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There is no doubt that technology has solved a myriad of communication problems in businesses, and can make us feel more connected to our clients. But when it comes to building rapport and trust with our significant clients and business partners, nothing is more effective than meeting face-to-face.

Through your travels, you’ve likely found that in other countries, trying to communicate solely through language does not always work, so being able to communicate ideas, needs, etc. clearly, depends on a variety of body language skills that technology lacks. Meeting face-to-face gives you a whole host of other ways to get your point across, including hand signals, facial expressions, eye contact and you’ll have more opportunities to clarify key points of discussion.

But other than that, why is meeting face-to-face more effective than merely joining a video call? Here’s our input to why that is:

Minimizes Distractions

Let’s face it, we are bombarded with distractions through the day. Whether that be an incoming call, e-mail, text, knock at your office door, meeting virtually leaves a lot of space to lose the attention of whom you are speaking. If you are present, sitting face-to-face, your meeting is likely to remain focused and uninterrupted. 

Minimizes Rejection

In today’s digital world, rejection is much easier to do with a quick e-mail or even a text. If you’re meeting with a prospective client, but you have not built a face-to-face relationship, they may feel it is easier to say “no” or brush you off. Face-to-face meetings are so important to build that relationship and make it a whole lot more difficult for the client to reject your proposal quickly.

Eye Contact

When you’re looking at a screen, you’re not looking at the person. Your eyes may jump to yourself, objects around the room, or away from the screen, which disconnects you from your client. In person, you will be more likely to capture your client’s attention through eye contact. This shows you are paying attention, focused on the discussion, and you take this professional relationship seriously. 

Information Gathering

Meeting in person allows you to gather valuable information about your client or business partner. You will better understand their body language, mannerisms, tone of voice, and the way they prefer to conduct business. You can also gather information about their interests based on the location you meet, your surroundings, and more, which can be useful down the road. This also enables your client to gather information about you, and the more they know about you, the more they understand how to communicate with you moving forward.

Once you’ve built this critical face-to-face connection, you’ll be able to continue with your business relationship using all of the very convenient modes of communication that technology provides. For a client, knowing that you’re willing to meet them in person or travel to keep their business, this can lead to a long and prosperous business partnership.

Business trips are often a big perk for someone entering a new position, but they can be tiring for someone who frequently travels for work. We usually have to cram a number of meetings into a short time, and depending on your company’s travel program, you may be left with little time for yourself.

There are, however, many ways you can turn your business trip into a small vacation, or at the very least enjoy some leisure time.

Research Your Destination
Reading up on where you’re heading for business is a great way to get an idea for interesting sites, museums, restaurants, or parks you may want to visit. Have a look at Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration and discover the best spots to explore. Getting excited about your destination is a wonderful way to feel more like you’re taking some vacation time.

Find Downtime (Work Smarter)
We’ve all heard the phrase “Work Smarter, Not Harder,” and this applies equally as well to business trips. For anyone who has spent time on the road, you can often find you spend more time working than you would when you are home. Travelling between meetings, catching up on e-mails, submitting reports, it can all be a little overwhelming. Make sure to carve out some “you time” and maximize the time between tasks.

Add an Extra Day
If your company allows it, try to plan your meetings for the beginning or end of a week. You can then often plan your flights over a weekend, allowing for an additional day or two for leisure. Keep in mind you may have to cover your expenses over these days if this is not included in your travel program.

Treat Yourself to a Nice Meal
Enjoy the little things and allow some time to sit down at one of the city’s best restaurants. Make a reservation ahead of time, or find a cozy spot where you can enjoy the ambiance, food, music, and explore different neighbourhoods. By giving yourself some time to free your mind, you’ll feel less like you’re travelling purely for business.

Seek Out a Hotel in a Desireable Location
Do your research ahead of time and discover a convenient location where you can have access to great amenities, but also be within a short travel distance from your meetings. With less travel time in between, you can free up more time in your day to explore the city. If you choose a hotel in a desirable location, you’ll have opportunities to explore the city’s arts & culture scenes, and much more!

Wake Up Early
Waking up an hour or two earlier than usual will give you some free time to explore and may even make you feel more refreshed for your meetings ahead in the day. Maximize the time you have in the mornings to get some fresh air and collect yourself or enjoy a leisurely breakfast before starting your busy day.

Business Trip Planning

When we travel for business, we can often leave things until the last minute. While that may be okay for national travel, travelling internationally for business comes with a whole different set of preparations.

Your travel manager can take care of a lot of the pre-planning, but there are a few things they can’t do for you, such as vaccinations, passport renewals, visa applications, and more. Those preparations can seem overwhelming, but if you follow a simple timeline, you’ll have things organized well before your departure.

Four to Eight Weeks Before Departure

Travel Visas

Depending on where you live, and the processing times of your documents, you’ll want to check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting as soon as you know you’re going! As Canadians, we have the luxury of Visa-free travel to many countries, but several countries require a Visa, Electronic Visa, or Waiver form completion before arrival. Some countries will issue a Visa on arrival, but it’s important to know what the requirements are well before you travel.

We recommend checking www.travel.gc.ca and selecting your destination to find out the entry/exit requirements. If you are travelling with a Passport from a country other than Canada, please ensure you check the specific requirements and restrictions relating to your passport.

Passport Renewal

Travelling internationally with a passport that is set to expire within six months AFTER your return date, will very likely cause problems either before you depart or on your arrival. Check your passport at least four weeks before your scheduled departure, and if the timeline is tight, it is best to renew your passport.

Vaccinations

Obtaining vaccinations before travelling in some countries is highly recommended, and in some countries is required. It’s important to note that some vaccines are only effective after a certain period, so you’ll want to visit a travel medicine clinic to receive up-to-date information for the country you’re visiting.

Two to Four Weeks Before Departure

Notify Your Credit Card Company of Travel Plans

When you’re leaving the country, especially if you’re travelling a great distance, it is important to notify your credit card company of your travel plans. They’ll make a note of your destination and the dates of travel, so they can keep an eye on your purchases while you’re travelling. This will also make sure you don’t have any issues using your credit card in the destination.

What to Wear

Depending on your destination, there may be cultural differences in appropriate dress for business meetings, social gatherings, etc. To make your best impression and put your best foot forward, you’ll want to have done your research and collected any pieces you may need.

Check Your Cell Phone Plan

Many mobile providers now offer travel packages that you can utilize for a daily fee rather than racking up an enormous cell phone bill. Make sure you check with your provider to see what offers they have that will enable you to be available while you’re travelling.

Loyalty Programs

Now is a great time to check in and see what loyalty programs you’re eligible for that will maximize your benefit at different hotels, car rental companies, etc.

One to Two Weeks Before Departure

Travel Advisories

If you’re travelling to a country that experiences hurricane seasons, monsoon seasons, or other adverse weather, or has experienced political unrest, etc., you’ll want to make sure these occurrences will not impact your trip. Have a look at Travel Advisories in the weeks before your trip so you can feel prepared, and of course, contact your Travel Manager if you have any concerns.

If you plan accordingly, you will have prepared well or your business trip to come. Not having to worry about last-minute documents, expensive cell phone bills, or finding appropriate business attire in the destination, will make your trip much smoother and leave you feeling relaxed, calm, and collected for your meetings. Happy Travels!

Make air travel easier on your body

Flying can be tough for anyone, even more so for those who travel frequently. Long distance travel can especially make your mind and body feel disrupted, as though your digestive system is out of whack, and your energy levels are drained. Since you can’t change the environment, it is even more important for you to do small things to prepare yourself. Taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing for travel ensures you have a better experience in a destination and on your arrival home.

Here are a few things you can do before, during, and after travel to make the entire experience a little easier:

Before Travel

• Cut your alcohol consumption the day before and day of travel – Because alcohol can leave you feeling super dehydrated and impact your immune system, avoiding in the days before your flight will make you feel a whole lot better.
• Get a few good nights of sleep – Set yourself up for a successful night of sleep by cutting electronic use at least one hour before you head to bed. You may want to consider a magnesium supplement as magnesium helps to relax your muscles and make it easier to fall asleep.
• Stay Hydrated – Drink loads of water in the days before travel to ensure your body is well hydrated before you get on a plane.
• Exercise and Get Outside – In addition to drinking a lot of water, you’ll want to get lots of fresh air and exercise so you feel your best on the day of your flight.
• Eat clean – Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods before you fly so you have a healthy digestive system on the day of.

During Travel

• Bring your own food and healthy snacks for the trip – Most airline meals are not packed with quality proteins and nutrients. Packing healthy snacks to supplement this will help to keep your belly happy, so you can avoid bloating or an upset stomach.
• Avoid Coffee and alcohol on the plane – While it may feel like you need a cup of coffee to keep yourself awake, or a glass of wine to wind down, avoiding these on the plane will make you feel a whole lot better. Coffee can tend to upset stomachs, as well as contribute to dehydration similar to wine. Instead, opt for green tea and water as your hot and cold beverages in-flight.
• Use a nasal spray – The dry airplane air can make your nose feel super dry and can contribute to a congested feeling in your sinuses. Using a hydrating saline nasal spray can help alleviate those symptoms, and cut out that stuffy feeling.
• Use a comfortable neck pillow for sleeping – It should go without saying, but having proper neck support when you’re sleeping upright is very important to the quality of your sleep. Test out a few pillows to make sure you get one that fits your neck properly. In addition, try to sleep in accordance with your destination’s time zone to minimize jet lag.
• Get up and stretch or do your in-flight exercises – When you’re not napping, get up and walk the aisles, as well as practice some in-flight exercises. Keeping your blood flowing will alleviate your sore muscles, tight joints, reduce swelling, and reduce the likelihood of blood clots.

After Travel

• Move your body – After you land, it’s important to get your body moving. Take a brisk walk around the area of your hotel, go for a swim, head to the gym, or find a local yoga class. Exercise will help your body be able to relax and ease into a new time zone.
• Allow yourself to wind down before you tuck in for the night – Before you jump into bed and sleep, give yourself some time to relax screen-free. Head to the sauna or hot tub, take a hot bath, read a book or magazine, anything to give your mind some peace before you cozy up in bed. You should enjoy a more restful sleep this way, and be well-prepared for the next day.

For over a decade, we’ve heard talk about carbon offsets and programs to reduce our carbon footprint when we travel. It seems that years ago, there was a big push to purchase carbon credits through various airlines, but over the years the discussion has grown relatively quiet. So what is the deal? Are carbon offsets still a thing, and do they really do anything?

While there are better ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint daily, air travel is a tough one to combat. Since electric planes don’t exist, carbon offsets have been put into place to give travellers the option of neutralizing their impact on the environment. However, not all carbon offsets are created equal. Some programs are better than others and discovering which one to contribute to is as important as researching which charity you’d like to donate your dollars.

According to information on the David Suzuki Foundation page, “offsets from tree-planting projects are problematic for many reasons, including their lack of permanence and the fact that these projects do not address our dependence on fossil fuels.” So, although tree-planting initiatives sound good, they don’t make much difference when it comes to air travel.

What you’ll want to look for are initiatives that are putting the money into research and development of cleaner energy and cleaner fuel alternatives. In short, Gold Standard projects stand the best chance of making your dollars count.

Gold Standard is the highest standard in the carbon offset world. This standard makes sure that all projects that wear its label meets the specific environmental criteria. Only projects that focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency can qualify to be Gold Standard, excluding tree-planting initiatives.

There are a few ways to offset your carbon footprint, and different airlines use different organizations to offer this to their guests. Here’s a breakdown of a few to consider:

Less Emissions, Inc – Air Canada
When you book a flight with Air Canada, you have the option of opting in to offset your carbon. Air Canada partners with Less Emissions, Inc., who offer a quick calculator to determine the cost of offsetting your carbon emissions. You then have the option of offsetting through Gold Standard or another standard VER+.

Sustainable Travel International – United Airlines
Several tour operators and other businesses partner with Sustainable Travel International (STI) to handle their offsetting. United Airlines is a significant supporter of this organization, and their passengers have the option to offset directly on the STI website. It’s effortless, go to the calculator, type in your route, and choose if you are supporting the Gold Standard or a reforestation project.

ClimateCare – Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has partnered with Climate Care which is a big supporter of Gold Standard projects. Similar to the airlines above, you would visit their site, pop in your route, and checkout. It’s quick and straightforward to do, and you’ll feel good knowing your money is going to a Gold Standard project.

It’s true that there isn’t a ton of buzz around Carbon Offsetting programs anymore, but as travellers that are increasingly more aware of our environmental impact, it’s up to us to do the research. On your next booking, speak with your Travel Manager to discuss offsetting your flight, and to ensure the dollars go back to a Gold Standard program.

On October 17th, 2018, Bill C-45, more commonly known as the Cannabis Act, will see the legal consumption of personal and medicinal marijuana in Canada enter into effect. This will impact all manners of travel both in, and out, of Canada, including leisure and business travel. Impacts, that Canadian investor Sam Znaimer faced recently when he was denied entry into the USA. His story was covered by CTV News below:

As we approach October 17th, there are things we know, things we don’t know, and things we can assume. Stakeholders in the travel industry, from airlines to corporate travel managers, need to communicate these changes to end-users, like Sam Znaimer, and in a manner that is easy to understand and put into practice. 

What we do know:

• October 17th sees the Cannabis Act into effect.
• That taking cannabis or cannabis-based products INTO Canada remains illegal and could result in serious criminal penalties and records.
• That taking cannabis or cannabis-based products OUTSIDE of Canada’s international borders remains illegal and could result in serious criminal penalties and lifetime records.
• That possession of cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal laws in any form and any quantity.
• That previous use of cannabis, or any substance prohibited by U.S. federal laws, could deny entry at any border point.
• That involvement in the legal cannabis industry in Canada could also deny entry at any US border point.

What we don’t know:

• How this will impact entrance to other countries, not including the USA, and especially those with harsher policies on drug/substance use.
• Does working, or investing in the Cannabis sector leave a shared internationally accessible record for all current and/or future governments to access?

What we can assume:

• Working, or investing in the Cannabis sector could leave a shared international record for all current or future governments to access?
  
• Working or investing in the Cannabis sector may have the potential to impact one’s current and future ability to travel internationally.

Where we go from here:

We need to communicate these changes to Canadian employees, directors, investors that represent any business interest outside of Canada. 

When creating business policy, one could certainly take a laissez-faire page out of Las Vegas’ ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ brand playbook, or one could take a more measured approach and recommend limiting the exposure to the substance, citing the known, unknown and assumed positions both in and outside the nation’s borders.

Some additional resources:

• Government of Canada’s website for further information
• Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency

Business travel, while necessary, can sometimes lead teams to lose some of their regular productivity. Whether it is battling time zone differences, internet access in various cities, or lack of communication, companies are always looking for innovative ways to stay connected and remain productive. We know there is no shortage of apps out there that can help, it is just a matter of finding them.

After some research, we’ve developed a shortlist of a few favourites that will help boost productivity while on the road.

Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex recently merged its Webex app with its popular team app Spark to create a holistic approach to team communication and productivity. With the click of a button, you can start a meeting rather than the old way of waiting for a host. The app enables you to share files quickly, group chat with your team and even sketch out ideas on the whiteboard. You can hop between devices, with peace of mind that your information and conversations are secure with end-to-end encryption. It also easily integrates with Google Drive, Google Calendar, Trello, Zendesk and many other of your favourite tools.

1Password

If you don’t have all of your work passwords saved in your memory, it can be a hassle to look them up in old e-mails. Maybe you have a new device that doesn’t have everything saved yet, or it has recently changed, that’s where 1Password steps in. You need to memorize one password, and you will have access to all of the passwords you need to complete your work on the road and at home. Simple!

Pocket

Isn’t it so easy to get distracted by a YouTube video, a news article, a recipe, even a twitter discussion? Pocket is the place to put all of those things and access them later, from any device, with or without internet access. This easy to use app will set aside the things you spot throughout your day, allowing you to clear your mind of distractions and focus on your pending tasks.

Pushbullet

Have you ever found yourself needing to put your phone in another room to avoid getting distracted by social media, texts, etc.? We’ve all been there. Pushbullet is an app that can connect all of your devices (Apple with Apple, Android with everything else), meaning you don’t need to reach for your phone to respond to that urgent text or share a file between your devices.

Scanbot

When you’re on the road, sometimes you need to send a contract, receipt, or other documents to your office, or to a client. That’s where Scanbot comes in! This app is simple to use, processes high-quality scans works with PDFs, acts as a fax machine, and allows you to share instantly. It’s the perfect way to document a paper trail, so you can focus on being at your best while travelling.

These apps are great to use from home too! If you’re working remotely, or even in the office, all of these apps can help make your regular workday especially productive!

3 Ways To Create A Business Travel Program for Your Millennial Employees

Business travel looks much different these days than ten years ago. As Millenials enter the workforce, businesses are adopting new, modernized policies around the workplace, including remote work, promoting work/life balance, and more. When it comes to business travel, the need to rework travel policies is also becoming increasingly important. This doesn’t mean that as a company you’ll be footing the bill and receiving less, it is merely about creating a travel program that is rewarding and encourages the best from your employees.

With just a few simple tweaks, you can create a business travel program for your millennial employees that work for everyone.

Encourage alternative accommodation

Unless your company regularly books hotels and collects loyalty points, you may want to consider opening up accommodations to include alternative stays like Airbnb. There’s been a serious increase in companies that are opting in on Airbnb stays that are business travel ready. In order to be categorized as such, the accommodation must include a desk, Wi-Fi, self-check-in, and other amenities found in hotels.

Create a travel extension program or include some leisure time

Employees frequently express that they wish they could have had more time to explore in their free time, or that they could have extended their stay. This doesn’t mean that each day must be a short day, but rather that the option of extending the stay be available. Extensions would, of course, be at the cost of the employee, unless you were to opt-in on offering extensions as an incentive to performance on previous trips or in the office. Creative incentives are wonderful ways to encourage employee loyalty and productivity.

Digitize reporting and encourage the use of apps

The days of paper reporting are likely well behind most companies, but apps are making business travel a breeze. Encouraging your employees to use apps that simplify their travel experience allows them to take control of their itineraries and have access to the information they need. Apps such as Expensify make expense reporting simple and paper free, meaning no lost receipts, and the opportunity for nearly instant reimbursement.

For the majority of Millennials, business travel is a perk and adopting a policy that encourages some flexibility will be met with enthusiasm. As most people know, happier employees mean more productivity. Companies that practice work/life balance in the office and in their travel policies are likely to see dedication from employees and longer-term employment.

Incentivizing and revamping your travel program helps your employees feel rewarded and recognized for their accomplishments and promotes high standards. The best part about this is that the benefit is not just for your Millennial employees, this benefits everyone on your team and encourages them to work together toward a common goal.

How to Minimize Jet Lag During and After Your Long Distance Business Travel

If you’ve travelled long distances, you’ve most likely been subject to the feelings of jet lag. Whether you’re arriving in destination or landing at home, crossing time zones puts our bodies through a whole host of stressors. This makes us feel wide awake when we should be sleeping, or exhausted when we need to be awake.

So why is it that some people seem to struggle less with jet lag than others? By following a few guidelines, you can minimize the symptoms and arrive feeling a little better.

Quit the Caffeine

Grabbing a coffee at the airport or with the beverage service on your flight is tempting, but when you’re heading off on a long trip, it’s best to give up the caffeine. Instead, bring a couple of tea bags of your favourite herbal tea to settle yourself in so you can grab some sleep along the way.

Say ‘No’ to Alcohol

You may be accustomed to a glass of wine or a beer on your flights, but combined with the dry air on the airplane, the alcohol can increase dehydration and make it harder for you to beat jet lag. You might think it is relaxing, but you’d be better to forgo the alcohol.

Do Your In-Flight Exercises

Keep your circulation in check by frequently getting up and walking up and down the aisles, or finding a place where you can stretch. We’ve also recently posted some great in-flight exercises if you’re looking for additional tips for your long-haul flight. If you’re prone to swollen feet and legs on a plane, in-flight exercises are beneficial and paired with compression socks, and you’ll make all the difference!

Sleep

Before your flight, make sure you get a good night of sleep. Try to get a good 8-hour sleep in before you set off on your travels.

Try to align your sleep with your destination. If you are arriving during the daytime, make sure to get some sleep on the flight. Prepare yourself so you can make yourself comfortable, whether that be a pillow, blanket, mask, earplugs/earphones. Once you arrive, power through the day and go to bed at a reasonable local hour to avoid odd sleep patterns.

On your return home, if you’re arriving at night, try not to sleep too much on the flight, so that you fall into your regular sleeping hours on your return. It still may take a couple of days, but the sooner you return to your daily schedule, the better.

Stay Hydrated

While on your flights, and in destination, keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, before and during your flight will help combat the effects of a long flight, and make you feel a whole lot better when you arrive.

Jet lag is a nuisance, but it’s often a necessary part of our jobs. By following the steps above, you’ll help to lessen the impact of jet lag and arrive at your destination ready for the busy schedule you have ahead.

It’s the headline that won’t go away.

Artificial Intelligence has arrived, and similar to Blockchain has dominated tech conferences and panel talks the world over. However, as yet, it hasn’t caught the eyes of too many people in the travel space – but that is sure to change.

A few months back we did a piece on Blockchain, and how, through safer, easier, and less expensive processing it will change how transactions are processed. AI conversely, will change how we personalize our go-to-market strategy. It’s like both ends of a tech rope on fire.

Andrew Stephens of Forbes recently wrote that the AI revolution ‘ has been spurred by the influx of affordable and accessible advanced data analytics tools (typically based on machine learning methods), the availability of increasingly rich (albeit still noisy) and extensive datasets, and a growing acceptance among marketers of the potential power of data-driven approaches to marketing decision making.”

Data has always been the best friend of savvy marketers, getting the right message, to the right person, at the right time is only possible through an understanding of analytics. Yet this (AI) is different, this is anticipatory aggregation – the ability to see patterns, trends, and offer solutions (inventory) ahead of real-time. This is where we’re headed.

This isn’t to say that we won’t need a human element, but the human element will need to be able to use AI as a means to improve their customer service across their entire toolbox.

Stephens adds “Integrating insights across all of these tools is not easy, even if the various types of software and datasets play nicely with each other (which is often not the case). In the current marketing technology landscape, tools tend to be single purpose and sit in silos. This will change, and AI can help power these changes.”

He’s right, and although he’s addressing the marketing world en masse, his view overlaps straight into the corporate travel space. As the tech world evolves, it’s fruit makes decisions making reliable, quantifiable, and expeditious.

Recently we published an article with some great packing tips, but finding the best vessel to make your packing seamless is equally as important. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost option or are ready to invest into something that will last for years to come, we’ve put together a list of our favourites. These packing solutions all help to create a seamless business (or leisure) trip, and keep everything where you need.

Away – The Bigger Carry-On

This carry-on is quickly becoming a favourite among business travelers and social media influencers alike. Not only are these suitcases extremely durable, the internal compression system makes packing a breeze. The 360-degree wheels make it a dream to move around, and a hidden laundry bag keeps your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes. Perhaps our favourite feature is the ejectable battery which quickly and easily charges your phone while you’re waiting for your flight.

The company also has a number of other sized suitcases if you’re packing for extended travel, as well as packing cubes, garment bags, etc which are designed to fit their cases. You can also customize colours, monograms, and more to truly make the bag yours.

iFly – The Admiral Series

A budget version of the Away luggage comes in the iFly Admiral series. For under $400 USD, you can purchase the set, which includes a carry-on, medium, and large case. The carry-on includes a USB port (battery not included) to make charging your devices convenient, and the medium and large sizes have a removable garment suit bag, 3 full-zip interior compartments, a wet pocket for any damp clothes, and more!

This set is a great option if you don’t want to spend a bundle, but are looking for incredible value!

Luggage Add-ons:

If you’ve already got the suitcase that works well for you, but are looking for a convenient carry-on to hold your suits, dresses, and small items you need to access, check out these fantastic garment bags:

Zegur 3 Suit Carry-On Garment Bag

The Zegur 3 Suit Garment Bag makes for convenient, wrinkle-free transport of your suits, dresses, ties, and even a pair of shoes. You can easily pop this bag in the overhead bin without worrying about it getting bunched up or bundled amongst the other passengers’ bags. The front pocket gives easy access to your electronics, paperwork, a book, passport, basically anything you’d need to have access to on your flight!

Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 Softside Deluxe Voyager Garment Bag

This Samsonite garment bag is in a higher price range but is a great option for the business traveler who needs to hold up to 7 days worth of suits, dresses, etc. This awesome travel system unfolds perfectly to minimize wrinkling, and efficiently keeps everything right where you need it. It is not ideal for a carry-on, as the dimensions may not allow it, but you can rest assured everything will be kept in place for your arrival. This awesome addition to your travel luggage enables you to spend more time relaxing and less time having to iron all of your business clothes.

In-Flight Yoga. Land well at your destination.

Long-haul flying can do a number to your health and well-being. Taking simple steps to keep your blood flowing and muscles from cramping make all the difference to how you feel when you land. As your chosen travel company, not only do we care about getting there, we want you to feel your best when you arrive. We’ve come up with a sequence of in-flight yoga stretches and a small breathing exercise you can incorporate into your next flight, making sure you arrive feeling top-notch.

Seated Spine Twist

Combat back stiffness or tightness with a spinal twist.

1. Sit upright with feet on the floor
2. Place right hand on left knee and your left hand on the seat behind your left hip.
3. Take a deep breath and lift your spine and chest. Twist slowly to the left and look over your left shoulder. Hold for a few seconds, breathing deeply. Twist gently with engaged abdominal muscles. If your body feels comfortable, press into your right hand to deepen the twist.
4. Repeat on other side.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Release tension and clear your head with a breathing exercise.

1. Place your forefinger and middle finger of your right hand between your eyebrows. Lightly place your thumb of your right nostril and ring finger on your left nostril. Close your eyes and breath deeply for a few seconds.
2. Block your right nostril with your thumb and inhale slowly. With full lungs, close your left nostril until your nose is plugged and hold for 2-3 seconds. Open your right nostril and exhale slowly and hold for 2-3 seconds at the end of your breath.
3. Breathe deeply through your right nostril then block your right nostril and with full lungs hold for 2-3 seconds. Release your left nostril and exhale slowly. With empty lungs hold again for 2-3 seconds. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times, following your breath with your mind.

Seated Shoulder Shrugs with a Blanket

Loosen your shoulders with seated shoulder shrugs.

1. Get comfortable in your seat with your back against the seat. Roll a blanket and place it lengthwise along your spine. Rest your back against the blanket and take several deep breaths. Rest your hands on your lap and lift your shoulders.
2. Hold your breath and squeeze your shoulders upwards and then backward.
3. Exhale and squeeze your shoulder blades closer together and then lower.
4. Repeat 3-5 times.

Heel & Toe Raises

Promote better circulation with heel and toe raises.

1. Sit up straight in your seat with feet hip-width apart and flat on the floor.
2. Keeping heels on the floor, flex toes upwards. Hold for a second or two, lower toes and repeat five times.
3. Lift heels with toes on the floor, flexing calves. Hold for a second or two, then lower heels. Repeat five times.
4. Lift feet off the floor and roll your ankles in a circle 5-10 times. Then rotate the opposite direction 5-10 times.
5. Repeat exercise each hour.

Neck Release

Loosen up a tight neck with this release pose.

1. Sit up straight and tilt your right ear toward your right shoulder. Place your right arm up and over the left side of your head, resting your hand along your left cheek or jaw. Breathe deeply.
2. Release your arm and move your head over to the left by rolling your chin toward your chest and over to the left.
3. Tilt your left ear toward your left shoulder, lifting your left arm over the right side of your head. Place your right hand along your right cheek or jaw. Breathe deeply.
4. Repeat 2-3 times, breathing 5-10 times on each side.

Forward Fold

Get up and stretch to combat side effects of sitting with a forward fold.

1. Find a space where you can stand up straight and fold forward.
2. Lift your hands up over your head and stretch your arms up. Stretch your back upward and lean slightly to the left to stretch out your sides. Repeat on the right side.
3. Return to standing straight position and fold forward breathing deeply.
4. Repeat several times until you feel loose and limber.

Here’s to a more relaxing flight experience!

Packing well for a business trip takes some preparation and organization, but it’s worth the effort. Putting together a packing strategy helps relieve travel stress, keeps everything where you need it, and saves you time in the long run. Whether you’re a carry-on only traveler, or you’re bringing a checked bag, we’re here to help!

We’ve put together some business travel packing tips so that you can make the most of your trip and increase your productivity while on the road.

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes are fantastic to help keep yourself organized. Most cubes come in sets of 3 – a large, medium, and small, which all should fit well in a medium-sized suitcase. The cubes can be used to keep your pants separate of your tops and undergarments. We recommend grabbing a set of 3, along with a few other smaller zipped cases to put smaller items such as jewelry, chargers, loose cords, headphones, etc. Having your smaller items in a case makes them easier to reach, and keeps you from searching for them when you’re rushing.

Garment Bag

If you’re packing for a more formal business trip, you may want to keep your suits or dresses in a garment bag. Placing them in a garment bag will keep them from getting balled up in your suitcase so if you need them when you arrive you likely won’t need access to an iron.

Large Ziplock Bags

Having a few large ziplock bags on hand when you’re traveling can prove invaluable! If you take a dip in the hotel pool before your flight, you won’t want to be searching for a plastic bag. Grab a ziplock and toss your suit in there to keep your other clothes from getting damp. Ziplocks are also great for dirty laundry, leaky toiletries, and anything else you need to keep separate from your other belongings.

Compression Bags

If you’re trying to stick to a carry-on, compression bags are your best friend! Compression bags enable you to fit several outfits into one bag, and essentially vacuum-sealed to maximize your space. If you’re traveling for a longer duration and need several more outfits, using compression bags will make all the difference. 

Minimize Footwear

Try to cut back on the pairs of shoes you’ll be bringing. We recommend one versatile pair of dress shoes if you need to wear formal wear, and a comfortable pair of shoes to walk in during your free time. If you need to bring a pair of boots, try to wear them on the plane to save space!

Laptop Bag

A stylish laptop bag makes a lot of sense for business travel. While laptop backpacks are super comfortable and easy to travel with, they aren’t always the most professional for some industries. There are loads of options out there and we recommend you find one that fits you and the industry you work in. We recommend this SOLO bag which has tuckaway straps which turn it into a backpack making it easy to travel with. There are also a few compartments where you can store any loose cords, pens, etc.

Organization is key for a business trip, and following these simple tips will make all the difference on your next trip, big or small!

Millenials. Not since the BabyBoom generation has an age bracket so clearly disrupted consumer norms. They are connected, independent, and seemingly borderless. By 2020, they will account for over 50% of the workforce and they are bringing demands with them that extend to travel management.

As these demands are realized, those in the travel sector are racing to meet their unique needs and interests, and in recognition of the following points:

They are truly digital citizens.

As of 2016, over 40% of Millenials are using the smartphones to make travel-related purchases, while 96% are using their smartphones while in destinations. Compare this to 12% and 64% respectively for those over 45.

They also use 3rd party apps to inform, book, and manage their travel needs, at home and abroad.

While addressing the Indian market, Matthew Powell, a Managing Director at Travelport, says “The demand we’re seeing today from this age group for omni-channel support throughout their travel experience, whether it’s for business or leisure, is remarkable. This presents a significant opportunity for travel management companies, as well as other businesses that support corporate travel booking, especially as the travel agent sector globally is behind where it really should be when it comes to digital support.”

They are traveling. A lot.

Although seemingly new to the workforce Millenials are already traveling 2.5x more than peers over the age of 35, and according to a survey published by Expedia they are traveling once ever 2 months, vs. once every 6 months for their older colleagues. The same report also states they are 62% more likely to add a pre or post extension on their work trips and will use points programs to facilitate these perks.

They share their opinions.

TripAdvisor is an important tool for any traveling millennial, with 80% citing using it as a resource. Interestingly, 25% have confirmed leaving a negative review online. Other resources like Yelp, as well as review sections on booking sites, are all well leveraged by this generation. Arguably, these niche social networks have forced companies to improve their service more than any other driver in the past decade.

Look out, they’ll spend the Company Dime.

37% of millennials claim to have no problem in spending more on a business trip than on leisure travel. Compare that to 21% for those over 46 years of age and you’ll see an age bracket with expensive taste and a desire to push budgetary boundaries.

Companies are now turning to travel management companies with expense trackers in their offering to help manage this trend, without upsetting the staff.

Without question, Millenials have shifted the way we operate at Worldgo. We now see our journey to be industry leaders in technology and service as both evolutionary and continual. Millenials have made us smarter, faster, and more committed.

Best Podcasts for Business Travelers

Finding good entertainment to take the edge off of travelling is essential. Having a good book, a movie or something to listen to makes all the difference while trying to drown out airplane noise, or waiting for your connection. We’ve scoured the podcast world in search of the best, and have a few for you to check out on your next business trip!

Freakonomics

This podcast has been running for eight years and has no shortage of inspiring thought-invoking, political, educational, entertaining content. Hosted by the co-author of the famed Freakonomics books, Stephen J. Dunbar, you’ll learn about a load of things you didn’t know about, as well as exciting interviews with CEOs, intellectuals, Nobel laureates, and other fascinating people!

Head over to Spotify to listen and download episodes!

The Introvert Entrepreneur

Named one of the “Top 25 Business Podcasts for Entrepreneurs” by Entrepreneur.com in 2014, this podcast is an incredible resource for entrepreneurs. You’ll listen to conversations about being an entrepreneur, self-promotion, productivity, uncertainty & doubt, leadership, relationships, personal growth, and so much more. If you’re a new entrepreneur, or deep into your business and looking for a way to grow or change, we highly recommend checking out this podcast.

Find it on iTunes today.

The Eventual Millionaire

Lead by business coach, Jamie Masters, this podcast talks to successful millionaire entrepreneurs to discuss their speedbumps, failures, tips, and business stories. The stories are inspiring, relatable, and informative. From how to raise capital, building successful daily habits, to how to find your edge, each episode is a goldmine!

Check it out on iTunes or Spotify.

Girlboss Radio

Hosted by the founder of Nasty Gal and Girlboss Media, Sophia Amoruso, this is a must-listen for women who are looking for serious inspiration! The interviews are with super interesting women who are pushing boundaries in business. The conversations are honest, vulnerable, and in a lot of cases, quite funny. Expect interviews with women such as Katie Couric, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rupi Kaur, Gwyneth Paltrow, and others!

Check it out on Spotify or iTunes!

Startups

This podcast is dedicated to how startups got off the ground and provides a wealth of information for anyone in the startup space. The host, Alex Blumberg, is an incredible storyteller and makes these stories so enjoyable to listen. It has an average 5-star rating, which speaks for itself, but listen to a few episodes, and you’ll be hooked!

Find it here on iTunes.