4 ways to leverage technology for better business travel management

How technology can help simplify and improve travel management

Business travel is becoming more popular with every passing year. Research has shown that the global business travel market was worth $700 billion in 2020. By 2028, this figure is expected to grow by 188%. 

With more businesses taking to the skies, it’s pivotal that you and your team find a way to reduce costs. Below are four exciting ways in which technology can improve your travel management.

Use booking tools to streamline travel plans

As the saying goes, time is money. Managing travel plans, bookings, and flights can take up precious time for businesses. And even then, human error might throw a spanner in the works.

New technology can help businesses to streamline everything. With the right tools, it may only take one person to research and manage the plans for an entire team. Some booking tools to consider include the following:

• Travel Perk allows you to book, organize, and control business travel in one place. You can manage budgets, control spending approvals, and integrate the tool with many other business apps you will be using.
• Flightfox blends travel tech with a human touch. It lets you plan, book, and coordinate business travel in one centralized place. It can also help you get the best rates and provide strategic policies to improve efficiency.
• TripIt is a robust planning app. Forward any reservations or confirmations and a comprehensive itinerary will be created. This tool can help streamline team plans so everyone knows where to be and when.

Ensure better connectivity with eSIM technology

One major issue when traveling abroad is losing connectivity. When smartphones can’t connect to foreign networks, you can’t communicate with your teammates or access the internet, making it hard to follow plans.

To overcome this problem, you either buy local SIM cards or pay for expensive roaming packages. Even over a short time, these can add significant costs to a business trip.

eSIM technology is a revolutionary way to enjoy seamless connectivity when overseas. These digital SIMs can be operated through an app, meaning you don’t have to buy new cards or open your device. You can connect to the best local networks in your area and enjoy a stable and reliable service.

Besides improved service, eSIMs are also cost-effective for business travel. Prepaid data plans are charged at local rates, meaning you’ll always pay a low cost for data and be aware of how much data you’re using. If you need more data or are staying longer in a destination, you can simply top up your package.

Setting up the technology is quick and easy. Check that your work phone is compatible with eSIM technology. Then, find a reliable provider and enjoy a free eSIM download. Choose a suitable plan for your trip length and data needs, and activate it before you set off.

Use artificial intelligence to streamline work

The rise of AI means businesses can manage their travel plans like never before. Think of them as sophisticated travel agents that can gather and analyze data in seconds for you.

AI can also help you streamline your travel preparation. For example, generative chatbots like JustAskLayla can generate itineraries for your destination. They can also condense information such as public transport and business etiquette, bringing workers up to speed on important business plans in a short space of time.

AI can be especially useful if your team works remotely. For example, AI can create detailed travel plans that factor in worker locations and unique needs. This helps personalize trips and ensures remote workers can still travel efficiently.

Simplify expenses with optical character recognition

Expenses are a necessary evil during a business trip.  But what can add further frustration is the time it takes to collect, verify, and approve receipts. Optical character recognition technology (OCR) is an exciting new way to streamline this process.

This technology converts typed, handwritten, or printed images into machine-encoded text. Workers can send an image of a bank statement or receipt, and OCR tools can verify their authenticity. They no longer have to collect and keep receipts but can claim expenses in real time. This ensures businesses are always aware of what is being spent during travel. 

Moreover, OCR removes the chance of human error. It can spot potential fraud or miscalculations, saving the business time and money.

Conclusion

Technology is making business travel better, more enjoyable, and cheaper. It streamlines travel management, making it easier to execute your plans.

The benefits of using these tools are clear, so the next step is to start using them. By doing so, businesses can remain competitive on the global stage, making every trip not just a journey but a strategic investment towards future success!