One of the biggest challenges business travelers have is traveling efficiently. Contrary to what ordinary people think, work trips are full of unforeseen events. However, when the trip is planned properly it can become an extraordinary experience: in addition to fulfilling your schedule you will be able to enjoy the trip. Are you planning to travel to Miami for business? Then seize the opportunity and make the most of it.
Miami is the number one city to do business in the United States. This is according to the annual ranking of Biz2Credit (Arora, 2019). In addition to its benefits for international trade, the real estate sector offers opportunities for all types of investors. But before starting your flight to this important city, it is convenient to know some aspects that may be useful.
A mistake to avoid if you plan to travel to Miami for business
One of the common mistakes that business travelers often make is to think that they will have time to do everything. For this reason, they do not make the corresponding forecasts. Then unforeseen events happen, the agenda is complicated and the trip ends up being exhausting.
In a recent survey by Jos. A. Bank, in which more than 2,000 executives were interviewed, found that on average the business traveler only has 2 free hours a day to relax and feel good. This reflects how difficult it is to find a balance between work and play when traveling for business. Therefore, proper planning will allow you to meet your business objectives and take time to get to know the destination you are visiting.
What should you do before traveling to Miami for business?
Before traveling to Miami you must make the appropriate legal arrangements. In this case, in addition to your passport, you must process your visa. In the United States there are two categories of visas: the first non-immigrant, which allows you to stay temporarily in the country (with the possibility of obtaining permanent residence or citizenship in the medium term). And the second of immigrant, for people whose sole purpose is to immigrate to the country.
If you plan to travel for business, several types of visas that are part of the non-immigrant category are available. Including:
- B1 B2 Visa. Tourism and business visa. Please note that with this visa you can travel both as a tourist and for business. You cannot work or receive a direct income but you can open a business and have it generate income. It gives you an income for a limited time. With this type of visa you can make the purchase of a house in the United States and put it for rent.
- Visa E (investors and traders). It is ideal for business owners and employees who for work reasons need to stay in the country for a long time.
- EB-5 Visa.It is a special visa for investors who wish to obtain the green card and live in the United States.
What type of visa should you apply for? It is advisable that before traveling to Miami you consult with a professional expert in immigration. He will be able to advise you so that you know in detail each alternative and the management of the documents. Once you have passed this procedure, you can arrange your trip to Miami.
Follow these 5 tips to make the most of your visit to this vibrant city.
5 tips for traveling to Miami for business
1. Organize your trip in advance
To optimize the benefits on a business trip it is necessary to plan the most relevant aspects of the trip. Planning is important because it will serve as a guide to face situations before and during the trip, it will also save time and make the agenda less stressful. Therefore, before traveling to Miami it is recommended that:
- Make a list of the activities you must carry out and the fundamental aspects for their fulfillment.
- Check the legal documentation required by the destination country.
- Choose an accommodation that allows you to reach your activity with peace of mind and that allows you to enjoy the city.
- Schedule meetings strategically, choose places that allow you to know the attractions of the city.
2. Include rest and fun in your trip
There is no contradiction between enjoying and working. Recent research points to the positive effects of well-being and performance. For example, research from the University of Warwick found that happiness can increase productivity by up to 12%. For that reason, the tendency to include leisure as part of work travel is increasing. According to a survey conducted by the company SAP Concur, business trips (bleisuretrips) that include entertainment activities increased by 20% in 2017.
Some recreational activities that you can include in your agenda when traveling to Miami for business are:
- Stroll along Ocean Drive.It is one of the most spectacular and lively streets in Miami Beach. By day you can better enjoy the people, Art Deco buildings, famous hotels and restaurants.
- Enjoy the beach. If you are traveling to Miami oFt. Lauderdale, you must visit its beaches. The most famous beaches are South Beach in Miami and Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale. There you can take a swim or simply enjoy the sun and the spectacular views of the ocean.
3. Purchase travel insurance
The risks when traveling for business must be managed in advance. Especially if you want to travel to Miami; in the United States, health care and services are often expensive. In this sense, buying travel insurance becomes the best tool: it provides financial and mental peace of mind in case of any inconvenience. In addition, it will offer you the following benefits:
- Coverage for unexpected medical expenses.
- Incident costs: cancellations, delays.
- Loss of luggage, damage to equipment.
Nowadays acquiring travel insurance is a simple process that can be done through the Internet.
Also note that some credit cards include health insurance when you purchase airline tickets with this card. See your benefits.
4. Choose the right transport
As the city of Miami is quite crowded there are a lot of public transport alternatives:
- MIA Mover: is a car rental company operated by Miami International Airport.
- Metrorail: is a system of elevated metros that cross the city from north to south and operates seven days a week.
- Miami Beach Bus: Runs from 6 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. seven days a week and only costs $2.25.
- Virgin–Brightline. It’s the new high-speed rail system that connects you from downtown Miami to Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach.
Finally, taxi services. Although they are the most expensive option, they have two fundamental advantages: you will avoid wasting time while waiting for public transport and they will take you to the exact place of your destination. Plus, if you’re heading to a work meeting, you’ll be able to sort through your ideas as you move through traffic.
5. When traveling to Miami, carry only the necessary luggage
Traveling to Miami on an international flight doesn’t have to be an exhausting experience. You can achieve this by simplifying your packing list. If the trip is a few days, long weekend type, it is preferable to carry only hand luggage. Avoid the delays and risk involved in carrying bags. To do this, establish the clothes you will wear each day and the electronic accessories you will need.
Keep in mind that good weather predominates in Miami. However, keep in mind that in the winter months from December to March you may experience low temperatures. Always confirm the weather before traveling. To attend your business meetings you can adopt the modern and casual style of the city. Remember to include comfortable shoes and swimsuits so you enjoy the biggest draw: the beaches.
If you have in mind to visit one of the famous clubs in the city, it is recommended that you select a more formal dress. On the contrary, if you want to attend a sporting event, do not forget to wear a cap. Here are some of the ideas you can put into practice to get the most out of traveling to Miami. What other information do you need to know?
References
Arora, R. (2019, May 08). Why Miami is the top city for small business growth in 2019. Forbes. Retrieved dehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/rohitarora/2019/05/08/why-miami-is-the-top-city-for-small-business-growth-in-2019/#1773c7991197https://www.forbes.com/sites/rohitarora/2019/05/08/why-miami-is-the-top-city-for-small-business-growth-in-2019/#1773c7991197
Elliott, C. (2020, May 20). Why You Need Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip. Forbes.Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherelliott/2020/05/20/why-you-need-travel-insurance-for-your-next-trip/#1e43e9c935cc
Howieson, J. (2018, December 06). BleisureTravel Guide: Miami. The Jenna Way. Retrieved from https://thejennaway.com/bleisure-travel-guide-miami/
Inimmigrationlawyersinmiami (2017). Types of U.S. Visas. Retrieved from https://www.immigrationlawyersinmiami.com/types-of-us-visas
Inter World Cup. (September 18, 2019) Why is it necessary to take out insurance for business trips? [Mensaje en blog]. Retrieved from https://www.intermundial.es/blog/por-que-es-necesario-contratar-un-seguro-para-viajes-de-negocios/
Schmall, T. (2018, October 15). Business Travelers Hardly Get Time to Themselves, Study Finds. SWNS Digital. Retrieved from https://www.swnsdigital.com/2018/10/business-travelers-hardly-get-time-to-themselves-study-finds/
Warwick. (n.d.). New study shows we work harder when we are happy. Retrieved from https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/new_study_shows/
What To Pack (2019). The Ultimate Miami Packing List. United States: Whattopack.com.Retrieved from https://www.whattopack.com/by-destination/ultimate-miami-packing-list/
