The next time your boss drops a brochure for an upcoming convention on your desk or forwards you an email about a Board of Director's meeting just around the corner but three thousand miles away, don't panic. With a few simple preparations you can make his/her trip as fun and enjoyable as a business trip can possibly be.

Before arranging for transportation, airline tickets, train or car rentals, confirm with your boss how much time he needs before the event. Sometimes trade conventions vary exhibit, speakers and seminar hours by as much as a day or two. Don't assume your boss will want to be at the event for the full time, but if he does want to take as much in as possible, find out if he wishes to arrive on the evening before to prepare. It is just as important to confirm when your boss needs to return from his trip.

When making airline or train reservations make sure the itinerary is manageable and considerate of time. No one likes to have unnecessary delays that can often be avoided with a little careful planning. If you have time, before making arrangements for the trip, it is a good idea to purchase a travel book for the area your boss will be visiting. These travel books make an excellent addition to the office library for future travelers and future trips. They are generally filled with not only restaurant and hotel ideas, but will also give you information about taxi fares, and distances from airports or train stations to hotels.

When selecting a hotel, first check to see if there is a suitable one listed by the sponsor of the event your boss will be attending. Oftentimes the best hotels are sold out shortly after an event is announced, so it is a good idea to secure hotel reservations as soon as possible. If you are not able to get a room from the list of event hotels, refer to your travel book. Find a hotel as close to the event as possible. Find out from your boss what amenities are important. Does your boss like to work out, go for a run in the morning, need a smoke free room, a pool; prefer lower floors or higher floors, queen size bed or two beds? Get as much information as possible without annoying your boss and use your checklist to find the most suitable room in the most suitable hotel available.

Wait a few days and then ask your boss if he/she will need restaurant ideas or reservations made for meals out and for how many. Often your boss will be traveling to a city he/she has been before and may already have a list of favorite

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