In today's ever-changing economic landscape, the concept of business travel has surpassed the standard man-in-a-suit-and-briefcase stereotype. Business travelling has increased tremendously due to our highly-globalized economy. So, if you find yourself heading out of town for business, our travel experts have put together some top tips that will ease your journey and ensure you are prepped and ready for arrival.
Delete your browser's cookies
Make sure you delete your browser's cookies or use an incognito browser before booking a trip. Some airlines and sites will show you higher rates each time you come back to their site.
Sign up with a trusted booking platform
To manage your booking from beginning to end, sign up with a trusted booking platform. This way you can handle every element of your travel arrangements such as controlling your booking by adding budgets and saving the addresses of your favourite places to stay.
Treat your business trip as an adventure
Take advantage of the range of places to stay on offer in cities to make your business trip a memorable one. Experience authentic Japanese living by staying in a traditional ryokan, or do as the locals do and rent a house boat on the canals of Amsterdam - the more unusual, the better.
Get approved to whizz through security
If you're Canadian travelling to the United States, bypass the long lines at the airport by applying for NEXUS - designed to speed up border crossings for low-risk, pre-approved travellers. Also, if you're a gold or premium member with airline alliances (such as Star Alliance and Aeroplan), you can bypass the usual airport queues.
Always fly with the same airline to get elite status
Choose one airline and stick with it! With elite status (see above) comes many benefits from lounge access and check-in baggage to great seat choices and free upgrade.
No more lost luggage - track your bags with GPS
Lose the anxiety not the luggage! There are multiple apps or luggage tracker devices which are relatively inexpensive, and reduce the stress of luggage lost in transit. What a time to be alive!
Arrive early or extend your trip to soak up the sights
Why not combine business and leisure and arrive a day earlier or stay a day longer than required? This gives you time to explore the city and beat any looming jet lag.
Opt for cheaper transportation
Download Uber or other transportation apps to avoid expensive taxis targeting tourists, and use Google Maps offline to track the journey, so you know you're not being taken on a long route. Also, if you're a fan of public transit (and saving major bucks), research what bus/train routes you can take advantage on during your trip.
Stream shows on TV
Carry a Google Chromecast - if your accommodation has Wi-Fi and your TV has an HDMI input, then you can use the Chromecast to stream video online to the hotel TV from your computer, tablet, or phone. Alternatively, download your favourite shows on Netflix and watch them on the go.
Consider buying a mobile hotspot for your phone
A hotspot is more secure than public networks and it means you have Wi-Fi on the move. This way, you can always stay connected!
All photos are courtesy of Pixabay and Pexels.
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