Business Travel Insights

Small Meetings are the Future of Business Travel If you're anything like me, you do your best to plan each week and balance the number of meetings you attend with the amount of time required to accomplish your objectives. The battle between uninterrupted focus and the string of meeting requests is real. Before I go to bed each night, I check my phone to determine what time I need to wake up based on my meetings. A few weeks ago, I had a chance to get off Zoom meetings and into a conference room for a couple of days. Our HRS Group US leadership team came together to meet and discuss how we better collaborate and align our respective teams. Led by best-selling author and our executive coach Kian Gohar, we focused on how to drive innovation into all aspects of our work. This small meeting was tightly run with an agenda prepared in advance and a strict adherence to listening to each other. Away from distractions and focused on problem-solving, our small meeting was a success. When I speak with customers, I hear the same thing over and over again. Small meetings are the future of business travel! Business travel is no longer all about meeting with customers and prospects, rather it's about meeting with your teams! Did you know that GBTA | Global Business Travel Association's latest 2023 Travel Index survey revealed that now less than 60% of a corporations' travel spend is on traditional business travel (transient)? The rest? 5% is long-stay, 5% is workforce and nearly 30% is meetings! Of the total meetings, nearly 70% is unmanaged! Why? The answer is simple. Most travel programs, service providers and technology can't handle booking small meetings well. This problem is amplified by shrinking office footprints around the country and geographically dispersed employees. These teams need to come together and meet and discuss and challenge each other and use white boards and post-it notes and most importantly build relationships and teamwork. If you find yourself meeting with colleagues from around the world, all calling the hotel directly, signing contracts for meeting space via Docusign, emailing information on AV costs and approving lunch menus via PDFs...then take a look at HRS Stay, Work & Pay instead. We're building really special technology that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world. The interest we're hearing from customers is off the chart! If you'd like to know more about how our platform is making it easier to book small meeting spaces and reserve blocks of hotel rooms for you and your colleagues, let me know. Look for announcements soon on the companies we're working with to debut this globally!

In my article, "Key Insights from SAP Concur’s Global Business Travel Survey: Navigating the Future of Corporate Travel," I explore the key trends shaping the future of business travel. One of the most exciting insights from the SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey is the growing role of AI in transforming travel management. AI helps businesses optimize travel by automating processes, predicting traveler needs, and offering personalized options. 🌍 Safety and sustainability are two key priorities highlighted in the article. According to the survey, many business travelers and managers express concerns about safety, and AI is stepping in to provide real-time updates and predictive risk analysis, helping ensure a safer travel experience. 🚙 At the same time, sustainability has become a business imperative, with more travelers prioritizing eco-friendly practices and companies aligning their travel policies with broader environmental goals. 🌱 #SAPConcur

I used to travel +50% of each month for work. Here's what I learned... I'm currently on my way to facilitate a full day off-site for one of my clients. After +15 years in training, speaking, and success enablement I have my travel routine down, and know how to make the most of each trip. ✨ Tip 1: Minimize time & maximize impact There was one week I was in 6 cities in 5 states in 3 days (!). Aside from the obvious scheduling to make the most out of time on the road, consider: - Working in flight to have downtime post-flight. - Batch meetings whenever possible. - Add on to the itinerary! ✨ Tip 2: Be prepared I've had countless travel disruptions, gotten sick while traveling, and forgotten my laptop charger on more than one occasion. While travel can be unpredictable, I always have a plan - Consider on time performance and weather when planning (for example, I avoid late afternoon flights due to frequent thunderstorms in the East Coast this time of year). - Have equipment checklists. - Pack with intention; I have a full wardrobe plan (and backup) for each trip. ✨ Tip 3: Make the most of it While my travels have brought me to incredible places all over the world like Tokyo, Sydney, and London, some places have been less exciting (looking at you, Yardley, PA). While work and time with customers takes most of my time I always block time to enjoy it. - Wander the city center, even if it's just to grab your morning coffee. - Extend your stay for a weekend. (Note your company probably won't reimburse the personal portion of your trip.) - I always hit the gym and plot a self care ritual, especially the night before a big event like the one I'm facilitating tomorrow. And most importantly! ✨ Tip 4: Collect points & be loyal My road warrior days earned me status, upgrades, and lots of points! These all made traveling more comfortable and enjoyable. I always vibe with a free first class upgrade! What tips would you add to the list?

31,728 miles traveled in the past 4 weeks. Well, just less than 4 weeks. Some work, some vacation. By the way, it's only 24,901 miles to circle the globe. This was 57.7 hours of flight time, going through 7 countries. I learned a few lessons along the way, both personal and leadership. Here are a few to share with you: 1. A Smile and Greeting Go a Long Way: Starting with kindness builds bridges, especially when crossing borders or interacting with flight crews, builds trust and rapport. It’s a simple leadership lesson – positive energy is contagious. For some reason, people lose their emotional intelligence when they are challenged. This is when to increase it. 2. Small Gestures Make a Big Impact: A small gratuity, smile, or appreciation when not expected can brighten someone's day. In leadership, going the extra mile for your team can make all the difference in the same way. 3. Confidence is Key: Presence matters. When you exude confidence, people are more likely to trust you and less likely to take advantage of you. The same applies to leadership—stand tall, be decisive and care. 4. Organization Creates Efficiency: Packing cubes and good organization were my secret weapon, making it easy to navigate through various destinations. Staying organized allows you to move quickly and effortlessly—both in travel and leadership. It saves time and prevents lost ideas or items. Oh and apple airtags in everything brings peace of mind that you have all of your stuff. 5. Prepare for the Unexpected: Flights get canceled, luggage gets lost. Having a carry-on with two days' worth of essentials saved us when luggage was delayed. In leadership, having a backup plan is critical. Oh, and get airline club access - way better than sleeping in the terminal. 6. Plan Ahead: Thinking ahead to ensure transportation and lodging are in place provides peace of mind. The same goes for leading a team—anticipate the needs of your team to ensure smooth operations. 7. Concierge Services Are Game-Changers: Utilizing the concierge saved time and offered better service at local restaurants and activities. A good leader knows when and how to leverage resources and communicate effectively. 8. Language Matters: Learning a word or two in the local language made a big difference. In leadership, speaking the “language” of your team—understanding their motivations—builds stronger relationships. 9. Be a Happy Traveler: Airline crews appreciate happy customers. In turn, they’ll go out of their way to make your experience smoother. In leadership, positive attitudes create a ripple effect within your organization. Challenges will occur, if you are happy they are much easier to navigate. Whether you’re flying 31,728 miles or managing a team from your desk, these small actions can make a world of difference. Sending this from my final flight. Glad to be home for a while. #Leadership #TravelTips #Efficiency #Kindness #Confidence #Organization

Are you getting back into business travel? I'm getting back into business travel ... slowly. Eating out for every meal. Sleeping in uncomfortable beds. Rubbing elbows with people on planes. Waiting for flights. I have a few tips to consider: Pack Smart and Efficiently I hate packing for travel. I reached out to business travel guru, Scott Newton, and he shared some good advice. Always pack with a carry-on to avoid the inconvenience of lost luggage. I am not the road warrior Scott is! However, packing smart is crucial for business travel. I opt for versatile, wrinkle-resistant shirts that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits from a few pieces. This not only saves space but also simplifies decision-making on the road. I invest in good quality, lightweight suitcases that are easily noticeable on anywhere. Stay Connected and Productive In today's digital age, staying connected is non-negotiable. Ensure your electronic devices are travel-ready with appropriate chargers, adapters for different countries, and a portable power bank. I suggest having a separate charger for travel. Familiarize yourself with cloud-based productivity tools that allow you to access your work from anywhere, ensuring you can stay productive even while on the move. More and more, using unsecured wifi is frowned upon by companies. Ensure all your travel apps are updated and working. Focus on Your Health and Well-being Traveling, especially across time zones, can take a toll on your health, especially if you take overseas flights. Prioritize sleep by adjusting to your new time zone quickly and staying hydrated. It's tempting to have that eggs, potatoes, and bacon breakfast every morning -- it's a nice change from the daily English muffin. However, opting for healthy food choices and taking time to relax and decompress can significantly impact your well-being and the success of your trip. . Business travel doesn't have to be a stressful experience, but it can be a challenge to get back into the groove of it. With careful planning, smart packing, and a focus on well-being, you can make your trips more enjoyable and productive. By following these three tips, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of travel while maximizing the opportunities it brings for professional growth and networking. ..... Follow me if you enjoy discussing business and success daily. Click my notification bell 🔔 to be informed when I post. #business #success #incubator #coaching #consultants #neversettle

Here's how I make my conference speaking events as stress-free as possible, and I hope it helps you too: I have a template in a software program called Notion, and it does an awesome job of storing everything I need in one place. That way, I only need to look up things once, and can either link to them or copy/paste screenshots of important info. Here's what it includes: - Dates/location - Link to the agenda on the event website - The amount I'll be paid and when (day of, via invoice after the event, etc.) - A screenshot of the map with drive times to/from the airport to the venue - A place for me to screenshot my flight numbers/times/seats - Hotel accomodations - Reimbursement placeholders for parking, rideshares, and meals - A link to the screenshot of my travel bag with necessary chargers, cords for charging/projector connectivity purposes One of the hardest parts about traveling for speaking or conference travel is that stress the night before of, "What am I forgetting?" This is especially important when you're an event like the one I have coming up on June 2...flying out at 5:30am and return the same day at 11:00pm. The night's sleep the night before is critical, and this template helps me assuage any concerns that make wake me up at night. Do you have a similar system you use for business travel?

I traveled 18x for work in 2023. I'll travel 25+x for work in 2024. Here are my 6 top tips to stay sane, safe + productive while on the road ⬇️ 1. Buy the wifi but don't count on it - I try to reserve admin work, deep work, or writing for planes because let's be real... it's anything but reliable (am I right Brian LaManna???) 2. Get a loyalty program with an airline - I use United Airlines. All my points are there. Even when I use Navan for booking work travel I can attribute it to my MileagePlus account. Pick one, and stick to it. (**United did me real dirty, lost a bunch of my gear + refuses to reimburse me so maybe pick another airline-their customer service has been disappointing at best.) 3. Lounge access is worth it- see point 2. I used miles to buy an annual lounge pass and I have to say it was the BEST decision. If your work will pay for lounger access **hint- managers, this is an INCREDIBLE SPIF for your sales team** then more power to you, but it was worth paying for out of pocket for me to have a comfortable space with high-speed internet to chill before takeoff. 4. Find the cheapest 4-star hotel- sometimes 4-star hotels are cheaper than popular 3-star hotels. This has to do with a million factors but often comes down to superior amenities and customer service. Early check-in, a fitness center + room service are REALLY nice to have when you are on the road for work. *Having loyalty w/ a brand of hotels is also a good hack. 5. Do NOT share your hotel or room number with anyone- I was at a conference once and a drunk guy was insistent upon knowing where me and my teammate were staying. "Sorry, I don't tell people where I am staying when I am on the road." He got VERY upset about that. Tried to ask my teammate, she just said "I follow her lead." We walked out, he followed us. We needed up calling an Uber that met us at the corner and I literally just asked the driver to circle the block a few times since we weren't more than 100 yards from our stay. We got back safely. All was well. NEVER tell strangers where you're staying. 6. Invest in good/functional luggage- I use Away for my checked bags and a Cotopaxi Alpa backpack. I also have a lululemon belt bag. I take these EVERYWHERE. They don't break. They hold all my stuff. Whatever brand you go for, just pick something that is functional and will last you. Work travel had beat my luggage to h*ll but it all still works. I'd rather spend an extra $100 now than have to buy new luggage every 6-12 months. #fieldmarketing #worktravel *Bonus tip- any time you can book an extra night on your dime- do it. Worth it to explore. Samantha McKenna gave me advice to buy a journal and document my work travel adventures back in 2022 and I have done so every trip ever since. It's been awesome. Book the extra day, and document your adventures. You'll be grateful to have it all to look back on. ♻️ Repost if you have someone in your network who travels a lot. I want to know their hacks!

As many of my followers know, I have used a specific image to end my #TravelTopia presentations for many years - the one showing a few people pushing a cart with a square wheel while refusing to use the newly invented round wheel because "they are too busy to look at innovation" !!! Going forward this slide will be moved to the beginning of the presentation, and I am working on a new special edition of the story called #TravelTopAI in recognition of the dramatic developments taking place in the AI space It is hard to comprehend how significant the changes represented by the new AI LLM technologies will be, but if you start by focusing on how a new startup will be able to take advantage of these new capabilities compared to an existing travel tech provider, you can quickly identify a few areas which are very ripe for disruption and imagine the potential innovation I considered letting AI write this article, but in the end decided to channel my inner LLM and create my own message to test my ability to explain my thoughts - and this process alone made it clear that "the end is near" for content written exclusively by a human 😀 Which brings me back to the startup opportunity - a new travel tech entrant will probably use AI to write 80% of the code needed to launch a MVP, and the sales and marketing will done by AI agents (Operator etc) capable of automating these areas of business almost completely for just a few hundred Dollars / Euros per month. Obviously this means the price point for a new service will drop, while the speed of development and execution will outpace any existing player - and it is therefore very likely that many of the so-called segment leaders of today will be obsolete tomorrow It is very hard to apply the new AI LLM tools on top of an existing product designed to build competitive moats based on strategic planning and knowledge provided by "industry experts" like myself - and the technical skills of the past have little relevance in the new world we are entering, so what does this mean for a TMC or a travel buyer ? Hopefully one of the outcomes of the AI LLM revolution will be a much simpler and more flexible service offering where changes can be made in a few hours, and global deployments can be completed in a matter of days - but furthermore the travel program of the future will probably be managed by an array of TMC provided AI agents capable of responding to an unlimited number of requests for service or information in a few seconds on a 24/7 basis, while defining the travel policy in realtime based on the global market conditions Imagine a new "personal booking engine" controlled by the individual traveler capable of connecting with the travel program framework of the employer (or whoever pays for the trip) for the booking process, while managing all "during trip services" independently using AI agents - this is "travel for one" and could be a reality very soon - are you ready for this new world ?

The Future of Tourism: Where Business Meets Leisure—and Why Jamaica is Poised to Win The future of tourism isn’t just about vacation anymore; it’s about integration. Today’s traveler isn’t simply flying in for rest and relaxation or rushing in for a conference and back out on the red-eye. A new type of traveler has emerged: the “bleisure” traveler….someone who blends business and leisure into one seamless trip. This global shift reflects deeper changes in how we work, connect, and live. According to a 2024 Deloitte corporate travel study, two-thirds of business travelers extended a work trip for leisure in 2023, with 14% doing so three or more times. Meanwhile, American Express Global Business Travel reports that 88% of companies now allow bleisure travel, and 76% of business travelers plan to extend work trips for leisure within the next year. The line between “out of office” and “working remotely” has blurred—and for many, that’s exactly the point. I’ve seen this first-hand. 🛫 After wrapping up business meetings in Montego Bay, I’ve lingered for a Sunday morning swim at Doctor’s Cave Beach. 🇮🇹 In Rome, I once turned a business engagement into a long weekend filled with espresso in Piazza di Spagna and late-night chats with local tourism operators. 🇺🇸 And in cities like Chicago and Dallas, I’ve taken the time to explore cultural gems, jazz clubs, and Jamaican-owned restaurants after closing out pitch meetings with airlines. I know the value of mixing business with personal enrichment. And so do millions of travelers around the world. These travelers are looking for destinations that offer strong infrastructure, cultural depth, premium amenities, and wellness experiences—all in one. They want to close a deal on Friday and unwind on Saturday with a jerk chicken lunch on the beach, a local music festival, or a hike through the Blue Mountains. So where does Jamaica stand in this new travel reality? Ahead. 🇯🇲 Jamaica offers a unique advantage: World-class connectivity with daily direct flights from major business hubs like New York, Toronto, London, and Miami. Modern convention facilities and boutique meeting spaces that blend productivity with authentic Jamaican charm. A mature tourism product with luxury hotels, integrated resorts, and a service culture that consistently wins international awards. High-speed internet and co-working options, even in leisure zones. And perhaps most important of all: vibrant culture and warm hospitality that turn routine trips into meaningful experiences. Jamaica is not just a backdrop for business—it enhances it. As we look to the future, we’re not just inviting travelers to visit. We’re creating a compelling case for them to stay longer, invest deeper, and return often; whether for a meeting, a milestone, or just a moment of joy in between. The bleisure boom is real. And Jamaica is ready. Are you? #travel #tourism #visitJamaica

Coordinating travel as an executive assistant requires precision, foresight, and strong organizational skills. Here are a few guiding principles I rely on: 🧭 1. Understand the Executive's Preferences - Airlines & Seating: Preferred carriers, seating class (e.g., business, aisle/window). - Hotels: Loyalty programs, room type (suite, quiet room, etc.). - Transportation: Preferences for rental cars, chauffeured services, or ride-shares. - Food & Rest: Dietary restrictions, preferred mealtimes, and necessary downtime. 📅 2. Gather Key Travel Details Before booking anything, always confirm: - Destination(s) and the purpose of travel. - Dates & times, including flexibility. - Meetings or events scheduled during the trip. - International requirements: Check visa rules, passport validity, and vaccination requirements. Tip: I’m part of a Microsoft Teams channel with my EA peers where we share real-time updates on visa and travel policy changes. It’s been invaluable with all the recent shifts globally. 🧾 3. Book with Precision - Flights: Consider layovers, flight times, loyalty programs, and backup options. - Hotels: Choose locations close to meeting venues, with solid reviews and loyalty benefits. - Ground Transportation: Arrange rental cars, car services, or vetted ride-share solutions. - Itineraries: I send all travel-related calendar invites from my own calendar. It keeps everything centralized, and I can easily manage updates or changes. 📂 4. Prepare a Comprehensive Travel Pack Provide this digitally or printed: - Full itinerary (flights, hotels, meetings). - Confirmation numbers, addresses, and maps. - Emergency contacts and local office details. - Meeting materials or presentation backups. - Currency tips and local guidance (for international trips). Pro Tip: Check if your executive's spouse or family uses a shared calendar. I had an executive whose personal calendar was shared with her husband and children—adding her travel details there helped keep everyone in sync. ⚠️ 5. Anticipate and Troubleshoot - Monitor flights for delays, gate changes, or cancellations. - Set alerts for weather or local disruptions. - Always have a Plan B: alternate flights, hotel contacts, and car service options. 📲 6. Stay Connected Use tools that keep everyone in the loop based on preference. Text message, WhatsApp (great when traveling internationally) and others. 🧘 7. Post-Trip Tasks - Collect, categorize, and submit receipts for expense reports. - Cancel or reschedule unused bookings where applicable. - Schedule a quick debrief to gather feedback and improve future trips. To my fellow EAs - anything you would like to add? I would love to hear your suggestions.