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Travel Moments – Worldgo and Amadeus have you covered!

Have you ever been checking in at the airport when you find out that there are only middle seats left on your 4 ½ hour flight to Toronto?  Or have you wanted to purchase food onboard your flight when you realize your credit card is in your carry-on, safely stowed eight rows behind you?

We’ve all been there. I’m Leanne Gasiorowski, a Business Development Manager at Amadeus, based in Vancouver, Canada. As a travel industry employee, as well as an experienced business and leisure traveller for many years, I know how important it is to be well prepared for any trip. I am the resident travel agent in my family who not only finds the best fares and makes all travel arrangements; I also pre-book extra legroom seats, pre-pay for extra luggage, and pre-pay for meals on our flights.  This is on top of packing everyone’s suitcases and taking care of all of our travel documents! My husband and daughter literally just show up at the airport with their passports and away we go!  It’s all worth it because I am creating memories for my family that they will never forget.

While Amadeus cannot pack your luggage, or predict every travel moment that may happen, it can provide the technology travel companies, like Worldgo Travel Management, need to efficiently book personalized travel based on their client’s specific needs.

Amadeus is a global technology company that keeps the travel sector moving. Our technology connects providers’ (airlines, hotels, cars and cruise lines) content with travel agencies in real time.  We have been a strong partner of Worldgo Travel Management for many years and are excited to grow together with them.

What advantages does this partnership give Worldgo? Here are just a few “travel moments” that show the benefits for a customer when Worldgo is powered by Amadeus!

Travel moment #1:

Your boss just advised that he needs to join an urgent business meeting in Toronto in two days and you do not know where to begin!

Amadeus has content agreements with most Canadian airlines including Air Canada, WestJet Airlines, Porter Airlines, Air Transat, and more.  What this means for you is your Worldgo agent can access all fares offered by these airlines, with real-time availability. Perhaps your boss needs a hotel and car rental while in Toronto? Have no fear! With over 300 + hotels and all major car rental companies available in the Amadeus platform, your Worldgo agent has all of the content you want – right at their fingertips!    

In addition, Amadeus was recently selected to power Air Canada’s passenger services system. Our shared airline and agency platform means that agents using Amadeus are always in sync with shared PNRs, schedules, availability, and automatic frequent flyer validation. Amadeus is working to seamlessly integrate Air Canada Corporate Rewards directly into the platform as well. Together, this sets Amadeus agencies, such as Worldgo Travel Management, apart from others in the industry.  

Travel Moment #2:

You have been searching the internet all day looking for the best fare and schedule for your next business trip.  You found a great flight, but you are not sure it’s the lowest fare and fear hidden costs.  

No need to waste your time searching the internet again. Worldgo can take care of that for you by using Amadeus All Fares Plus!  This technology allows your Worldgo agent to offer up to 250 recommendations using advanced search and filter criteria, including one-way combinable fares, preferred airlines, and a defined radius around a city or airport.  It delivers customized, relevant options, based on your travel preferences and will even beat an existing ticket to find the lowest fare available for you.  How many travel agencies do you know that can confidently offer the lowest fare with the best route every time you book?

Travel Moment #3:

Following your business trip to California, your family will join you for a well-deserved holiday. You need to book air, hotel and car rental and also want to make sure that your family is sitting together on the plane.

Did you know Worldgo can also assist with your leisure travel needs?  Your Worldgo agent has access to book all of your leisure and business needs via our web-based Amadeus Selling Platform Connect.  They can provide complete, end-to-end travel arrangements for you, including selecting the airline ancillary services or fare families you value most within a single seamless workflow.  This means your Worldgo agent can book your premium seat, prepaid baggage, meals and more when booking your airline ticket.  Amadeus also provides access to 300+ hotel chains, 36+ car rental companies, and 24+ cruise lines, as well as 20+ suppliers offering travel packages.  

So you can book all of your travel needs in one stop with Worldgo Travel Management.  Did I forget to mention that Amadeus technology allows your agent to save all of your travel preferences too?  There is no need to repeat your travel specifications every time you book because they are saved in your unique traveler profile.

Travel Moment #4:

Your business trip to Calgary has been rescheduled for next month…What do you do now since you already have a ticket booked for the original dates?

Making a date or flight change or even getting a refund has never been easier thanks to the Amadeus Ticket Changer suite.  These products automate the voluntary and involuntary exchange and refund processes according to airline filed fares and rules. Your Worldgo agent can change your ticket or, if need be, refund your ticket in less than a minute! Now that is stress-free!

There will always be travel moments.  I am currently planning a family reunion trip for more than 20 people to Mexico next year.  I have family flying in from Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, all with their own preferences, needs and wants for this holiday.  As I am putting the details together for everyone, I see that somewhere in the planning process, we all experience our own personal “travel moments”.  No matter what they might be, feel secure in knowing that if you have Amadeus technology and experienced, qualified Worldgo agents behind you they will remain just that – travel moments – followed by a smooth travel experience!

About Amadeus

Amadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies).

The Amadeus group employs around 15,000 people worldwide and does business in more than 190 countries. The company has central sites in Spain (corporate headquarters), France (development) and Germany (operations), and offices in 70 countries around the world.

This year marks 30 years since Amadeus was founded. Throughout 2017, the company will be celebrating 30 years of collaboration with customers, 30 years of technological innovation and 30 years of helping power better journeys for travelers all over the world.

To find out more about Amadeus please visit www.amadeus.com, and https://amadeus.com/en/insights/blog for more on the travel industry.

How to spend 24 hours in Los Angeles

Los Angeles – one of the most diverse and eclectic cities in the world. Not only is LA a bustling metropolis, it’s home to some of the best productions in music and film, accomplished artists, and is a major draw for both business and leisure travelers alike. In 2016 alone, LA hosted 47.3 million travelers, which is no surprise to those of us who’ve visited. If you’re planning an upcoming business trip, try to carve out an additional 24 hours in Los Angeles.

Not sure what to do with the time? Worldgo has you covered.

Morning

If you don’t want to waste any time, make sure to get up early and make your way to Venice Beach. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, or rent a bike and enjoy a ride along the beach. This is the perfect way to start a day exploring L.A., with real California vibes.

Stop off at Gjelina for a tasty breakfast, and a cozy place to grab your first meal of the day. The restaurant is well known as a local hotspot, and they offer some of the most delicious combinations. Try the Lemon Buckwheat Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberries. Yum!

Photo credit: Gjelina

After filling up on a fantastic breakfast, make your way to LACMA (or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art). The museum houses some of the most brilliant works of art spanning from Salvador Dali to Frida Kahlo to Chagall. Expect to spend the rest of the morning here, it’s a world of its own!

Photo Credit: Ruben Gutierrez

Afternoon

After strolling around LACMA, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Make your way over to the Santa Monica Pier for more incredible views, great food, and relaxed vibes. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to catch free concerts, farmers markets, and other events. Take a walk along the golden sands, stopping off to fuel up at The Albright. Here you’ll taste sustainably caught seafood, fresh ingredients, and a stunning backdrop of the ocean. The atmosphere is friendly and social, and if you’re eating alone, the communal tables are a great spot to meet other travelers.

Photo credit: The Albright

After a tasty lunch, make your way to Marina Del Ray for an exciting adventure – Parasailing! You’re in California, and it is likely mandatory that you partake in a water sport! This will be an afternoon you’ll never forget because views like this can only be found in Los Angeles!

Evening

Your thrill-seeking ways will likely leave you feeling a surge of adrenaline, so it’s time to head to Hollywood for great food and great nightlife. After you freshen up at your hotel, jump into a taxi, and make your way to Nobu for some star-spotting and great food. Make sure to try the Truffle Teriyaki Beef, Green Tea Noodles, and a mouthwatering dessert. If you’re planning ahead, make a reservation. You won’t regret it!

Photo Credit: Nobu

After indulging your taste buds, stop off at the legendary Sky Bar for impeccable cocktails and one of the most breathtaking views of L.A. in the city. Try out one of their classic combinations like the Great Expectations or the Estella. Located on Sunset Blvd., you’re within walking distance or a quick taxi ride from some of the other top bars and clubs in Los Angeles. Take the rest of the night to relax, enjoy a drink or two, chat with locals, and enjoy the happening nightlife of L.A.

It’s amazing what you can accomplish with 24 hours in Los Angeles! Even if you don’t have the opportunity to enjoy all of these activities, try to choose a few that will make your time in LA stand-out. We have no doubt you’ll have noted a few ideas of places you’d like to return or to take clients, friends or family.

If your organization is traveling to the Golden State and would like help to make the process more efficient, or even how to spend an extra 24 hours in Los Angeles, drop us a note today.

Sunrise to Sunset in The Big Easy – How to Spend 24 Hours in New Orleans

Since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, the city rapidly rebuilt and re-identified itself as a bustling business center and exciting tourist destination. If your next business trip takes you to this multifarious city, give yourself an extra day to explore and take in the warmth of The Big Easy. Don’t know what to do when you’re there? No worries, we’ve got a few ideas for how to spend 24 hours in New Orleans:

Rise and Shine: (9 AM)

After a good night’s sleep, head over to Bywater, a hip neighborhood with colorful murals and a chill, bohemian vibe. Grab a bite at Elizabeth’s Restaurant, known for their praline bacon, breakfast po’boys and fried green tomatoes with poached eggs and hollandaise. Take some time after breakfast to explore the neighborhood on foot.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth’s Restaurant

Afternoon Delight: (1PM)

After a morning of exploration, head over to the French Quarter for a walk through history. With streets lined with ornate buildings, galleries, boutiques, voodoo shops and antique stores, you’re sure to find a unique treasure to bring home. The French Quarter has seemingly endless hidden passageways and streets for you to explore, but make sure to check out the infamous Bourbon Street, as well as Royal Street. After walking up an appetite, make your way to Johnny’s for a classic fried shrimp Po-Boy. The no-frills spot has been serving up Po-Boys since 1950 to locals and visiting diners alike.

Photo credit: Victoria Heath on Unsplash

Explore the Supernatural (6PM)

New Orleans is well known for its stories. The French Quarter has inspired many a writer with tales of voodoo, vampires, and ghosts. After filling up on a Po-Boy, what better way to walk it off than on a Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Tour. After a 2-hour tour of hauntings and spooky stories, stop off at your hotel and wash up, because you’re taking yourself out for a fine meal and jazz!

Photo credit: Victoria Heath on Unsplash

Discover the Birthplace of Jazz (9PM)

Tonight, treat yourself with a delicious meal at Angeline (now permanently closed), well known for their take on Southern cuisine. Fill up and get ready for a great night out at one of the many jazz clubs in New Orleans. Head on over to Frenchmen Street and take your pick, though we recommend The Spotted Cat for great live music. The “Birthplace of Jazz” does not disappoint, and you’ll likely wear out the soles of your shoes tonight!

Photo Credit: T. Tseng

After a whirlwind 24 hours in New Orleans, you’ll find yourself with a dozen reasons to return. It’s a perfect place to connect with clients, enjoy amazing food and discover the flavour of life! Take our word for it and make sure to check out some of these great spots next time you only have 24 hours in New Orleans!

If a business trip to New Orleans is in your plans give us a call, and we’ll show you how we can help make it a success. Contact us, today.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Chicago

We’ve all been there – we’ve scheduled a business meeting in an amazing city but have little time to get out and see anything. When visiting a city like Chicago, it’s a shame to miss any of it, but with limited time, where are the actual “must-see” places, and “must-do” activities? It just takes a little planning, but we’re here to help add a little pleasure to your business. Here’s Worldgo’s guide for how to spend 24 hours in Chicago – the Windy City:

Photo Credit: Justin Eisner

Here you are, you’ve booked yourself in for a morning meeting, so you have the rest of the day ahead of you. Energize yourself with a tasty lunch at La Palma, a Puerto Rican restaurant in Humboldt Park. The food is homemade, fresh, and gives you a real taste of Puerto Rico. After a bite, take in the beauty of Humboldt Park.

Photo Credit: La Palma Restaurant

From there, take a stroll on the 606 – a 2.7 mile stretch of abandoned, elevated railway track. The 606 runs through Bucktown, Wicker Park, Humboldt Park and Logan Square. The full track should take a little over an hour to walk, but there are several access points you can use to descend.

Make your way by taxi or Uber to Millennium Park where you can snap some photos of the city reflected in the “Bean”. Enjoy other art installations throughout the park, or head over to the Art Institute of Chicago if you’re keen. The Art Institute houses brilliant artworks from famous artists including Picasso, Pollock, Monet, Warhol and more!

Photo Credit: Sawyer Bengston

At this point, you’re likely working up an appetite, so you’ll definitely want to test some of that Chicago Deep Dish pizza everyone talks about. What better place to go when you only have 24 hours in Chicago than Lou Malneti’s? There are a couple of dine-in locations near Millennium Park. We recommend the Deep Dish Malneti Chicago Classic. It doesn’t get more Chicago than that!

After filling up on pizza, it’s absolutely worth taking an Architectural Boat Tour. This gives you major insight to the history of Chicago, interesting facts about the city, and while touristy, it definitely highlights the beauty of this incredible city.

Photo Credit: Lou Malneti’s

As you step off the boat, you’ll want to grab an Uber to Chicago’s West Loop. It’s not too far, but it’s a hip area where you’ll find great late-night eats and drinks, completely worth the short trip. Head over to Green Street, where you’ll find the Soho House, a home away from home for members working in creative fields. The building is a historic landmark in Chicago, an old industrial warehouse converted into a hotel/house and restaurants. To the right of the main entrance you’ll find The Allis, a great little spot to have a few cocktails, wine or craft beer. The Soho Mule is an absolute must!

Photo Credit: The Allis

Post-drinks and after you’ve settled from the pizza, you’ll find a great selection of spots to grab a bite within walking distance. Directly across the street from Soho House, you can find High Five Ramen, a tiny, hole-in-the-wall, blink-and-you’ll miss it, spot on Green Street. They’re open until midnight most nights, but serve amazing ramen, made to order, right in front of you.

Chicago is a bustling, exciting city with options for personalities of all types. It is jam-packed with history, culture, art, music and architecture, so regardless of the time of year you go, you’ll find yourself with the tough decision of what to do. Take our word for it and check out some of these great spots next time you only have 24 hours in Chicago! If a business trip to Chicago is in your plans give us a call, and we’ll show you how we can help make it a success. Contact us, today.

Virtual Payments. Reducing Risk and Increasing Efficiency

In the early 1920’s and long before virtual payments, oil companies and department stores issued personalized metal placards embossed with the names and account numbers of their customers. These ‘charga-plates’ were processed and managed through the Flatbush National Bank in Brooklyn and went on to become the world’s first credit cards, setting in motion a new trend in convenient payment methods.

By the year 2000, credit card payments had eclipsed $12 trillion in transactional value in the USA alone and were becoming rapidly overexposed to issues regarding misuse, fraud, and compliance. With this amount of easily accessible risk, innovative organizations are now turning to virtual payments as a viable solution to traditional multi-use payments methods. Multi-use cards allow criminals and opportunistic employees to use one number to purchase many things. Virtual payments solve this security issue by requiring a one-time number per specific transactional event.

Virtual Payments are ideal for business managers, travel consultants and corporate travel managers seeking both protection against fraud, and assurance that a travel purchase has been approved. There is no port-trip reconciliation required, which saves accounting time and reduces human error.

The highlights of Virtual Payments include:

• Account Numbers that are generated instantly to pay for a specific transaction
• Controls can be placed on the card such as credit limit, effective dates, and merchant category codes
• Merchants cannot run the card for more than the intended amount
  
• Virtual cards offer a simplified, expedited and more secure purchase process
• Virtual Cards are no different than “walking plastic”
  
• Reporting and reconciliation is made easier
  

As big believers in transparency, automation, and best practices, Worldgo Travel is proud to offer our clients Virtual Payment processing. Eric Sakawsky, CEO of Worldgo Travel says ‘We use WEX as our virtual payment processor. They’re an industry leader in this space, and process upwards of $44B in annual payments, and their technology works seamlessly with ours.’

Making sound operational decisions is important to any size business, this includes owning greater control over your risk. Let’s chat about how we can include Virtual payment into your business goals and help you sleep at little easier.

Top Restaurants to take clients to in San Fransisco – Worldgo Travel Managemen

With more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States, San Francisco has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a spot with a striking view, impressive menu, or to meet a specific diet, there’s absolutely an option. But where are the best restaurants in San Francisco to bring clients for lunch? We’re here to help!

We’ve hand picked a few hip places that are sure to impress!

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in San Francisco #5 – Perbacco

A sleek, contemporary spot with traditional roots, Perbacco is a great option for an Italian lunch with clients. The food has topped “Best of” lists regularly and offers seasonal flavors, house-made prosciutto, and salumi, among other favorites. Perbacco’s lunch menu boasts a variety of appetizers, robust main courses, or delicious tapas style dishes.

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in San Francisco #4 – Leo’s Oyster Bar

Leo’s is a fun spot with bright, colorful decor, and well-reviewed cuisine. Diners can indulge in the cocktail bar with vintage champagne and cold, raw bites, the baked or fried hot oysters, or choose from the selection of soups, salads, small or large plates. Leo’s is a fun, relaxed, local favorite restaurant in San Francisco, and a great spot for the right client!

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in San Francisco #3- Gracias Madre

Where do you take the clients that have a specific diet? The vegetarian clients? Gracias Madre is a plant-based Mexican Cuisine spot dedicated to clean eating and traditional Mexican flavors. Pleasing even to meat-eaters, choose from hearty bowls, tasty salads, a la carta tacos, tostadas, tortas and more! The menu is based off of what comes out of their Organic farm, so be ready for seasonal, fresh, farm-grown comida!

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in San Francisco #2 – PABU

An Izakaya Style Japanese Restaurant, PABU delivers on flavor, presentation, and modern takes on traditional dishes. Known for award winning sushi, sashimi, small plates, grilled items and premium sakes, PABU is one of the best restaurants in San Francisco to dine with clients in a modern, tasteful setting.

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in San Francisco #1 – Greens Restaurant

Greens is one of the most celebrated vegetarian restaurants in the world. Since 1979, it has continuously ranked highly in the charts of food, wine and design reviews and been part of the Top 100 Bay Area restaurants. The stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge can be marvelled at through the floor to ceiling windows, and the fresh, meatless cuisine can be enjoyed in the airy setting. Greens is sure to impress your vegetarian clients!

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurant in San Francisco (Honourable Mention) – Mourad

Mourad masterfully honors traditional Moroccan flavors using local and artisanal ingredients. With hearty favorites like couscous, lamb and slow-cooked short rib, light dishes are also available for smaller appetites. Meeting in a bright, modern space, combined with the rich flavors of the food, your clients are sure to feel inspired!

We hope you enjoy our choices for best restaurants in San Francisco. These are great places to build rapport with new clients, and to build on your client relationships with existing clients! Choose the restaurant that best suits your business’ style, as well as your client’s diet. It will show your appreciation of their business, and your attention to details. Buen Provecho!

If you are looking at a business trip to San Francisco, contact us and let’s make it a success together!

New York City is a culinary mecca and the perfect place to make a lasting impression on your client. Choosing the best restaurants in New York can be overwhelming, you want an experience that reflects your taste, stays on budget, and creates a lasting connection. Not an easy task if you aren’t from the Big Apple, and with so many options, and new and exciting spots popping up, who knows where to start? We do!

We’ve selected a handful of our favourite places that are sure to hit the spot.

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in New York #5

Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine

Sophie’s is a great spot to get authentic Cuban cuisine, fit for all appetites. It’s a casual, deli-style restaurant, so it great for the clients who are not interested in fine-dining, or white table service. It’s perfect to make your clients feel comfortable, have a conversation and enjoy delicious empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, or traditional entrees. There are several locations throughout the city which you can find here.

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in New York #4

Momofuku Noodle Bar

David Chang’s Momofuku has been making waves in the food scene since the launch of Momofuku Noodle Bar in 2004. With a great selection of small plates, snacks, ramen bowls, and buns, your clients will be blown away with the exquisite flavours and lively environment. The Momofuku restaurants have been regarded as some of the best restaurants in New York City. The Noodle Bar is open for lunch between 12 PM – 4:30 PM on a walk-in basis only.

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in New York #3

Gramercy Tavern

Gramercy is perfect for a few reasons. The location is super accessible; it offers a walk-in Tavern with a la carte dining and a more casual environment, as well as the Dining Room for a more sophisticated option. The food is delicious, the service is impeccable, and you’ll really impress your clients with this choice. Gramercy is a non-tipping restaurant as well, so the slightly higher menu prices will reflect included hospitality.

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in New York #2

Joseph Leonard

Nestled into a cozy corner of the West Village is Joseph Leonard. The small, cozy spot has eye-catching decor and a real “Grandma’s house” kind of feel. Top that off with great food served on vintage style dishes, your clients will be sure to feel relaxed after a lunch here. Make sure to enjoy one of their great cocktails, like the Grandma’s Thirsty – complete with gin, elderflower, lemon, sweet vermouth, and club soda. Delicious!

Worldgo’s picks for Best Restaurants in New York #1

Del Posto

In trendy Chelsea, is Italian fine-dining favorite, Del Posto. It runs on the high-end side and the Prix Fixe Lunch menu runs around $49 USD per person for a three course meal. The food is fresh, traditional flavors with a modern twist. The sophisticated setting will be a real treat for your clients and a delight for new clients you want to bring on!

Whether you’re looking for a casual setting or something on the fancier side, we hope you get to try a few of our recommendations for the best restaurants in New York. Getting to know your clients and soon-to-be clients over a great meal is a perfect way to build lasting partnerships. Most importantly, enjoy yourselves & bon appetit!

Air Canada Corporate Rewards

It’s no secret that I love Air Canada. They’ve come a long way from the dark days of poor service, old aircrafts and the high fares that was happening 10 years ago. These days I find them competitively priced, flying plenty of direct routes to many major hubs, and offering a quality of service that is much better than any other North American airline. Oh and lots of nice new aircrafts too! On top of this, they have a great frequent flyer program aptly called Air Canada Corporate Rewards (I’m saving my points for Hawaii!). The inclusive Maple Leaf Lounges are a welcomed oasis to relax and get space to get some work done while waiting for your flight. I’m always confident when recommending my clients to Air Canada.

One of the first travel solutions I always discuss with new clients is Air Canada Corporate Rewards (ACCR). It’s an easy way to access near-instant benefits, with no effort on our clients’ part. ACCR is a FREE program that offers perks to businesses and their travellers for travel booked with Air Canada and other Star Alliance airline partners. Depending on the spend threshold your company reaches, you could be eligible for discounted airfares, free seat selection, eUpgrade credits to use to upgrade to business class, Maple Leaf Lounge passes, meal vouchers and much more. All for booking travel on the same Air Canada flights you were already booking.

Many Canadian business travellers already prefer to fly with Air Canada because of their robust frequent flyer program (Aeroplan), good direct flight options, and their many connections within Canada and around the world. ACCR enhances their experience by giving them access to more perks while allowing them to collect miles and status as they already had been before. It’s also a great way to introduce new travellers to Air Canada and their frequent flyer program, and get them earning rewards and enjoying perks much sooner!

Air Canada Corporate Rewards is best suited to companies that travel frequently using Air Canada and their partner airlines. The company must be based in North America. There’s no minimum spend to qualify, but I recommend it for companies that spend at least $20,000 per year as that is the threshold at which discounts and other rewards kick in.

TOP 3 BENEFITS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
• Savings of up to 5% off airfares in flex class or higher
• Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge memberships to reward employees or for executive use
• Air Canada’s reporting which complement’s those provided by your travel Manager

TOP 3 BENEFITS FOR YOUR TRAVELERS
• Earn Aeroplan miles and Altitude status by flying Air Canada & partners
• Receive discounted or free preferred seat selection, for better seats
• Receive eUpgrade credits for additional ways to upgrade to business class

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Your Worldgo Travel Manager can easily enroll your company so there is no extra work to be done on your part. To reach out to us today, click here to get started.

Your trusted Travel Manager,
Jessica Bentley

Effective September 30, Canadian citizens with dual citizenships holders will only be allowed to fly into the country if they have a valid Canadian passport. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada spokesperson Lindsay Wemp said that is the only acceptable travel document for the purpose of air travel.

“What is changing is that the Government of Canada is implementing a new electronic system to assist airlines in verifying that all travellers have the appropriate documents to travel to or transit through Canada by air,” she said.

“Air carriers are obligated by law to confirm that all persons seeking to travel to Canada carry both proofs of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid Canadian passport satisfies these requirements for Canadian citizens, and is the only acceptable travel document for the purpose of air travel.”

Presently, Canadian citizens with dual citizenships can use the passport of the other country to enter Canada by air if they can provide proofs of residency in Canada, such as a driver’s license and Canadian citizenship card.

Last year Ottawa introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) an entry requirement for all visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada. US citizens are exempt.

However, starting September 30 dual citizens may no longer use the passport of the other country to return to Canada.

A handout has been distributed at airports of entry, along with a media and social-media blitz via Canadian overseas missions since March of this year.

Global Affairs Canada officials have also notified registered Canadian citizens abroad of the upcoming change by email by email and through their websites.by email and through their websites.

My name is Karen Smythe and I am a Travel Manager with Worldgo Travel Management.  When anyone finds out what I do for a living, the first question they ask is “Can you get me a deal on travel?” and I always answer with an enthusiastic “YES!”

There are many ways to get upgrades, bonuses and freebies that many travellers don’t know about. Do you want to kick back and relax in a business class pod for the price of a discounted economy ticket? I can’t think of a better deal than that! The fastest way to get there is through an airline loyalty program.
The first program you should sign up for is Aeroplan. Aeroplan is a Star Alliance loyalty program. Star Alliance has the highest number of member airlines in the world. What does this mean for you? More flight options, more destinations and more ways to earn points. Not only can you collect points on air travel, but as a member you can also collect on various hotel brands, car rental companies, credit card programs and other retailers.

It’s free to join and with so many places to earn points what are you waiting for! Click here to sign up:http://www4.aeroplan.com/enroll.do we’ll wait … are you signed up? Good! Now that you have all these points, how do you best utilize them? Travellers are constantly complaining to me about flight availability (or lack thereof) when booking with points, especially on popular routes and last minute bookings. If anyone understands your availability struggle, it’s me. I am constantly hitting the availability roadblock. The worst is during peak season; which is when everyone wants to use their points!

My First Tip: Book early! I know it’s not always possible and you’re probably sick of hearing it, so…

My Second Tip: Use your points to offset your overall travel costs.

There are many ways to use your points to help you save money on your trip. If your flight is not available with Aeroplan, purchase a travel gift card to offset the cost of your flights.  Buy a lounge pass, so you’re not stuck waiting in a crowded, noisy terminal. Offset your business expenses with free airport parking. Get an AMEX gift card for extra spending money. Departing early in the morning? Get a Fairmont gift card and spend the night before your flight at the Fairmont YVR airport.  The possibilities are endless!

My Golden Tip: Use your Aeroplan points to upgrade FOR FREE to premium economy, business class or even first class on any Star Alliance airline!  If you want to find out how, call or email me before you book!
Stay tuned for my next post coming soon.

Your Trusted Travel Manager,
Karen Smythe

It’s mid-July and you finally hear back from the elusive prospect that has been giving you the slip for the past 6 months. He’s ready to hear your pitch, but can only meet you at his New York office on July 31st. This account could make or break your sales year, so you confirm immediately and get your assistant to book your flights.

It’s mid-summer, peak season, and a long weekend to top it off. Needless to say, the flights are packed. Your assistant informs you that she was able to snap up one of the last seats on the Delta redeye but warily advises you that all of the aisle seats have been taken. The only available seat was at the back of the bus, in 42B. A middle seat at that… Your assistant tries to reassure you that she booked with Worldgo, so the automated “Best Seat Search” will keep looking to get you a better seat up until your departure. You’re reluctant, but you don’t have much of a choice if you want this account, so you confirm the flights.

A week later, on this very same packed flight, there is a family of ten going on their summer vacation. They planned it months in advance and snagged the ten best free seats, right at the front of the plane.  Unfortunately for them, little Bobby has come down with the flu and it’s spreading like wildfire through the family.  They have no choice but to cancel their trip! Don’t worry; they bought a Manulife All-Inclusive travel policy and will get a full refund for their flights. Now that they’ve cancelled, those ten seats at the front of the plane are up for grabs, and it’s a free-for-all!   Anyone who has already booked has no idea those seats are available. Lucky for you, the Worldgo Best Seat Search tool is always checking, it doesn’t sleep, it doesn’t take breaks, and it immediately grabs one of the available seats at the front of the plane as soon as it becomes available.

You wake up on the morning of your flight, nervous for your pitch meeting, and dreading the long day ahead of you. Not helping is the daunting fact that you are going to be squished in seat 42B, and the chance of catching a few Zs before your meeting is slim.

While drinking your morning coffee, you get a surprising email from your friendly Worldgo Travel Manager advising you that you have a new seat!  2A, front of the plane, and an aisle! A wave of relief rushes over you. Not only will you have room to stretch out, but thanks to Worldgo’s Best Seat Search tool you will arrive well-rested and ready to rock your presentation!

You arrive back in your office on Monday morning, signed contract in hand. Your assistant is smiling confidently. She knew all along that you have a team of experts working behind the scenes to take care of all your corporate travel needs, no matter what may arise.

Hectic airports, long flights, dry pressurized cabins, and late night business engagements can leave the executive traveller drained before they even step into the boardroom.  When you’re on the road, staying healthy through exercise and diet should be just as important as your meetings.  Not only is the physical activity and nutritious food good for your body but it also reduces symptoms of jetlag and fatigue helping you to stay on top of your game.

#1 – DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!

With humidity on planes reaching levels lower than that of the Sahara desert, preventing dehydration, especially on long-haul flights is key.  Stay hydrated by bringing a big bottle of still water on board (make sure to purchase once your past security), keep alcohol and sugar consumption to a minimum and consider boosting your hydration with an electrolyte mixture.  Once you’re off the plane keep up the water consumption to reduce jetlag.  Hydration is without a doubt the most important component of staying healthy when you travel so drink up!

#2 – Make a Workout Plan

Not only does exercise assist in the transmission of information from one half of your brain to the other, but it is also a contributing factor to more restful sleeps.  When you’re on the road make a workout agenda to help you stay sharp and well rested.  Start by checking if your hotel has gym facilities.  If it doesn’t, do a little research online to see if there’s a gym near where you’re staying or map out a jogging or walking route.  Even if you don’t have hours of free time, 15-30 minutes is better than 0 minutes, so make it a priority to get some exercise in.

#3 – You are What You Eat

Healthy eating is all about balance especially when you’re on the road.  Have a slice of that deep dish New York pizza loaded with gooey melted cheese and salami, but be sure to mix those indulgent meals with healthier ones as well.  Try and keep two meals a day healthy and one not as healthy and remember to keep an eye on portions.  A healthy sized portion of lean meat should be about the same size as a deck of playing cards, while a serving of cereal or grains should be the size of your closed fist.   Being conscious about how much you’re eating can be just as important as what you’re eating.

#4 – Sleep

According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, short term effects of insufficient sleep can range from impaired judgement to inability to learn and retain new information, both of which are valuable attributes to have in a business setting.  If you battle to get a good night’s sleep during travel or from jetlag when you’re at your destination, consider speaking with your healthcare professional about sleeping tablets prior to take off.  Make some time to exercise before your flight and once you’re on the ground but remember to get your workout in at least 3 hours before hitting the hay.  As lower body temperature triggers sleep, exercising too close to bedtime can have the reverse effect, keeping you up for hours into the night.

#5 – Book a Spa Treatment

A relaxing treatment may be just what the body and mind need to prepare for a big work day.  Book in at the hotel spa or find a reputable one close by and indulge in a little pampering.  Whether it is a quick manicure or soothing deep tissue massage, taking an hour or two out for yourself can be exactly what’s needed to get the job done.