Interpreters: Travelling for Work
Pack light! Only a carry-on and a small backpack/purse.
Check the weather. Multiple cities may mean different seasons.
Sunny? Hat and sunglasses! Rainy? Cold? Hot? Best to wear layers.
As usual, dress to fit in with the clients. Bring fancy clothes for dinners and receptions. But also old sneakers if you’ll be out in the fields.
For the ladies: a little black dress, and heels only if comfortable.
For the men: a suit jacket/blazer, shirt and tie is standard.
Always keep a clean set of clothes to change into, even on the last day!
Breakfast is important, as you may have to work through other meals
Bring snacks to keep you going. Crackers, nuts, fruit. Water bottle. Check if the tap water is drinkable.
Mind your manners at receptions and buffets. Avoiding alcohol is advised.
Consecutive pads and pens, always!
Get a local SIM, or download an eSIM.
Remember you phone cable, charger, and adapter for other countries. If in a bind, plug into the USB slot of the TV set at the hotel.
Bring a power bank to charge your phone, as you may be out and about all day long.
Look up which taxi or ride share apps are in use.
Survival kit: medicine for diarrhoea, constipation, painkillers, band-aids. Any allergy or prescription medicines you may need. Sunscreen!
Check your passport’s validity. Visas or vaccines required?
Bring some cash (US dollars or euros) and credit/debit cards. Alert your bank of your trip so the card won’t be blocked. Back up your cards in your phone’s virtual wallet.
Print out hotel, itinerary and emergency information on paper, the old-fashioned way.
Check what details you need on your hotel bill. Go down extra early on check-out day as there may be several people before you.
Pack your bathing suit.
Enjoy and have fun!
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