1. **Weather Preparation**
Check the local weather forecast before you travel. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, hot, or cold, dress accordingly. For instance, Asian winters can be quite chilly, with some places lacking central heating. Prepare for 58°F indoors and outdoors!

2. **Health Considerations**
Ensure you have your necessary medications with you, and if language barriers arise, use translation apps like Siri. Also, familiarize yourself with the local messaging apps like WhatsApp in Europe and WeChat in Asia.

3. **Contact Coordination**
Arrange to connect with your factory contacts before your departure. Stay connected and organized with power bars for your devices.

4. **Food Safety**
While indulging in local cuisine is a great part of traveling, exercise caution. Consider getting Hepatitis A shots to prevent food-related illnesses, especially in unfamiliar locations.

5. **Emergency Kit**
Pack a reserve chute in case of unforeseen circumstances. Include essentials like toilet paper, spare underwear, and a plastic bag. It might save you one day.

6. **Handling Jet Lag**
Expect jet lag but push through during your first few days by staying active. Plan for power naps during long car rides or breaks.

7. **Meticulous Planning**
Create a detailed itinerary, specifying locations and dates of your visits. Collect contact information for everyone you’ll meet, and have addresses in both English and the local language.

8. **Communication with Locals**
If language barriers arise, be prepared to share your phone with your driver, or better yet, secure a trustworthy driver in advance.

9. **Clear Communication**
Establish a clear chain of command, and ensure you’re in a decision-making position to address any issues promptly. Sometimes, a shoe with minor defects is better than no shoe at all.

10. **Factory Visits**
When visiting the factory, make sure you’re not obstructing the workflow. Demand to see photos of new molds to confirm they’re ready. Understand that initial samples might not be complete shoes.

11. **Prioritization**
Start by addressing issues with underperforming factories, allowing room for improvement. With a great factory, consider having dinner. For less reputable ones, start your day early and work late.

12. **Note-Taking**
Encourage your local partners and factory staff to take notes during meetings, and maintain a record of all comments for clarity and reference.

13. **Embrace Local Culture**
Embrace local holidays and events whenever possible, as it can build rapport with your counterparts.

14. **Navigating Business Relationships**
Determine whether you’re working directly with the boss or with managers. Choose lunches accordingly; sometimes, a manager’s lunch is more productive than a factory lunch.

15. **VIP Events**
Approach VIP events with caution, as they can disrupt your work schedule.

In conclusion, business travel offers valuable opportunities for learning and growth. I’ve been fortunate to explore various destinations, and I’m excited about my upcoming trip to six cities. Remember, flexibility and patience are your allies, as things may not always go as planned.