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The 22 Best Hotel Brands for Business Travelers in 2023

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What To Look for in a Hotel for Business Travelers

1. hilton hotels & resorts, 2. doubletree by hilton, 3. hilton garden inn, 1. marriott hotels & resorts, 2. sheraton hotels and resorts, 3. courtyard by marriott, 1. intercontinental hotels & resorts, 2. crowne plaza, 3. holiday inn express, 1. grand hyatt, 2. hyatt regency, 3. hyatt house, 2. microtel by wyndham, 3. ramada by wyndham, 4. wyndham garden, 1. cambria hotels, 1. pullman hotels and resorts, 3. ibis styles, final thoughts.

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If you’re a road warrior, you know how important finding consistency at hotels is — no matter where you are in the world. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find this consistency.

For example, full-service hotels abroad often have significantly more amenities and services than their counterparts in the U.S. Some hotels can’t even deliver on having consistently fast Wi-Fi, which can quickly derail any business trip.

However, some hotel brands stand out among the rest in terms of delivering a reliable experience for business travelers , and today, we’re going to look at all the best options among some major hotel chains.

A business traveler’s search for a hotel looks a lot different than that of a leisure traveler.

While leisure travelers might value destination dining, luxurious rooms and amenities, and polished service, it’s probably fair to say that business travelers place more value on other aspects of hotel stays.

It’s not just free and fast Wi-Fi, either. Business travelers look for other key amenities like meeting and event spaces, grab-and-go food options, executive or club lounges, a solid fitness center, a 24/7 business center, and welcoming common areas for relaxing and working outside the room.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through our favorite hotel brands for business travelers. We’ll break it up by major hotel chain, and for each one, we’ll include at least 1 upscale brand (full-service), 1 midscale brand (limited or full service), and 1 economy brand (limited service).

Hot Tip: If you’re an event planner, our guide on how to earn points and status by holding business events is a great reference before booking your next meeting!

The 3 Best Hilton Hotels for Business Travelers

Hilton is one of the largest and most recognizable hotel chains in the world . With a storied past, prestigious locations, and consistent service, Hilton has become one of the go-to companies for business travelers.

If you have elite status in the Hilton Honors program , you can expect business-friendly benefits like free and/or premium Wi-Fi, complimentary water bottles in your room, room upgrades (if available), daily food-and-beverage credits, executive lounge access, and more. Note that the specific benefits you’ll receive depend on which level of status you hold.

The namesake, flagship brand of the Hilton family, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is known for offering hotels and resorts with enormous footprints and tons of rooms. This brand alone makes up over 20% of Hilton’s total hotel rooms worldwide.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts offer all the amenities and facilities you’d expect from a full-service hotel . Although the service won’t be as refined as you’d find at Waldorf Astoria or LXR Hotels & Resorts properties, you can count on cutting-edge meeting and event space and a high-tech customer experience, such as contactless check-in, remote room key access, and much more.

Hot Tip: You can rack up Hilton Honors points extremely quickly — much more so than any of the other chains out there! To plan a great getaway, check out the best ways to redeem Hilton Honors points for hotel stays for maximum value .

DoubleTree by Hilton is famous for its signature, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie. And it’s an excellent choice for business (and leisure) travelers.

DoubleTree’s commitment to upgrading the technological infrastructure across its properties has been impressive, which is one of the reasons why we like it for business travelers. This means upgraded Wi-Fi, seamless connectivity with the Hilton Honors app, 24/7 remote printing services, and free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Beyond that, these properties are generally more affordable than Hilton Hotels & Resorts, making them more accessible for the budget-conscious business traveler.

State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, specialized event planning services, and meeting spaces as large as 112,000 square feet all help to make it a brand worth considering.

The most appealing aspect of the Hilton Garden Inn brand is that it provides upper-scale accommodations at an affordable price .

And, it offers solid business-focused amenities for that same great price, including free Wi-Fi, contactless printing, and spacious meeting spaces. There’s even a grab-and-go shop for snacks!

Many properties also offer modern common areas with an inviting atmosphere to facilitate networking or just good old-fashioned relaxation.

The 3 Best Marriott Hotels for Business Travelers

Marriott is our second-favorite hotel chain overall for business travelers. You simply can’t beat the footprint that Marriott has around the world , as well as its emphasis on premium and luxury properties .

If you have elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program , you’ll be entitled to numerous perks that help make a business-focused stay more productive and enjoyable, such as free and/or enhanced Wi-Fi, space-available room upgrades, executive lounge access, late checkout, and more, depending on which level of status you have.

Marriott’s flagship brand is called Marriott Hotels & Resorts , and it’s one of the industry leaders when it comes to anticipating the needs of both business and leisure travelers .

It starts with spacious, modern guest rooms designed to provide a welcome environment to work, relax, and get quality sleep.

At select properties, you can access the M Club , an executive lounge that doubles as a networking and relaxation hub.

You’ll also find the Greatroom,  an open-air space designed to help guests refocus on their work or congregate with others. There are fitness centers and innovative meeting/conference solutions to help you maximize your business gatherings and deliver with confidence.

Finally, resort properties offer spas, golf, and other luxury amenities that’ll help you unwind while on the road.

The Sheraton brand was a mainstay of the former SPG portfolio before it merged with Marriott in 2017.

In many respects, Sheraton and Marriott are similar — they both offer executive lounges (Marriott’s is called M Club and Sheraton’s is called Sheraton Club ), high-tech amenities, and excellent facilities. Both offer solid urban hotels as well as destination resorts. And, you can find Sheraton and Marriott properties worldwide, though Sheraton is present in more countries.

The biggest distinction between Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and Marriott Hotels and Resorts is the aesthetic .

Usually, Marriott Hotels & Resorts are contemporary in design with white and grey tones accentuating spaces with natural light. Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, on the other hand, present adventurous color schemes with purples, yellows, browns, and tans.

Courtyard by Marriott is the chain’s midscale brand. The brand was originally conceived with business travelers in mind , but has made strides in recent years in providing excellent accommodations for family travelers as well.

You can expect rooms to be appointed with a comfortable bed, a flexible workspace, and excellent Wi-Fi. Business travelers will also appreciate the business center, event space, and gym. It doesn’t end there, though — you might even find a relaxation space or an outdoor patio or fire pit at some properties.

Courtyard hotels are typically less pricey than Marriott or Sheraton properties, and they consistently deliver value in nearly 60 countries around the world.

The 3 Best IHG Hotels for Business Travelers

Traditionally, IHG Hotels & Resorts has prioritized midscale accommodations, but business travelers should be glad to know the chain has options that range from economy all the way up to luxury.

Business travelers with elite status in the IHG One Rewards program can take advantage of perks including free Wi-Fi, late checkout, room upgrades, and more, depending on which level of elite status you have.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is IHG’s flagship brand, offering sprawling resorts and fantastic city properties around the world.

InterContinental properties also boast the most complete package of amenities available throughout the chain, including luxury event venues versatile enough to host meetings, conferences, weddings, receptions, conventions, and even quinceañeras!

Stays can be elevated further if you have Club InterContinental access, which includes a seamless prearrival experience, a personalized welcome, a dedicated Club InterContinental team, access to the Club InterContinental Lounge, and more spacious rooms and suites.

If you’re a high-end business traveler loyal to IHG, you’ll find everything you need here.

Crowne Plaza is a business-oriented IHG brand offering upscale (but not quite luxury) stays to its guests.

It happens to be the largest upscale brand in IHG’s portfolio with around 400 locations around the world (though the InterContinental brand is present in more countries).

Resort properties are on the rare side for this brand, so Crowne Plaza hotels are generally found in prime business hubs worldwide and excel in offering purpose-driven amenities for business travelers who also like to relax after long days.

You can expect premium Wi-Fi, a fitness center, meeting space, and fast and fresh dining options for business travelers who don’t have a lot of time to think about meals.

And after work, you’ll get to enjoy premium bedding, quiet zones, and even guaranteed wake-up calls as part of the brand’s Sleep Advantage Program .

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest brand by number of properties . One of the most recognizable choices for midscale travelers, this brand offers fantastic value for price-sensitive business travelers.

All guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast . Rooms are furnished with comfortable beds, a sitting area, and of course, you can find free Wi-Fi throughout. Holiday Inn Express properties provide meeting and event space as well — perfect for a conference or a smaller group project.

The 3 Best Hyatt Hotels for Business Travelers

Hyatt is one of the world’s most popular hotel brands — and its trajectory is continuing upwards as it continues to offer new brands that fit all sorts of travel styles.

Travelers with elite status in the World of Hyatt program can expect perks like complimentary premium Wi-Fi, free bottled water, room upgrades (subject to availability), late checkout, free breakfast or access to the executive lounge, free parking, and more. Of course, the specific benefits you’re entitled to will vary based on which level of status you hold.

Let’s take a look at our favorite Hyatt brands for business travelers.

Grand Hyatt is our favorite Hyatt brand for business travelers . Grand Hyatt hotels can be found in some of the world’s most iconic locations and give travelers luxurious appointments, sophisticated business amenities, and a high-end experience overall.

It starts with guest rooms adorned with luxurious amenities, a spa-like bathroom, and free Wi-Fi, of course.

Transform any meetings or events you may have into Instagram-worthy happenings thanks to gorgeous event space and expert planning services at each property.

You’ll also find amenities like a Grand Club executive lounge , a high-end gym, pools, and signature restaurants.

Hot Tip: Do you have World of Hyatt points to use? Check out our recommendations for the best ways to get the most value out of your World of Hyatt points .

The Hyatt Regency brand is marketed as “Upscale Hotels with Large Meeting Spaces” — and it certainly lives up to the name. Hyatt Regency properties make up some of Hyatt’s largest properties in terms of square footage, which means they’re packed with business-friendly amenities.

Cozy guest rooms offer comfortable beds, a workspace, and free Wi-Fi. And elsewhere you’ll find multiple restaurants, modern common areas, and positively gargantuan event venues suitable for even the largest of businesses.

Some properties offer a Make Space , which is Hyatt’s term for a laid-back social area for a quick business meeting or networking. Lastly, depending on the property, you might also have access to a spa, a 24/7 gym, a pool (or multiple pools), or even a golf course!

The last brand we’ll talk about is Hyatt House , our favorite midscale Hyatt brand for business travelers.

Hyatt House offers apartment-style rooms with a fully equipped kitchen and a separate living area, making it feel more like a mini-apartment.

Your “house away from home” offers numerous amenities that business travelers will love, including free breakfast with a made-to-order omelet bar (in most locations), a 24/7 workout room, 24/7 guest laundry, a 24/7 grab-and-go market, a food menu, a pool, outdoor areas with fire pits and grills, a business center with remote printing, and free Wi-Fi.

Hyatt House properties also have meeting spaces complete with the latest in technology.

Hot Tip: If having a kitchen is important to you, check out these hotel brands that come with kitchens or kitchenettes .

The 4 Best Wyndham Hotels for Business Travelers

Did you know that Wyndham is the largest hotel chain in the world? With over 9,000 properties globally, Wyndham’s second-closest competitor is Marriott, with around 7,500 properties.

Travelers with elite status in the Wyndham Rewards program can enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi, early check-in, late checkout, car rental upgrades at Avis and Budget, suite upgrades, and more, depending on which level of status you hold.

Let’s find out our favorite Wyndham hotels for business travelers.

Wyndham is the upscale, full-service brand of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. With over 150 well-designed properties, Wyndham won’t fail to deliver on your upscale business travel needs.

Guest rooms are thoughtfully appointed with homey amenities, and common spaces are designed to be welcoming.

Meeting spaces are extremely flexible and always upscale in feel, and elsewhere you may find a business center, a swimming pool (or pools), a complimentary airport shuttle, and a fitness center.

Hot Tip: Read our full review of the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and learn more about how to earn and redeem Wyndham Rewards points .

Marketed as “The Hotel That Just Makes Sense,” Microtel by Wyndham boasts rooms and suites that deliver on midscale essentials, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, decent beds, a flat-screen TV, and coffee and tea machines. You can also book enhanced suites with kitchenettes .

You’ll be pleased to find a range of other solid amenities, as well, including complimentary breakfast , a gym, a business center with printing capabilities, a small market, and possibly a pool.

Ramada is Wyndham’s most prolific brand, present in an astonishing 65 countries with nearly 850 properties!

Most properties are located near airports, making it easy to fly into and out of a given city when traveling on business. Business travelers can plan events and conferences here, enjoy a free hot breakfast , or go for a swim at the outdoor pool.

Other welcome amenities include guest laundry, a business center, free airport shuttle services, and solid beds.

Wyndham’s midscale brand is Wyndham Garden . Just like Ramada, Wyndham Garden properties are often located near airports, though they can often be found in key business locations as well.

The big emphasis here is event-space versatility. At Wyndham Garden, you can host big events or small get-togethers.

Wyndham Garden is designed to be cozy and comfortable, whether you’re relaxing in the outdoor pool or giving your best PowerPoint presentation. You’ll also have access to a business center, free airport shuttle, a fitness center, and a pool, depending on the property. While Wi-Fi is free, breakfast is not.

The 3 Best Choice Hotels for Business Travelers

It doesn’t get much love because of its limited luxury footprint, but Choice Hotels is actually larger than Hilton, in terms of the total number of properties!

Those who have elite status in the Choice Privileges program can expect benefits like early check-in, late checkout, reserved parking, and more.

Let’s talk about our top Choice Hotels brands for business travelers.

Cambria Hotels falls under the upscale segment, along with the Ascend Hotel Collection.

Cambria is the more business-friendly of the 2, making it the best brand for higher-spending travelers loyal to the Choice portfolio .

You’ll find stylish meeting spaces and well-equipped, technology-laden rooms with a spa-like bathroom and upscale bedding.

You’ll also get free Wi-Fi, access to the Cambria Contactless Concierge, a nice bar for networking or simply kicking back, and a fitness center.

The midscale Clarion brand provides both business and leisure amenities, allowing you to mix work and play .

On the business side, there’s a 24/7 business center, solid meeting spaces, catering and dining options, and free Wi-Fi. Properties also have a full-service restaurant and bar, a gym, and a pool.

Comfort (formerly known as Comfort Inn) is our final Choice Hotels brand. This brand also falls under the midscale tier, and it has a staggering 2,000+ locations worldwide !

A hearty and healthy breakfast is complimentary, as is parking.

Enjoy a spacious room with upgraded furnishings, and elsewhere you’ll find meeting rooms, a gym, free Wi-Fi, a business center (at most locations), and complimentary coffee, breakfast, and parking. Finally, you may find a hot tub, pool, or laundry at select properties.

The 3 Best Accor Hotels for Business Travelers

The last chain we’ll talk about is Accor, famous for brands like Fairmont , Sofitel, and Raffles.

Some would say that the chain focuses on leisure travelers. However, with a portfolio of 5,000+ properties worldwide, there are plenty of business-friendly hotels to choose from.

Travelers who have elite status in the ALL – Accor Live Limitless program can expect benefits such as access to the executive lounge (if the hotel offers one), early check-in, late checkout, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and more, depending on the level of status you’ve achieved.

Our favorite Accor brand for business travelers is the premium Pullman Hotels and Resorts . Its focus is primarily on the modern business traveler and all of their needs.

Whether you’re looking for a high-end meeting space, a spot for after-work cocktails, or business facilities to help you be productive, Pullman Hotels and Resorts has you covered.

Expect a relaxing guest room that allows you to be productive but also unwind at the end of the day. The most impressive part of Pullman Hotels and Resorts, however, is its extensive conference and event facilities , whether you’re looking at micro-events or large-scale gatherings.

You’ll also get free Wi-Fi throughout the property, dining options suitable for the business traveler, and even leisure activities at select Pullman resorts, including sailing and golfing.

Novotel is a midscale brand that offers a classic French aesthetic at an accessible price . It appeals to a mix of business and leisure travelers and has widespread name recognition.

Standard features for Novotel include at least 150 guest rooms, a minimum room size of 280 square feet, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, a pool, and even a spa in some locations.

Meeting rooms offer the latest in audio-visual technology, a big win for business travelers who need to host meetings, whether they’re virtual or in-person.

The last brand we’ll be including is ibis Styles , which is known for its unique designs and comfortable rooms .

Each property looks unique, but there are a few things business travelers can always expect, including a complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, active “social hubs” in common areas (typically the on-site bar or restaurant), and the “Sweet Bed” concept, which includes fluffy pillows, a mattress topper, and more in each guest room.

Most properties have meeting rooms, laundry services, and are strategically located near major business districts.

All of the major hotel chains have brands that cater almost exclusively to business travelers, or at least have brands that feature business-friendly amenities.

While each business traveler will have their own unique set of preferences, we wanted to equip you with what we believe are the best brands worldwide for business travelers so that you can make the best decision for your next business trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of hotels are the most popular for business.

In general, we love Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Grand Hyatt, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Cambria Hotels, and Pullman Hotels and Resorts for full-service hotel brands.

However, you can also find great value at DoubleTree by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt Regency, and more.

How do hotels cater to business travelers?

Hotels cater to business travelers by offering specific facilities and amenities. Fast and free Wi-Fi is a must, but well-appointed conference rooms and versatile common areas for mingling or networking are important as well.

What do business travelers want?

Business travelers want consistent facilities and reliable amenities. They usually care less about design and aesthetics and more about functional features like internet speed, meeting room spaces, business centers, and more.

How do hotels attract business guests?

The best way for hotels to attract business travelers is to gear their marketing to highlight business-friendly amenities, and then, of course, deliver on those amenities.

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Corporate Business Travel: Everything You Need to Know

Katie Miller is a consumer financial services expert. She worked for almost two decades as an executive, leading multi-billion dollar mortgage, credit card, and savings portfolios with operations worldwide and a unique focus on the consumer. Her mortgage expertise was honed post-2008 crisis as she implemented the significant changes resulting from Dodd-Frank required regulations.

Corporate business travel involves the movement of individuals representing their organizations for work-related reasons. Whether it’s attending client meetings, industry conferences, or sealing business deals, this practice covers a range of activities essential for professional growth.

In the interconnected global business environment, where face-to-face connections matter, corporate business travel plays a central role in sustaining and expanding enterprises across borders. Businesses face challenges in optimizing this crucial element of their operations. Strategic considerations must be taken into account to use this element of business to its greatest potential.

Key Takeaways

• Corporate business travel can unlock new opportunities for business growth, offering the possibility of reaching new markets, connecting with a wider pool of prospects, or developing brand presence and reputation.
• Traveling for business has many benefits for individuals as well, providing them the chance to meet fellow employees, grow their career by participating in different opportunities, and network within the industry, not to mention experience new destinations.
• Business traveler safety and security are top priorities during corporate travel.
• To ensure that travel goes smoothly and stays within budget, companies should implement corporate travel policies and best practices for employees traveling on behalf of the company.

Importance of Corporate Business Travel

There are many business-related reasons to travel. It can encourage team building, promote learning, offer different perspectives, provide connection to a wider network, open up new markets, and drive sales. And whether or not the trip is for a specific purpose (such as a conference or a retreat), the benefits for employees and companies alike can extend beyond the stated intent of the trip, building confidence, cultural competency, relationships, and company reputation.

Many employees consider the opportunity to travel for work a desirable job perk, as it can offer the chance to venture somewhere that they may not ordinarily go, or to have a trip paid for by their company. And although expenses are associated with travel from a corporate perspective, they may be well worth the return on investment in terms of potential leads or sales—plus, many travel expenses are tax- deductible .

Types of Corporate Business Travel

Corporate travel can take many forms, including the chance for employees and executives to attend events, such as meetings, conferences, industry networking sessions, and fairs. Or a trip may take advantage of educational opportunities such as training sessions, seminars, and workshops. Retreats and guided trips can make for valuable team-building time in new contexts that unlock different perspectives and strengthen working relationships.

Businesses may send their employees to a different location to network, sell, teach, learn from, or generally connect with external contacts or internal employees in regional offices, or to act on behalf of the company in some way.

Additionally, from a client perspective, business travel may occur as a form of due diligence , ensuring that your vendors or suppliers are legitimate, legal, and compliant organizations—for example, traveling for regular audits to confirm that what you think is happening at your supplier organizations is actually happening.

Creating a Corporate Travel Policy

From a company perspective, travel can be a challenge to administer and manage . Costs can easily balloon out of control; travel logistics can be time-intensive to arrange; employees traveling on behalf of the company must be granted a great deal of trust; and like any form of travel, business travel can open up risks to safety, security, and health.

No matter the size of the business or the frequency or complexity of travel, a corporate travel policy can be a helpful tool for any company to set expectations for its employees, communicate guidelines and processes, keep expenses within budget, and streamline booking and logistics.

In creating a corporate travel policy, companies might consider the following for both domestic and international travel, as applicable:

• Purpose(s) of travel
• Which employees are eligible to travel
• Booking and expense approval processes
• Risks and liabilities of travel and how to manage them
• Expectations for employee behavior, including acceptable and secure uses of technology, personal vs. leisure time, communication, and entertainment while traveling
• Eligible expenses for employees while traveling, including per diem rates if applicable
• Determine if employees will be reimbursed for their expenses or given a corporate credit card to use
• Financial tracking, record-keeping, and reimbursement processes
• Acceptable booking practices and costs, including preferred agents or vendors
• Travel insurance

Of course, policies must also be communicated and enforced to ensure compliance and fairness. Including a travel policy as part of a corporate handbook or reviewing it in an onboarding or training module can be a good way to ensure that all employees receive and understand the information. Making it easily accessible for future reference on a shared drive or company portal will encourage employees to refer to it often.

Business travel managers estimate, on average, that spending on domestic and international corporate travel is at 77% and 74%, respectively, of where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting a Corporate Travel Policy

Corporate Business Travel Best Practices

There are many best practices that both employees and companies can keep in mind around corporate business travel to ensure that it is a successful experience. These encompass everything from administration and financing to employee behavior and well-being.

Booking Corporate Travel

Booking travel can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. To improve the booking process, save on costs, and streamline expense reporting, it can be helpful to designate preferred travel agencies, online platforms, vendors, and lodgings for employees and executives to book with. If the size of the company allows, it can also be helpful to hire an employee or team specifically to oversee and administer corporate travel, or designate this duty as part of an employee’s broader job description.

Managing Travel Expenses and Budgeting

There are many financial considerations when it comes to corporate business travel, and expenses and budgets must be carefully managed to keep costs under control. Many travel expenses are tax-deductible and can be written off, representing potentially significant savings for a company. Setting a budget and clear guidelines for employees about what can be an expense and what cannot is a must, as is creating and enforcing policies and procedures around tracking and reporting expenses.

Many corporate credit cards offer travel rewards and cost-saving opportunities for business travel, as do many other vendors and suppliers in the corporate travel industry. Businesses can take advantage of these to reduce inefficiencies and save on costs.

How to Manage Corporate Travel

Ensuring Traveler Safety and Security

As with any trip, business trips are not without safety and security risks, including the potential for political or civil unrest, crime, illness, injury, accidents, emergencies, natural disasters, cybersecurity breaches, or theft.

To protect their employees against unexpected and undesirable circumstances, at a minimum, businesses will want to have a travel insurance plan in place. It’s also helpful for businesses and employees to undertake some form of travel risk assessment to aid them in navigating potential risks, and outline safety and emergency preparedness guidelines within a corporate travel policy.

Employees should also know how to call if something goes sideways, such as hotel booking issues. A travel agent? A supervisor? If there’s a hurricane, you don’t have a car, and your flight is canceled, can you book another last-minute flight to get around the weather to get home? These details should be planned ahead for.

Maximizing Productivity During Business Trips

The overlap of business and leisure, sometimes referred to as “bleisure,” is one of the main draws of corporate business travel. However, there can also be pitfalls associated with this gray area. It can be difficult to stay productive while working remotely, whether due to the many distractions of a new environment (positive and negative), or because the trip entails an increased workload or time spent away from day-to-day job duties.

Employees looking to manage their time efficiently while away should get clarity on the intended purpose and expected outcome of their trip, and their employer’s and teammates’ expectations for their workload and communication frequency. They can also plan ahead to make the most of their travel time and downtime, and anticipate time zone differences to ensure smooth communication and adjustment to jet lag.

It’s important for employees to maintain work-life balance while traveling on behalf of work. Researching food, entertainment, and fitness options and preparing accordingly can pay off in terms of mental and physical wellness, especially for frequent travelers.

Tips for Business Travel Etiquette

Traveling anywhere, whether domestically or internationally, comes with responsibilities and expectations regarding employee behavior. Perception is one of the most important factors to remember when traveling as a representative of your company. You represent your company out in the public, so you need to ensure you’re displaying any key values that your company represents when interacting with vendors, clients, and peers.

This applies to cultural sensitivity as well. Travelers should do research in advance of their trip to ensure that they can be mindful of local customs and professional etiquette and behave with awareness and respect. Even the basics, such as learning appropriate forms of greeting or how to handle money and payment, and committing a few common words or phrases to memory can go a long way toward demonstrating good intentions and building a new relationship across cultures.

Sustainable and Responsible Business Travel

Recognizing that corporate travel can have a negative impact on the environment, many businesses and individuals are reexamining their travel practices and policies to see where they can make improvements. One example is reducing emissions by booking different means of transportation when possible. In general, seeking out vendors or companies that promote sustainable travel practices and responsible tourism, and that support local communities and ecosystems, can be a good first step to reduce environmental impact.

Technology and Tools for Corporate Business Travel

Software and technology tools can be immensely useful across all aspects of corporate business travel. Travel management and booking platforms; apps for tracking expenses, navigation, or converting currency; and translation and communication tools are all things that employees and businesses alike can take advantage of before, during, and after traveling.

When it comes to technology, it’s important to account for cybersecurity risks and only bring what is necessary to reduce the potential impact of damage, loss, or theft.

Managing Business Travel Expenses

What Is an Example of Corporate Business Travel?

There are many work-related reasons to travel, but many businesses will have their employees travel for conferences, events, sales and networking, seminars, meetings, team building, retreats, and to open up new business growth potential.

How Does Corporate Business Travel Work?

Corporate travel is simply travel for business-related purposes, so the nature of the trip will depend on its length and purpose. Companies whose employees travel frequently on behalf of the business should consider creating a corporate travel policy with information and guidelines for their employees.

Who Handles Corporate Business Travel?

Some businesses employ internal teams or individuals to manage corporate travel and business trips. At other times, employees are responsible for making their own arrangements within guidelines laid out by the company. There are also corporate travel agencies that businesses can leverage to streamline and optimize their bookings and costs.

The Bottom Line

Corporate business travel can be an invaluable path to both business growth and individual career development, building strong relationships and teams. No matter what form it takes, it’s prudent for companies to collect, implement, and communicate best practices for business travel to their employees in a company handbook or corporate travel policy. This should incorporate areas such as expense and booking management, safety and security, productivity, sustainability, technology, and employee behavior and etiquette.

Michela Buttignol / Investopedia

Internal Revenue Service. “ Understanding Business Travel Deductions .”

Global Business Travel Association. “ GBTA Business Travel Industry Outlook Poll .”

Harvard Business Review. “ How to Work and Travel at the Same Time .”

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A beginner’s guide to business travel

Heading on a business trip, before you leave, check your company's travel policy, look up loyalty programs, stay up to date with disruptions, install useful apps, during your trip, keep your receipts, work on your wellbeing, after your trip, get ready for reimbursement, looking after a team of corporate travelers, before travelers depart, empower employees to book their itineraries, travelperk integrated travel policies, go the extra mile for executive travelers, cut your carbon, while travelers are on the road, ensure traveler safety, after travelers return, check in with your travelers, review travel receipts.

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Business Traveler Meaning And Their Characteristics

Home » B2B » Business Traveler Meaning And Their Characteristics

The business traveler has come a long way through the centuries. It relates to the period when traders endured harsh weather and inhospitable terrains to cross rivers, oceans, and trade routes in search of business opportunities. Modern corporate travelers are internet savvy. They prefer using online business travel services such as self-booking solutions to execute business travel. Keep reading to know business traveler meaning and the key characteristics of seasoned business travelers

Technological advances in communication and transportation transformed business travel into a full-fledged industry comprising online travel agencies, travel management platforms, travel management companies, airline companies, hotels, and myriad travel vendors. Organizations strive to address business travelers’ needs and expectations to improve the productivity of business trips. .

Who are business travelers?

The simple definition of a business traveler is a person who travels for business purposes. The term business traveler reminds one of a traveling salesperson or trader moving from one place to another to meet prospective customers. However, business traveler meaning in a broader perspective covers diverse objectives such as attending corporate events, trade exhibitions, and conferences, meeting prospects for business expansion, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening customer relationships through networking. These types of business travelers cover faraway destinations, including domestic and international business locations, to achieve business objectives. Most business travelers are employees traveling on behalf of their organizations.

Characteristics of a good business traveler

Proactive, organized, punctual, and well-dressed are only a few attributes of a seasoned business traveler. However, there are several traits that make you a successful business traveler. Adopting these characteristics is crucial if you want to become one. Note the following characteristics of business travelers if you aspire to travel like a pro.

1. Travel light

Traveling is a pleasure if you are not carrying too many pieces of luggage. Heavy baggage can slow you down. Additionally, waiting at a baggage counter and security check can be a nightmare when you have a packed schedule of business meetings. Packing well and using a single carry-on suitcase make navigation a breeze. You can quickly exit the airport and reach the business location on time. Traveling light eliminates the physical and mental stress of any travel.

2. Have a clear purpose

Setting well-defined goals for each business trip is the foundation of successful business travel. Make the objectives achievable and measurable, as planning too many things will cause disarray if something goes wrong. Having clear goals for a business trip will help you focus on specific business activities. It will enhance the productivity of a business trip.

3. Adopt technology

Successful business travelers embrace the innovative technology of a travel management platform to streamline their business travel. SaaS-based travel management solutions such as Paxes ensure end-to-end automation of business travel. You can enjoy self-booking through a smartphone app, receive real-time travel alerts, and create and submit expense reports on the go, besides assurance of round-the-clock emergency support.

4. Strike a good work-life balance

A business tour need not be a stressful experience of chasing time, missing meals, and disturbed sleep. Devote time to stay connected with your near ones back home. Choose a hotel that provides good amenities and comforts for relaxing after a busy day. Follow your exercise schedule, explore the surroundings, and plan your work well.

Needs of business travelers

Business travel can be a tiring process. Hence, there should be clear needs and requirements of travelers to make the most out of trips. Here are some of the requirements of business travelers:

• Time management for a work life balance
• Being connected with the headquarter and managers during the travel
• Comfortable and convenient trips
• Flexibility of altering the schedule
• Safer traveling conditions

How can you improve the business traveler’s experience

Though business trips are unavoidable for the expansion of the business, there are many ways in which one can improve the experience of the employees traveling places for the same. Here are some of the efficient ways to enhance the overall experience of the travelers:

• Pre-trip planning
• Streamlined check-ins
• Customizable schedules
• Flexibility in travel policies
• Travel support
• Booking high-end amenities

No matter what type of business trip you plan, adopting these attributes of successful business travelers will surely help you get the most out of each business trip. Business travel meaning is rapidly shifting with the rise of the techno-savvy and adventure-loving millennial generation. Business travel is embracing technology to automate travel booking and expense process .

Suggested Read: Corporate Lodging Solutions: Perks On Hotel Bookings

Business Traveler Meaning FAQs

What is the most common purpose of business travel.

Business development is the commonest aim of business travel.

Does a company reimburse all expenses on a business trip?

Companies reimburse all travel expenses of an employee except for personal expenses.

How does business travel benefit the employee?

Employees can visit different places, develop new business relations, and broaden their outlook by exploring the world away from the office

Why is business travel different from leisure travel?

Unlike leisure travel, business travel is non-seasonal. It has low price sensitivity and better service quality.

Which are the two challenges of business travel?

Managing the safety and well-being of business travelers and ensuring a high ROI are two challenges of business travel.

How do you identify a business traveler?

To identify the business travelers needs, one must keep factors such as business expectations, comfort needs, safety requirements, and costing in mind.

What are examples of business traveler?

Business travelers include sales representatives, executives, consultants, journalists, researchers, government officials, and more.

What do business travelers want from airlines?

Business travelers look for comfortable seats, in flight amenities, less to no delays, security, flexibility, and more such things.

How can I find the best deals on flights and accommodations for business travel?

The companies can integrate with travel management companies to find competitive prices in one place. They can also look at the booking platforms to find the best deals for flights and accommodations.

How can I stay productive and organized while traveling for business?

There are various travel management software and apps that can assist business travelers during their business trips. They can see and manage their entire travel itinerary in one place and make all the transactions directly through the software. It helps them to focus on their business objective and keep themselves organized.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a hotel for a business trip?

Consider the location and its accessibility to various local locations, look at the reviews online from past visitors, look for various amenities, and make sure that they incline with your needs, and check with the hotel for its policies.

How can I maintain a healthy work-life balance while traveling extensively for business?

It must be clearly mentioned in the Duty of Policy that the work-life balance must be properly maintained. The employee should allot their time of the day for work and family separately. They must not work overtime and stress themselves.

How do I handle travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations or delays, and ensure minimal impact on my business plans?

If you have an integration with a TMC, they will guide you through the disruptions in travel. However, all airlines provide alternative flights in case of cancellations. You can always get travel insurance while booking your flights to ensure minimal to no impact on business trips.

A business traveler distinguishes themselves from a regular tourist by the purpose of their trip and their activities. Business travelers venture primarily for work-related reasons, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations, while tourists seek leisure, exploration, and relaxation. Business travelers follow packed schedules, often staying in convenient hotels chosen for proximity to work, with expenses frequently covered by employers. In contrast, tourists select accommodations based on personal preference and budget, enjoying recreational and cultural activities. Business trips are typically short and focused on professional objectives, whereas tourists have flexibility for extended stays.

What are the common reasons for someone to be considered a business traveler?

Common reasons for being considered a business traveler encompass professional pursuits. These include attending meetings and negotiations, participating in industry-specific events like conferences and seminars, engaging in training or workshops, conducting market research, providing expert advice or consulting services, and overseeing company operations in different regions. Business travelers contribute significantly to their organizations by advancing business goals through these work-related journeys.

Are there any benefits or challenges associated with being a business traveler?

Being a business traveler has its benefits and challenges. Positively, it offers opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and networking with industry peers. Exposure to diverse cultures fosters cultural understanding. However, challenges include stress and fatigue due to frequent travel, disruptions to routines, and work-life balance. Logistical issues like travel disruptions and language barriers can pose hurdles. Balancing these aspects necessitates effective planning and a keen awareness of personal and professional needs.

What features should I look for in a travel expense tracking app?

When choosing a travel expense tracking app, prioritize features such as receipt scanning, expense categorization, currency conversion, and real-time synchronization. These capabilities streamline the process of managing expenses during your business trips, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. Look for apps compatible with both iOS and Android platforms to cater to your device preferences.

Consider popular expense tracking apps like Expensify, Concur, Zoho Expense, Xpenditure, and TripIt, all available on both iOS and Android. These apps offer various levels of automation and customization, making them suitable for a range of business travel needs. They simplify expense organization, currency conversion, and reporting, enhancing your ability to manage expenses effectively.

How can these apps help me manage my expenses efficiently during a business trip?

Expense tracking apps can significantly improve efficiency during business trips by digitizing receipts, automating data entry, handling currency conversions, and providing real-time updates. They help ensure compliance with company policies and enable easy generation of customizable expense reports. By reducing administrative burdens, these apps allow you to focus more on your work, ultimately making your business trips more productive and stress-free.

Pratyush is a traveling enthusiast who always looks for innovations in business travel management. He has 5 years of experience writing content on corporate travel management and working closely with expert business travel facilitators.

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The business traveler north america award winners 2023: airlines and cabins.

by Business Traveler

December 1, 2023

North America’s Best Airline

Delta air lines.

A350 Delta One Suite / Photo: Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has once again claimed the title of North America’s Best Airline, and it’s no surprise. For the second consecutive year, Delta has been honored with Cirium’s Platinum Award for Operational Excellence, speaking volumes about the airline’s commitment to its passengers and their travel experience.

Delta’s dedication to timeliness is clear in that nearly 84 percent of its flights arrived on time in 2022. With 965 planes and operations spanning seven hubs, Delta has earned its reputation as the most reliable carrier in the country.

Delta’s commitment to connectivity is evident in its provision of fast, free Wi-Fi to its SkyMiles members. With the introduction of Delta Sync, passengers can enjoy a more personalized and seamless travel experience.

North America’s Best Business Class

Delta One takes care of every aspect of your journey from the moment you step into the airport, granting access to Delta’s Sky Club and Sky Priority accelerated check-in, security and baggage-handling services.

Onboard, Delta has made significant strides in renewing its fleet with state-of-the-art business class cabins. This effort began in 2017 with the introduction of Delta One suites on the airline’s Airbus A350 aircraft. These suites, featuring a 1-2-1 configuration and a sliding door for added privacy, have set the standard for long-haul flying.

North America’s Premium Economy

Delta’s Premium Select takes your travel experience to new heights. Available on the latest wide-body aircraft, these seats are designed for comfort and entertainment. With features like a footrest, power port, adjustable headrest and generous 13.3-inch in-flight entertainment screen, you’ll be treated to a journey that’s both relaxing and engaging. Whether it’s a 2-4-2 or 2-3-2 seating configuration, you’ll find your own space to unwind on planes such as the Airbus A350, A330-900neo and Boeing 767-400ER.

North America’s Best Airline Lounge

Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport / Photo: Courtesy of Jason Dewey

Delta has set the standard for airport lounges with its magnificent Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This 30,000-square- foot lounge can accommodate more than 500 guests. One of its standout features is the Sky Deck, an outdoor space with a bar and breathtaking views of both the airport runway and the Hollywood Hills. The design of the lounge mirrors the natural beauty of Southern California, with waves on the sand-inspired ceiling and mountain outlines in the wood paneling. A unique feature is the Coffee Grotto, designed to evoke the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age, complete with imported Italian tiles.

The lounge has two buffets and two bars, offering diverse food and drink options, including regional cuisine by local chefs. Delta has created a lounge experience that reflects the vibrant culture and beauty of Los Angeles.

World’s Best Airline

Singapore airlines.

Singapore Airlines Suite / Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines, named World’s Best Airline for two consecutive years by Business Traveler , continues to set the benchmark for exceptional service, catering and onboard comfort. The airline operates a vast network, connecting travelers to more than 75 destinations across five continents and 32 countries. In the U.S., the airline serves five major gateways: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Houston, with the world’s longest 19-hour nonstop flight from Singapore to New York.

Traveling with Singapore Airlines ensures a premium in-flight experience. With a long-haul, wide-body fleet consisting of Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s and A380s, the airline offers personalized service, ergonomically designed seats, a wide range of entertainment options, and exquisite culinary dishes in Business and First Class.

Passengers enjoy private lie-flat seats (some with doors) and the Book the Cook feature for preordering gourmet meals by renowned chefs from the airline’s all-star culinary panel. The A380 offers opulent First Class suites—exclusively available on New York to Frankfurt flights—providing more than 50 square feet of space, a reclining armchair, a separate bed convertible into a double bed, and sliding doors, reminiscent of hotel rooms in the sky.

North America’s Best In-Flight Food and Beverage

JetBlue’s in-flight dining / Photo: Courtesy of JetBlue

JetBlue’s upscale culinary journey began in 2020 when it joined forces with Delicious Hospitality Group (DHG), a New York City restaurant group. The plan involved bringing the flavors of DHG’s best restaurants to the skies, marking a new era in in-flight dining.

The initial chapter of the book showcased the trendy restaurant Charlie Bird, followed by Pasquale Jones. The customers were thrilled with the taste of New York’s culinary expertise. The menu is continually updated, with seasonal ingredients taking center stage and varying as per the destination. An assortment of international wines is carefully selected to ensure a memorable dining experience, even at 35,000 feet.

Best Private Jet Company

NetJets Global 7500 / Photo: Courtesy of NetJets

In the world of private jet travel, NetJets reigns supreme. With nearly six decades of experience, it continues to set the gold standard.

What sets it apart? A diverse fleet, unparalleled aircraft availability, top-notch customer service, flexible peak-day policies, exceptional value and steady overall satisfaction.

NetJets boasts a fleet of more than 900 aircraft, ranging from the nimble Phenom 300 to the far-reaching Global 7500. In 2022, more than 70 new jets joined the fleet, with 100-plus coming this year.

NetJets offers various pricing options catering to a wide range of travelers, from occasional users to frequent flyers. However, what truly distinguishes NetJets is its commitment to delivering a personalized experience for each passenger.

Best First Class

First-class, Air France / Photo: Courtesy of Air France

Gaining access to the world’s finest first class experience isn’t for the faint of heart. The high-price-tag experience unfolds on the ground, where passengers enjoy complimentary airport transfers, a private check-in lounge and a car transfer to the gate. Air France’s La Première lounge exudes sophistication and exclusivity. Alongside refined service and delectable cuisine, a Sisley-branded spa provides a complimentary facial.

Onboard, a single row of four seats stands out for its 30-inch-wide flatbeds, a floor-to- ceiling curtain and a bed that features a one-inch-thick memory foam mattress pad, a fluffy duvet and a plush pillow. Passengers also enjoy various amenities, including a dimmable side lamp, LED seat lights and world-class Parisian dining curated by Michelin-starred chefs.

World’s Best Premium Economy

Virgin atlantic.

Virgin Atlantic’s Premium Economy / Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has set a high bar in Premium Economy, and it’s no surprise they’ve been recognized as the world’s best for the second consecutive year. Passengers enjoy two checked bags, with SkyPriority service for faster check-in and boarding. Onboard, Virgin offers extra-large leather seats with up to 38 inches of pitch. Night flights come with a special premium amenity kit, while the dining experience is always exceptional.

Every flight starts with a chilled glass of sparkling wine, followed by various delectable hot dishes served on refined plates. And for in-flight snacks, the onboard Wander Wall provides sweet and savory treats.

And boredom is never an issue with Virgin Atlantic’s 300-plus hours of entertainment, in-seat power and affordable Wi-Fi to keep passengers connected throughout their journey.

World’s Best Business Class

Qatar airways qsuite.

Qatar Airways Qsuite / Photo: Courtesy of Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, often ranked among the world’s top airlines, is globally recognized for having the finest Business Class cabin. A commitment to comfort, seat design, service and amenities has forged a near-perfect Business Class experience.

The Qsuite is capable of impressing both first-timers and seasoned travelers. Adaptable panels create social spaces for work or dining, even midflight. Privacy, too, is paramount, with each seat featuring a sliding door, granting complete seclusion. Every passenger enjoys a 22-inch touch-screen TV and a do-not-disturb button for added privacy. Each seat is upholstered in the latest and finest fabrics, carefully selected to enhance your experience. The media panel is equipped with an all-access power port featuring USB, HDMI and NFC capabilities, allowing you to stay connected and entertained throughout your journey.

The Qsuite’s most groundbreaking feature is that it offers four different products: the Single Suite for solo travelers; the Twin Suite for business travelers flying together; the Double Suite, perfect for couples; and The Quad, ideal for families of four. The unmatched versatility of this product sets it apart from others in the industry.

The airline also offers a “dine anytime” concept, as well as a personalized turndown service that includes comfortable pillows, a quilted mattress and a soft, luxurious duvet. These are now accompanied by The White Company sleepwear and cozy slippers, as well as amenity kits from Diptyque, ensuring a luxurious journey.

Qatar Airways has set a new standard for Business Class luxury: The Qsuite is a pinnacle of comfort, resourcefulness and innovation.

Best Frequent Flyer Program

American airlines aadvantage.

American Airlines AAdvantage / Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

AAdvantage offers a strong network of partner airlines and competitive award redemption rates worldwide. Members can earn and redeem miles for experiences such as air travel, hotels, car rentals and vacation packages through more than 1,000 partner companies.

The program distinguishes itself by not tying status to flight segment requirements, offering members the freedom to focus on earning elite status benefits without unnecessary constraints. Loyalty Point Rewards enhance program value and incentivize loyalty by offering benefits as members progress.

Despite shifting to dynamic pricing in 2023, AAdvantage offers low redemption rates for partner carriers, starting at just 7,500 miles for one-way domestic flights—the lowest in the industry.

Best Airline Alliance

Star alliance.

Star Alliance, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport / Photo: Courtesy of Star Alliance

As the skies become increasingly crowded, more travelers have the privilege of experiencing what Star Alliance and its 26 member airlines have to offer.

What sets it apart? Its steady commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. The group’s latest strategy digitizes the traveler’s journey, offering loyalty benefits and pioneering innovations, such as the Intermodal Partnership with Deutsche Bahn, which streamlines air-rail journeys.

The LAX Star Alliance Lounge—one of six alliance-branded lounges in the world—is another testament to the brand’s excellence.

This award-winning lounge offers exceptional amenities and services, including an outdoor terrace with breathtaking views—a stunning space by day and a vibrant one as the sun sets.

World’s Best In-Flight Food and Beverage

Turkish airlines.

Turkish Airlines in-flight dining experience / Photo: Courtesy of Turkish Airlines

Known for delivering culinary masterpieces, Turkish Airlines and Austrian catering firm DO&CO provide an exceptional dining experience. In the airport and the air, the airline’s dedication to exquisite cuisine is evident and has consistently impressed passengers and critics alike.

From delectable meze appetizers to gourmet meals prepared by the skilled Flying Chef for Business Class travelers on long-haul flights to the passenger-favorite baklava desserts, Turkish Airlines has mastered the art of in-flight dining.

The airline has updated its menu this year, including more local flavors and ingredients in all cabin classes.

As pandemic restrictions ease and the Flying Chefs again take to the skies, it’s no surprise that Turkish Airlines has been recognized as the world’s best.

Best Airline App

United airlines.

United Airlines App / Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

United has emerged as a trailblazer in airline apps. Its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience is evident through a series of groundbreaking upgrades in its iPhone app.

The app features Live Activities, which allows access to boarding passes, gate assignments and seat numbers. This real-time capability has transformed how passengers engage with their travel itinerary, making it more convenient and efficient.

A Lock Screen countdown clock is another standout addition, offering an interactive way to access flight details even when the iPhone is locked or used for other purposes. Travelers can easily find information such as flight numbers, status, gates, baggage updates and more. More features provide real-time flight information, helping travelers prepare and navigate disruptions. Passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations can now receive vouchers for meals, hotels and rideshare services directly through the app, eliminating the need for paperwork and customer service lines.

The app is designed for maximum accessibility, assisting visually impaired travelers and offering a personalized experience.

United’s app, with up to three million daily users, is not just a travel companion but also a comprehensive solution, featuring tools such as Agent on Demand, Map Search, Terminal Guide and Travel-Ready Center.

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International Business Travel, Management of Global Business Travel

International business travel.

For many businesses across the United States, commerce is a global activity and with an international economy comes the challenge of doing businesses in other countries around the world.

Global travel is not without its risk and the coronavirus pandemic has shown that from a business perspective, organizing travel and ensuring the safety of your staff has raised a whole new set of challenges and issues, many of which not all businesses were prepared for.

As global business travel starts to increase again, both employees and businesses are looking at ways that they can still travel internationally for business, whilst maintaining safety and ensuring that any fast-moving changes and situations are managed effectively and easily without incurring the cost of having to rebook or cancel at short notice.

International Business Travel Risks

When it comes to traveling internationally for business, just like with leisure travel, it isn't without some potential risk. While the majority of business travel is carried out without a hitch it's always a good idea to be prepared for the worst.

Some of the travel risks that travelers need to watch out for include staying safe in unfamiliar locations, keeping travel documents secure and maintaining health, which has become paramount in recent times.

Other risks that affect international business travel are last minute changes to a person's schedule, such as cancellations and problems with bookings. Modern business travelers need to have a set of dynamic policies and tools they can rely on to ensure that they can quickly adapt to any challenges that arise.

The good news is, there are plenty of things a business can do to insulate itself from issues with international travel and to help maintain the health and safety of their employees when traveling on behalf of their organization.

One of the key improvements a business can make to their business travel program to help mitigate the majority of these potential travel problems is to use an effective travel policy .

How International Business Travelers Can Protect Themselves

When traveling abroad it's always a good idea to have a travel insurance policy to cover potential issues. As a business traveler, your personal travel insurance policy might cover you for business trips, but it's worth double-checking the policy with your provider prior to travel to avoid expensive mistakes. The company you work for might also cover you under a business travel insurance scheme, but you should again check with your employer to find out what is, and what isn't covered. For example, it's never advisable to travel without a health care policy in case of illness or accident.

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest U.S. embassies so that if the worst happens and you lose important documents like your passport, you'll know where to go to resolve the issue.

Although employees may take a pragmatic approach to traveling safety, employers have a duty of care to their personnel, which means as a company you might be looking at ways to keep your employees safe when they're out traveling for your business. Ultimately, the best way this can be achieved is by implementing a comprehensive travel risk management program and by creating travel policies to maintain travel compliance and ensure traveler safety.

Coronavirus Pandemic's Impact on Global Corporate Travel

Over the last few years, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused huge problems traveling internationally. Even at a domestic level, the road warriors who travel around visiting customers and businesses across the U.S. have found that state to state, U.S. travel still has its own unique restrictions and challenges to deal with.

For business travelers looking to travel to a foreign country in many locations, travel restrictions have been put in place to stop unnecessary travel. As the coronavirus vaccine has been rolled out, some of these travel restrictions have started to lift and travel plans are starting to be made again.

When it comes to international business travel, it's always a good idea to check the status of the country that you're going to, so you can ensure that you can travel by meeting any restrictions that are in place. The Egencia ® Travel Advisor tool can quickly and easily identify issues in various locations around the world. In addition, you can find travel advisories for trips during COVID-19, including regulations for destinations, and safety and health guidelines.

Benefits of International Business Travel

Even though business travel has reduced over the last few years, and with the targets to reduce carbon emissions, many businesses are looking at ways to reduce expensive (and emission producing) business trips where possible. However, while some business meetings can be held via video conferencing services, it can be difficult or impossible to carry out some business functions virtually. Often, you just have to be there!

There are a number of benefits of face-to-face meetings with colleagues or clients, and these include:

Being able to read body language. It can be difficult to pick up on the non-verbal cues when speaking virtually. Humans have the ability to pick up on subtle micro expressions that people give off, and adapt accordingly. This can help with competitiveness and closing deals that might otherwise be lost if those micro expressions are not picked up on - which is hard to do virtually!

Building relationships. Many customers prefer face-to-face meetings as business often isn't just about what you can offer as an organization but also about relationships and finding people and corporate philosophies that are in synergy together. This is much easier to do in person, where small talk and more natural interactions can occur between people and teams.

Improve focus and concentration. When in a face-to-face meeting you tend to have the full attention of the people that you are speaking to. When on a video call, you might find that people in the meeting aren't paying as much attention. They could be looking at social media, answering emails and not being fully engaged. In a face-to-face meeting the likelihood of this happening is significantly reduced.

Easier to deal with different time zones. International business can take place across lots of different time zones. When trying to organize a call or video meeting, it can mean that someone somewhere, will have to accommodate an out-of-hours calendar invite that might come at a very inconvenient time. For global organizations this can mean that someone will have to have a call or meeting very early in the morning, or very late at night. This can reduce productivity and effectiveness if people are tired. This can also mean that people are keener to get the meeting over and done with faster, so meetings can be rushed.

A face-to-face meeting means time zones won't matter because everyone will be one the same schedule. Of course, an international flight can introduce the dreaded jet lag, but this can be compensated for by proper scheduling of the flight and adequate rest.

For the individual business traveler, there are also benefits to be had from traveling internationally. For instance, it can make a job more interesting and engaging as you get to explore and see new cultures and locations.

International travel can make a job more varied, as you'll often experience new things, activities and meeting new people. For many employees this is the sort of thing they look for in a role, and it can make for a happier employee. When the employee is restricted to a conference phone call or video meeting, often from their own homes or satellite office, the day-to-day can become boring. International travel is a way to keep employees engaged, happy and most importantly efficient and effective.

With the ability to use laptops and mobile computing devices when traveling and when using air travel, there's a lot less employee downtime, so in many cases an employee can still carry out work when on a long-haul flight.

International Business Travel Management

Some companies leave the booking of international travel to the employees to handle, but this is not always the best use of their time, nor is it the most cost-effective way to travel.

That's why many companies use a travel management company such as Egencia to simplify and streamline business travel. Egencia help businesses manage travel risk and help to ensure traveler wellbeing no matter where they travel to. Egencia's travel management solutions also help support your business and plan for the future.

You can set up travel policies for your employees and you can keep in contact with your team globally to keep them informed and ensure their safety when out on business using our travel risk management tools and services.

Future of International Business Travel

When it comes to international business trips, the future holds interesting challenges for travel managers. The coronavirus pandemic has shown that a dynamic approach to business travel is needed. This can be hard to maintain when managing your own business travel program. This is why many companies turn to Egencia to help support their business travel program.

In addition to the need for more dynamic business travel solutions , many organizations are looking for ways to reduce their carbon impact on the environment and areas such as business travel, and especially international business travel are under the spotlight as this is an area where savings can be made. This is where Egencia's travel policy solutions can help, from ensuring only direct flights are booked, but also by ensuring travel options that are environmentally friendly are used more often.

So, whether you're looking for dynamic business travel solutions, need help setting up travel policies for your employees, or want to reduce your carbon footprint, we can help you fine tune your International travel. Visit Egencia.com to find out how we can make your global travel run smoothly.

Looking for better business travel solutions? Get in touch with us.

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Best Hotels for Business Travel, Broken Down by Chain

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Road warriors often have their favorite hotel brand, but in some cities, there are limited choices. In others, there might be so many choices that it is hard to decide. That’s why it can be helpful to know which brands are designed for business travelers, so you can earn points and make smart travel decisions at the same time.

Here, we look at the best hotels for business travel within the Hilton Honors , Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt programs.

Hilton Honors

Despite switching to dynamic pricing and making it more difficult to know how many points are needed to redeem for a stay, Hilton Honors has many of the world’s well-known hospitality brands under its portfolio. Among them are some of the best hotel chains for business travel.

Using hard-earned points for a vacation award redemption means waived resort fees, too. When paired with one of the fastest ways to Diamond elite status (the hotel's top level) via the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card , you have a strong contender for best hotel rewards program for business travelers who want to spend their points on a personal vacation later.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

As the flagship brand for Hilton, the Hilton brand spans the globe in both city and resort destinations. Many of its properties have meeting facilities, as well as executive lounges that are popular with elite members. Gold and Diamond members can enjoy complimentary breakfast if a club lounge isn't available — perhaps another draw for business visitors.

» Learn more: An introduction to elite status with Hilton Honors

Embassy Suites by Hilton

You can't go wrong with a free, made-to-order breakfast, evening happy hour with free wine, beer and cocktails plus snacks, and every accommodation offers a two-room suite. While families will be happy here, this is also a great option for business travelers (especially those traveling on their own dime). You'll have everything you need in one place — even if you're just working remotely in your suite .

Homewood Suites by Hilton

With more than 500 properties open, these all-suite accommodations come with full kitchens and separate living areas. They're intended for extended stays, making them a good fit for business travelers who want to be self-sufficient. Even better, rooms come with complimentary breakfast and an evening social hour several nights a week with free wine, beer and snacks.

» Learn more: Hilton Honors: Advanced reward optimization

Marriott Bonvoy

With so many hotel brands in its portfolio, Marriott seemingly has one for nearly every type of traveler — from luxury-minded to budget-focused, including many built for the corporate traveler. Of course, Marriott Bonvoy’s strength as a hotel loyalty program is another major driver of business, especially with its elite member benefits guarantee and ability to earn bonus points and elite status via Marriott-affiliated credit cards . While there are a lot of Marriott Bonvoy brands that delight those who travel for work, these are the business travel hotel brands with some of the most ideal options.

Marriott Hotels

The company’s flagship brand, Marriott, comes in all shapes and sizes, from conference-oriented properties to resorts. What most have in common are several key features: Club lounges (ideal for elite status travelers or those wishing to pay for an upgrade), a TED Talks partnership that supplies unique content via in-room TVs and the Marriott Bonvoy app , and Greatroom lobby lounges (perfect for relaxing after a day of meetings).

Following a redesign announcement, Sheraton wants to become a destination for groups to gather and business travelers to be productive. In addition to club lounges that will appeal to elite status members, its public areas will feature private, soundproof studio workspaces and “productivity tables,” encouraging guests to enjoy complimentary refreshments as they work or cowork. The lobby lounge will serve craft coffee beverages in the morning and transition to a cocktail menu later in the day.

» Learn more: The best ways to rack up Marriott Bonvoy points

Gaylord Hotels

This is one of Marriott’s smallest brands as it has five properties only, but the hotels are enormous. That’s because these properties are designed for meetings and events. From corporate gatherings to gigantic conventions, business and social interaction is the heart of the Gaylord brand. Cleverly, Gaylord properties incorporate leisure facilities, like entertainment programming and water parks, so that business travelers can bring the family along.

Residence Inn

Longer-stay guests can maximize productivity thanks to larger accommodations at Marriott's Residence Inn, many of which have separate living and sleeping areas, plus kitchenettes. Complimentary breakfast, and many nights of the week, free dinner with wine and beer, are among the perks that business travelers appreciate most when on the road.

You only earn 5 points per $1 spent at Residence Inns (as well as Towneplace Suites). The usual Marriott base rate is 10 points per $1. Factor this into your decision as a trade-off if you choose to stay there for the long-term amenities.

World of Hyatt

As one of the more generous loyalty programs out there, World of Hyatt offers numerous benefits, especially for elite members and for those with the World of Hyatt Credit Card . This has helped propel it in the ranks of best hotel chains for business travel. Benefits like Guest of Honor , that allow elite members to share their status with another traveler, and a reciprocal partnership with American Airlines to earn miles and points , add to the program’s popularity.

Using the points you earned on the clock for a resort award redemption means waived resort fees, too. World of Hyatt keeps life on the road healthy and well-balanced; for instance, the curated mindfulness content from Headspace available in guest rooms and via the World of Hyatt app can help business travelers looking to stay grounded.

Hyatt Regency

These business-focused hotels have full-service facilities like a restaurant, bar and meeting space. Many also have a Regency Club lounge accessible to top elite members or those willing to pay an upgrade for access.

Grand Hyatt

Designed to be large, opulent and focused on meetings and events travel, Grand Hyatt properties around the world cater well to the frequent business traveler. Amenities like a lounge for elite status members and those wishing to pay for the upgrade, a premium fitness center and restaurant mean road warriors are well cared for during a stay.

Hyatt House

These select-service, extended-stay hotels are designed for the price-sensitive traveler who wants more suite amenities than a traditional hotel room. Hyatt House properties come with apartment-style kitchen suites and workout facilities. For those with long stays in one place, it’s usually more economical (and less hassle) to stay in a hotel over signing a short-term lease for an apartment. And it’s always better to earn loyalty points, too.

» Learn more: Amazing suites you can book at Hyatt hotels with points

If you're choosing between business travel hotels

Hotel companies have numerous brands targeting different audiences, from budget-friendly options to luxury properties designed to pamper. The business traveler can find some form of benefits at almost all hotels, but some brands within the major programs are especially notable. The next time you travel for work, look for these hotel brands that deliver a reliable, road warrior-friendly experience.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

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Airlines predict record summer travel — with surging demand for first-class seats.

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Multiple airlines are reportedly anticipating carrying a record number of travelers this summer, including an increased demand in first class tickets.

United Airlines said Wednesday after reporting that it suffered $200 million in losses in the first quarter that it’s expecting a turnaround this summer.

“As an airline and as an industry,” United expects to “set another record for passenger numbers come June, July and August — the peak travel months for the season — the carrier’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella told investors.

To achieve this, more than 273 million Americans would have to take vacations this year, according to Investopedia , citing data from Transportation Security Administration checkpoints between May 31, 2023, and Sept. 17, 2023.

The record-setting figure for 2023 means that nearly one-third, or 32.8% of all US households passed through TSA checkpoints last year in what was dubbed a “revenge” travel season.

In another positive sign for the future of travel, customers appear willing to pay up for first class and other cabins above standard coach, executives said, according to CNBC .

Nocella said on the earnings call Wednesday that as a result, United is mulling further segmentation at the front of its planes, as it did when it implemented “preferred seating” options and perks for its MileagePlus members.

“You have many teams of people working on how to further innovate and provide more and more choice and to monetize that choice on our behalf, obviously, in the future,” Nocella said.

Alaska Airlines is similarly predicting a strong peak this summer — despite recent setbacks stemming from its infamous mid-air door blowout at 16,000 feet in January, CNBC earlier reported.

The Seattle-based carrier has prepped for the coming months by expanding its capacity roughly 3.5% over the past 12 months — which positioned it to forecast second-quarter and full-year earnings well ahead of estimates on Thursday.

Though Alaska Airlines reported earlier this month that it lost “approximately $160 million” in its first quarter in pretax profit in the wake of the fuselage blowout, Boeing — which built the 737 MAX 9 that malfunctioned on that fateful Flight 1282 from Portland, Ore. — repaid the sum.

Boeing said that it would give Alaska Airlines the $160 million it lost as part of an “initial payment” for “financial damages” resulting from the near-disastrous flight on Jan. 5 that ultimately led to a three-week grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX 9 planes.

United also blamed that nearly month-long period on its own $200 million losses in the latest quarter, though Boeing hasn’t said that it would repay the Chicago-based airline — which was forced to cancel hundreds of flights and pause pilot hiring.

As Boeing faces a May 28 deadline from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a comprehensive plan to address quality-control issues, the government agency is also probing United after several incidents this year, including a tire that fell from one of its older Boeing 777s , CNBC reported.

However, the setbacks didn’t seem to sway COO Nocella’s belief that it’s going to be a busy summer for United.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian also said on his company’s earnings call last week, “Demand continues to be strong, and we see a record spring and summer travel season with our 11 highest sales days in our history all occurring this calendar year,” CNBC earlier reported.

Delta’s second-quarter forecasts also outpaced Wall Street estimates.

And in another display of travelers’ willingness to splash out on travel perks, Delta revealed plans to debut “premium” airport lounges back in February , touting that the high-end spaces will feature full-service brasseries, markets and dedicated wellness areas.

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are both set to report their latest earnings results on April 25.

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FAA lifts temporary ground stop of Alaska Airlines flights after technical issue is resolved

The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a ground stop for all Alaska Airlines flights Wednesday after grounding the planes earlier as a result of a computer problem at the carrier.

The Seattle-based airline said in a statement that an issue arose “while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance.”

The FAA initially approved a ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon flights starting at approximately 10:50 a.m. ET.

It was lifted just before 11:45 a.m. ET.

It wasn't immediately clear how many flights were affected. An Alaska spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Prince Harry says travel industry must do more for local communities

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Dutch privacy watchdog recommends government organisations stop using Facebook

The Dutch privacy watchdog AP on Friday said it was recommending that government organizations should stop using Facebook as long as it is unclear what happens with personal data of users of the government's Facebook pages.

Teamsters local unions in three states filed unfair labor practice charges against PepsiCo with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, the union said on Friday.