About Joel Linton Expertise I have travelled on business to 37 countries in the past 4 years -- visiting 4 or 5 major cities in one 7-day trip ! All this out of Chicago (my home base). I can assist with itinerary planning, suggestions what to pack, how to get to locations, and can answer general questions about what to do during non-work time, and how to survive "on your own" on the road. I have a few "tips" on how to make a 7 to 10 hour plane ride more comfortable, less jet-lagged and what to take on board to assist.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Current client : Coca-Cola company
Question Hi
I am a Telecoms consultant in Nigeria
I will be travelling from Lagos to Spain (Madrid 2 weeks) and Germany (Frankfurt 2 weeks) between September and October on vacation and business exposure.
I believe it would be nice to fly to spain, train to frankfurt and fly back to lagos.
please advise on how i can optimise this trip by having fun, discover new places and be exposed to business opportinities during this period. Also please advise on where to stay.
Thank you
Answer I assume that you have investigated the travel details of the routing that you intend taking (trains and flight schedules). The train from Spain will probably be an overnight trip and there will be various classes of travel (from a private cabin to a general seating like a airplane cabin) and your choice would be based on budget and the comfort levels you need. I am sure there are regular flights from Frankfurt to Lagos because this is a major international hub.
I am not too up to date with hotels in Madrid (was there for one night only)... but the internet can assist you here. Be careful at night in Madrid and if you walk around at night be aware of pickpockets in the main tourist areas. Keep your wallet in your front pocket of your pants and store your ticket/passport in your hotel safe. Madrid is known for lots of street problems. There are lots of nice bars and restaurants in Madrid and the people eat out late and really enjoy night life -- especially if the weather allows. Sept and Oct could be a bit chilly at night -- take a light jacket.
Hotels in Frankfurt are many and various and I usually stay at the Inter-Continental (expensive) but there are good Holiday Inns there too. The better location is to stay in the city limits of Frankfurt. All major international chains have hotel operations in Frankfurt.
Business exposure is dependent on your personal marketing/selling and networking abilities -- and am sure you know who you need to see and who you need to contact.
Frankfurt has an "old city" that has lots of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. Every taxi driver will know where to take you to this location -- it is a cobbled-street and the choice of food is vast. There is not much else to see and do in Frankfurt -- I was there only on business and did not get to do tourist activities.
I hope this assists you in your planning. Take a jacket and a small umbrella, and comfortable shoes. Business meetings sometimes could be casual dress, and sometimes could need a tie. You should determine this.
