bOften, travel trips become bad rap. But what if many of the things we think we “know” are actually myths? Challenging these misconceptions not only saves you money, but also makes your trip more productive and enjoyable. It is important to rethink awareness.
“By questioning stubborn myths, we can turn business trips from stressful obligations to strategic advantage,” Smith says. She recommends wearing your reconsideration cap for these five big myths:
Ride sharing is always cheaper than a rental car
Although Uber and Bolt have their locations, renting a car can often be a smarter economic move. Travel Management Company (TMCS) frequently scores a lot with car rental companies, offering rates that cannot match ride sharing.
Additionally, these ride-share costs can surge rapidly if you are in areas where pricing is prone to pricing. Car rental flat rates begin to look better in comparison. So, before you do ride-sharing by default for your next business trip, please calculate the numbers. You may find that good old car rentals are the way to go, especially for long stays or when you need to zip around town frequently.
Traveling is bad for the health of employees
A recent Maxis white paper reveals exciting perks for medium work trips. Employees who stay one to six nights a month often enjoy better health, lower anxiety and improved sleep compared to desk-bound colleagues. You will find that a little trip can stimulate more activity and reduce the likelihood of smoking and obesity.
Business trips are a great opportunity to sneak into exercise, taste nutritious food, and recharge. It is a luxury that is often overlooked in your daily grind. Furthermore, face-to-face interactions can stimulate morale and enhance teamwork.
As Smith points out, many businesses are catching up by revamping their travel policies to support the well-being of their employees. This includes attractive options such as hotels with a gym, healthier eating allowances, and time to relax on longer trips. With a fresh environment and valuable networking, occasional business trips may be a secret element to improving employee health.
Business trips are always bad for the environment
While business trips can contribute to carbon emissions, many companies are taking steps to minimize the impact. For example, airlines have invested in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make flights more environmentally friendly.
It is also rethinking how businesses approach travel. They choose virtual meetings to reduce unnecessary travel and reduce the frequency of travel. When travel is essential, they focus on direct flights and use public transport, which is a more environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, many businesses have chosen eco-friendly hotels that prioritize sustainability.
TMC is increasing its ante by providing client carbon reporting tools. These give businesses cold and difficult facts about travel emissions. “Now, businesses can make data-driven decisions and set specific sustainability goals,” Smith says.
Bookings via TMC are always expensive
TMC believes it will increase travel expenses, but it cannot be far from the truth. TMC has access to better deals on flights, hotels and car rentals that you can't get yourself. They know smart booking strategies, including when to book at the best rates and how to combine different fares to reduce costs. They handle time-consuming tasks like price comparisons and bookings, saving team effort. Keeping travelers in line with company policies helps avoid unnecessary spending. Many TMCs also offer efficient booking tools that can reduce your rates.
“A good TMC looks at the entire travel program and finds ways to reduce costs while smoothing out travel for employees,” Smith says.
A business trip is a great way to earn loyalty points
The idea that business trips are tickets to rakes at loyalty points is more myth than recent reality. While you can earn points on work trips, loyalty programs have evolved to support the business more than individual travelers. Airlines and hotels earn points that are difficult and less valuable in exchange. This means that frequent flyer miles aren't as much as they used to be.
According to Smith, if a travel policy is permitted, here is how to play the game: Airlines, hotels, car rentals. If possible, we will book and refund your trip with a personal credit card. This will have double dips earning points from both airlines or hotels and credit cards. Speaking of credit cards, choose ones that give extra points for travel and eating. Some people offer elite status and business lounge access just because they are cardholders. Don't forget to promote it. Sign up for these emails and you may receive double points or other bonuses. If you are booking a company portal, make sure your loyalty number is attached to your profile.
About corporate travelers
Corporate Traveler is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group dedicated to the time and money saving business in South Africa. Corporate travelers are part of the world's third largest travel retailer, with the advantage of leveraging global negotiation power. We have access to over 50 world-leading airlines and provide over 100,000 hotels worldwide to ensure client savings. Corporate travelers provide clear and integrated reporting of all clients' travel activities, helping them to control travel expenditures and identify opportunities to save money.
