Tag Archive for: Travel Hacks

Travel Hacks: Get 3 Valuable Tips from the Pros

Travel Hacks: Get 3 Valuable Tips from the Pros | GTI TravelWhether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, traveling like a pro can save you time, money and reduce some of the annoyances that can come with the territory. These three tips from business travel agency pros can help you avoid hassles and navigate travel more easily.

Get TSA Precheck & Global Entry

TSA Precheck can help you cut down on stress and save time. You can skip the line at airport security, you won’t have to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket and laptops & liquids can stay put. An $85 membership is good for five years, and all you have to do is submit an online application and visit an enrollment center for a short appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Global Entry is a program that allows for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers to return to the U.S. using automatic kiosks at select airports. That way, you can fly (no pun intended) through customs and get home sooner. Corporate travel companies have professional business travel agents who are well-versed in the details of obtaining a TSA Precheck or Global Entry and can help you with the process. The less time spent languishing at the airport, the better, right?

Pack Light

Packing like a pro allows you to skip the hassle of waiting at baggage claim and possibly losing your luggage. $25 to check a bag doesn’t seem like much, but if you’re a frequent business traveler it adds up fast. Even if it’s a long trip, pack only the essentials and use laundry and dry cleaning services at your hotel. Just ask your business travel management company to book you a hotel that offers these amenities. Bringing just a carryon will save time and money, and it’s one less thing you need to keep track of when traveling.

Research Your Destination Before You Go

Food and travel information is more accessible than ever. Researching your destination online and checking out the travel sections of newspapers can keep you abreast of the latest restaurant trends and things to see and do. Because their agents are experienced in planning events around the globe, corporate event travel management services can be a great resource for getting the scoop on what’s hot.

Locals like taxi drivers are typically more than happy to give you the skinny on restaurants, sights and can’t-miss activities. Following your nose while you’re out exploring can yield affordable and tasty results; and street food will give you an authentic taste of the local culture. If you’re traveling to a foreign country and don’t know the language, learn basics like, “Hello,“ “Please,” “Thank You,” and “Do you speak English?” Using phrases in the local language such as “I would like…” can help make sure you’re ordering what you want to eat or drink. While it’s okay to splurge once in a while, eating healthy and nourishing foods can keep your immune system working like a charm and leave you feeling good overall.

If you’re looking to make travel a little more painless and a lot more fun, a business travel agency can provide specialized corporate travel management solutions designed to fit your specific needs.

10 Lifehacks every Business Traveler Needs to Know

 

Whether you travel a little or a lot, you know that business traveling can be stressful and hurt your productivity if you aren’t prepared. Corporate global travel consultants suggest 10 lifehacks that every business traveler needs to know:

1. Plan Early

business traveler life hacks travel management tipsWith business travel worldwide on the rise, the best flights and hotels can get booked up quickly, especially to the most popular destinations. While sometimes you can’t help but arrange a last-minute trip, when you can, plan your trip arrangements early.

2. Auto Reply

Don’t forget to set your email reply to “out of the office” if you will be unavailable to handle your email for a few days.

3. Be Flexible

Between the hassle of security checks and flight delays, sometimes frequent flight routes can cost more time than they are worth. Let your travel agent know you are willing to consider alternative transport options like:

  • Travel by train.
  • Renting a car.
  • Flying a day or two earlier or later.

4. Photograph Documents

Losing or misplacing your tickets, visa, driver’s license, passport, hotel and flight information can be a nightmare. Take a few minutes to use your phone to photograph everything and make sure it is backed up to cloud storage as well as on your phone, especially when you travel internationally.

5. Keep Powered Up

If you travel outside the U.S., it pays to invest in a multi-region power adaptor and mobile device power pack. That way, you won’t have to worry that you can charge up all your devices no matter where you are going.

6. Trust Professionals

Letting a travel management company make all of your travel plans is the best way to reduce your stress because an experienced management company:

  • Knows the best itineraries.
  • Has access to up-to-date safety information
  • Provides live, personal assistance 24/7 when you need it.

8. Bring Extra Clothes

Spilling something on the clothes you planned to wear to a business event can ruin your day. Save yourself embarrassment by making sure you bring a spare outfit just in case.

7. Carry On

Checking your baggage is a nightmare if you end up with lost luggage. For most business trips, carry-on luggage should have enough room. Remember that if you forget something, many hotels offer supplies of personal items and can even pick up other essentials for you or direct you to a place you can find it nearby.

9. Download Uber

Before you go, download the Uber app so that you can get transportation wherever you need it on your trip and don’t have to rely on finding a taxi.

10. Know Company Policies

Play it safe with your business travel expenses by being sure you understand your company’s travel policies. This is easier if your company employs corporate travel planners that can help you understand what you need to do.

With globalization making travel more complicated, it is more important than ever to have assistance in making your trip go smoothly. GTI Travel agents provide corporate travel assistance to make sure you get to your destination, attend to your business fully prepared and rested, and make the trip home again safely.