business travel management

A beginner’s guide to business travel

It’s time to get traveling, and that’s not to say you’ve never traveled before but traveling for business is without a doubt different. There is expense reporting, meetings to set up, choice of hotel (should you stay at a nicer place that’s farther away from your meetings or should you stay at a 3* place that’s within walking distance?), transportation choice (train vs. car rental vs. flight), and then there’s the bigger issue of sustainability. Can business travel be done sustainably? 

Corporate travel can be an exciting and rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to meet new people, explore new places, and expand your professional network. However, it can also be daunting, particularly for those who are new to it. From navigating airports and hotels to managing expenses and staying productive on the road, there are many challenges that business travelers must face. 

guide to business travel

In this beginner’s guide to business travel, we will provide tips and advice to help make your next trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned business traveler looking to improve your travel experience or a novice taking your first business trip, this guide will help you prepare for the road ahead.

In this guide we get an overview of:

Traveling for business made easy

Booking hotels

Air travel

Sustainability and business travel

Bleisure and blended travel

Traveling for business made easy

There’s a lot to keep in mind when it’s time to hit the road on a business trip. There’s the whole pre-trip arrangements prior to departing where you have to book a flight, a hotel and maybe a rental car or a train to get from one place to the next. There’s a lot that goes into planning a business trip, and especially in a small company, you may be short on resources, finding yourself in charge of managing every step of the process. 

Planning a business trip

Planning a successful business trip starts with careful preparation and paying attention to detail. First, it’s important to identify the purpose and goals of the trip, such as attending a conference, meeting with clients, or conducting site visits. Next, research the destination, including local customs, transportation options, and accommodations. Consider factors such as time zones, climate, and language barriers when planning the itinerary and scheduling appointments. 

It’s also important to create a budget, including estimated costs for flights, lodging, meals, and transportation, and to book all travel arrangements well in advance to secure the best rates. Finally, be sure to prepare all necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas, and communicate the travel details to any necessary parties, such as colleagues or family members.

business travel tips

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Planning a business trip 101

Packing list

Packing smart and arriving at your destination prepared and ready for business may be difficult for first-timers, but once you get in the swing of things, you will have your handy ultimate checklist ready so that you can easily get going on a business trip, even if it is last minute. It’s essential to pack efficiently and thoughtfully keeping in mind the length of your trip, the nature of your business, and the destination. Get going with your ultimate packing list.

Cheap travel hacks

We all know that corporate travel can add up, and while you’re not traveling on your own dime, it’s important to consider that your company wants to keep to a budget. From airfare and hotel accommodations to per diem rates, the expenses can add up quickly. With some savvy planning and a few clever tricks it’s possible to cut costs and save money without sacrificing comfort or productivity. Meet your business objectives while traveling comfortably and making a successful trip. Get all of our cheap travel hacks for business travelers.

Business travel etiquette in EMEA

No matter where you travel on business, it’s important to read up on corporate travel etiquette for international travel as there can be a world of difference between one country’s etiquette and anothers. Get our 5 must-know tips about business etiquette to do better business in EMEA. Avoid cultural taboos and make sure to make lasting connections that will benefit your business.

Booking hotels

Booking hotels for traveling for a corporate trip can be a challenging task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area, have a tight schedule or are talking about business travel for beginners. As a corporate traveler, you need to find a hotel room that meets your specific needs, such as location, amenities, and price. Moreover, you may be required to book a hotel within a certain budget or adhere to company policies. In this context, planning and research are critical to finding the right hotel that will ensure a comfortable and productive trip. 

How to book hotels

Get useful tips and insights to help you navigate the process of booking hotels for travel for work, from selecting the right location to leveraging technology to streamline your booking experience.

Alternatives to hotels for corporate trips 

While hotels are usually the ideal choice for business travelers as between business meetings and drinks with colleagues you won’t have time to spend in shared accommodation using the kitchen or taking advantage of the local experience. Corporate travelers usually want to be as close as possible to their meetings and have a relaxing and convenient experience. Should you want to find an alternative to hotels for corporate travel, read about shared accommodation vs. hotels.

Air travel

Air travel is a popular and convenient way to travel for business trips, allowing people to arrive quickly and efficiently at their destinations while saving time and increasing productivity. It is important to plan ahead. Booking in advance, and ensuring that all necessary travel documents are in order is key when traveling by air for business. You should also keep in mind the specific needs of the trip, such as the duration, the climate, and any business-related activities that will take place.

What to do when flight is delayed

One of the most frustrating things can be when a flight is delayed. You feel anxious because you are traveling for business and you don’t want to arrive late for your meetings. That’s why being prepared for the worst is the way to avoid any added stress. Check out our business travel tips of what to do when your flight is delayed.

Future of airline use for business trips

A lot of corporate travelers rely on airplanes to get to their destination and meetings. After a pandemic nearly obliterated the industry, it might leave you wondering what does the future of the airline industry hold? We look at the past, present and the future of the airline industry.

10 tips for traveling on business by airplane

There’s so much to keep in mind when traveling for business by airplane. We’ve compiled a list of simple tips that can help make your next business trip more efficient, productive and comfortable. Of course you want to be sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to arrive in better shape to your business meetings. Check out our top 10 business travel tips when traveling by airplane.

Sustainability and business travel

It can be hard to make sustainable decisions when it comes to making a trip for work, especially since you want to optimize your time, and usually flying is the fastest way to get somewhere. There are a lot of myths relating to sustainability, so it’s important to understand what they are so you can make better decisions relating to corporate travel. If you’re traveling for business in Europe in particular, taking a train can be a good alternative. 

Top Train routes

European countries like Germany are great for preferring train travel over air. For example, Germany has the longest rail network in Europe, stretching 39,379 kilometers (24,469 miles approx.). Prices are competitive and especially if you have a rail card, you may even be able to get discounts when traveling by train. Plus, traveling by train is 20 times more efficient than air travel on average. Check out our list of top 10 routes for business travel by train.

11 common sustainability myths debunked

There are a lot of myths behind sustainability, especially as it relates to travel. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 11 common sustainability myths debunked. Delve into sustainability like sustainable aviation fuel, carbon neutrality and how to choose a sustainable hotel.

Bleisure and blended travel

Bleisure or blended travel is the wave of the future. As people become more location independent, able to take their laptops anywhere and work from everywhere, bleisure becomes a real opportunity. So what is bleisure and how does it work? Check out our ultimate guide to bleisure travel.