People all over the world set their alarms this morning for the first day back at work. Whether you had a spring in your step or just wanted to stay in bed, you should see January as a time of new beginnings. It’s a chance to make some changes in your personal and work life that can stick with you throughout the year.
Some experts have predicted that 2018 will see business travel prices skyrocket, which means we will have to come up with new ways to make it worthwhile. Technology is advancing exponentially, so we are going to work harder to stay up to date.
By this time in 2018, business travel could be a different ball-game altogether. Here are a few travel predictions that might affect you.
International Increase
International travel is set to increase again in 2018. In Amex Travel’s 2018 Trend Forecast, it was shown that American Express’s international bookings were up 44% in the first quarter of 2018. That’s a huge increase in global travel that is being seen across the board. This might mean that international business travel becomes more affordable because of the increased competition but the increased demand could also mean busier airports and lounges and more expensive business class. In 2018, there is even less excuse to not travel the world to see a customer.
Wellness Weeks
Over the past couple of years, there has been an increase in the desire for wellness weekends, and it isn’t slowing down. More and more people will be adding walking weekends, spa getaways and yoga retreats on to their business trips. Who said business travel had to be stressful?
Bleisure Boom
“Bleisure” (combining business and leisure) trips are becoming more and more popular. Pioneered by Generation’s X & Y, this form of enjoyable business travel is sort of a follow on from the wellness boom. It’s not controversial anymore to add a few days onto a trip to explore the city you are in or take your family with you.
Feel Like Home
Airbnb is no longer the ‘new kid on the block’ and is now a genuine consideration for any business traveler. Why stay in a lifeless, grey-walled hotel when you could stay in someone’s home? It adds to the authenticity of the experience and might help you make some new contacts in a foreign city.
Technology Takeover
Virtual Reality is becoming more and more common. A few years ago, it seemed like a distant dream, but now travelers can take a virtual tour of their destination before booking. This isn’t so important for business travel, as you aren’t so much going for the experience. Other predictions include the dongle sticking around (so you’ll still spend the year cursing that you’ve lost it) and digital subscriptions becoming the new norm. As ever, it’s going to be a race to keep up with the technology and to make sure it works for you.
If you want to improve your business travel in 2018, book onto our Philadelphia Limo Service.
