Business Travel
Corporate Travel Policy
Posted on January 25, 2012 |
Every company has a strict corporate travel policy and at The Travel Team Inc. we excel in finding the best possible deals within the parameters governing business travel for your executives and employees. Our comprehensive corporate travel services are what first earned us a solid reputation and their quality has only improved with time. The Travel Team’s mission is enabling corporate travel at the lowest possible cost, yet with maximum efficiency and comfort.
A corporate travel policy clearly outlines the limit of expenditure a corporation is willing to allow for legitimate business trips undertaken by its management and staff. Companies generally tread the middle ground, not permitting luxury but also not making travelers suffer sub-standard facilities and services for the sake of cutting costs. The twin objective of striking this balance is to control corporate travel expenses while ensuring that the business traveler is comfortable and gets quality service.
At The Travel Team we understand the demands of your corporate travel policy, which is why we go the extra mile to get you the lowest possible airfares, cheapest possible and affordable quality accommodation and discounted car rentals. Trained and experienced managers who know you need flexible and economical travel arrangements handle your account when you bring your corporate travel business to us. Our partnerships with WorldTravel Affiliates and Virtuoso also mean that you get access to facilities most other business travelers do not enjoy. Our corporate travel services include:
Comprehensive low fare search
Guaranteed lowest possible airfares
VIP services and upgrades
Worldwide 24/7 emergency service
Worldwide hotel and car rental discounts
Pre- and post-trip reporting
The Travel Team can also help you either improve your existing corporate travel policy or develop a more cost-effective and comprehensive alternative. Our detailed travel reporting ensures that your company is constantly kept informed about travelers’ spending and we provide costs savings analyses as well.
Based in Buffalo, New York, The Travel Team was founded in 1989 and Business Travel News ranked us the 18th largest travel management company in the United States. For more information on how we can help you get the best out of your corporate travel policy, visit http://www.thetravelteam.com/> or contact us.
A good experience.
Posted on January 21, 2012 |
Driving is my passion and I like to drive cars a lot and go for long drives every now and then. I like to try different cars every time I travel and always book autonoleggio1 from different companies. This company www.autonoleggio1.it which I booked very recently was I think one of the best companies in terms of service and rates. As their service is very fast and efficient and also their rates are quite reasonable and affordable for the common man as well. Till date I have booked around 3 autonoleggio1 from them and not even one vehicle had given me any problem and of course their pick up and drop facility is also very prompt and they are very punctual as well. My personal opinion is that this company www.autonoleggio1.it is a very good company with efficient service and good staff as well. I am a big fan of this company and would definitely be loyal to them. They also have a large fleet of cars and they keep adding new models of cars every now and then.
Decorated Hotels at Los Angeles
Posted on January 19, 2012 |
Los Angeles is a wonderful city of United States being visited by several people worldwide. The LA hotels are available for the comfort of the people according to their needs. Whether one has fixed budget or not, the city have everything to offer to its visitors. It has welcomed people all over the world to come and enjoy the city life. The LA hotels have around 25 millions of guest every year and they are able to provide with the excellent services to its customers. There are also luxury hotels that have high rates. Those who wish to come for special time could choose these hotels for having wonderful time of their life.
When we visit any place then which hotel to choose is a foremost question that comes in one mind. The LA hotels rates vary according to the size and facilities offered. The tourist needs to choose a room according to their wish and comforts. Finding a hotel according to your wish is no more a difficult task as now one could browse online to find out the details of the hotel. The website would display the information of the room’s availability, hotels present, fares etc. So you can book online in advance to avoid any problems.
The LA hotels are beautifully decorated by the famous interior designers. The architects are highly experienced who decorate the rooms with the unique designs and styles. The interiors of the hotels are the major attractions of the tourists as they came to explore the beauty of it. Every corner of the hotel has been giving special attention to make it look best. The architects are professionals who would go beyond their skills to give the best look they can. The hotels are located at the heart of the city which is present near to the tourist spots. The hotels provide luxury stay to its customers by providing all the facilities and amenities. The hotels feature peaceful landscapes view that gives peace to your mind. Their hotel staff is well trained to treat the customers with special attention, so that customers do not face any problems.
Get the Best Experience In Tel Aviv
Posted on January 6, 2012 |
Tel Aviv honestly consider that they are the almost all blessed men and women today on earth. If you too would like to join that expanding masses of believers, then book a low-cost airfare to Tel Aviv currently to seek out much more concerning this sun steeped vacation spot. Travel places rate quite on its ideal vacation destinations. You should use these portals to look at prices in the several aircraft flying to Tel or even book Motel in Tel Aviv at a time from your own residential metropolis to guide budget friendly priced airfare to Aviv.
Reduced finances airlines also do run to Tel Aviv from across everyone in the world. If you want to stop by this amazing holiday getaway attraction, book your own cheap airfare to Tel Aviv with regard to July in addition to August – one of the best time that they are here. There tend to be so plenty of on-line booking webpages to give you support out by using all global booking dreams. If you’re preparing your own journey, chalk out adequately. Opt for via the internet booking webpages for reservation. If you simply must know with regards to flight reservation availability, then you can make contact by using any in the reputable airfare booking net websites
Book Cheap Ferries To France To Uncover Paris Attractions
Posted on December 20, 2011 |
An Overview Of Paris City
Paris, the French capital city will probably be the most romantic city in the globe and it’s popularly known as the “City Of Lights”. Paris has got innumerable cultural and historic attractions that make it a challenging one for some tourists to determine the places to travel to when arranging a vacation for only a very short period. A trip to this beautiful city is something that everyone should visit at-least once with their lifetime. Paris has got good reputation and decent atmosphere all year long. Visitors normally consider car ferry to France to arrive Paris city and luxuriate in their holidays.
Places And Attraction Sites In Paris
The most stunning attractions with this city includes Euro-Disneyland, Eiffel Tower, famous Louvre museum, the terrific Arch of Triumph, Champs-Elysees and fantastic Notre Dame Cathedral. The most important thing you have to do once you visit Paris would be to check-out the Eiffel Tower. It’s going to cost you around four Euros to climb up to the viewing. Its visited by around 6 million visitors annually. The most renowned museum of our planet, the Louvre, has got its name and fame that came from the famous Mona Lisa painting created by Leonardo De Vinci. Visit Musse D’orsay to have good understanding of historical paintings. The Arc De Triomphe built during Napoleon’s times offer spectacular vision of the entire city.
In case you’re travelling together with your kids and friends, don’t forget to visit world famous theme parks in Euro-Disneyland. If you’re an aspiring modern art lover, then you definitely need to compulsorily visit Pompidou Centre. Paris city has got lots of other attractions you should keep in mind to visit. Art lovers will love Paris and a visit could well be incomplete without having a look at the famous Louvre in Paris. Indeed, many art lovers spend an entire week seeing the many sections of the Louvre. Notre Dame Cathedral is a terrific Parisian monument that’s located at du Parvis quite close to the Seine River. This cathedral is rated being a beautiful Gothic architectural artwork. It was eventually fashioned throughout the 12th and 14th centuries.
Things You Can Indulge In Paris
Take an unlimited bus pass to visit and luxuriate in your holidays by looking at a number of the beautiful places and attractions of Paris city. Gather all possible information about the city’s history by touring Napoleon’s Tomb and taste the French Cuisine. Take pleasure in several sport activities like tennis, auto racing, fishing, skiing, golf, bicycle, pelote, horse riding, mountain trekking, golf and a lot of other sport activities.
Before you decide to visit Paris, it’s suggested that you obtain basic French phrase guidebook. It’s also a fun to get familiar with a fresh language. The city celebrates many festivals all year round like Paris Fashion Week, 6 Nations Rugby and Techno Parade. So, book beforehand a ferry to France ticket and enjoy Paris holidays.
How to Manage a Business Travel Tender
Posted on November 18, 2011 |
Stage1
First, undertake an analysis of your current business travel purchasing. Expect to make savings of between 5%-10%. Additionally, look at ways of making improvements to processes and procedures. A travel tender review is a great opportunity to instigate change.
Your recommendations should be written into a “Business Case” for undertaking a travel tender.
Stage 2
Prepare a supplier prequalification document containing the recommendations made in stage 1. This will save you time as it eliminates the business travel suppliers who are not suited to servicing your travel tender requirements.
Most travel suppliers will extol their capabilities whilst ignoring the risks to the business travel buyer. The prequalification stage helps to mitigate your risk.
Stage 3, involves the design of the main business travel tender document. It must cover financial and service aspects. Most business travel suppliers or travel management companies (TMC’s) offer similar services.
You want only the best fit for your own company requirements. This could be a global travel management company or a smaller niche operator. There is not a one size fits all approach and only by asking insightful and revealing questions will you confidently source a supplier best suited for your needs.
Stage 4
The evaluation of a travel tender requires in-depth analysis and we recommend you use a weighting system. The weighting helps to remove any subjectivity and represents the value and importance to your own company needs.
The evaluation is supported with a final report highlighting the key differentiators from travel suppliers. The entire process is transparent and can be verified for auditing purposes.
Stage 5, focuses on the negotiation of contract terms and conditions, designing a service level agreement containing key performance indicators, and helping with final implementation.
In Summary
The above is a simplified version of a business travel tender project plan. It can be undertaken in a few short months. Using this structure will ensure that travel tender projects are delivered on time and within budget.
If you’re thinking about tendering your travel account, we can help you by either undertaking the entire project for you or coaching you through the process.
If you would like to discuss how the process works in greater detail then why not get in contact with us. You’ll find our contact details at the bottom of the page.
Alternatively, if you’re only thinking about a business travel tender and it’s still some way off, why not subscribe to receive our free report “Planning a Successful Business Travel Agreement”.
History of Travel & Tourism
Posted on November 17, 2011 |
2000 years Before Christ, in India and Mesopotamia
Travel for trade was an important feature since the beginning of civilisation. The port at Lothal was an important centre of trade between the Indus valley civilisation and the Sumerian civilisation.
600 BC and thereafter
The earliest form of leisure tourism can be traced as far back as the Babylonian and Egyptian empires. A museum of historic antiquities was open to the public in Babylon. The Egyptians held many religious festivals that attracted the devout and many people who thronged to cities to see famous works of arts and buildings.
In India, as elsewhere, kings travelled for empire building. The Brahmins and the common people travelled for religious purposes. Thousands of Brahmins and the common folk thronged Sarnath and Sravasti to be greeted by the inscrutable smile of the Enlightened One- the Buddha.
500 BC, the Greek civilisation
The Greek tourists travelled to sites of healing gods. The Greeks also enjoyed their religious festivals that increasingly became a pursuit of pleasure, and in particular, sport. Athens had become an important site for travellers visiting the major sights such as the Parthenon. Inns were established in large towns and seaports to provide for travellers’ needs. Courtesans were the principal entertainment offered.
This era also saw the birth of travel writing. Herodotus was the worlds’ first travel writer. Guidebooks also made their appearance in the fourth century covering destinations such as Athens, Sparta and Troy. Advertisements in the way of signs directing people to inns are also known in this period.
The Roman Empire
With no foreign borders between England and Syria, and with safe seas from piracy due to Roman patrols, the conditions favouring travel had arrived. First class roads coupled with staging inns (precursors of modern motels) promoted the growth of travel. Romans travelled to Sicily, Greece, Rhodes, Troy and Egypt. From 300 AD travel to the Holy Land also became very popular. The Romans introduced their guidebooks (itineraria), listing hotels with symbols to identify quality.
Second homes were built by the rich near Rome, occupied primarily during springtime social season. The most fashionable resorts were found around Bay of Naples. Naples attracted the retired and the intellectuals, Cumae attracted the fashionable while Baiae attracted the down market tourist, becoming noted for its rowdiness, drunkenness and all- night singing.
Travel and Tourism were to never attain a similar status until the modern times.
In the Middle Ages
Travel became difficult and dangerous as people travelled for business or for a sense of obligation and duty.
Adventurers sought fame and fortune through travel. The Europeans tried to discover a sea route to India for trade purposes and in this fashion discovered America and explored parts of Africa. Strolling players and minstrels made their living by performing as they travelled. Missionaries, saints, etc. travelled to spread the sacred word.
Leisure travel in India was introduced by the Mughals. The Mughal kings built luxurious palaces and enchanting gardens at places of natural and scenic beauty (for example Jehangir travelled to Kashmir drawn by its beauty.
Travel for empire building and pilgrimage was a regular feature.
The Grand Tour
From the early seventeenth century, a new form of tourism was developed as a direct outcome of the Renaissance. Under the reign of Elizabeth 1, young men seeking positions at court were encouraged to travel to continent to finish their education. Later, it became customary for education of gentleman to be completed by a ‘Grand Tour’ accompanied by a tutor and lasting for three or more years. While ostensibly educational, the pleasure seeking men travelled to enjoy life and culture of Paris, Venice or Florence. By the end of eighteenth century, the custom had become institutionalised in the gentry. Gradually pleasure travel displaced educational travel. The advent of Napoleonic wars inhibited travel for around 30 years and led to the decline of the custom of the Grand Tour.
The development of the spas
The spas grew in popularity in the seventeenth century in Britain and a little later in the European Continent as awareness about the therapeutic qualities of mineral water increased. Taking the cure in the spa rapidly acquired the nature of a status symbol. The resorts changed in character as pleasure became the motivation of visits. They became an important centre of social life for the high society.
In the nineteenth century they were gradually replaced by the seaside resort.
The sun, sand and sea resorts
The sea water became associated with health benefits. The earliest visitors therefore drank it and did not bathe in it. By the early eighteenth century, small fishing resorts sprung up in England for visitors who drank and immersed themselves in sea water. With the overcrowding of inland spas, the new sea side resorts grew in popularity. The introduction of steamboat services in 19th century introduced more resorts in the circuit. The seaside resort gradually became a social meeting point
Role of the industrial revolution in promoting travel in the west
The rapid urbanisation due to industrialisation led to mass immigration in cities. These people were lured into travel to escape their environment to places of natural beauty, often to the countryside they had come from change of routine from a physically and psychologically stressful jobs to a leisurely pace in countryside.
Highlights of travel in the nineteenth century
· Advent of railway initially catalysed business travel and later leisure travel. Gradually special trains were chartered to only take leisure travel to their destinations.
· Package tours organised by entrepreneurs such as Thomas Cook.
· The European countries indulged in a lot of business travel often to their colonies to buy raw material and sell finished goods.
· The invention of photography acted as a status-enhancing tool and promoted overseas travel.
· The formation of first hotel chains; pioneered by the railway companies who established great railway terminus hotels.
· Seaside resorts began to develop different images as for day-trippers, elite, for gambling.
· Other types of destinations-ski resorts, hill stations, mountaineering spots etc.
· The technological development in steamships promoted travel between North America and Europe.
· The Suez Canal opened direct sea routes to India and the Far East.
· The cult of the guidebook followed the development of photography.
Tourism in the Twentieth Century
The First World War gave first hand experience of countries and aroused a sense of curiosity about international travel among less well off sector for the first time. The large scale of migration to the US meant a lot of travel across the Atlantic. Private motoring began to encourage domestic travel in Europe and the west. The sea side resort became annual family holiday destination in Britain and increased in popularity in other countries of the west. Hotels proliferated in these destinations.
The birth of air travel and after
The wars increased interest in international travel. This interest was given the shape of mass tourism by the aviation industry. The surplus of aircrafts and growth of private airlines aided the expansion of air travel. The aircraft had become comfortable, faster and steadily cheaper for overseas travel. With the introduction of Boeing 707 jet in 1958, the age of air travel for the masses had arrived. The beginning of chartered flights boosted the package tour market and led to the establishment of organised mass tourism. The Boeing 747, a 400 seat craft, brought the cost of travel down sharply. The seaside resorts in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Caribbean were the initial hot spots of mass tourism.
A corresponding growth in hotel industry led to the establishment of world-wide chains. Tourism also began to diversify as people began to flock alternative destinations in the 70s. Nepal and India received a throng of tourists lured by Hare Krishna movement and transcendental meditation. The beginning of individual travel in a significant volume only occurred in the 80s. Air travel also led to a continuous growth in business travel especially with the emergence of the MNCs.
How to Choose Your Business Travel Luggage
Posted on November 17, 2011 |
Traveling even as a business engagement should be a great experience most especially for the young and first-time entrepreneurs. To ensure a successful business trip is by being prepared. One of the many concerns not only for business travelers but by many is finding the right type of luggage.
Business travel luggage may not seem different from the ordinary day-to-day type of luggage, but there are several features to be considered. A first impression always lasts. Even if the business meeting or engagement won’t involve any dragging of one’s luggage along, it’s best to be prepared for any unexpected encounters.
The most basic features to find in a business travel luggage come in two general characteristics namely the “looks” and functionality. Though it’s hard to find a product that has the best of both, the particular needs of a traveler can help out in finding the perfect business travel luggage. To look more professional and classy it is recommended to go for a luggage that is made from leather.
There are three kinds of leather materials for business travel luggage namely the top grain, bonded and the full grain leather. Top grain leather luggage is considered as the most expensive type of leather because of the high-end quality it provides. It is more durable, looks nicer, and lasts longer overtime compared to other types of leather. For the bonded leather though less durable than top grain leathers, it is nearly as tough and good looking as the genuine type of leather. Full grain leather is the strongest type of leather in the market and also looks good. Because of these desirable features, it is mostly highly priced.
Business travel luggage should also provide security in its contents. Make sure to have zippers and a locking system that is secured enough in handling any type of tampering. Construction and design of the luggage is important in ensuring security. The stitching and seams can be inspected inside the luggage if it is well sewn and constructed. Lock systems are securest feature of a luggage but make sure the locks are TSA-approved lock so when inspectors do inspect the luggage it can be easily opened. If not, inspectors will just end up cutting off the lock.
Aside from having a secured luggage, it is also essential to have a bag that provides easy access and packing. For business travel luggage it is best to opt a luggage that can carry garments or suites and other type of clothes usually needed in a business trip. A garment bag can be an option so clothes won’t be easily wrinkled. Consider having a set for business travel luggage in order to have different types of bags for particular needs. Pockets and compartments should also be provided for easy segregating or categorizing items in a single travel luggage this will provide easy and quick access to contents.
Enjoy Ibiza Flights Almost as Much as the Holiday
Posted on November 5, 2011 |
Getting to your Ibiza holiday accommodation, slipping on your beach gear and getting out your Spanish phrase book to practise the important words is a wonderful feeling. You certainly won’t enjoy the Ibiza flights from home quite as much but here are a couple of tips I have found useful in the past.
Enjoy the Buzz
During the summer popular Ibiza flights are often packed with fun loving tourists who can’t wait to get started on the best week or two of their year. You might get a bit annoyed at the noise they generate but a smarter move is to treat it as the start of your holiday. These people know they are in for a great time and so are you. Sit back and enjoy the delicious sense of anticipation.
Do Some Research
This point is a little bit more boring but I always find it interesting to read up on the destination before I get there. As Ibiza flights are relatively short you won’t be able to check out absolutely everything but you should be able to make a good start on understanding how you are going to spend your time once you arrive.
Of course, staying cheerful on the flight home is a bit trickier but at least you will have some great memories to keep you company on that flight.
Discover Heraklion on Walking Holidays to Crete
Posted on November 5, 2011 |
If you enjoy walking and are interested in legends, history and romance, walking holidays to Crete are the ideal choice for your European getaway. Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands and the culture on the island is completely unique. With numerous walking tours and beautiful landscapes to explore the best place to start your walking holidays to Crete is in Heraklion.
Why Heraklion?
Heraklion is home to the main airport in Crete and it is also a popular stop for cruise ships. Although it may initially seem like a busy city, if you go a bit further afield you will see why walking holidays to Crete are so renowned. Forts, Venetian walls and iconic sights dot the landscape and all can be explored during a week on the island.
Lots of History
You will enjoy your walking holidays to Crete even more if you know a little about the history of the island. Ancient history and mentions of legends can be found all over as can a number of remnants of the Second World War. A walking guide is a great option if you want to learn more, otherwise grab a book and learn whilst you walk! Walking holidays to Crete will be much more interesting than you may initially imagine!