Diksia.com - Business trips are an essential part of many professions, especially in the post-pandemic world where face-to-face interactions are more valued than ever. However, business travel is not as simple as booking a flight and a hotel. It requires careful planning, preparation, and adaptation to the changing needs and expectations of travelers and employers.
In this article, we will share some tips and trends on how to plan a successful business trip in 2024, whether you are traveling for a meeting, a conference, or a project. We will cover topics such as:
- How to choose the best destination and accommodation for your business trip
- How to create an itinerary that balances work and leisure
- How to use technology to enhance your travel experience and productivity
- How to be sustainable and responsible while traveling for business
- How to prepare for your meeting or event and make a good impression
By following these tips and trends, you will be able to make the most of your business trip and achieve your professional goals while enjoying your personal time.
Choose the best destination and accommodation for your business trip
One of the first steps in planning a business trip is to choose the destination and accommodation that suit your needs and preferences. Depending on the purpose and duration of your trip, you may have different options and considerations.
For example, if you are traveling for a short meeting or a project, you may want to choose a destination that is close to your home or office, or that has direct flights and convenient transportation. This will save you time and money, and reduce the risk of travel disruptions.
If you are traveling for a conference or an event, you may want to choose a destination that is attractive and relevant to your industry or field. This will give you the opportunity to network with other professionals, learn new skills, and explore new markets.
In 2024, business travelers will have more choices than ever when it comes to destinations and accommodations. According to the 2024 Trends Report by Hilton, business travel will redefine expectations and lead to the rise of blended or “bleisure” travel, shifts to the average length of stay, and increased interest in secondary markets and resort destinations, especially all-inclusive properties1.
This means that business travelers will be able to combine work and play, extend their trips, and enjoy more varied and diverse experiences. For example, you may want to add a few days to your business trip to explore the local culture and attractions, or to relax and recharge at a resort or an all-inclusive hotel.
When choosing your accommodation, you should consider factors such as price, location, comfort, amenities, and safety. You should also check your company’s travel policy and see if there are any preferred hotels or discounts that you can use.
Some of the best hotels for business travelers are those that offer:
- Flexible cancellation and booking policies
- Free Wi-Fi and other connectivity options
- Business centers and meeting rooms
- Fitness centers and wellness services
- Loyalty programs and rewards
- Personalization and customization
Hilton offers a wide range of hotels that cater to the needs and preferences of business travelers, from luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria and Conrad, to mid-scale brands such as Hampton and Tru, to all-inclusive resorts such as Hilton La Romana and Hilton Playa del Carmen2.
Create an itinerary that balances work and leisure
Another important step in planning a business trip is to create an itinerary that balances work and leisure. An itinerary is a detailed plan of your trip, including your travel dates, times, modes, routes, and activities.
An itinerary can help you:
- Organize your trip and avoid stress and confusion
- Manage your time and prioritize your tasks
- Keep track of your expenses and receipts
- Communicate your plans and expectations to your colleagues, clients, and family
- Enjoy your trip and have fun
To create an itinerary, you should start by listing the main objectives and outcomes of your business trip. For example, you may want to:
- Meet with a potential client and close a deal
- Attend a conference and learn new skills
- Work on a project and deliver a report
- Network with other professionals and build relationships
Next, you should schedule your work-related activities, such as meetings, presentations, workshops, and calls. You should also allocate some time for preparation, follow-up, and feedback. You should consider factors such as time zones, travel times, and availability of your contacts.
Then, you should plan your leisure activities, such as sightseeing, dining, shopping, and entertainment. You should also include some time for rest, relaxation, and self-care. You should consider factors such as your interests, budget, and safety.
To balance work and leisure, you should aim for a 60/40 or 50/50 split, depending on the length and purpose of your trip. You should also be flexible and adaptable, and adjust your itinerary as needed.
To create an itinerary, you can use tools such as:
- Online travel planners, such as TripIt, Google Trips, and TripCase
- Travel apps, such as Skyscanner, Airbnb, and Uber
- Travel guides, such as Lonely Planet, Fodor’s, and Frommer’s
- Travel blogs, podcasts, and videos
Use technology to enhance your travel experience and productivity
Technology is a key enabler of business travel, and it will continue to revolutionize corporate travel in 2024 and beyond. Technology can enhance your travel experience and productivity by:
- Making travel arrangements easier and faster
- Providing access to information and services anytime and anywhere
- Improving communication and collaboration with your team and contacts
- Increasing security and convenience while traveling
- Reducing costs and environmental impact of travel
Some of the technology trends and tools that will shape business travel in 2024 are:
- Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and intelligent assistants. These technologies can help you discover traveler preferences, take advantage of upsell opportunities, and create personalized and immersive experiences3. For example, you can use AI to find the best deals and options for your trip, VR to preview your destination and hotel, and intelligent assistants to book your travel, check in, and manage your itinerary.
- Blockchain and digital identity. These technologies can help you streamline travel processes, enhance security and privacy, and reduce fraud and errors4. For example, you can use blockchain to store and verify your travel documents, such as passports, visas, and vaccination certificates, and digital identity to access services and facilities, such as airports, hotels, and events.
- All-in-one applications and platforms. These technologies can help you integrate and simplify your travel experience, and provide a seamless user experience3. For example, you can use all-in-one applications and platforms to plan, book, manage, and enjoy your trip, from flights and hotels, to transportation and activities, to payments and rewards.
Hilton offers a range of technology solutions that can enhance your business travel experience and productivity, such as:
- Hilton Honors app, which allows you to book your stay, check in, choose your room, and unlock your door with your smartphone
- Digital Key, which allows you to access your room and other areas of the hotel with your smartphone
- Connected Room, which allows you to control your room’s temperature, lighting, TV, and more with your smartphone or voice
- Hilton EventReady, which allows you to plan, book, and manage your meetings and events with ease and flexibility
Be sustainable and responsible while traveling for business
Business travel is not only a professional activity, but also a social and environmental responsibility. As a business traveler, you should be aware of the impact of your travel on the planet and the people, and take actions to reduce it.
Sustainability is receiving more attention and importance in the travel industry, and it will be a key factor in business travel decisions and behaviors in 2024 and beyond. According to a survey by Booking.com, 81% of global travelers think sustainable travel is important, and 70% of them are more likely to book an accommodation if they know it is eco-friendly5.
Some of the ways you can be sustainable and responsible while traveling for business are:
- Choose eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as trains, buses, or bikes, instead of planes or cars, whenever possible
- Offset your carbon emissions by supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gases, such as renewable energy, reforestation, or conservation
- Stay at green hotels that have environmental certifications, policies, and practices, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and social responsibility
- Consume local and organic food and drinks, and avoid plastic and disposable items, such as bottles, bags, and straws
- Respect the culture and customs of the destination, and support the local community and economy, such as by buying local products, hiring local guides, and donating to local causes
Hilton is committed to sustainability and responsibility, and has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental footprint and social impact by 2030. Some of its initiatives include:
- Travel with Purpose, which is Hilton’s corporate responsibility strategy to drive positive social and environmental change across its operations, supply chain, and communities
- LightStay, which is Hilton’s award-winning performance measurement system that tracks and manages the environmental and social impact of each of its hotels
- Hilton CleanStay, which is Hilton’s industry-leading program that delivers an elevated standard of cleanliness and disinfection to ensure guest and team member safety and well-being
Prepare for your meeting or event
The last step in planning a successful business trip is to prepare for your meeting or event. This is the most important part of your trip, as it will determine the outcome and impact of your business travel.
To prepare for your meeting or event, you should:
- Research your audience and objectives. You should know who you are meeting with, what their background, interests, and expectations are, and what you want to achieve from the meeting or event. You should also prepare an agenda, a presentation, and a proposal, if applicable.
- Practice your communication and presentation skills. You should rehearse your speech, pitch, or demonstration, and make sure you are clear, confident, and persuasive. You should also anticipate questions and objections, and prepare answers and solutions. You should also check your equipment and materials, and make sure they are working and compatible.
- Dress appropriately and professionally. You should wear clothes that are suitable for the occasion, the culture, and the climate of the destination. You should also pay attention to your grooming and hygiene, and make sure you look neat and tidy.
- Arrive early and be prepared. You should plan your transportation and route, and leave enough time for possible delays or changes. You should also bring your documents, business cards, and other essentials. You should also check the venue and the facilities, and make sure everything is ready and in order.
- Be respectful and courteous. You should greet your hosts and guests, and introduce yourself and your company. You should also follow the etiquette and protocol of the destination, and avoid any gestures or words that may be offensive or inappropriate. You should also express your gratitude and appreciation, and follow up with a thank-you note or email.
By following these tips, you will be able to prepare for your meeting or event, and make a good impression on your audience and contacts. You will also be able to achieve your business goals and objectives, and make your business trip a success.
