are the basics:
Clothing and hygiene
- Socks
- Underwear
- Business attire (suit, shirts)
- Casual pants (jeans)
- Casual shirts/tops
- Dress shoes
- Casual shoes
- All-weather jacket
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Razor and shaving cream
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Comb and hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Medicine
- First-aid kit
- Sanitiser (Wipes are suitable for the car!)
- Gum and mints
- Refillable water bottle
Tech devices
- Laptop and charger
- Earbuds or headphones
- Phone and chargers (one for the car)
- International adapter
Pick Up the Car
You usually need to be 21 years of age to rent cars, but some companies may require drivers to be 25. If you are not a local, you will need to have an international driver’s license, and it must be translated into English. Also, you need to know and abide by the rules and regulations in the country and learn the traffic flow differences you may encounter. Here are things you need to remember:
- ID
- Credit card
- Car hire reservation receipt
- Roadside assistance phone number
- International driver’s license
- Proof of insurance (Tip: Your personal auto policy and the credit card you use for the reservation may already cover you. Don’t buy insurance from the rental agency if you don’t need it. However, if you’re travelling abroad, you might need additional liability insurance.)
- Cell phone mount (so you can stay hands-free while driving)
- Sanitising wipes
- Maps and/or GPS (store the addresses you need)
Also:
- Do a visual inspection of the car and notify the rental company of any damage.
- Secure valuables
- Fill the gas tank before you return the car. (so you get charged only for what you use)
Consider Ridesharing
Many employers are turning to rideshare to save money on employee travel. The apps make it very convenient and timely for riders to request, pay, tip and get a receipt. If you plan to use Uber, Lyft or Ola instead of car rental, you will need to:
- Choose a company and download the app
- Learn how to use the app features for ride requests, payment, and tipping
- Save expense information for reimbursement
Hopefully, you can mix business and pleasure while you are visiting New Zealand for the first time, or if you’re a fellow Kiwi and travelling to a new city. By preparing for your road trip with a checklist in hand, you can accomplish your work goals stress-free, and you’ll be able to enjoy your destination.
