Tips for Securing Your Luggage on a Business Trip

/in /by

Tips for Securing Your Luggage on a Business TripCorporate travel agents understand the risk of theft is an unfortunate part of business travel. Commonplace, your luggage can be stolen or tampered with in a variety of ways. It can be grabbed in an airport or hotel lobby, stolen during transit by taxi, and even tampered with by baggage handlers. How can you keep your luggage safe while away on business travel?

6 Luggage Safety Tips for Business Travelers

  1. Pack carefully.
    The best business travel agencies will tell you it’s wise to pack lightly, taking just what you need and leaving valuables at home. No matter what someone tries to offer you at an airport, don’t take or carry anything for anyone else. Never place your passport in checked luggage, keep it and your (charged) phone on you at all times. Keep a list on your phone or simply photograph items so you can confirm and report theft quickly.
  2. Monitor your bags at all times.
    Even during security checkpoints, when thieves can easily grab them while you are reassembling yourself. Travel with unique baggage. Colorful, easily-identifiable bags are a great way to thwart thievery. While traveling, if you decide to nap, loop the handle of your bag under your foot or use it as a footrest to deter opportunistic thieves.
  3. Lock it down.
    Never leave the pockets of your luggage open or compartments unzipped. This makes it easy for people to steal items from your bag or drop contraband items inside. In crowded areas, considering hugging your bag or pushing it in front of you, where it’s easy to keep in your line of sight.
  4. Use zip strips  or luggage locks for checked luggage.
    Luggage locks won’t prevent theft by TSA agents, but can guard against thieves. You may prefer inexpensive and easy to replace zip ties, bringing extra in the event of a security check. They are easy to cut off, but thwart opportunists. If your luggage arrives at the baggage claim with zip ties missing or zip tie colors changed, alert security immediately your bag has been tampered with. Preventing unnecessary reimbursement expenses should be a key component of your corporate expense management solutions.
  5. Don’t let your guard down.
    Luggage should also be monitored at restaurants and at your hotel. Use zip strips again here when you leave to prevent tampering. When your luggage is with you, wrap a strap around your chair or leg. Don’t leave important valuables behind, keep items such as your passport and cash on your person at all times. Even hotel safes often have a ‘master combination’ or key that could potentially allow others access.
  6. Purchase travel insurance before departing.
    Your travel expense policy guidelines likely allow for the purchase of insurance. Because lost luggage is not only inconvenient but expensive to replace, this is a wise investment. Just be certain you have the right level of insurance to cover valuables such as smartphones and office electronics.

Are your business travel services providers looking out for you?  Ensure a positive business travel experience with the help of GTI Travel today.

Packing Light for Your Next Business Trip – The Essentials

/in /by

Packing Light for Your Next Business Trip - The EssentialsThe best business travel agencies know, learning how to pack lightly for trips is an essential business skill, making travel easier and theft less likely. When packing for business trip, how can you fit a week’s worth of items into a single, handy carry-on container?

Tips for Packing Light

  • Pick the right bag(s).
    Space-efficient items that fold such as sunglass, or pack flat such as specially designed totes, carefully positioned into well-designed carry on luggage such as the Travelpro Crew 11, Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic, and similar soft-sided 21-22-inch wheeled carry-ons, ensure optimal use of space, easy check-in, security screening and navigation.
  • Know neutrals are your friend.
    When selecting clothing, remember: Black goes with everything, and khaki comes in a close second. Adopting a mix-and-match travel wardrobe with neutrals can help you make the most out of limited suitcase space. Stick to the ‘five-of-each’ policy: 5 shirts/pants/undies/socks/etc.
  • Pack space efficient pieces.
    Choose lightweight items that aren’t bulky, including pieces that do double-duty. Notorious space hogs, pack a max of 2 shoes: 1 multitasking pair for business, 1 comfy pair for workouts/outings.
  • Never check your bag.
    Avoid checking your bag whenever possible. This greatly speeds up travel, allowing you to walk right off the plane, skip the long wait at the baggage claim, and go right into a meeting or hotel. Carrying on not only minimizes hassle, but saves money, making this practice not only convenient, but among top corporate expense management solutions.
  • Used ‘checked bag money’ for laundry services.
    It may be a little pricey, but it’ll help get you through with minimal clothing. Your travel expense policy guidelines should indicate reimbursement potential for this.
  • Store liquids in tiny containers and think thrifty.
    Fill necessary liquids into 2oz. traveler bottles. Call the hotel in advance, leaving complimentary toiletries like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste behind when these are provided as part of your stay. Likewise, keep cosmetics lean. You’re not on the runway.
  • Pair down electronics.
    Chargers and cords can take up a lot of room, and electronics pose a significant theft risk. Unless you absolutely can’t live without it, try to pair down electronics to 1-2 essential items, leaving the rest at home.
  • Do save space for things you love.
    Such as a book, magazine, or Kindle.
  • Do bring backups of essentials.
    Corporate travel agents will be quick to tell you, you can never have too many high-res copies of your driver’s license, passport, visa, and credit cards on the SD card of your phone or computer. These copies can be a lifesaver in the event of theft/loss.
  • Continually think smaller.
    Every few months, take another look at items parked in your business ‘go bag.’ If you haven’t used them the last couple times you traveled, lose it.

Lighten your load with the help of trusted business travel services. Contact GTI Travel today.

Traveling Internationally for Business? Things to Keep in Mind

/in /by

Traveling Internationally for Business? Things to Keep in MindTraveling internationally is an entirely different ballgame than continental travel. From prep to safety, there are many things to keep in mind to ensure a secure and successful trip. Before traveling abroad, make sure you have all your bases covered with these helpful tips from the business travel agents at GTI Travel.

Passport

Apply for your passport well in advance of travel to avoid excess fees. Your key identification, always store a backup copy separate bag from the original, leaving one at home in case of loss/theft as well.

Schengen Visa

U.S. citizens may travel to the 26 member countries of the European Schengen area for up to 90-days with no need to apply for a business Schengen visa. U.S. residents of another nationality may require a visa, however, depending on heritage.

U.S. Global Entry

Skip long lines at customs when reentering the country, getting home faster with the U.S. Global Entry program. A few months in advance, fill out the application, go through the screening process, and pay the $100 fee (5-year term), and all you’ll need to reenter the U.S. after business travel abroad is a quick check-in via electronic kiosk. This will also qualify you for a TSA PreCheck, speeding up the security screening process as well. Learn more.

Phone Service

Even if you don’t plan on making calls during business travel, be sure your phone offers international calling, verifying rates or purchasing a temporary phone that will work at your end destination. Phone service is essential in travel emergencies.

Transportation

Public transportation and taxis aren’t as reliable in other parts of the world. Before you leave, be certain your corporate travel planners have lined-up reliable transportation by a licensed driver.

Vaccinations

Depending on where you are traveling you may need additional travel vaccinations to ensure you don’t contract contagious diseases. Stay safe with our Travel Vaccination Guide.

Travel Insurance

Your current health insurance policy may not cover your care if you get sick/injured abroad. Avoid insurance surprises with additional travel insurance.

Travel Advisories

With today’s rapidly changing political climate, as well as climate extremes, it is essential to stay abreast of the latest travel advisories before and during international travel. Learn how you can stay connected.

Emergency Contact Information

Before leaving, arm yourself with the address and contact information of your destination’s U.S. embassy/consulate, nearby hospitals, and evacuation centers, keeping them with you at all times. Also keep numbers for your manager and loved ones back home.

Valuables

Leave any unnecessary valuables, such as jewelry and tech, at home. These can make you a target. Necessary valuables, such as your passport and cash/cards, should not be carried together. Separate money and identification and carry these in separate spots on your person so you don’t lose everything in the event your wallet/purse is stolen. Avoid using your back pockets. Keep items at your front, on your lap, or directly under your feet. Track cash, cards, and your passport, checking their whereabouts regularly and carefully.

Ensure your upcoming international trip is a success with the help of the corporate travel management services of GTI Travel today.

Boeing 737 Max Jet Grounding by FAA – How it Impacts your Business Travelers

/in /by

Boeing 737 Max Jet Grounding by FAA - How it Impacts your Business TravelersAs investigations continue into the second fatal Boeing 737 Max 8 crash in just 5 months, a number of these aircraft have been grounded globally. Until the investigation is complete, it remains unknown how long these planes will remain out of commission. This has left corporate travel agents scrambling to meet the needs of their business travel clients. How severely will your staff be affected?

The Problem at Issue

A report from the Wall Street Journal citing multiple unnamed sources and released March 29th indicates preliminary findings on the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing Max 8 Flight 302 crash point to a flight control feature automatically activating before the plane took a nose-dive. This feature, the MCAS system, automatically lowers the nose of the aircraft after receiving a signal from sensors that the aircraft is flying too steeply/slowly. This data was reportedly retrieved from the flight’s black boxes. This shows similarities to an earlier Lion Air crash a few months prior. The findings are not final, and the investigation continues. To-date, Boeing officials state their audits indicate nothing of concern.

The Number of Planes Grounded

The grounding order includes not only Boeing 737-8 models, which were involved in the accidents but also larger but also Boeing 737-9s, which are similar in design. The first models of these planes hit the air only in 2017, and while the number of planes affected isn’t massive, it may still have a significant impact. How many planes were grounded in the U.S. and globally, and how far will they stretch your travel expense policy guidelines?

  • Southwest:34 aircraft out of Southwest’s fleet of just 750 aircraft.
  • American:24 aircraft out of American’s fleet of 1,500 planes, including regional aircraft.
  • United:14 aircraft out of United’s fleet of 1,300, planes, including regional aircraft.

Lasting Service Disruption Potential

According to recent reports, business travel agencies and their customers could suffer flight cancellations for weeks or months. Though United isn’t expecting any current or future cancellations due to the grounded planes, American Airlines is canceling around 90 flights a day. Those affected can request refunds if they prefer not to rebook. Southwest is canceling about 130 of its 4,000 daily flights at present, rebooking with no extra fees or fare differentials. Most American services aren’t offering a timetable on how long such flight issues could continue, as it remains unknown when the grounded planes will be allowed to return to service. However, neighbor Air Canada has expressed its flight cancellations could last well into the summer travel season, as its fleet of 737 Max planes make up 12% of its fleet.

Possible Price Increase Looms on Horizon

Those looking for corporate expense management solutions will be saddened to know, in light of increased summer demand, if lost seating and cancellations continue due to the grounded aircraft, summer airfares will likely rise.

Ensure your employees stay safe with minimal disruptions to business travel. Learn more about the business travel services of GTI Travel today.

Top E-Travel Technology Trends to Watch in 2019

/in /by

op E-Travel Technology Trends to Watch in 2019In today’s digital era, business travel planners are increasingly turning to technology to gain an advantage, whether in price, commute speed, convenience, or securing unique accommodations. Forty-one-percent of business and 60% of leisure travel arrangements are made in the digital travel ecosystem. Top travel management companies know how to use this technology to their advantage, staying on top of up-and-coming e-travel services to deliver the results travelers are searching for and provide a delightful, unique travel experience.

What Evolving E-Travel Tech Ensures an Edge Over the Competition?

  • Personalization
    Forgoing the cookie-cutter experience, travelers are in search of the unique, whether traveling for leisure or business. A top priority in the travel and tourism industry, the personalization services of forward-thinking brands such as Delta are delivering account-specific messages to corporate clients, with special offers for highly-loyal clientele. Via a newly-introduced guest services tool, the company is also providing customized recognition, guidance, gate and connecting flight information, delivering a truly personalized travel experience.
  • Online Booking
    Experiencing constant growth, this segment of the e-travel marketplace exceeds $92.5-million annually nationwide, and is anticipated to top $11.5-trillion in the next decade. Fifty-seven-percent of traveling reservations are made online. Ease of viewing and booking, as well as the opportunity to quickly and easily sort a variety of deals by preferences ranging from price to setting peculiarity, make online booking an ever-popular option. Small business travel management companies who allow clients to peruse, purchase, and pickup itineraries online are achieving not only customer favor but market dominance.
  • Mobile Apps
    Easy to implement, mobile apps make up over half of online booking operations, making securing reservations a breeze. In 2019, however, the use of mobile apps will expand even further into travel arena, however, facilitating the use of amenities within accommodations via the internet of things (IoT) and allowing for the wireless control of features such as heating and air conditioning, lighting, music, jacuzzi temperatures, and more.
  • Voice
    Voice-activated communications are the biggest disruptor in the travel sector, improving guest convenience from making reservations to adjusting hotel room settings to meet guest needs.
  • Robots
    Artificially intelligent robots are helping drive customer self-service opportunities, including check-in/out procedures, security scans, luggage delivery, maintenance and concierge functions, and more.
  • Chatbots
    Chatbots, another form of AI geared toward online customer support, are revolutionizing many industries. Stepping in for their human counterparts with pre-programmed answered to FAQs, they provide rapid responses to an array of travel related questions.
  • Augmented Virtual Reality
    Among the most promising travel technology trends, augmented virtual reality simulations are inexpensive to implement. VR’s ‘little brother,’ these programs allow travelers to easily ‘visit’ and experience the surrounding of an intended destination in real-time without ever setting foot in an airplane or vehicle. Quickly facilitating an emotional attachment between a traveler and a potential accommodation or destination, AVR can be a key tool in ensuring and enhancing each customer’s travel experience.

Looking for corporate travel planners that can improve the travel experience with the latest in e-travel tech? Experience the future in business travel management with GTI Travel today.

Airlines are Quietly Changing Standards for Elite Status. Does that Affect You?

/in /by

Airlines are Quietly Changing Standards for Elite Status.For those frequently traveling for work, ‘elite’ business class status is a welcomed perk. This perk, however, may be short-lived. Earlier this fall, airline programs began to quietly change the way customer loyalty programs awarded elite status, leaving some flyers by the wayside, and travel planners scrambling for business travel solutions to keep frequent travelers within the top tier requirements.

The High Life Now Requires Higher Expenditures

Does your corporate travel policy now make elite business class status more difficult to achieve? For United Airlines passengers, elite status qualification required travelers to fly 100,000 miles and spend $12,000 in 2018. In the coming year, expenditure requirements will soar 25% further to $15,000. Other airlines have quickly followed United’s suit, with American Airlines requiring the same of its top-tier Executive Platinum Diamond-tier members. Driving the changes: The hope of leveling the playing field with Delta, who requires top-tier travelers spend $15,000 and fly 125,000 miles for Diamond status.

The Good

Some don’t mind the new changes, viewing the $12,000 to $15,000 bump as minimal, especially when traveling on the company dime. For event travel services, international business flights, and tickets booked on relatively short notices, meeting the ramped up elite status obstacles won’t be tough to surmount – even for those utilizing multiple carriers. Still more welcome the changes, believing there are too many elites gumming up the works. With fewer elites in the pool, it is hoped that the lounge and boarding zone congestion will clear, granting the best customers easier access to high-end perks and upgrades.

The Bad

Some aren’t so thrilled with the changes, however. For those on a budget, who must book flights ahead to ensure the cheapest possible ticket price, top-tier status will be difficult to achieve – even for those flying over 100,000 miles. Due to the increased difficulty of earning elite status on the two carriers, some corporate flyers are attempting to book their own travel arrangements, in search of travel policy loopholes that can help them stay in the top tier of travelers by keeping their sky miles and dollars under the same carrier umbrella.

The Ugly

Such under the radar changes have also left a bad taste in the mouths of many budget-minded consumers, leaving them to feel airlines don’t care about those who don’t shell out for business class tickets anymore. As maintaining status is near impossible for tight-fisted travelers, this has led to rapidly waning carrier loyalty. As budget-minded travelers give up the ghost, only time will tell how these changes could affect overall ticket sales.

No one likes the cheap seats. Is your travel management company making decisions in the best interest of your employees? Ensure enjoyable, comfortable travel arrangements that fit within your budget with the help of GTI Travel today.

This is how frequent Business Travel affect the Travelers’ health

/in /by

Do certain segments of your employees travel extensively? These individuals, often the face of your company, may be at increased risk of a host of physical, behavioral, and mental health issues.

Medical Claims Reveal a High Concentration of these Health Issues in Frequent Travelers

Business travel planners frequently book plans for those away from their families tending to clients and customers, suppliers, and business conferences. However, those away 14 nights or more per month, the definition used in a World Bank study on extensive travel, reveal high concentrations of the following health issues.

  • DepressionThis is how frequent Business Travel affect the Travelers' health
  • Anxiety
  • Obesity
  • Lack of Physical Activity
  • Sleep Issues
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol Dependence
  • Poor Self-Rating of Health

The study results were interpreted as being the result of chronic stress and wear and tear subsequent to frequent business travel.

Can these Issues be Circumnavigated?

An essential component of business activity, corporate travel management solutions companies booked 500 million + business trips in 2016, contributing $547 billion to U.S. GDP. However, the potential health costs resulting from such extensive and frequent travel are beginning to register on the radar. Higher medical claims, lackluster productivity and performance, increased turnover and absenteeism, and short-term disability are taking a toll, prompting the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) to devote time to panel discussions on the implications of business travel and health. A shared responsibility of both the employee and employer, the best corporate travel companies know supporting a culture of health plays an integral role in preventing the potential pitfalls of frequent traveling.

Tips for Helping Employees Maintain Physical, Mental & Behavioral Health While Traveling:

  • Educate
    Help traveling employees to be prepared by providing education programs surrounding:

    • Healthy eating on the go.
      Including essential information on the high-calorie, saturated and total fat counts of restaurant foods compared to home cooked meals.
    • Essential items for healthy travel.
      Do your employees know the keys to packing for a healthy travel experience, including the items necessary for deftly dealing with illnesses and travel related health symptoms than can pop-up on the go?
  • Encourage Tracking & Accountability
    Help employees prevent the formation of bad health and behavioral habits, which repeated over the long run, can have a negative impact on health, encouraging positive health choices by providing reimbursement for:

    • Mobile apps.
      For tracking dietary intake.
    • Subscriptions.
      To services providing workout routines for those working with a limited space environment, such as hotel rooms.
    • National gym memberships.
      Book only accommodations that have gyms, or reimburse employees for memberships to national gym chains to encourage the physical activity necessary to thwart weight gain and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Help Employees Better Manage Stress
    Proactively providing access to training on mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, which are low-cost, short and simple to implement, and highly-effective for treating anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and curbing unhealthy dietary habits.

Looking for a corporate travel solution that’s with you in sickness and in health? Experience the difference with GTI Travel today.

A Round up of Holiday Attractions in the Top Business Travel Destinations.

/in /by

A Round up of Holiday Attractions in the Top Business Travel Destinations.When it comes to business travel, the best travel management companies will help you make the most of your experience, especially during stops to interesting cities. And with business travel becoming ever more common, it is becoming increasingly easier to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing during your downtime.

Traveling to these Infamous Cities during Holiday Season? Don’t Miss these Attractions:

The changing face of business travel sees workers in many exciting destinations…

  • New York City

    Business trip to the Big Apple? Be sure to ask your business travel agent service for advanced tickets to The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. American icons for almost a century, each year the Rockettes star in this coveted holiday stage show. End your evening in the Rockefeller center, taking in the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a worldwide symbol of the holidays. Perhaps you could even attend the lighting ceremony Wednesday, November 28, enjoying live performances from 7–9pm thereafter.

  • Chicago

    Breezing through the Windy City? Peer through the animated windows of Macy’s (formerly Marshall Fields) department store in the heart of the theatre district, stopping in for souvenirs and to admire the stores 45-foot Great Tree. Hungry? Top corporate travel agencies will advise you not to leave without a visit to the elegant Walnut Room’s 17,000-foot restaurant, infamous for its chicken pot pie, in-view of the tree. Then witness the elaborate Nutcracker ballet, only as performed by world’s best dancers of the Joffrey Ballet. With eye-catching costumes, constantly-evolving, gorgeous sets, and live performances by Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, whether you’re new to the theatre or an aficionado, you’re sure to be wowed.

  • Denver

    Lifting off to the Mile High City? Denver has an array of brilliant light displays to enjoy, from Grand Illumination in the LoDo District and Denver Union Station, to the magic of Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms Botanic Gardens, music-synchronized Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens, and Denver Zoo Lights. Love the theatre? Take-in the Colorado Ballet’s award-winning Nutcracker production or The Buell Theatre’s classic White Christmas show. Tired of the same stale holiday songs? Enliven your holiday spirit at the Annual TubaChristmas Concert in Skyline Park on Sunday, December 16th.

  • San Francisco

    Tired of your dull, dark cubicle? The Golden City is well-lit in the holiday season, renowned not for a giant tree, but dozens of them, including Macy’s holiday tree at Union Square, the majestic PIER 39 tree, and officially non-denominational tree in front of City Hall. See one or see them all, then continuing to brighten up your evening at the Illuminate SF Festival of Light, taking-in block-after-block of eco-friendly light art that is admission free and public transit accessible. Time to burn? Visit PIER 39, one of San Fran’s most popular visitor destinations for holiday gifts and souvenirs, reserving a PIER 39 attraction pass in advance, visiting the Aquarium or Zoo, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Golden Gate Park, and more.

Corporate travel planning? Ask our travel agents to help you plan your itinerary and make the bookings for a trip that’s more than meets the eye. Contact GTI Travel today.

Business Travelers Prefer Convenience over Expense

/in /by

Business Travelers Prefer Convenience over ExpenseNowadays, business travelers value convenience over cost. Many are willing to dip into their own funds if it means they can choose their own hotel or airline seat upgrade. It appears some corporate travel policies may need to be re-worked to allow for flexibility in traveling and newer trends.

Why Do Business Travelers Want Control of Their Own Bookings?

Business travelers prefer booking their own travel itineraries mainly for loyalty reward points, especially from credit card companies.  This is because on some airlines, such as United Airlines, a round trip flight from New York to London is around 2,000 miles and cost about $1,000. Depending on the time of year, you could earn at least 3000 points and more if you booked your hotel and transportation at the same time.

Luckily, only a few company policies are extremely rigid, stating that employees must only use “certain suppliers” and that’s it. Most travel policies are becoming more flexible, suggesting ideas, but allowing employees to book itineraries on their mobile devices.

What Do Business Travelers Really Value?

Business travelers spend even more time traveling than ever before. Therefore, around half of them valued direct flights and convenient departure and arrival times over saving money. Business travelers also want to stay in hotel in hotels that offer premium amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, a quiet office setting, and healthy room service options.  A recent study revealed that nearly all business travelers comply with current corporate travel policy. However, nearly 80% of employees said that they’d prefer to work for an organization that implemented a travel management plan with more flexibility.

How Business Travel Managers Can Adapt to Trends

Nearly 60 % of business travelers said that their 2018 business travel budget increased since 2017. This trend is expected to grow and reach $1.6 trillion by 2020. With ever-changing trends, it’s important that your company keeps up and offers flexible options. Providing convenience is essential. Providing employees with perks like pre-check in services or complimentary Wi-Fi services is a good place to start. In addition, a corporate travel service will have information on the latest trends and can help you update policy.  With mobile services taking off in popularity, business travelers prefer to book some of their travel itineraries by mobile.  Travel managers can assist them by allowing employees submit expense reports through their smart phones.  They also need to take advantage of the mobile shift and ride sharing apps and offer travelers discounts on Uber or Lyft.

Currently, many employees still deem business travel as a perk, and several want to work for corporations that allow them to travel frequently on business. Right now, the challenge is to find the balance between cost and flexibility and analyze who is paying for what. At GTI Travel our business travel consultants can help you sort all of that.

Upcoming Trends in Business Travel Expenses

/in /by

Upcoming Trends in Business Travel ExpensesThe global economy constantly affects the world of corporate travel. New trends and challenges will be occurring in every sector of business travel in 2019. Therefore, it’s wise best to be informed on what’s happening with the airlines, hotels, and on the ground.

Business travelers should expect to see a spike in flight and hotel prices in 2019. According to the Global Travel Association forecast, flight prices are expected to rise 2.6 % and hotel prices 3.7 %. These trends are based on the global economy and key markets, as well as new technology. Knowing these trends extensively will help business travel agencies assist you in booking your trip.

Upcoming Price Increases

Flight prices are expected to spike due to increasing fuel and oil prices:

  • Prices in North America will only rise about 1.8 percent.
  • Parts of Latin America are expected to decrease around 2 percent. However, Chile is expected to experience a 7.5 percent spike.
  • Countries in Asia may see a 3.2 percent increase, especially since Chinese travel and tourism has become a hot commodity.

Hotel prices are expected to increase mainly because the demand has also increased:

  • Hotel prices are projected to spike around 2.1 overall percent in North America. This includes a 5 percent increase in Canada and a 2.7 percent in the United States.
  • However, Latin America will see a 1.3 percent decrease in hotel prices, especially in Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina.  Rates will fluctuate overseas as well.
  • Parts of Western Europe will see as high as a 5.6 percent increase in hotel prices while decreasing in parts of Eastern Europe, Africa, and Middle Asia.

New Ways of Ground Transportation

The price of ground transportation and rental cars will not spike as much as flights and hotel prices but some countries like Canada, France, Italy, and Germany could see up to a 4 percent increase by 2019. Some travelers prefer hailing ride-sharing vehicles or even using electric cars versus fuel-operated ones to save some money. However, some business travelers prefer to be in control of where they are driving and business travel services can hook you up with the best rates and help you book the rest of your itinerary.

New Technology Apps

Many hotels are now offering their customers apps to help with online booking.  In addition, ride-hailing apps have become trendy, instead of worrying about renting a car once you land at the airport. Yet, these new apps are not for everyone.  Many business travelers prefer to use experienced corporate travel agents instead, who can provide you with the best worldwide deals to hotels, airfare, and rental cars.

If all of these new trends seem overwhelming and expensive to you, consider implementing travel expense policy guidelines so that everyone understands the guidelines and feels like part of the process. If you need further assistance, contact a company that specializes in corporate expense management solutions. They can teach how to help your business make productive choices and analyze employee spending on business trips.