One way to make business travel easier is to download an app for your smartphone. These apps can assist you in various aspects such as securing a hotel room and managing your expenses. Apps like this can be useful for leisure travelers as well, but business travelers tend to use them more often because of the ways they streamline their trips.
With the right mix of business travel applications, you can simplify your work and travel arrangements, relieving a lot of stress.
These 9 apps will enhance your business trips.
The best business travel applications take into account the unique needs of each business traveler and their trips.
For this reason, we have compiled a list of the top travel apps, each of which serves a unique niche. Here are nine significant ways that business travel applications could potentially benefit you:
1. Apps for organizing and planning
Organize all of your trip plans in one convenient spot with the TripIt app. Apps can organize all your trip-related data in a calendar, making it simple to view and manage everything from airline itineraries and hotel reservations to meeting details. The best part is that some apps can automatically sort and store all your confirmation emails. You just need to forward them to your account.
Operating systems: iOS, Android, Windows, and BlackBerry
Cost: $49 for the premium version, and free for the basic.
2. Apps that provide directions (navigation)
Using navigation software allows you to stay on course and prevent lostness. Give CityMapper a go; it's accessible in major cities all across the world. If your workday is jam-packed with meetings, hotels, and restaurants, this app will give you the most precise and dependable itineraries.
Around the world, Google Maps is the most-used navigation app. Online and offline navigation, pre-pinning of locations, comparison of transit options, and location sharing are all possible with this software. Whether you're looking for a place with Wi-Fi or a restaurant that can accommodate special diets, the app has you covered.
Operating Systems: Windows, iOS, and Android
Cost: Free
3. Apps that keep track of expenses
Keeping track of your receipts is unnecessary. Taking a picture and putting it into the Expensify app is all it takes to keep track of your expenses. They eliminate the need to spend hours going through old invoices and receipts thanks to their instant submission. For business travelers, there is an easy-to-use, free app called Expensify.
Operating systems: iOS, Android, Windows, and BlackBerry
Cost: Free
4. File sharing
With Google Drive, you can access your documents from any device, anywhere. Documents, spreadsheets, and presentations are editable in real time. Use your computer, tablet, or phone to get to any document you need. Even when you don't have internet access, you can continue working on these documents, and the most recent version will be available when you do. For business travelers, these apps are lifesavers.
Operating Systems: Windows, iOS, and Android
Cost: Free
5. Guides to airport lounges
Even at a large or unfamiliar airport, Flio can provide the information you need to make your flight on time. In it, you may get details about countless airports, such as how to reach them by public transit, and interactive maps showing amenities like gates, baggage claim, lounges, restaurants, and stores. Tripadvisor and Booking.com are also good options that are widely used.
You can check flight status and reserve lounge access or parking using the app.
Both iOS and Android are supported.
The basic version is free.
No memberships, elite statuses, or business-class tickets are necessary to visit any of the airport lounges in the app's network with Lounge Buddy. Using the app, you may buy lounge access starting at $25 and gain immediate access to a room where you can work, rest, freshen up, and prepare for your next journey.
Devices: iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Android
Cost: Free
There are several reasons to consider a corporate retreat abroad.
Company trips and getaways are excellent ways to get your team motivated. Find out what a business retreat is and why it's a beneficial idea to hold one.
When you need to get the team together, a business retreat is different from other ways to do that. With clear goals in mind, vacations help people get closer, talk to each other better, and feel less stressed.
Many people can find a better work-life balance with remote and mixed work, but face-to-face time is just as important. For instance, the Global Business Travel Association found that work retreats made 79% of North American business travelers and 83% of European business travelers happier with their jobs.
So, whether you work from home or just need a change of scenery from the office, a retreat after a business trip is a great way to get your coworkers together for some quality time that will boost mood.
What is a business retreat?
A corporate vacation is a type of business trip that takes place away from the office, like on the weekend or a day when people aren't working. It doesn't have a specific business purpose. They could be for the whole company or just a small group, and they're a memorable way for coworkers to get to know each other.
Offsite company vacations happen somewhere other than the office, like a villa, hotel, or small glamping site.
At onsite company retreats, workers from different places come to the main office to learn new skills and work together better.
Even though the places and activities are very different, business retreats usually have a relaxed vibe and include a mix of training, presentations given by coworkers, and fun, casual activities.
What is the point of a vacation for the whole company?
With the rise of globalization and remote work, workers often collaborate virtually from a distance. Peers who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet and get to know each other come together for a vacation.
If your team works in an office, a business retreat can help them be more creative and come up with new ideas by getting them out of their normal environment.
The goals of a business vacation are:
- We are getting to know each other as colleagues.
- We are collaborating to strengthen our core teams.
- Finding problems and coming up with answers as a team
- Brainstorming is a method to generate new ideas and products.
- Getting employees more involved and keeping them
The location of the work retreat and your goals will determine what you do. Instead of just talks, you could plan enjoyable things for the whole team to do, like a day of whitewater rafting, cooking class, or walking around a new city.
Business wellness camps aim to assist employees in managing stress and preventing burnout. If they happen in nature, the day might be filled with relaxing activities like forest bathing, spa treatments, hikes, and yoga.
Task-oriented retreats could happen in a private house or a hotel with meeting rooms set aside just for that purpose. Official presentations, group discussions, and testing of new products would divide the day, leaving time for casual conversation and group meals.
Learn how to set up a business vacation.
Step 1: Write down your goals.
Before choosing a business retreat location and activities, you must know your goals. Is this trip a prize for a job well done? A way to feel less stressed? Could this be an opportunity to refine your plan? First, list your main goal and any supporting goals.
Step 2: Make a spending plan.
The next step is to create a budget. Global companies aren't the only ones who go on business vacations; startups also like them. Make a budget for each person you can stick to, regardless of your income. This budget should include costs for food, housing, transportation, and activities. Also, it's smart to have a 15–25% cushion in case something goes wrong.
Step 3: Pick a date and time.
Check your company's future calendar to find a suitable date. Take into account the busy and slow times for your industry as well as any planned employee holidays.
Step 4. Pick a good place to hold the event.
There are a huge number of places to hold a company retreat. To narrow down the choices, think about the type of retreat you want to hold. Boutique hotels are ideal for short business trips that are full of team presentations and breakaway meetings. On the other hand, large country houses are ideal for vacations that focus on wellness.
Step 5: Make sure it's safe and simple to move.
Get your team on board by explaining the vacation and its goals. Before you book, make sure that everyone can make the times and travel arrangements work for them. If you need to, get travel insurance and visas. Then, book flights, hotels, and rental cars all from one place using a small business trip management tool, such as Booking.com for Business.
Step 6: Make a calendar and structure
Now that you know what the big picture is, it's time to plan your getaway. Plan out how you'll break up the day. One popular way to do this is to have training and hard work sessions in the mornings and activities that bring people together in the afternoons.
Paying attention to strategy? Allow time for activities that break the ice: brainstorming and talks by team leaders. Thinking about how to relax? Plan to have a lot of free time so that you can naturally meet new people.
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2. Intense, Long-Lasting Hydration
The blend of natural ingredients in this cream is an ideal solution for hydration.
- Beeswax locks in moisture, preventing dry, flaky skin.
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- Virgin Organic Shea Butter ensures your skin stays plump and moisturized around the clock. This rich formula works wonders day and night, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft, and rejuvenated.
How to Get the Best Results with the Ultra Rich Anti-Ageing Face Cream
This cream is easy to incorporate into your routine, whether you use it in the morning to start your day or as part of your nighttime routine. For the best results, I recommend applying it after your toner and serum for a dewy, glowing complexion that lasts all day. At night, allow the deeply hydrating ingredients to do their work while you sleep, resulting in softer, more radiant skin when you wake up.
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Hi everyone! I am so excited to share this travel post with you. Let me begin by telling you how it all started. My partner and I are always looking forward to our next trip. We get thrilled about riding together and exploring amazing views.
On the morning of this trip, my partner was feeling sick, which upset me. He went to the pharmacy to get some medication, and afterward, he insisted that we should still go out because we had been looking forward to this trip for a while, especially since I had been working a lot and finally had some days off.
Due to his brief illness, we started our trip later than planned, and we were concerned that we might not have as much fun as we could have on a sunny day. Initially, we wanted to visit the Devil's Pulpit in Glasgow, but since that location is a cave, it was already late, and it would be better to visit on a sunny day.
Instead, he took me to a surprise location. I had no idea where we were going; I just tagged along. But when we arrived, the first thing I saw was a huge rock. Oh my, I was so happy! We saw cars parked nearby, but there weren’t many people visiting at the same time, probably because the weather looked like it was going to rain, which it didn’t until the end of our climb.
We visited Dumbarton Castle, located in Dumbarton, a town in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.
Question. I have high blood pressure, and a friend suggested I take a potassium supplement. Is that a good idea? If so, how much should I take?
Answer. That’s an excellent question, and it’s one that many people ask for good reason—potassium can be a bit complicated. The short answer is no; you shouldn’t take potassium supplements unless your doctor specifically prescribes them. Here’s why:
First off, it’s better to get your potassium from food rather than supplements. Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, including spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, and avocados. Diets rich in potassium can help manage blood pressure and are linked to a reduced risk of stroke. These diets are also typically lower in sodium and packed with other beneficial nutrients, which may contribute to improved blood pressure.
Now, it can get a little confusing. Many blood pressure medications, especially a common class known as diuretics, can affect your potassium levels. Some diuretics lower potassium levels, while others can increase them. Additionally, certain ACE inhibitors, like lisinopril (Prinvil, Zestril) or ramipril (Altace), may also raise potassium levels. Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can have a similar effect.
Business travel comes with its own set of problems. While some problems, such as jet lag, are predictable, others, such as flight cancellations, are unexpected. To get through these problems without any problems, you need to be ready, plan ahead, and have backup plans ready in case things don't go as planned.
Let's look at 7 common problems that come up when people travel for work and how to solve them in real life.
Employees may find it challenging to manage their expenses or determine reimbursement when your company's travel policy lacks clarity or detail. This often leads to confusion and frustration when something’s not covered.
Solution:
Software for managing business travel expenses helps keep track of costs and makes it easier to submit receipts. Additionally, it automatically highlights prohibited items.
Make your business travel policy better by making it complete, clear, and simple to follow. This prevents common misunderstandings before they occur.
Solution:
- Flexibility is key—offer a range of accommodation and transport options within the budget to meet different needs.
- Provide a clear travel policy using templates and checklists to ensure nothing is left out, so employees know exactly what’s expected.
Dealing with travel disruptions such as delayed or canceled flights can significantly disrupt business travel plans, potentially resulting in missed meetings or lost time.
Solution:
- Use corporate travel management software to make re-booking easy and provide 24/7 support for quick adjustments.
- Plan ahead with detailed itineraries and leave buffer times between flights, meetings, and other commitments.
- Book early morning flights whenever possible as they are less likely to experience delays.
Keeping business travel within budget while ensuring employees are comfortable can be challenging. Finding affordable flights, accommodations, and transportation takes effort.
Solution:
- Set clear budget guidelines upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
- Utilize corporate travel and expense software to book within the budget and access special rates.
- Plan trips in advance—early bookings often offer better deals on flights and hotels.
Raisins, dates, figs, and other dried fruits might not be as appealing as fresh fruits, but these little sweet bites can help you meet your goal of eating at least two servings of fruit a day.
One major benefit is their long shelf life, which means you won’t have to worry about them going bad. They’re also lightweight and make for easy snacks, especially when paired with nuts. A classic duo is raisins and peanuts, while dried apricots with almonds make another delicious combination.
Keep in mind that dried fruits are energy-dense and higher in calories, so it’s important not to overindulge— a serving size is just a quarter-cup. However, they also pack in a lot of nutrients along with those calories. Most dried fruits are excellent sources of potassium and fiber, and they’re rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Just be aware that some dried fruits may have added sugar, so always check the label to avoid unnecessary empty calories.
Dried fruits are also great mixed into oatmeal, baked into muffins, or added to salads and grain-based dishes.
In case of an emergency, you need to have medicines, tools, health paperwork, and plans on hand.
If you live near the coast, you need to start getting ready for storms early. Storms can come on quickly, giving you little time to plan where to stay safe or what to bring with you in case you need to leave. In the chaos, people often forget essential health care items like medicines or medical gear.
Dr. Scott Goldberg, the medical director of emergency preparedness at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a longtime member of a FEMA task force that aids areas damaged by hurricanes, notes that people may bring their diabetes medication but forget to bring their blood sugar monitor or their hearing aids.
This storm season, learn what to expect and how to ensure that your health care kit is the most important item in it.
What will the storm season be like in 2024?
The hurricane predictions for this year make it even more important to start getting ready right away.
For the 2024 hurricane season, which runs until November 30, forecasters with the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expect more storms than usual.
There could be 17 to 25 storms with winds of 39 mph or higher, including 8 to 13 hurricanes. Four to seven of these could be major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.
What types of plans should you create?
Preparing for the possibility of major storms is a significant task. Before the storm's fierce winds and heavy rains even start, you need to get hurricane supplies, figure out how to keep your home safe, and plan your escape route (especially if you live in a flood zone). For information on where to stay, call the disaster management office in your city or county.
For medical reasons, you may need help getting out of the area or at a shelter. Check to see if your county or city has a special needs list like this one in Florida. If you sign up, first responders will be able to call you when there are storms and take you to a special shelter with medical staff, hospital cots, and maybe even oxygen tanks.
What should you bring?
A shelter provides a secure location to endure a storm, complete with food, water, and restrooms, but you must carry all necessary items. It is essential to bring enough medical supplies and medical tools.
"It's easy to just grab the prescription drugs from your cabinet, but what if you only have enough for two days?" You might have to wait a while to get another one. "For every prescription, we suggest at least 14 or 30 days' worth," says Dr. Goldberg. "Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting an extra refill to keep on standby for your go bag."
For many people, adopting a healthy diet often feels like a series of sacrifices: skipping appetizers, cutting back on carbs and saturated fats, or giving up desserts altogether. But what if there was something you enjoy that’s actually good for you? And no, I’m not referring to chocolate (which, in moderation, can be quite beneficial!).
This time, it's nuts that are getting attention. Previous studies have shown that higher nut consumption is linked to improved heart health and lower rates of cardiovascular disease. For instance, several trials have associated eating nuts with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, nuts are a key component of the Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy benefits.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
A 2018 study highlights walnuts as an especially beneficial option. This isn’t the first time researchers have arrived at this conclusion. A prior analysis involving 365 participants across 13 trials found that diets rich in walnuts resulted in lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol compared to other diets. Since then, further studies with larger participant groups and longer follow-ups have been published.
The latest analysis reviewed data from 26 studies, involving over 1,000 participants. Those who included walnuts in their diet showed:
- Lower total cholesterol (about 7 mg/dL, or a 3% reduction)
- Lower LDL cholesterol (about 5.5 mg/dL, a 4% reduction)
- Lower triglycerides (around 4.7 mg/dL, a 5.5% reduction)
- Lower apoprotein B (a protein linked to heart disease) by nearly 4 mg/dL
Although these reductions in blood lipids were modest, larger improvements (like a 12 mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol) were noted when compared to a typical U.S. or Western diet, which tends to be high in red meats, fatty dairy, and sugary foods.
Many people worry that a diet high in fats, such as those from nuts, might lead to weight gain, but fortunately, participants on the walnut-rich diet did not experience any weight gain.
Moreover, newer studies have also pointed to the health benefits of walnuts, including improved blood lipids and potential brain health protection.
What Makes Walnuts So Healthy?
While the findings are intriguing, they raise the question of whether walnuts are uniquely beneficial. It could be the type of oils in walnuts that contribute to their cardiovascular advantages. Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are healthier than saturated fats. They also contain alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids, which may have anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy blood vessels and positively impact blood lipids.
It's important to note that not all nuts are created equal. Many nuts, such as almonds and cashews, are high in monounsaturated fats, along with polyunsaturated fats. While these are healthier fat options compared to saturated and trans fats, walnuts' unique combination of fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids may offer specific benefits for heart health.
St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church
Address: Govan Rd., Govan, Glasgow G51
When you're visiting Glasgow, a must-see historical church is St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, located in the heart of Govan. This architectural masterpiece, designed by John Honeyman in 1877-8, combines intricate Byzantine and Romanesque styles, creating a stunning visual experience for anyone who steps through its doors.
The church’s exterior showcases beautiful red ashlar bands and coursed rubble, lending it a distinctive look. A striking round-headed doorway with delicate dogtooth molding greets you as you approach. Look up, and you’ll spot a magnificent rose window framed by blind arches, adding an element of grandeur. The square tower to the side, complete with its copper-topped pyramidal roof, stands as a prominent feature of the skyline, offering a snapshot of 19th-century architectural ingenuity.
As you step inside, the spacious nave with its wide wooden roof immediately draws your eye. The highlight, however, is the chancel, which boasts a semi-circular domed apse lined with colorful marble panels and intricate stencil decorations. The church also features striking stained glass windows that fill the space with soft light, including simpler designs on the side windows and more elaborate artistry in the chancel’s lancets. For organ lovers, the historic pipe organ, originally installed in 1952, adds an auditory layer to your experience, especially after its refurbishment in 1976.
For a peaceful visit, attend one of the regular Mass services, held every day of the week, with special Vigil Masses on Sundays. St. Anthony's Church isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a journey through Glasgow’s rich history, a living monument to Gothic and Byzantine design, all nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Govan. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a quiet moment of reflection, St. Anthony’s is a hidden treasure that offers something for everyone.
