Given the recent outbreak of Wuhan coronavirus and the minimal amount of information available to the public surrounding the illness, frequent business travelers are understandably concerned. How can you stay safe as the story unfolds? Health Officials Urge Vigilance If you are your employees travel globally, it is essential to remain aware of the virus. Take the same preventative measures you would avoid an influenza outbreak. As common sense dictates, avoid traveling to areas with a high incidence of Wuhan coronavirus, remaining vigilant about health and hygiene while traveling. Travel to China Discouraged Seasoned business travel agents know avoiding contact with those who are infected is key to preventing the Wuhan coronavirus infection. Travel to China is understandably discouraged by the U.S. State Department as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both have escalated warnings about traveling to China to the highest level, designating a “Level 4: Do not travel” from the former, while the latter cautions against unnecessary travel to the country. U.S. Enforcing Travel Restrictions & Quarantines To stop the spread of the virus and ensure the health of travelers, the U.S. government is stepping up travel restrictions. Any U.S. citizen visiting China’s Hubei Province is subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Those traveling to mainland China must undergo screening at one of only 11 designated airports stateside. Those deemed clear of symptoms are being re-booked to their final destination and told to “self-quarantine” for up to two weeks within their homes. Global Repercussions The U.S. government and corporate travel management companies are not the only entities with concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization has declared the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. The United Kingdom and Canada have also issued travel warnings. In addition, the U.S., U.K., France, and South Korea have evacuated citizens from Wuhan. Airlines Worldwide are Cancelling Flights to/from China Tens of thousands of flights have been canceled, leaving business travel planners scrambling for solutions. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada have suspended or reduced flights to and from mainland China, as have dozens of other global air carriers. Most are offering refunds or travel vouchers. Hotels are also responding to the outbreak, waiving cancellation fees in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. Travel Insurance May Not Cover Costs Most standard trip cancellation insurance policies will not cover the outbreak of a virus, except for those who purchased a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance upgrade. Contacting your travel insurance provider directly for details is advised. Common Sense Travel Precautions
Ensure the safety of traveling employees. Learn more about ways to streamline business travel and avoid common issues with the help of GTI Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/the-new-corona-virus-what-travellers-needs-to-know/
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Experts agree: Staying healthy on a business trip Increases Productivity. Here are some pointers.2/14/2020 Business travel has an impact on health – and it’s not a positive one. It’s difficult not to develop bad habits while traveling for work. Unfortunately, the consequences of letting things go while your away can be dire, from short-term insomnia to obesity and high blood pressure following a regime of increased smoking and alcohol consumption. Fortunately, most business travelers are aware of the toll their travels take on their health. With a little forethought and the help of their corporate travel consultant, they can prevent these situations accordingly, eating more healthful foods, sticking to fitness routines, sticking to daily routines, and avoiding common sources of stress. In fact, trends toward health-minded decisions on the rise compared to just a few years back. Here’s how to maximize available opportunities. 7 Tips for Staying Healthy During Business Travel
Ensure health and happiness on the road. Make the most of every trip with the help of the business travel management experts at GTI Travel. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/experts-agree-staying-healthy-on-a-business-trip-increases-productivity-here-are-some-pointers/ Airlines in the U.S. collected nearly $5 billion in baggage fees last year. The cost of ancillary services in airline travel continues to rise, of which baggage plays a pivotal role. Though premium classes remain largely unaffected, passengers purchasing low-cost fares are taking an increasing financial hit as economy carriers create more complex pricing schemes, causing business travel planners to struggle to keep costs in check. While baggage fees comprise 3% of total revenue for U.S. carriers, they make up a much higher portion of revenue for discount airlines like Spirit and Frontier, which rake in 19% of their income from baggage fees. Low-cost carriers are increasingly upping the ante, with a growing number of carriers worldwide now charging for carry-on baggage. Understand the Baggage Game Airlines aren’t exactly pocketing the nearly $5 billion in fees that frustrate budget-conscious customers. They are being leveraged by the airlines in tax arbitrage. The excise tax of 7.5% applied to domestic airline tickets doesn’t apply to the fees for your travel event, allowing airlines to reap significant tax savings, keeping hundreds of millions of tax dollars in their coffers. Despite rising ancillary charges, passengers aren’t paying more for travel overall. Ticket prices typically fall with rising baggage fees. Instead, baggage fees are being used to secure traveling costs that would have previously been part of airline fares. However, this has pushed many travelers to carry-on baggage, slowing the boarding process, and increasing operating costs. Alternatives for Checked Baggage For those tired of being nickel-and-dimed at purchase or suffering the heavy financial penalties of dimension or baggage weight problems at the airport, there are alternatives. To prevent baggage costs from eclipsing ticket prices, try these cost-saving luggage alternatives:
Business traveling expenses adding up? Uncover cost saving travel solutions with the help of GTI Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/how-airlines-are-changing-the-baggage-game-who-is-the-winner/ For those new to business travel, the initial journey can be fraught with uncertainty and stress. However, with realistic expectations and key information, business travel can be quite an enjoyable experience. What do you need to know for your maiden voyage? Ensure a smooth trip with these corporate travel management tips for first-time business travelers. Make Sure Corporate Travel Policies are Clear A well-written, regularly updated corporate travel policy can quell the fears of many first-time travelers, ensuring compliance, and eliminating uncertainties surrounding reasonable and customary expenditures. Schedule a Direct Flight Booking in advance and choosing a direct flight saves time and prevents delays due to layovers, canceled, and missed flights. Sign up for frequent traveler programs to take advantage of perks on and off the clock. Pack Mindfully Carry-on whenever possible to avoid lost luggage anxieties, carrying a duffel or roller bag and laptop bag to stow beneath the seat during the flight. Make a packing list, beginning a week ahead, so you won’t forget important items, or leave them behind in a rush. Create a pre-packed toiletries bag that you restock on return for grab-and-go convenience. For clothes, pack practical, versatile pieces, including mix-and-match tops and pants, one pair of sneakers, and one pair of comfortable business shoes. Leave expensive jewelry and electronics at home to avoid travel snafus. Ensure a Comfortable Trip When possible, get TSA pre-check status or global entry to avoid long lines at security. Eat as healthfully as you can before and during your trip to avoid “travel tummy.” Don’t forget to hydrate, as this is a common cause for traveler fatigue. If possible, don’t join coworkers or superiors on the plane. It is unwise to discuss client relations in public. Instead, use flight time to gather your thoughts, plan trip goals, catch up on emails, or read. Prioritize Your Week On arrival, remain focused on the reasons for the trip. Outside of business, try to maintain a normal routine as much as possible, eating, working, exercising, and connecting with family on a schedule. This will help curtail jet lag. At business meetings or functions, immerse yourself in the office culture, networking, and building relationships. Make the Most of Per Diems Request a corporate credit card to avoid expense forms. Ensure a thorough understanding of company per diem policies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner expenditures, as well as other potentially covered items such as minibar snacks, room service, movies, dry cleaning, and transportation. Research local hot spots before your trip, looking into the local cuisine, activities, and events, so you’re not scrambling to find something to do after-hours. Business trips don’t have to be boring, and there are many ways to stretch your travel dollars. Always Engage in a Post-Trip Review Before diving into backlogged work and emails, inform management or team members about important details surrounding your trip. Beat business travel butterflies. Plan for success with the help of the business travel management experts at GTI Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/business-travel-101-for-first-time-business-travelers/ Business travel can take a big bite out of your bottom line, and for small businesses, that bite can feel large and exceedingly painful. Is there any way to stretch your travel budget? The small business travel management professionals at GTI Travel have the tips and tricks you need to get the best bang for your travel buck. 10 Travel Tips & Hacks for a Low Budget Trip
Don’t let business travel expenses bite you. Ensure sweet success, protecting your budget. Secure the best airfare and lodging prices with the help of the business travel planning pros at GTI Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/small-business-owners-travel-tips-hacks-for-a-low-budget-trip/ As consumer needs and technology evolves, so too does the business travel industry. What trends are expected to have an impact on business travel in the year ahead? The corporate travel planning pros at GTI Travel predict these industry shifts based on current business travel statistics and data in the coming year. Upcoming Business Travel Trends for 2020 1. Businesses are experiencing an upsurge in female business travelers. Each year, more and more women are traveling for business. To date, women make up nearly half of U.S. business travelers, and this segment has different concerns than their male counterparts, particularly surrounding safety. 77% report experiencing harassment or mistreatment during their travels, making considering the unique needs of female business travelers in your travel policy a must. Does your current corporate travel policy include safety tips and emergency travel resources for women travelers? 2020 is the time to evaluate your duty of care policies to meet the changing needs of your traveling staff. 2. Employees are becoming increasingly frustrated with companies slow to provide them access to technology that could improve the business travel experience, such as: Expense reporting tools 1 of 4 travelers would rather have a cavity filled than fill-out an expense report. Though technology exists to make this process easier and less painful, many businesses are slow on the uptake. The current model of written reports often leads to delays in reimbursement, misplaced trust, and discontentment with the business travel experience. Online booking tools Online booking tools that streamline the travel booking process for obtaining airfare, lodging and transportation help employees feel more in control of the travel experience while maintaining your corporate travel policy requirements. Travel safety technology Despite employer duty of care responsibilities, many travelers believe their company does not consider their safety during trips a top priority. Showcasing your commitment to employees and shielding your business against travel mishaps could be easily addressed, however, with the implementation of travel technology such as real-time alerts based on your employee’s region of travel. 3. “Bleisure” is increasing in popularity. Travel that mixes both business and leisure is on the rise, with many frequent business travelers expecting to spend more than a few days enjoying their destination, including higher-quality accommodations and the time to step into the tourist role. This freedom to travel is linked to employee retention, making encouraging such trips an integral part in ensuring the continuing happiness of your traveling staff. 4. Airline service changes are on the horizon. Many major air carriers have announced upcoming service changes, including expansions to airline routes and increased availability of flights. Staying on top of these route changes is key to maximizing rewards and benefits from your favorite service providers. Head into the new year with confidence. Optimize your travel program and safeguard your bottom line in 2020 with the help of business travel planning experts at GTI Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/is-your-companys-travel-program-ready-for-2020-lets-review/ The GBTA Business Travel Sentiment Index, a survey conducted in partnership with RoomIt by CWT, recently revealed the sentiments of consistent business travelers across the globe. Despite the economic challenges faced in some parts of the world, the outlook of business travelers remains positive. The travel experience has the most significant impact on response. Sentiment surrounding trip experiences improved slightly over last quarter overall, growing 0.4 points. For U.S. business travelers, growth was highest, rising 5.7 points. What’s Impacting Perceptions of the Travel Experience? Flights were, unsurprisingly, a leading factor in traveler experience, with 54% of travelers experience a mishap while away on travel over the past year. Delayed flights affected 52% of travelers, and 40% experienced a canceled flight. Despite these obstacles and their already action-packed schedules, however, business travelers say they would travel more frequently if given the option, with the vast majority (86%) happy with their overall experience. This seems to be primarily driven by the hotel experience, with traveler satisfaction linked to staying at conveniently located hotels, booking arrangements, the check-in/out process, and payment for travel arrangements. Key Traveler Considerations
Travel Management Policy Friction Delivering a positive travel experience lays the foundation for increased compliance in corporate travel policy programs. Amenities such as free breakfast help employees stretch their dining dollars, and travel reward programs employees can use at their own discretion are also a highly coveted travel benefit. Giving travelers more choice in accommodations, locations, and amenities increases savings opportunities for both employer and employee. About the Survey 2109 survey information was collected online from 2,084 full and part-time business travelers from across the globe who had taken three or more business trips in the past year, including 523 respondents from the U.S., 521 from Europe, 523 from Latin America, and 517 from the Asia-Pacific region. The full report can be downloaded from RoomIt by CWT. What’s on the mind of your travelers? Ensure an enjoyable, productive trip with the help of the corporate business travel management services of GTI Business Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/what-matters-to-business-travelers-around-the-world-a-roomit-survey/ Maintaining a regular workout schedule while away for business travel can be tough, even for the disciplined. However, with a little forethought, you can maintain your fitness level, even if the hotel you’ve booked doesn’t have a gym. No Space? Hotfoot It If you have minimal time or no space, exploring the local area on foot can offer opportunities for both exercise and sightseeing. If you prefer more of a workout, pack your running shoes, and explore while taking a jog. If you’re not the running type, a brisk walk is also a great form of exercise. Walk through town in your off time, seeing the sights or scheduling an off-the-clock adventure with the help of your business travel planner. If you’re short on time, don’t fret. You can always walk to your destination rather than take the subway or a taxi. If it’s too far, park farther away and walk a few blocks. There are many opportunities to squeeze in your daily exercise routine with a little preplanning and a positive mindset. Stay Motivated with Online Videos The best corporate travel companies know Wi-Fi is a must, and you can take advantage of this service at your hotel to stay fit, streaming workout videos. All it takes is a little bit of space and a personal device, and you’ll be on your way to a great workout. This option is excellent for those who are struggling to find the motivation to exercise and who need help to push through, as you’ll be doing less thinking and more moving. New to this genre? There are many free options, from YouTube to Fitness Blender, as well as low-cost subscriptions. No Equipment? Weight-Free Bodyweight Workout If you have a small amount of floor space in your room, you can exercise all your major muscle groups with 3 rounds (12 reps) of the following activities:
Squeeze it in with a Short, High-Intensity Workout If you’re a consistent business traveler and short on time, a high-intensity interval training workout may be just what you’re looking for. Fast and hard, HIIT workouts require you to exert 80% of your maximum effort, which yields a higher caloric burn. Simple exercises, with a focus on endurance, are better here. Skip the advanced maneuvers above, as you’ll burn out just the same. Push yourself for 20 or 30 seconds, alternating with a matching rest interval. Keep your workout in the 4-15 minute range, but do not go beyond to avoid injury. Don’t sweat business travel. Find enjoyable, affordable solutions with the help of the business travel solutions experts at GTI Business Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/stay-fit-when-you-are-traveling-with-these-quick-workouts/ It’s not uncommon for consistent business travelers to become road-weary. Spending hours on an airplane, sleeping in a strange hotel room, windowless meeting/office spaces, and cookie-cutter dining choices can get old pretty fast. However, there are ways to reinvigorate your travel experience with the help of a few business travel planning tips. 1. Think PositiveInstead of dwelling on all the things you’re missing out on when you’re on the road, consider the opportunity, switching from ‘I have to’, to ‘I get to.’ 2. Stay Hydrated En-RouteBusiness travel agents know few properly hydrate during travel, especially those that travel by air. A plane’s lower cabin humidity can worsen this issue, resulting in dehydration-related fatigue, headaches, and more. 3. Eat Outside the BoxSeek out vibrant local food over boring, cookie-cutter chain restaurant fare. There is an array of choices here, from inexpensive yet delicious food truck finds, mid-range local dining favorites, and pricier gourmet options for the gastronomer. 4. Up the AnteNext time you check into a hotel room, tip the desk clerk and ask if there are any upgrades based on capacity. It’s a gamble that won’t work every time, but it could net you a large (room) reward, especially if you’re a frequent traveler with a given line of hotels. 5. Make New FriendsEach time you arrive at a new hotel, get to know management and staff by name. This approach not only makes you feel less isolated, but it’s also another great way to receive potential perks. 6. Mix Business & PleasureLeave your hotel room in off-hours, taking in local sights. Check out free area parks, visit a local history or art museum, or simply indulge in being a tourist for a change if you’re visiting a famous city. Leading a balanced life while home or away is key to mental and physical health. 7. Stay ConnectedStay connected when you’re rushing from city to city, sending frequent messages and scheduling regular phone or video calls. Next time, before you leave, hide a few notes in strategic places so your partner and kids know they are not forgotten, and you appreciate their patience with your repeated absences. 8. Don’t Neglect a Healthy Diet & ExerciseThe business travel blues often fall at the feet of neglected physical activity and a poor diet. Most hotels have a gym and a pool for you to enjoy. At the very list, toss on your tennis shoes and go for a walk. 9. Cash-In on Your Time AwayAll the time you spend away can be easier for your family to contend with when they know you are working toward translating your frequent flyer miles or hotel points into a fun vacation activity. This ‘team effort’ to finding cost saving travel solutions can help bring you together in many ways. Looking for a better business travel experience? Reinvent life on the road with the help of the business travel management services of GTI Travel today. This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/consistent-business-travelers-5-things-to-know/ Traveling for business or pleasure can be a great way to get away from your everyday routine. But maintaining a budget while you’re away can be stressful. How can you keep costs under control while still enjoying the travel experience? The business travel planning pros at GTI Travel have a few tips to help you stretch your travel dollars. Money-Saving Travel Hacks No One Else Talks About
This blog was originally posted at https://www.gtitravel.com/travel-hacks-to-save-you-a-lot-of-money-what-no-one-talks-about/ |
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