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9 out of 10 executives view business travel as essential for brand growth.
This uptick is a welcome development for airlines and hotels, as tech advancements and shifting expectations transform how business travel is managed in 2024.
"Bleisure," the mix of business and leisure travel, is expanding as the share of U.S. employees working remotely raises, allowing them to extend trips for personal exploration.
As you can imagine, this trend complicates budgeting, as remote work entails varied expenses unlike those in traditional office environments.
However, these long-haul excursions don’t come without their own set of travel hiccups.
According to business travel expert Wanda Burdick, the key to a smooth business trip isn't just about where you're going; it's about how you get there and who's got your back.
Who Is Wanda Burdick?
Wanda is the Director of Business Travel Operations at Fox World Travel. She brings over 25 years of experience overseeing operations, team development, and integrating technology to improve the traveler experience. She focuses on delivering group air services and providing strategic consultation on group air programs.
The stress of frequent travel, including jet lag, separation from family, and the pressure to perform in different time zones can take a toll on travelers' mental health and overall well-being.
If you add things like canceled or delayed flights, accommodation mishaps, losing your luggage, and getting lost in a city you don’t know on top of that, business travel can become a real pain.
Burdick underscores the value of having a travel management company (TMC) by your side, especially when flights are canceled unexpectedly.
"The first recommendation is for business travelers to make travel arrangements through a travel management company that offers a knowledgeable and accessible 24/7 international service," she advises.
The benefits of relying on travel management companies are vast and include:
- Streamlined Booking
- Informed Decision-Making with a 24/7 Support
- Cost Reduction
TMCs have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to getting you some pretty sweet deals.
"It is surprising how much value can be gained from a conversation with an experienced travel agent. These seasoned agents have valuable insights and can provide guidance, such as booking two one-way tickets to save up to 50% on upgraded seats," Burdick explains.
Having a TMC in your corner is about having an ally who can navigate the chaos of cancellations and rebookings easily, sometimes even bypassing those lengthy airline wait times to find quicker solutions.
New Technologies Keep Your Documents in Check
Burdick highlights the significance of technology in managing travel documents and keeping business travel within budget.
To put it into perspective, here are a few things travel technology can help keep in a singular, secure place:
- Mobile apps
- Cloud storage
- Digital wallets
These types of digital advancements in the travel industry are recommended for organizing important travel documents, while flexibility in travel plans and early bookings are some of the key strategies for cost-saving.
"Several technologies and services are available to help you keep your important documents all in one place," Burdick shares.
However, she reminds us that "it's always recommended to keep physical copies of your important documents as a backup."
Data is showing just how much digital advancements are turning up the travel industry:
- About 51% of passengers globally use smartphones or other devices for online check-ins
- 68% of business travelers book their trips through online channels
- There's a strong desire among 57% of business travelers for a single application to manage all their travel needs
This mix of technology serves as a safety net that ensures you're prepared, whatever the trip throws your way.
Travel Smart, Not Hard
Burdick emphasizes the value of adaptability in travel arrangements, highlighting that off-season travel can offer significant savings.
Doing away with change fees by many airlines further enhances the flexibility to make adjustments without getting smacked by additional costs, for example.
"Consider being flexible with your travel plans as some of the best deals can be found during the off-season," Burdick suggests for those looking to stretch their travel dollars further.
To travel smarter in 2024, consider these key strategies:
- Start planning early to snag the best deals
- Establish a budget to avoid overspending
- Opt for travel during off-peak seasons and try various dates for lower prices
How to Navigate Policies and Compliance
Burdick highlights the importance of adhering to corporate travel policies.
"Having a travel management partner who genuinely listens to your company's unique needs and sets up technology accordingly is incredibly valuable," she notes.
"This ensures that your travelers understand and align with your company's expectations, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved. By incorporating these policies into online booking tools managed by an experienced TMC, confusion and frustration are minimized."
TMCs play a critical role in ensuring business travelers' safety with features like 24/7 support for emergencies and real-time tracking tools to locate travelers quickly during crises.
As touched on previously, they provide tailored travel policies for companies, enforce compliance through technology, and send risk alerts for informed travel decisions.
These measures ensure both safety and duty of care compliance.
Smarter Spending Through Data
Economy-class airfares are predicted to rise by 2.4% in North America, reaching an average fare of $614.
Meanwhile, midscale hotel rates are forecasted to increase by 3.2% to $160 per room night.
Burdick advocates for using travel data to drive smarter spending decisions.
"Effective communication is essential," she says, stressing the importance of regular feedback and the use of technology to guide travelers towards preferred vendors and compliance with travel policies.
These insights enable increasing the overall efficiency of every travel program.
It’s about smarter planning, embracing technology, and building partnerships that enhance the travel experience while preserving your budget.
As business travel in the U.S. continues to expand, these principles are in place for professionals to reduce headaches during their corporate journeys.
