Travel Arrangements

Traveling is an essential part of any business. Even with new communication technology business people have to travel much as it’s particularly important to establish good face-to-face relations with partners, suppliers and customers.

The top priority for business travelers is good organization of their business trip. Generally, that is the responsibility if a Secretary of a Personal Assistant. Travel arrangements involve booking tickets for a plane or train, transport to and from the airport, booking accommodation, making appointments and arranging meetings.

The first thing which the secretary should do is to learn about the destination and the exact dates of the trip. The dates and times of all the journey, appointments, meetings and events should be listened carefully in the itinerary. She should be aware of the number of people who are going to travel and the budget allowed for the trip so that she could book tickets and hotel accommodation properly. Most businessmen prefer air travel as it saves time. Calling a travel agency and booking a package tour which combines air tickets and accommodation is a common practice when making travel arrangements. The secretary should take care of the visas, passports and medical insurance in advance if travel arrangements are made without the involvement of a travel agency.

One more thing which is of great importance is the ability of the secretary to support her boss whenever needed when unexpected things happen. For example, when the flight is delayed or cancelled, she should be ready to make changes in the itinerary, reschedule the appointments and meetings, inform the hotel about the problem.

Task II. Scan the text above and write down all the sentences containing the Modal verbs.

Task III. Open the brackets using the Degrees of Comparison.

1. John isn’t as (rich) as James but he is (young) and much (happy).

2. The financial atmosphere isn’t as (friendly) as it was (early).

3. The Financial Times is as (popular) in the USA as The RBC Daily in Russia.

4. The hotel is(cheap) than we expected.

5. This book is much(expensive) than my dictionary.

Task IV. Find the synonyms for the words and combinations given below.

Task V. Fill in the correct article.

1. At the end of… busy day, sleep is the best way to restore your energy.

2. We’ll go for a walk if … weather is fine.

3. Could you give me … information I asked for in my letter?

4. … war is a terrible thing.

5. I spent … very interesting holiday in England.

Task VI. Open the brackets using the Pronouns some, any, no. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. There are … flights today. I can’t go to London.

2. There is … caviar in the can.

3. Please, don’t offer her a flat. She doesn’t want ….

4. There are … diagrams in the new book.

5. Are there … newspapers on the table?

Task VII. Translate into English.

1. Организованная туристская поездка включает в себя билеты на самолет и размещение в отеле.

2. При задержке или отмене рейса секретарь должен внести изменения в расписание бизнесмена.

3. Большинство бизнесменов предпочитает авиаперелеты, потому что они экономят время.

4. Секретари обязаны позаботиться о визах, паспортах и страховках для деловой поездки.

5. Правильная организация деловой поездки является приоритетным для бизнесменов.