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#### *Existing and new TripActions platform features launched today further empower organizations to fulfill duty of care*

In times of natural disaster, political unrest or health crises like the coronavirus, leveraging your corporate travel program to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of your employees is critical. Just like with our customers, we use our own platform to fulfill our ‘duty of care’ — keeping our employees safe and out of harm’s way so they can focus on doing their best work. 

That starts with knowing when and where they are traveling for work. Having that level of visibility requires that employees are actually booking their travel within the platform. Of course, you’d expect that of TripActions team members, but it’s actually the case for all of our customers who, on average, achieve 90%+ employee adoption with TripActions. And that high adoption is what makes duty of care possible — otherwise you don’t have visibility into the whereabouts of all your employees. 

With all that’s going on in the world today, I’m proud that our team has come together, and in short order, built additional product features to empower our customers to ensure their traveling employees are safe and secure. Combined, TripActions’ existing and the new duty of care features launched today give executives, operations, and people teams, and travel managers the tools and flexibility they need to respond to global crises like the coronavirus in real-time to protect employees, including:

<center> **TripActions live traveler map that shows where employees are traveling around the world.**</center> 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1583282174/cms/laptop_efje6a.jpg)

<center> **TripActions provides the ability to communicate en masse and directly with individual travelers via the Admin Dashboard.** </center>

<center><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1583191334/cms/Screen_Shot_2020-03-02_at_8.22.55_AM_p7ppkt.png" alt="TripActions Admin Dashboard" style="width: 400px;"></center>

<center> **And travelers receive the notifications right at their fingertips on their mobile via the TripActions app (or when logged in to the desktop app).** </center> 

<center><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1583191334/cms/iphone-xs-template_1_exahpu.jpg" alt="TripActions Mobile" style="width: 400px;"></center>

<center>  **NEW: The ability to blacklist countries/continents for bookings, and limit employee travel to within a given location from within the Admin Dashboard.** </center> 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1583192382/cms/restrictions_ej83lf.jpg)

<center> **NEW: A real-time coronavirus report that shows traveler impact, the latest news and updates from within the TripActions Admin Dashboard.** </center>

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1583345389/cms/update-coronavirus_hrzrll.png)

Plus, TripActions 24/7 global travel agents provide proactive support to help travelers so they never feel stranded when the unexpected does occur.

According to Jay Salim, VP of HR at Complex Networks, “Employee safety and well-being is always something that’s at the forefront of my mind. When you’re holding major events where 75% of your employee population is traveling to a location, TripActions is an invaluable tool.”

I couldn’t agree more and I’m proud that we’ve made it that much more invaluable to our customers and users today. If you’re an existing customer and you need help with these new features, please don’t hesitate to contact your Customer Success Manager (CSM). And if you’re not yet using TripActions, you can [view a demo](https://tripactions.com/demo) to see how we can help you and your team fulfill your duty of care to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of your traveling employees. 

Safe travels to you and your employees.
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Health, Safety, & Well-being of Traveling Employees

The relationship between travel buyers and travel management companies is considered one of the most critical and complicated relationships in corporate travel. So we were excited to dive into [The Beat’s latest research report on TMC structure, sourcing, and satisfaction](https://www.thebeat.travel/News/The-Beat-Research-TMC-Structure-Sourcing-And-Satisfaction).

The research set out to understand how TMCs and travel buyers structure their commercial relationships, how frequently and through what means buyers source TMC partners, and which TMC services buyers value most. In order to do that, The Beat surveyed 177 corporate travel buyers with at least $500K in 2018 US-booked air volume.

Given what we know at TripActions about our customers and the future of business travel, we were not surprised to learn what buyers value most. We know there’s a better way.

When asked what is most important that TMCs deliver, the top 5 answers were:

* Professional and responsive travel agents with the human touch.
* Traveler satisfaction. Travel buyers are looking for higher adoption and leaning on their TMC to make that happen. 
* Accurate, timely, qualitative, and quantitative travel data, because “you can’t manage what you can’t measure.”
* Effective account managers, or CSMs, who help them work on travel program goals and implement a strategy.
* Comprehensive air, ground, and hotel content.

“Among service drivers most valued by buyers, two that crack the top five, including the No. 1 rated, relate to a TMC’s human touch: professional and responsive agents who face the traveler as well as effective account managers who interact with the travel manager,” the report explains.

The report also found that 83% of travel managers compensate their TMC on a per-transaction basis. The average TMC transaction fee is $25.20 on the phone, $18.01 online with agent assistance, and $7.84 online without agent assistance. 

At TripActions, we charge a one-time trip fee that includes all and unlimited transactions, changes, and support.
<center>![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1582279208/cms/Screen_Shot_2020-02-19_at_7.49.48_PM_x8pfdx.png)</center>

Nearly half of the travel buyer respondents (45%) indicated their TMC deal lasts for three years, which is the most common term length. One-third of respondents (34%) bid for TMC services every 3 years -- the most common interval. 

<center>![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1582279208/cms/Screen_Shot_2020-02-19_at_7.50.42_PM_hubliu.png)</center>

The majority of travel managers (92%) said that they are very involved in assisting with the selection of their organization’s TMC, but it is not travel managers alone. The survey found that 78% of procurement are very or somewhat involved and 74% of finance are somewhat or very involved in the process.

Given that many of these companies still rely on outdated corporate travel management tools, it is not surprising to find that only 26% of travel managers are very satisfied. Almost a third are not satisfied at all.

<center>![](https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1582279211/cms/Screen_Shot_2020-02-20_at_2.39.00_PM_fxlswm.png)</center>

Based on the report, TMCs will soon be in the position of coordinating more diverse channels and varied content. Technology will drive this change with business travelers’ expectations and demands matching a new reality. 

The good news is that travel managers and finance leaders can today move to a model that’s purpose-built for today, delivering unrivaled inventory choice, powerful personalization and 24/7 global travel agents that delight travelers and drive adoption. And as a result, gives us the spend visibility, control, data and insights we need to optimize our travel programs and policies, save money and fulfill our duty of care. And that finally gives us the tools to adjust the dials to optimize for a great traveler experience and cost savings. 

Join Tripactions in exploring a whole new era of corporate travel management that brings the best of the TMC together with a state-of-the-art online booking tool to deliver the ultimate win-win-win: A win for travelers with a best-in-class business travel experience. A win for finance leaders with complete spend visibility and control. And a win for you, the travel manager, now empowered to build the corporate travel program of your dreams. 

We at TripActions look forward to helping you seize travel as a strategic lever for culture and growth. [Schedule a demo today.](https://tripactions.com/request-a-demo)

5 Things that Travel Buyers Value Most from TMCs

TripActions seeks out and [celebrates diversity](https://tripactions.com/blog/values-foundation-tripactions-growth), whether it’s in the backgrounds and perspective of our employees, our global and ever-growing network of partners and suppliers, or among our 3,000+ customers around the world. It’s our mission to serve the needs of all of our users — [all of them, all the time](https://tripactions.com/blog/celebrating-diversity-and-inclusion-by-putting-the-user-first). 

After all, business travel is a truly global act. Look around you—whether in the business lounge or onboard an early morning flight—and see the incredible tapestry of individuals from different cultures, generations, and mindsets that envelops you while on the road.

While this is part of our culture every day, we relish the opportunity to look back with reverence to the trailblazers who changed the travel industry when it wasn’t nearly as inclusive or traveler-forward as it is today. 

In honor of Black History Month, we dove into understanding who and when revolutionary women and men took a risk to say, do or build something that advanced the industry forward. They, and others like them with the same passion and perseverance, provide the inspiration and hope that compels us to constantly raise the bar, improve and reinvent the corporate travel experience for everyone.

**Victor Hugo Green**

Victor Hugo Green was a pioneering traveler who wrote the first travel guide for African Americans in the United States. The Green Book, published in updated versions between 1936 to 1966, outlined the hotels, restaurants, and gas stations that did business with African Americans in a time where Jim Crow laws and racial segregation made parts of the country unfriendly to all travelers.

Green was a postal worker who lived in Harlem when he had the idea to do something that would help African Americans find the best hotels and restaurants as car ownership and subsequently travel increased. He later opened a travel agency to book reservations at African American-owned businesses.

**Albert Robinson and Margaret Tull Robinson**

One of the businesses listed in The Green Book could have been The Hotel Robinson, built in 1897, which was one of the first businesses and the first hotel to be owned and operated by an African American in southern California. The Hotel Robinson was run by Albert Robinson and Margaret Tull Robinson. The hotel began as a restaurant and bakery, which were eventually demolished to make space for the 14-room hotel. The hotel was a social center of the community, a role that many hotels are starting to take on today again, and hosted some of the most influential families and visitors. When Albert died in 1915, Margaret continued to operate the hotel and restaurant for seven more years—a female pioneer in hospitality. The hotel still exists today as the [Julian Hotel](https://www.julianhotel.com/) and maintains a twentieth century style to reflect the Robinsons’ original vision. The hotel is part of the National Register of Historic Places and a California Point of Historic Interest. 

There is a rich history of [other African American pioneers](https://www.history.com/news/green-book-black-travel-resorts-jim-crow) who built the first resorts and hotels from the Atlantic to the Pacific where a once-segregated population could go to relax and enjoy in culture that seemed set against that happening.

**Betty Reid Soskin**

Betty Reid Soskin is the [oldest park ranger](https://www.doi.gov/employees/news/womens-history-month-an-interview-with-93-year-old-national-park-service-ranger-betty-reid-soskin) in the United States. She plays an active role in developing the museum at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond, California, where the role of women on the home front will be memorialized. Her personal goal, however, is to help visitors understand how different it was for African American women in the past. 

“What gets remembered is a function of who’s in the room doing the remembering,” she has said. "I wear my uniform at all times; because when I’m on the streets or on an escalator or elevator, I am making every little girl of color aware of a career choice she may not have known she had."

**Bessie Coleman**

Bessie was an American aviator and the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license — an achievement that didn’t come easily. In the early 1900’s, flight schools would not accept her application, so Bessie taught herself French and moved to France to enroll in the Caudron Brother’s School of Aviation. She completed her degree in seven months. But Bessie went beyond touching the skies, she specialized in stunt flying and parachuting. Bessie was the first African American woman to make a public flight in America in 1922.

<center><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/tripactions/image/upload/q_auto/v1581603466/cms/BC_r8abl8.jpg" alt=“BessieColeman style="width: 250px;height: 391px"></center>

While enormous progress has been made in terms of diversity and inclusion, there is still work to be done. Travelers can still encounter racism and ignorance when leaving home. It’s up to all of us to make a positive impact and difference to ensure the best experience in business travel for everyone.

5 African American Pioneers Who Changed Travel

#### What To Do If Sick While Traveling for Business

There are many factors that we can control and plan for when it comes to business travel--and some we cannot -- like getting sick while on the road. 

Business travelers and travel companies alike take precautions to avoid illness and its spread as much as possible. We’re seeing this happen in real-time with the[ Coronavirus causing a number of travel bans ](https://tripactions.com/blog/travel-alert-china-coronavirus)and flight suspensions to limit the potential spread of the infection. On a personal level, travelers can take steps to avoid illness, mitigate symptoms, and get help when needed.

#### Business Travel Checklist: Sick while Traveling for Business

A sickness while traveling for business can range from something as manageable as a common cold to something as serious as a virus. This eight-step checklist can serve as a guide if you start to feel off before or during a business trip. We’re in the business of  powering in-person connections, but health should always come first. 

**1 . Be diligent in cleanliness.**

Everyone knows to wash their hands regularly, but this habit for cleanliness should take on more importance during frequent business travel. In addition to washing your hands after meetings with handshakes and shared devices, it is helpful to carry a hand sanitizer with you -- and use it frequently. Some business travelers also carry disinfecting wipes to clean frequently touched spaces, such as seatback trays on the plane, remote controllers in hotel rooms, and even doorknobs. 

**2. Hydrate.**

Hydrate more than normal during frequent business travel -- and even more when you feel the first symptoms arise. The best way to make this easy is by carrying a reusable water bottle at all times. Start and end each day with a full bottle. 

It is also a good idea to curate a selection of teas that you enjoy and sip throughout the day. Our favorites are ginger and peppermint of settling the stomach, chamomile for flights and night time, and [Throat Coat](https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/products/throat-coat/) or [Echinacea Plus](https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/products/echinacea-plus/) from Traditional Medicinals when symptoms start.

In addition to hydration, take extra care to sleep, rest, and eat plain, whole foods when you start to feel sick. 

**3. Maintain a healthy routine.**

One of the greatest causes of illness on the road is change of routine. We don’t have access to our usual meals, gyms or support network. We are literally, and metaphorically, in a new place which means our system is being tested. 

One the best ways to avoid getting sick during travel is maintain a healthy routine, which includes regular exercise and fresh air, limiting alcohol consumption, and making smart choices during meals. The TripActions infographic [“5 Tips on How to Eat Healthy While Traveling for Business”](https://tripactions.com/blog/why-we-eat-healthy-while-traveling-for-business) sheds light on why sticking to a routine is helpful and how to structure even the busiest day with wellness in mind.

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**4. Be prepared with a personal medical kit.**

We’re not suggesting the standard emergency kit sold in a store. Take the time to curate your own wellness kit that can easily travel with you. It might hold your preferred brand of decongestant, cold/flu medication, vitamins, probiotics, nasal spray, cough drops, tissues, or  over-the-counter pain medication. These serve as the first line of defense when you start to feel off and can help stop an oncoming sickness from turning into something more. Many doctors recommend packing a copy of updated medical information including shots, past surgeries, allergies and blood type.

My personal wellness kit includes essential oils that I can apply generously when I start to feel my immune system slip during frequent travel. The secret of a well-curated wellness kit is that you get to choose what works for you, and it provides a sense of security when you have it on hand at a moment’s notice. 

**5. Use your smartphone.**

There is an app for everything — including sickness. 

[TravelSmart](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/allianz-travelsmart/id598587147) has the phone numbers for emergency services by destination and offers a comprehensive list of hospitals in 129 countries -- all of which have been vetted by Allianz Global Assistance. It also provides the universal pharmaceutical name for common medications. [Welloh](https://www.mywelloh.com/) is a resource when you’re considering urgent care. It includes directions, operating hours, ratings and reviews of urgent care centers, hospitals and pharmacies around the world.

[Travel Health Guide](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/travel-health-guide/id355832434) can help make sense of symptoms and provide remedy recommendations. It is backed by Dr. Deborah Mills — also known as Dr. Deb, “The Travel Doctor” — who has a 20-year track record of caring for travelers’ ailments. [In Case of Emergency](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lagache.sylvain.ice_android&hl=en) is a safe place to store all medical information including height, weight, blood type, allergies, vaccinations, medications, and insurance information. It can be used to find emergency services (fire, ambulance and police) in more than 200 countries, and stores emergency contacts.

**6. Check your insurance options.**

All frequent business travelers should have a conversation with their current health insurance provider to see what assistance they offer in case of an illness, especially while abroad. Most providers will be able to offer recommendations in an emergency; however, you might consider travel insurance if there are  no protections in your current plan. Business travelers can also speak with their HR team or travel manager to see what the company policy is around supporting travelers during business trips. 

If you choose to purchase travel insurance, check the requirements for trip interruption benefits. This aspect of travel insurance can be used when you have to cut your trip short for a covered reason, and can be used to reimburse the unused portion of your trip as well as the extra costs of making new travel arrangements to get to your original or final destination. 

The requirements shift [depending on the providers](https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/medical/traveling-while-sick.htm), but the business traveler usually needs to prove that the sickness is serious enough to warrant a trip delay, cancellation, or interruption. A doctor must examine you beforehand and advise you to cancel or interrupt your trip. If that’s not possible, the doctor can examine you within 72 hours of your cancellation/interruption.

[Squaremouth.com](https://www.squaremouth.com/) is a travel insurance comparison site that helps navigate travel insurance options. 

**7. Find a doctor, pharmacy or hospital abroad.**

Business travelers can take all the precautions and still be surprised by a sickness that’s beyond being cured by rest and water. In that case, it is time to find professional help. 

There are a number of resources to ensure that they get the help that they deserve: [The Joint Commission International](https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/en/) suggests local hospitals that give the best level of care in a destination. [The International Society of Travel Medicine](https://www.istm.org/) maintains a database of the best outpatient practices around the world. [The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers](https://www.iamat.org/) is an organization that provides English speaking doctors, however, membership is required to access their services. 

Hotel concierges can also be a great resource during this time. Ask them for recommendations for a local doctor, a medical center, or a pharmacy where they speak English.

In case of an emergency, business travelers can also rely on their local embassy for local health care recommendations. In addition to helping find medical assistance, they can also inform family or assist in the transfer of funds.

**8. Rebooking your flight.**

A plan to get home might be the best cure for a serious situation. In this care, you’ll need to rebook your flight if you’re able to fly. Business travelers can change a flight by contacting a TripActions travel agent or make the change themselves with free self-serve flight change. 

While TripActions can’t prevent illness, we are ready to assist with your travel plans on any device that you sign in on. We wish you the healthiest and safest travels out there.

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Business Travel Checklist: What to Do When You Get Sick

Keeping track of travel expenses and proactively reducing them is tough work. Taking steps like moving your travel program from unmanaged to managed, centralizing a platform where travelers can book and manage their travel, and providing visibility for travel managers are all good places to start. But there may be more opportunities to curb or predict spend. 

That’s where mileage reimbursement policies come in. Business travel by car is often overlooked, but paying back your employees for the miles they drive and the gas they buy empowers them to focus on building connections at their destination instead of the personal financial impact of how they’re getting there. Done right, mileage reimbursement increases employee satisfaction and businesses can even get tax deductions for paying out employees. 

Here’s why every company with business travelers hitting the road (literally) should consider adding mileage reimbursement guidelines to their travel policy. 

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#### Mileage Reimbursement Policies

Mileage reimbursement is the concept of paying back business travelers when they pay for gas out-of-pocket, even though they’re driving for work-related reasons. If travelers rent a car on your travel management platform or even have a corporate car, they still have to swipe their personal cards at the pump. 

A mileage reimbursement policy, as part of a larger corporate travel policy, outlines what mileage qualifies for reimbursement, how employees should track their miles, and how to expense the miles for payment.  

Including mileage reimbursement policy to your travel program will not only help ease your organization’s tax burden, but also give visibility for planning corporate travel spending for the year. Expense reports that roll in unexpectedly, weeks after the trip ends, can make it difficult to forecast how much your organization will spend on T&E. Standard reimbursement rates provide a much-needed grasp on one of a business’s most significant line items. 

#### How It Works 

Mileage reimbursement involves the IRS because mileage reimbursement payments do not count as employee income and is therefore not subject to tax withholding. The IRS therefore sets mileage reimbursement rates every year to make it easier to calculate reimbursements. 

In 2019, the IRS standard mileage reimbursement rate was 58 cents per mile. The rate adjusted for 2020 is 57.5 cents per mile, taking into account oil and gas prices, inflation, economic conditions, and the cost of car ownership into calculating the reimbursement rate. 

Regardless of the nitty-gritty details of your organization’s mileage reimbursement policy, make sure the policy is thorough, easy to understand, and easily accessible with your existing corporate travel policy. 

Looking to refresh your corporate travel policy? Before adding a mileage reimbursement policy, check out our ebook on avoiding [critical corporate travel policy](https://tripactions.com/ebook/avoid-corporate-travel-policy-oversights) oversights.

Mileage Reimbursement Policy for Business Travel

The millennials and, even more so, the Gen Z-ers who will enter the workforce in the next decade have never known a non-digital world. They look at the world through a digital lens, which has forever changed how we approach opportunities and orient ourselves in our professional lives. Not surprisingly, this growing class of young professionals have different expectations, habits, and priorities when it comes to booking travel. 

As we begin 2020, it is more important than ever to seek an understanding of our new colleagues. Managing corporate travel for millennials and Gen Z business travelers will require different tools, a broader perspective of what business travel can be, and the ability to personalize the booking process to each traveler. 

Millennials are generally defined as anyone born in 1980 through 2000 with Gen Z classified as anyone born starting in 2001. Millennials and Gen Z will [continue to ](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-20/gen-z-to-outnumber-millennials-within-a-year-demographic-trends)represent the bigger proportion in the world’s largest economies. 

It’s important to recognize that millennial business travelers do not think of business travel in the same way as earlier generations. Millennials have a more integrative perspective when it comes to their lives: Work is play, and play is a complement to work. They’re more likely to craft a lifestyle and find the work that fits within their goals for how they want to live.
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Millennials are also more likely to see business travel [as a perk](https://tripactions.com/blog/business-travel-is-a-strategic-lever-for-growth) and take it as an opportunity to [explore a new city](https://tripactions.com/uk/blog/tripactions-celebrates-world-tourism-day) or culture -- in addition to furthering their career. A Hilton Hotels & Resorts survey found that nearly 40 percent of millennials will not take a job that doesn’t allow them to travel for business. 

Hiring is the number one challenge facing organizations, and the competition has never been higher. Millennial and Gen Z candidates will have a broad selection of companies to work for and looking for factors to distinguish their options. 

Offering a better business travel experience to prospective employees is [a powerful way](https://tripactions.com/blog/3-ways-hr-can-wow-employees-candidates) to stand apart from the competition when recruiting, and later retaining talent, Caitlin Gomez, Head of Corporate Travel Partnerships at Lyft, [explained on the TripActions blog](https://tripactions.com/blog/win-the-talent-war-with-corporate-travel-programs). 

A superior business travel experience -- from booking to support -- is also critical to retaining top talent.

#### Managing Corporate Travel for the Millennial Business Traveler

Travel management goes far beyond booking. It involves all of the steps to make sure that the best rates and inventory is available to your business travelers while it comes time to book. It is managing and measuring the business travel program to drive further success. It is also the world-class support that’s available on chat, email, or the phone that proactively steps in to solve unexpected issues. TripActions VP of Booking Experience and Supplier Strategy Danny Finkel [has written about](https://tripactions.com/blog/5-ways-business-travel-will-transform-by-2025) the 5 ways that business travel will transform to better serve a mobile-first generation as soon as 2025.

These are the three most important factors to consider when managing corporate travel for the millennial and Gen Z business traveler:

**1. Convenience**

A modern corporate travel platform should offer a broad and deep selection of inventory so that business travelers know that they have access to all the information they need -- including negotiated and direct rates -- conveniently within a single platform. Millennial business travelers are accustomed to searching multiple platforms, and keeping them within the selected corporate travel tool is key to driving adoption, which ultimately delivers better visibility and control to corporate travel managers.

**2. Personalization**

Consumer tools today learn about their users. Millennial and Gen Z employees are accustomed to being served a selection that matches their preferences and prior purchase decisions. Driven by machine learning, a modern corporate travel platform is able [to leverage data](https://tripactions.com/blog/data-will-be-key-to-futuristic-business-travel) from an individual’s personal profile combined with data from their past booking behavior and that of others who book like them to present the most relevant search results. As the platform learns and gets smarter over time with more data, those results will become more personalized to the user.

**3. End-to-End Experience**

Beyond booking, millennial business travelers expect their corporate travel tool to provide [all the support](https://tripactions.com/blog/stat-spotlight-64-of-business-travelers-feel-unsupported) they need in a single place whether that be the ability to book a ride-share or contact support in case of travel disruptions.

Machine learning empowers support through 24/7 365 global travel agents to step in as soon as a flight delay or cancellation is registered and proactively rebook or contact the business traveler. This level of automation is not a surprise, but an expectation, of a generation that was raised on apps and Internet. They also want choice, which means they don’t have to wait on hold for a support agent but can chat in wherever and whenever they need.

Furthermore a modern corporate travel management platform is able [to provide incentives](https://tripactions.com/blog/incentives-to-drive-travel-program-success) to business travelers -- in the form of gift cards or banked credits for personal travel -- that provide employees with greater choice while saving the company money.

Managing corporate travel for millennials and Gen Z business travelers will require the best technology available and a sophisticated corporate travel platform that learns about the user and provides [an end-to-end experience](https://tripactions.com/blog/uk/why-business-travel-improves-with-end-to-end-platform-experience). The good news is that these same tools will lead to [better accounting and control](https://tripactions.com/blog/optimize-corporate-travel-spend-visibility) for travel managers. As adoption rates rise, HR and finance teams will have more information to craft their travel policy -- creating a win-win-win for everyone involved.

TripActions is excited about leading the way as the future becomes the present. Get in touch [for a demo](https://tripactions.com/demo) today.

Managing Corporate Travel for Millennials & Gen Z

Preparation is the key to a successful business trip. We invest time, energy, and capital into making sure that our [corporate travel management tools](https://tripactions.com/how-it-works) are [as efficient as possible](https://tripactions.com/blog/uk/why-business-travel-improves-with-end-to-end-platform-experience), our [luggage is sturdy](https://tripactions.com/uk/blog/what-is-the-best-suitcase-for-business-travel) and [packed well](https://tripactions.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-a-business-trip-in-the-u-s), and that our [health is shining](https://tripactions.com/blog/why-we-eat-healthy-while-traveling-for-business) and [jet lag in check](https://tripactions.com/blog/tips-to-fight-jet-lag-on-business-trips) when we step into that important meeting. So it can come as a surprise, really an affront, when our entire trip is thrown off course in a moment. 

Unfortunately, getting robbed while traveling for business is more common than we think. *The Economist* [has written about ](https://www.economist.com/gulliver/2016/05/13/the-number-of-thefts-on-planes-is-rising)a rising number of thefts in business class on planes. The TSA tracks luggage theft claims at all U.S. airports and the number of claims [notably grew](https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelgoldstein/2017/07/06/how-to-protect-yourself-from-rising-airport-luggage-theft/#bf187903ae4d) in the early 2010’s. And Jewelers Mutual [found that](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-finds-jewelry-theft-or-loss-during-travel-has-doubled-300870698.html) the number of people reporting fine jewelry being lost or stolen while traveling doubled to 20% since 2015 (although they sell insurance so might have an interest in reporting growth). While hard statistics are hard to come by, ask any group of frequent travelers and you’ll hear at least one tale.

Of course, a sense of surveillance and awareness is the first step to avoiding a travel theft, but even the most seasoned travelers can get caught off-guard. A top fashion executive told me how he recently spent a business lunch in Barcelona with colleagues where each person had a story of being violated by a European city’s theft issue. Anyone who travels has heard or personally experienced a theft -- and the sense of powerlessness that follows. 

I was recently robbed while arriving at an international airport for a business trip. I had my luggage organized into my favorite suitcase with my valuables stored in the small handbag that connects to the top of the check-in suitcase. I was greeted by a colleague who graciously picked me up at the airport. We walked to the parking lot while chatting about the weather and the events planned for the upcoming week. I set my handbag next to the car to assist my colleague, who was suffering from a herniated disc, in opening the trunk. It took less than a minute. I turned my back to lift my luggage inside the car and then reached for my handbag, which was gone. 

This meant two things: The thief was nearby and had been watching us. I immediately ran to through the parking lot shouting as I made my way to the exit queue, stopping every car to inquire whether they had seen someone or were the ‘someone.’ I even ran after a car that tried to snake around my makeshift police stop. Looking back, the thief was probably hidden right next to the car the entire time. 

While I wasn’t able to recover (most of) my many valuables, I did learn a valuable lesson in how to act fast when robbed while traveling for business. A swift reaction can help the trip stay its course, ensure that objectives are accomplished, and a sense of security is regained while on the road. 

#### Business Travel Checklist: Robbed while Traveling for Business

If robbed while traveling, take three deep breaths then immediately take action. The faster that you begin reporting and replacing valuable assets, the less likely it is that the thief can do serious damage. You’ll also need to factor in a few days for the processes needed to receive important cards, technology, and accessories. The event might rattle you more than you expect so remember it’s okay to lean on a colleague in the moments when you feel overwhelmed.

The first step after any theft is to file a police report. While the police might not ever track down the perpetrator, you’ll need the police report to prove the theft happened when replacing certain items. Find the closest local police station where you can fill out the appropriate paperwork and be certain to receive a copy. 

Next, make a list of everything that was stolen as soon as you realize what’s happened. This will make it easier to organize a plan of action. Here we’ll go through a list of what might be in stolen bag and what steps to take:

#### 1. Passport

A passport is one of our most valuable items when traveling internationally. Outside of the risk of identity theft, a passport or official substitute will be needed to travel home. You’ll have to contact the local embassy and either make an appointment or show up to make a claim. Embassies will often be able to issue a replacement document for upcoming travel while putting a plan in place for receiving an official replacement once home. They’ll also be able to note that your document was stolen so it can’t be used to cross borders in your name. 

In a case of serendipity, I received a Facebook message from an unknown contact a few days after the theft. They said that my passport had been found on the side of the street. Within a few hours, I was able to retrieve the document and thank the stranger. 

#### 2. Credit Cards

Credit cards might be [the simplest asset](https://creditcards.usnews.com/articles/what-to-do-if-your-credit-card-is-lost-or-stolen-on-vacation) to replace. Credit card companies are prepared for theft and will usually send you a new one, to any address, after a short phone call. If traveling with a business credit card, you’ll have to contact your employer immediately to block and cancel the card. Debit cards can be tougher. They usually take a longer time to arrive, depending on the bank, but should also be cancelled immediately. 

In my case, the thief was fast and made a purchase at a convenience store near the airport right away. I was able to see the address of the convenience store and call them with the exact time and amount of the purchase. I asked them to save security tapes in hopes that police would be able to access them. 

##### 3. Laptop

One of the worst items to lose is a laptop. Not only is a laptop integral to being productive on a business trip, but it usually has months or years of saved data inside. Here’s one place where you can be proactive: Be sure to save all your computer’s data on the cloud or a hard drive before any trip. That way, you have all the valuable information saved even if the hardware is stolen.

Next, try to locate the laptop using “Find My Device” or “Find My iPhone.” If you’re lucky, you might be able to track its location. If not, lock the device immediately and contact your employer. The IT team will be able to also lock the device and erase its contents if not found immediately. 

If you’re traveling to your company’s office in another city, your own IT department may be able to set up a loaner for you to work on while in town. Otherwise you can contact computer stores which sometimes offer short-term rentals on computers. A last resort is to have a new computer shipped to you.

#### 4. Phone

I was fortunately holding my iPhone in my hand when the theft took place, but smartphones are one of the most targeted items for theft. They’re also often in a bag when traveling. If your laptop and phone are stolen, try to find a public computer or borrow a colleague’s to sign into “Find My Device” or “Find My iPhone” where you can lock the device and even write a message that will be displayed to whoever has it.

An added obstacle in being robbed while traveling is the sheer amount of information we trust our smartphones to hold. For example, most people today have some form of a mobile payment card in which their banking data is available should the thief open the phone. *The New York Times* published [a substantial guide](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/business/traveling-protecting-technology-tips.html) last year on how to safeguard technology while traveling.

If you have phone insurance, you can contact your provider who might be able to send a replacement within days. 

##### 5. Headphones, E-Readers & Tablets

Most business travelers carry other expensive technology with them on the road such as AirPods, noise-cancelling headphones, e-readers, or tablets. These are a tough loss because the business traveler is usually left to burden the cost of replacing them. Some credit cards offer insurance on stolen items purchased with the card if they’re worth a certain amount.

These are the most valuable items to cancel, block, report, and replace when traveling for business. In many cases, there are many more personal items in a bag. For example, replacing office key cards and insurance cards will not cost anything but it will take time and patience to handle.

In my case, there were also essential oils, a new moisturizer, and a set of pearls in my handbag. Perhaps most disappointing of all, however, was a collection of notebooks that I bring with me everywhere. One tracked all my work, one held months of creative writing, and one was a planner with months of personal and professional plans laid out. Those paragraphs that I wrote in train stations and coffee shops were worthless to the thief, but the phrases and ideas that they revealed were precious to me. 

Keep your eyes open and stay alert, even once in the company of beloved colleagues. While TripActions can’t prevent theft, we are ready to assist with your travel plans on any device that you sign in on. We wish you the safest travels out there.

Business Travel Checklist: Robbed While Traveling

We are thrilled to work at one of the most recognized travel startups transforming the industry today. But we thrive in part due to our colleagues who have built global businesses that are changing how we travel in radical ways. To kickstart 2020, we reflected on hundreds of conversations from the past year to understand which startups are crafting a completely new narrative for the travel industry.

Here are the 10 startups to watch in 2020:.

#### 1. TRVL Porter

[TRVL Porter](https://trvlporter.com/) is revolutionizing the way that business travelers prepare for an upcoming trip. The service uses technology and personal stylists to curate a wardrobe and sends it directly to the business travelers ́destinations. Users pay $65 per article of clothing and send it all back once their trip is complete. TRVL Porter founder Stefanie Nissen envisions a future in which packing is easier and more sustainable for the planet. 

“Technology has really enabled the ease of travel and we crave those simple experiences. The future of travel is going to be an easy process and hassling with luggage won’t be part of that,” says Nissen.

“There is no experience today where travelers receive an alert that their personalized look book is available for their trip, they select what they want, and it is waiting for them. I really see there is a way to offer toiletries, beauty products, even undergarments and pajamas and shoes. Because the future of fashion is rental, I believe it is going to be easy to get what you want and then be done with it.”

Rental fashion reduces waste in landfills, cuts down on water electricity used to produce clothing, and shifts the fashion industry towards sustainability.

#### 2. New Accommodations for Business Travelers

There is no single startup that stands out in this sector, but we are excited to watch the growth of alternative business travel accommodations that fall somewhere in the sweet spot between a hotel and apartment.  The startups that fall within this category - including [Sonder](https://www.sonder.com/), [Lyric](https://www.lyric.com/), and [The Guild](https://theguild.co/) - are primarily designed for the frequent business traveler who makes regular trips to a certain destination. Their business is based on working directly with corporations or corporate travel management systems. 

Another aspect that makes this sector particularly attractive is the sizable investments that the startups have received. Sonder’s total funding is $360 million, Lyric’s funding has reached $160 million with help from Airbnb, and The Guild [recently announced](https://skift.com/2020/01/06/latest-funding-for-the-guild-showcases-new-housing-model-for-business-travelers/) its latest round of funding for a total of $25 million.

#### 3. Timeshifter 

[Timeshifter](https://www.timeshifter.com/) is an app designed by scientists to eradicate jet lag. Business travelers can create personalized jet lag plans based on sleep and circadian neuroscience. As business travel becomes more frequent, road warriors are tasked with staying productive and well while crossing time zones. (TripActions has covered top tips to [beat jet lag here](https://tripactions.com/blog/tips-to-fight-jet-lag-on-business-trips).) Timeshifter has become popular, fast, and we're excited to see the science in this area progress.

#### 4. Hello Alfred
 
[Hello Alfred](https://www.helloalfred.com/) is a home management service that makes it easier for business travelers to manage their lives and homes while frequent on the go. The Hello Alfred app helps city-dwellers automate tasks such as laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and pet care in one place so they're never scrambling to get things done while in and out of the house. Launched in 2014, Hello Alfred was named one of the [Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company](https://www.fastcompany.com/company/hello-alfred) and recently [expanded into partnerships](https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2019/12/27/baltimore-is-getting-a-butler-and-his-name-is.html) with urban buildings that incorporate the services from the outset. The app also uses artificial intelligence to learn about users’ habits and preferences so they receive a better experience with each transaction.  

#### 5. FlixBus 

[FlixBus](https://global.flixbus.com/) is one of the dominant long-distance bus carriers in Europe and recently expanded to the U.S. where it will provide marketing and ticketing services to regional franchise operators. As millennial travelers become more aware of [the environmental effects](https://tripactions.com/blog/uk/understanding-sustainable-international-travel) of frequent air travel, it is expected that more business travelers will choose train and bus travel for relatively short distances. 

What's exciting about FlixBus is that it has the technology to make that experience simpler than a flight further incentivizing travelers to forego a flight. This could become even more important in the future should corporations start to put carbon limits on their most frequent travelers, as predicted in the [TripActions Futuristic Vision of Business Travel series](https://tripactions.com/blog/data-will-be-key-to-futuristic-business-travel). 

#### 6. Local Time

[Local Time](https://onlocaltime.com/) is tackling business traveler well-being and low-impact packaging to create a culture shift in flying. The Vancouver-based startup creates powered packs of micronutrients to be taken before, during, and after a flight to help business travelers rebalance their body from the inside out.

Not only are their travel-inspired formulas crafted with organic ingredients, but Local Time packaging is designed to be 100% compostable. The bio-based packaging material, made primarily of pulp cellulose, is certified compostable for home and industrial facilities. It’s designed to break down naturally, in a short period of time, and fully biodegrade whether put into a home compost bin, an industrial composting facility, or open landfill.

As business travelers increasingly look for [ways to feel better](https://tripactions.com/blog/why-we-eat-healthy-while-traveling-for-business) on the road while also being [as sustainable as possible](https://tripactions.com/blog/how-to-travel-with-less-plastic) with their purchasing power, Local Time is the kind of product that can serve as a lighthouse for others looking to create a new kind of business travel reality.

#### 7. Turo

[Turo](https://turo.com/) is a new car-sharing platform that helps skip the outdated car rental system and loan cars from hosts. It is currently live in 5,500 cities across the United States as well as select cities in Canada and Europe. With its app TuroGo, users can find, book and unlock an app while in the destination. Another interesting startup to watch in the car rental sector is [Ola](https://www.olacabs.com/), which helps travelers book nearby cabs.

#### 8. Kambr

[Kambr ](https://www.kambr.com/about)is a B2B SaaS startup focused on innovation in the airline industry that recently [raised $4 million](https://www.businessinsider.com/kambr-raises-4-million-to-help-airlines-manage-online-bookings-2019-9?IR=T) in funding. Its mission is to help airlines navigate the challenges of digital transformation by lifting their revenues through operator-designed products.

As Kambr puts it, “A perfect storm has been steadily brewing to disrupt the industry status quo. The ever-evolving airline-passenger relationship, digitalization, an explosion of data sources and a host of new technologies have shaken traditional models and methods to their core.” They seek to transform airline commercial operations. Here at TripActions, we are bullish on technologies that want to bring the outdated aspects of the travel industry into the future. 

#### 9. GetYourGuide

[GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/) is an online travel agency for sightseeing tours and experiences based in Berlin. It started by offering tours from operators, but has started marketing tours designed by the brand itself. The activities sector remains ripe for innovation and GetYourGuide is well-positioned to lead the revolution. The company raised a $484 million round in April 2019. Its new branded tour business could shake up the sector, if it succeeds.

#### 10. TripActions

We’re humbled by the growth and progress we've experienced in the past year! We are incredibly proud of the work accomplished on behalf of our 3,000+ customers, as well as the dedication of each and every one of our 1,000+ member team. Five major industry awards highlighted TripActions as a leader in product, culture, and growth. 

By leveraging [new strategic partnerships](https://tripactions.com/blog/tripactions-adp-marketplace-partner-integration) this year, TripActions expanded our business travel offerings to bring value throughout the entire business travel experience. In addition to product updates including [free self-service flight change](https://tripactions.com/blog/free-self-serve-flight-change-for-tripactions-travelers), [expanded inventory](https://tripactions.com/blog/tripactions-announces-lufthansa-ndc), and [carbon impact data](https://tripactions.com/blog/carbon-impact-data-taking-care-of-our-shared-home), TripActions also hosted our first [TRAVERSE travel + tech festival](https://tripactions.com/blog/traverse-19-key-takeaways-from-day-two) in San Francisco where 800+ customers, partners, and industry leaders came together for two-days of connection, insights, and [learning](https://tripactions.com/blog/impact-of-consumerism-on-traveler-expectations-policy-strategy). (You can register for [TRAVERSE 20 today](https://traverse.tripactions.com/)!)

You can see all of our 2019 highlights here, but we ́re already moving ahead with several exciting announcements on the horizon for the first few months of 2020. 

10 Travel Startups to Watch in 2020

Business travel follows a rhythm around the world. It ebbs and flows in relation to the seasons, major holidays, and quarterly meetings. A light understanding of how and why airports, planes, and hotels seem particularly busy during certain times of the year helps us steady oursevels for the inevitable rush -- and helps us prepare beforehand for the smoothest trip. 

Although the data comes from several sources, all metrics point to October as the busiest month for travel throughout the year. Our proprietary TripActions booking data shows a slight jump in bookings in October compared to all other months throughout the year.
This is supported by [industry-wide data](https://skift.com/insight/skift-trend-report-10-business-travel-trends-for-2019/) which also shows March and May to be high volume periods throughout the year. The spike in business travel usually works on an opposite schedule to leisure travel which jumps during the summer months and winter holidays as families and friends travel for holiday. Leisure travel around Spring Break and Thanksgiving do fill up flights throughout the year as well.

Business travel is based without friction so we’ve prepared a list of the 5 most effective ways to handle the crowds wherever work takes you in the coming year. 

## Five Ways to Prepare for the Busiest Travel Months of 2020

#### 1. Enroll in all expedited security programs.

There are three fast-track programs that can be used in the U.S. to speed up different parts of the airport experience: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR. Each have their own benefits, but should be used together for the best possible business travel experience.
Global Entry streamlines re-entry into the United States from travel abroad while TSA PreCheck allows for faster security screening at U.S. Airports because members don’t need to remove their shoes, laptops, or liquids when passing through security screening. (According to the TSA, 92% of TSA PreCheck members wait less than five minutes for screening.)

TSA PreCheck can be added to Global Entry membership once a traveler is accepted. Clear is a private biometric-based "fast pass" that gets business traveler to the front of the U.S. security line (both regular and PreCheck lines). We cover [how to sign for all of them](https://tripactions.com/blog/is-global-entry-worth-it) and have experienced firsthand how each complements the other even during the busiest travel seasons. 

#### 2. Only travel with a carry-on.

Even novice business travelers know that selecting the right carry-on is critical to keeping belongings safe by their side and speeding through the airport on arrival. Fitting everything in a carry-on bag cuts out precious time spent waiting in lines to check a bag, worrying about luggage getting lost, and waiting at baggage claim after arrival. Plus, checking a bag limits your standby options if you need to hop an earlier flight. The [only time that we recommend](https://tripactions.com/blog/what-to-pack-for-a-business-trip-in-the-u-s) packing a larger suitcase is for trips that last longer than one week in which a larger piece of luggage might be necessary to account for all the variables that a business traveler might confront. We highlight our favorite carry-on suitcases [here](https://tripactions.com/uk/blog/what-is-the-best-suitcase-for-business-travel). 

#### 3. Book through app with 24/7 365 global travel agents.

When you book through a modern travel management solution, you get access to [24/7 365 travel agents](https://tripactions.com/traveler-support) who can anticipate your needs and adjust your itinerary when the unexpected occurs. With travel agents available within seconds on chat, the experience is fat better compared to waiting in line at the airport or on the phone to get rebooked. The experience is not only expedited but radically reduces stress levels. 

#### 4. Take advantage of corporate travel incentives.

Organizations are rewarding travelers for following the corporate travel policy giving employees the opportunity to earn personal rewards -- either through gift cards or a personal travel stipend -- for saving company money on travel. Even if a business traveler has to deal with extra crowded planes and airports, they can earn rewards by making smart decisions, and use those rewards towards upgrades to make their travel even better. Companies that manage business travel through a modern solution also allow travelers to book in alignment with their loyalty programs. Therefore, by taking advantage of [corporate travel incentives](https://tripactions.com/blog/incentives-to-drive-travel-program-success), you can earn money, loyalty points and upgrades when booking smart. 

#### 5. Pack patience whether it’s snacks or streaming content.

Maintaining your physical and psychological health on the road is hard, but business travelers are finding ways to stay healthy while traveling. It’s an important part of making sure that energy levels and focus stays high during critical meetings. Our road warriors came up with  [5 ways to eat healthy on the go](https://tripactions.com/blog/how-to-eat-healthy-while-traveling-for-business). But health goes beyond what we put in our bodies. It’s about being conscious about our impact on the planet and what we listen to and read while in the air or in a hotel room. The industry is [making huge strides](https://tripactions.com/uk/blog/tripactions-and-uk-airlines-commit-to-greener-business-travel) towards [using less plastic](https://tripactions.com/blog/how-to-travel-with-less-plastic) and tools like the [TripActions Carbon Impact Data dashboard](https://tripactions.com/blog/carbon-impact-data-taking-care-of-our-shared-home) helps companies and travelers become more aware of how to lessen the environmental impact of frequent travel. We also [recommend investing in](https://tripactions.com/blog/tripactions-gift-guide-for-business-travelers) a pair of high-quality noise-cancelling headphones to block out the noise of a full plane as well as an e-reader that provides informative and engaging content outside of spreadsheets.

To all our business travelers who still hit the skies for family, friends, and fun through the holidays, we wish you a safe and enjoyable trip. 

How to Prepare for the Busiest Months for Business Travel