ERROR RG P4 8.5.1999 A story on Page 38 of Thursday's Royal Gazette called Avoiding the travelling blues by Getting Organised columnist Cindy Swan incorrectly stated that Bermudian travellers needed a visa prior to entering France. The French Consulate has stated that this is not the case. Further information can be obtained by contacting the local consulate at 236-7385 or the French Consul General in New York at 212-606-3600.

Planning and organising your business travel does not have to produce stress and anxiety. Not taking time out to plan properly will cause unnecessary distress before take off, during flight and said stress will not cease, but likely be more intense upon arrival at your destination. With just a few steps in organising your next business jaunt off the Island, you will be able to eliminate the travelling blues bug way before the first sting. In order to conquer and be in control of your business travelling plans, don't leave the important things that need to be done until the last minute. Whenever possible take advantage of the pre-planning stage.

A must is to keep diary note of your passport number and expiration date.

Several countries now require visas, which is the official permission to enter granted by the country you plan to visit. Spain requires a visa for most visitors and for Bermudian travellers; France now as well requires a visa prior to entering. Visa prerequisites and costs vary from country to country.

The prerequisite changes depending on what you plan to do and the length of time you plan to stay. Your visa requirements and fees may change depending on the conditions of your visit and ability to conduct business, from country to country. Visa permissions vary in time and can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. Plan ahead! The valid passport and visa are of the utmost importance, for without either, you may be faced with a costly trip to only the airport here or just a glimpse of the airport in the country you were planning to see. I have heard numerous stories of people being turned back in large and small international countries because of their improper entry document or lack of it. Don't let that happen to you. You can send for a copy of the Foreign Visa Requirements by calling the US Consumer Information Center in Pueblo Colorado at 719-948-3334.

Both a birth certificate and two extra photographs can be extremely helpful in case your passport gets lost or stolen.

Most people tend to over pack for a business trip. Try to remember, although you may find time for a short break or a little R&R, the main focus of your trip is business. Plan accordingly. In you carry-on luggage, pack a change of clothes along with personal toiletries. This comes in very handy when your luggage does not arrive at its planned destination. Keep your carry-on luggage within regulations or airline staff will take it away at the gate. It must fit under the seat or the above storage. First and business class travellers are permitted to hang their suit-bag luggage in front storage.

According to Vicky King, Marketing Rep for Continental Airlines, most airlines are now offering the business first class tickets, which is the equivalent of first class and an example of this is our business first class travel to London for $2,940 return. Booking your business travel with a business first ticket means you get to check in the first class ticket counter, recline in the first class lounge, and sit in the first class section on the plane, etc.

She further shared, that to make more leg room in the economy class seating area, remove the reading materials from the pockets, request to be seated in an exit row -- this allows 3 to 4 more inches leg room and if you require a special diet meal, be it low fat, low sodium, diabetic, kosher or a child meal, you can make a special order request 24 hours prior to departure.

Pre booking and purchasing can save you a bundle. Don't be afraid to surf the Internet and join the air travel free web sites. Joining enables you to obtain first hand details on air seats and other travel specials. The following are some the travel website I have found useful: 1. www.tripspot.com 2. www.travelocity.com 3. www.previewtravel.com 4. www.itn.com For the busy executive, where time management is a top priority, I strongly recommend, developing a good friendly relationship with a qualified business travel agent. An efficient agent will inform clients of up coming specials, make all reservations -- air, hotel, and car rentals. With an expert business travel agent, you will avoid the superfluous business anxiety bug.

*** Cindy Swan is a Professional Organiser with over 20 years of office administrative managerial experience and a member of the National Association of Professional Organisers. Her column appears in the business section on the first and third Thursday of each month.