Business travel is essential for many corporates to expand operations and maintain client relations. Some set up a dedicated department while a few partners with a business travel management company for managing itineraries, documentation, and
Business travel is essential for many corporates to expand operations and maintain client relations. Some set up a dedicated department while a few partners with a business travel management company for managing itineraries, documentation, and expenses of employees travelling for business purposes.
It requires a lot of planning to make a business trip successful. Booking flights, accommodations, and transportations come with many intricacies. And if not done proactively and carefully, it could cost the business budget and result in loss of precious time. Not to mention exploring too many options can make things even worse for those who are not sure about their preferences. Here we offer an insight into things to look for when booking business travel:-
- Advance Booking
The most important part of booking a business trip is doing it in advance. It is a fact that airfares are cheaper compared to last-minute reservations. Not only can it help businesses save more on travel fares and hotel costs, but it will ensure that the employees do not have to go through the last moment struggle of finding the best seat or suitable room. However, to be able to book in advance, the itineraries should have been finalised earlier.
-
- Loyalty Programmes
The companies engaged in business travel activities build a long-term relationship with the service providers. By making use of customer loyalty schemes, they can plan their business travel budget ahead. For this, the company must put its travelling employees on loyalty schemes offered by airlines and hotels. Businesses can use the reward points earned from these loyalty schemes to make free upgrades for travellers and benefit from booking flight discounts.
- Right Accommodation
The right accommodation where employees can relax is critical to productive business travel. Compare different hotels for room rates and amenities they offer and make the reservation as soon as possible. Read through their services to see if it includes anything for free like breakfasts or shuttle services. Recently, serviced apartments or rental homes have emerged as great alternatives for hotels for providing more space, flexibility, comfort, and privacy at relatively lower prices.
- Booking One-Way Flights
Instead of booking round-trip flights for business travel, consideration should be given to one-way flights. It is a key element, given the trip requirements. If the trip is scheduled a day earlier or later, it would also be beneficial to check flight fare flexibility from various airlines to reduce travel costs.
Time and money are the most crucial factors that might impact business travel to a greater extent. That is why businesses must provide their employees with the best travel experience. Following these business travel management tips will help both business and employee make smart corporate travel decisions.