Business travel can be a double-edged sword. It offers exciting opportunities for professional growth and cultural immersion, but it can also be physically and mentally taxing. Fortunately, today’s digital solutions offer a powerful arsenal of tools that significantly reduce travel stress and boost productivity for both travel managers and business travellers themselves.
Embracing technology for a seamless travel experience
There are various effective ways to book travel arrangements using technology, with an abundance of aggregators that make finding flights, accommodation, transport and tours quick and easy. But a smooth travel experience goes far beyond just the booking stages. Here’s where the true magic of travel apps comes into play.
Essential apps for every trip
Google Translate
Imagine trying to navigate a bustling foreign city without understanding street signs or ordering from a menu when you don’t understand the language. Bridging the language gap in a foreign country can be very intimidating. This is when you need Google Translate – the reliable language companion for busy travellers. This multilingual app provides instant translations for text, speech and images. It boasts a vast language database and advanced translation algorithms, making it a very effective cross-cultural communication tool. Interactions with locals will be smoother and more meaningful, whether for business or leisure purposes.
Currency Converter
With most international journeys, travellers need to navigate the challenge of foreign currencies. The Currency Converter app is a reliable companion that offers up-to-date exchange rates in a wide range of supported currencies. It makes sure your travellers have access to accurate and reliable currency conversions on the go. This app simplifies the process of making financial transactions abroad. It eliminates the need for manual calculations and reduces the risk of overspending. An extra plus is its user-friendly interface and offline functionality.
Citymapper
This is a traveller’s best friend in unfamiliar cities. It ditches the confusion and offers real-time comparisons between walking, cycling, public transport, and even ride-hailing options. Forget static maps – Citymapper shows live departures, lets you track buses, and provides turn-by-turn directions. It even factors in accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers on certain routes. With offline functionality, you can save routes for worry-free exploring – even without data.
Lounge Buddy
Discovering an airport lounge that you can access sometimes feels like finding an oasis in a desert. For business travellers seeking comfort and relaxation during layovers, the Lounge Buddy app is a very useful source of information on the airport lounge. Lounge Buddy assists travellers in finding the perfect place to unwind. It features an intuitive search function and detailed lounge reviews and highlights amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating. Accessing premium airport lounges with minimum effort adds a welcome touch of luxury to the travel experience.
Flight Radar 24
For real-time flight tracking and air traffic information, Flight Radar 24 is a game-changer for globetrotters. Travellers can monitor flights, check delays and, even more fascinating, view detailed information on aircraft models, routes and altitudes. It’s both user-friendly and fun for passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike. Flight Radar 24 ensures a stress-free journey by keeping your travellers informed and updated at all times.
Maximising the benefits of technology
Encouraging your business travellers to utilise these readily available apps is a simple yet impactful way to optimise their travel experience. Benefits include:
- Increased efficiency: Travel apps streamline processes and save valuable time.
- Enhanced communication: Language translation tools and real-time updates ensure clear communication.
- Reduced stress: Streamlined processes, informed decision-making, and reduced stress levels all contribute to a more productive business trip.
- Improved safety: Real-time information on flight statuses, public transportation options and emergency contacts provides peace of mind.
Try these convenient apps if you don’t make use of them already and consider offering travel technology workshops or providing a curated list of recommended apps to ensure your team is equipped for success.
Harvey World Travel is a proud NSBC Partner