Really nervous about going abroad for a work trip

MikeL93

Last week I was informed that at the beginning of September I will be going to Germany on a work trip and it has made me really nervous. Basically the itinerary is fly to Germany early on the Monday morning, have meetings etc on that day, then the next day is doing a site visit before flying home in the evening.

I have never been on a trip like this before and it is making me really nervous as the entire trip is being planned by someone else and also I have never solo travelled before. Added to this it means I will be away from my son for almost 48 hours by the time I get home and even though he is still going to be at home with his mum the thought of leaving them is filling me with dread.

Any hints or tips on how to get over this anxiety?

El_Torro

I do trips like that a couple of times a month. I don't have a spouse or kids waiting for me at home but the physical act of going on a work trip is something many Europeans do on a regular basis. It seems you are experiencing fear of the unknown. Not that it's an unjustified fear, but once you've done it you should realise that it wasn't a big deal in the end.

Is there something specific that you are afraid of regarding this trip? Flying? Being away from family? Visiting the site? Something else? All of the above? If you can pinpoint where the anxiety is coming from it might be easier to tackle.

zagfles

What is it mainly that's making you anxious? The travel? The long days? Going abroad (would you be OK with a similar length trip in the UK)? Flying? Leaving your family? (is this rational eg is there a reason they would struggle without you)?

Exodi

As someone that regular does trips like you describe, as long as you prepare well (e.g. I prepare an itinerary on my phone of all times/dates/locations etc of airport parking, flights, hotel details, etc noting what time I need to wake up, leave, get back, etc) then it's actually quite relaxing (the traveling at least). Take a nice book or something to watch on a tablet and enjoy a lot of 'you' time.

To be honest, when you're working you probably won't have chance to think about anything else, especially if you're going with colleagues and meeting them in the hotel bar at night!

What is the expense situation? Let's just say I tend to eat and drink better when someone else is paying for the meal :)

2 days is not so bad, your son will still be there waiting for you! I do however always make it a habit to bring back gifts for my wife and child whenever I travel. Spoiler alert: it's usually chocolate but if you weren't lazy like me you could find some lebkuchen.

zagfles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083767#Comment_82083767

Yup and the other thing is to make sure you're compensated for your time both travelling and working, either through overtime payments or time off in lieu. For instance if you're having to leave home at 5am Monday and don't get back home till 10pm Tuesday that has to be worth at least a day off.

MikeL93

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083763#Comment_82083763

I think its pretty much all of the above but the top issue is being away from my family and then flying in second place.

MikeL93

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083765#Comment_82083765

It's the leaving my family that is giving me the most anxiety.

Indout96

In my last job I travelled all over Europe

There are a few things to check before you go.

1. Who is paying for food ect, if its you and being reimbursed make sure you have a card that does not charge fees on each transaction as some firms refuse to pay these.
2. Always get receipts for everything you buy as you will need them to claim back
3. Check your company travel policy e.g. I could claim for drinks all night in the bar but was not allowed to claim for anything from the mini bar in the room which was idiotic as I had to keep up with the days (UK) work in the evening whilst away.

Its not great being away from your family esp when you have to set off Sunday morning for a Monday meeting where you say about 10 words and did not really need to be there but if its part of the job there is not a lot you can do.

la531983

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083791#Comment_82083791

Most people are glad of the peace! If I spent every waking hour with my missus I would go nuts. I go on a weekend away with the lads once a year and she does similar. Sure most other couples operate in a similar way.

zagfles

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083791#Comment_82083791

Do you normally work at home? If not then presumably they're used to being without you in the daytime? Maybe check in with them regularly and have a long video call in the evening, the hotel will almost certainly have wifi. How do they feel about it?

MikeL93

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083814#Comment_82083814

My partner has told me to just go and live a little as it is something different.