Developing a Strategic Corporate Travel Program

Developing a Strategic Corporate Travel Program

Ideas of corporate travel and the role of corporate travel managers are changing and evolving. This doesn’t mean that corporate travel or the people who manage it are obsolete. What it does mean is that there is the unique opportunity, primarily through the use of technology, for corporate travel to be a key part of business strategy. Corporate travel should drive revenue, and there should be measurable objectives linked to it.

The following are some specific things to consider to create or maintain a strategic corporate travel program.

Expense Management

The cornerstone of a strong, modern travel program should be streamlined expense reporting. In the past, the idea of expense management and expense reporting was all about having travelers keep up with receipts and fill out long, tedious expense reports. Those expense reports frustrated employees and took their time away from other things. The risks of fraud and error were also problematic.

With expense reporting software and mobile tools, there are many opportunities to improve strategy. First, there is the ability to see where spending is happening and where it could be lowered without diminishing the employee experience. There are opportunities to determine a finite ROI that aren’t possible otherwise.

There is also improved compliance, and with expense reporting tools there is likely to be inherently lower costs associated with travel because of the elimination of fraud, waste, and error.

Use Data to Negotiate with Vendors

Some businesses mistakenly believe travel managers don’t have a pivotal role like they once did. This isn’t true. It’s just vital to shift that role. One of the most important roles a travel manager can play is to look at the data, see patterns and trends and then use that data to drive strategic decision-making.

One example of where this works is by negotiating with travel suppliers. The data can be used as leverage during negotiations.

Travel managers also play a role in compliance and enforcement, but more importantly than that, they can make sure their actual travel policies are strategic and keep up with modern traveler needs and preferences.

Identify Key Performance Indicators

KPIs are such a pivotal part of most other business decisions, but somehow they’re not integrated into corporate travel planning. It’s important to know what matters most within the travel program. What do you want employees to be working toward when their traveling?

How is the success of your strategy measured?

Choosing the Right Technology

Finally, technology isn’t something travel managers should shy away from. It is, however, something travel managers should be careful when selecting and implementing. Technology is one of the best ways to create a more strategic corporate travel program when applied correctly.

Assess what the current limitations are within your program, and look at technology solutions that could reduce those inefficiencies or issues. One example of technology that can completely shift a travel program is automated expense manage, but there are others as well.

Identify pain points, and then select the solutions that will alleviate those pain points while providing a demonstrable ROI.

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5 Tips For Working Freelance Jobs While Traveling The World

5 Tips For Working Freelance Jobs While Traveling The World

One of the advantages to living today is the myriad of freelancing jobs online that allow you to work from your laptop while you travel.

From freelance writing to eBook publishing to web design to programming to graphic design to affiliate marketing to virtual assistant work, there are very few limits to what you can do to earn money online these days.

Here are five tips for working freelance jobs while traveling the world:

1 – Make Sure Your Established Before You Travel

Since traveling is undeniably expensive, no matter how many money saving tips and hacks you use, you want to make sure that you are very well-established with whatever it is you’re doing before you embark on your traveling adventures. You should have ideally built a name and reputation for yourself, and have two or three steady clients going so you always have backup options should one drop out.

2 – Discipline Yourself

While traveling it’s very tempting to get out of your hotel room and explore the area, and indeed, you should. But still, you need to discipline yourself to get assignments completed, and that’s why you need to find the right balance between work and fun. The best way to do this is to schedule your days at least a week ahead of schedule.

3 – Consider Hiring Help

If your freelancing work or online business eventually grows to the point to where you can’t handle all of the work on your own, you can always hire another freelancer from somewhere in the world to handle at least a portion work for you as well. All you’ll really need to hire a freelancer is a thorough vetting process and an account with a money transfer service of some kind so you can easily convert between currencies to pay them.

4 – Always Have Internet Connection

This is huge for freelancing. Without a steady and reliable Wi-Fi connection, you can’t work or at least you can’t submit work, and it really is that simple. Even though restaurants, libraries, coffee shops, and hotels from around the world may claim to have Wi-Fi, you can’t always guarantee that it will be fast or reliable either. For this reason, consider bringing along your own portable Wi-Fi router.

5 – Don’t Get Too Caught Up In Work

Finally, while it is important to get plenty of work done while you travel, you also don’t want to focus solely on your work until things reach the point where you neglect the entire purpose of traveling in the first place. Traveling is a unique opportunity to explore the world and experience new cultures, and you don’t want to give up that opportunity when it’s right there in front of you. In other words, make sure you get out of your hotel room on a regular basis.

Working Freelance Jobs While Traveling

If you love the idea of where you can work remotely while exploring and traveling across the globe, the five tips covered in this article will help you turn that idea into a reality.

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Stay Healthy for You and Your Children

Stay Healthy for You and Your Children

When you are a mom, you know that the pressures of daily life can add up.

That said it is important to make sure you are doing all you can with your health. Staying on top of your health is key for many different reasons.

So, will you stay healthy for you and your children?

Make Health a Top Priority

In doing all you can to stay healthy, keep the following pointers in mind:

1. Physical health – Your physical health begins with staying in the best shape possible. No, you do not need to be a marathon runner or triathlon competitor to be in the best shape possible. That said you do want to make sure that you get some form of exercise on a regular basis. Now, what do you do for exercise if physical pain is getting the better of you? One option is to try kratom capsules. If you were not aware, kratom is a herbal remedy. As such, it can help to relieve your pain over time. Without all that pain, you are better able to get the exercise you need and want to stay fit and trim. Also think about adding a workout partner. Having someone to do workouts with will provide you with more motivation to exercise. Last, it is important that you get a yearly physical. Even if you feel fine, that physical can help detect any underlying issues.

2. Mental health – Staying on top of your mental game is important too. You want to be sure that you do not let everyday stress get the better of you. As an example, being a mom can mean a lot of stress. From working a full-time job to all that comes with motherhood, life can get tough at times. As such, you can feel overwhelmed at times and If you’re struggling to maintain your mental health you can consider talking to an online therapist at thrivetalk.com. Find ways to relieve stress so it does not win. Along with the earlier mentioned exercise, talk to someone close to you about any issues. Whether your partner or a close family member or friend; get things off your chest. When you are on top of your mental game, you and your family are the winners.

3. Know when you need a break – Last, know when you need a break from the everyday rigors of being a mom. Although being a mom is probably the greatest feeling in the world, there are times when you will want a break. This may mean the grandparents step in for a bit and watch the children. Over the summer, you may think about sending your children to camp for a week or more. It might even mean a weekend getaway with your significant other. Having a responsible individual watch your children while you get a little R&R is fine. In fact, you may want to look at it as a need.

In being a healthier mom, make sure you know the importance of your health.

If you are not healthy, it can make things all the more difficult in taking care of your children.

So, how healthy are you?

Does Your Family Need a Getaway?

Does Your Family Need a Getaway?

Do you have to think for a while when it was your family last had a getaway? If you said yes, there’s a good chance it has been a while since your last trip.

With that in mind, is the time coming up where you and your immediate loved ones need to get away?

If needing a trip, where are you thinking of going?

Whether you stay close to home or go far away, a family getaway can be a lot of fun.

So, is it time to start planning?

Where Would You Like to Go?

In deciding where you and your family may want to go, first look at the options.

If money is a factor, you may want to stay closer to where you live. This can cut down on airline tickets, hotels, rental cars and more.

So, if you live in the Southern California area or not far away, would a day or weekend trip to Disneyland appeal?

One of the most famous theme parks going, Disneyland has entertained many over time. As such, it is not a surprise it remains one of the top attractions to this day.

Now, if money is an issue, don’t fret.

You can go online and search for Disneyland tickets at the right price for you.

With Disneyland, your children can enjoy rides, shows, characters in costume and more.

If you want to include Disneyland as part of your vacation, you could see a lot in one day. Remember, you can still go back at another point and time.

If thinking about a week-long journey, Disneyland and others could still be options.

For example, you may want to also get some beach time in or a trip to the mountains.

No matter where you decide to go, make sure fun is the order of the day (see more below).

Don’t Ruin a Trip by Stressing

When the time comes for you and your family to take your trip; don’t ruin it by stressing over different things.

For example, are you someone who has trouble getting away from your job? If so, the last thing you want to do is be thinking work when you are to be enjoying family time.

Do your best to get as much work done as possible before you head out on your journey. This will lessen the chances of you checking emails or phone calls to the office or clients on vacation.

If money tends to stress you out, do your best to leave those worries behind too.

When you take the time search for savings on your vacation, you have one less thing to worry about.

Last, get some ideas about your next vacation from the one you will be taking now.

See what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to how much you pay for theme parks, hotels, food and more. This will help you better plan your next adventure.

If your family needs a getaway to break the daily grind, what are you waiting for?

Jamaica is the Highlight of the Caribbean

Jamaica is the Highlight of the Caribbean

Jamaica is one of the most exciting and desired island destinations in the Caribbean. It is a country with a storied history and diverse culture, and people that it has contributed to the world for centuries. For instance, today, Jamaica is the home to Reggae, one of the most popular forms of music in the world, Reggae; the country of Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser, fastest man and woman in the world, and their local food is regarded in many circles as some of the tastiest in the world.

This island country with a population of 2.8 million people, has a stable democratically elected government, is low in crime and prides itself on inviting visitors from all over the world.  Jamaica is the third most populated English speaking country in the Americas, after the US and Canada and it remains to this day, a British Commonwealth.

Jamaica has a very interesting population. There is considerable mixing creating a very homogeneous society. This has caused very interesting culture, music and food in the country that is unique to the Caribbean.

Jamaica’s Weather

Jamaica has tropical temperatures meaning humid and hot weather at its lower altitudes and a more temperate climate at higher altitudes. The weather is hot year round, humidity is high with respite from the heat only after sun down or when the winds blow off the Caribbean Sea. There is a rainy season and the chance of hurricanes in the late summer and fall. The average temperatures are 75c Fahrenheit (24°C) in January and 82°F or (27°C) in August. Any time is a great time to come but the months of June through August are definitely the most crowded so if you intend to visit during these months book early.

Best Places to Visit in Jamaica

Jamaica has several high quality tourist areas and all are located right on the water. Each area has a wide range of accommodations for the very low end, to great resorts and at the top end in terms of quality are the villa rentals available on the island. A villa rental in Jamaica is surprisingly affordable and can likely accommodate your whole group.

Of the top vacation spots on the island each is set up to accommodate tourists with all-inclusive resorts, a great nightlife and lots of activities including water and adventure sports.

Montego Bay

On the northwestern coast of the island is Montego Bay, which is the country’s largest area of beach resorts. This is also one of Jamaica’s two largest ports for cruise ships.  Although many who come to Jamaica will select their resort and think about its location on the island later, many aim specifically for Montego Bay because of its vibrancy, abundant activities and non-stop nightlife. The city is filled with all levels of accommodations with of course the most beautiful being the private villas that can be rented for small or large groups.

There is great shopping in town and the town has the best food on the island along with non-stop music played everywhere. There is access to the best golf courses in the entire Caribbean, and horseback riding in addition to every watersport imaginable. There are also tours which includes Montego Bay’s most famous attraction, the Rose Hall Plantation which is supposedly haunted. Montego Bay has its own airport and most visitors will land here before they are off to their final destination city, but as mentioned that final destination is most often Montego Bay.

Negril

On the western tip of Jamaica the land is uncharacteristically dry. However, in this area is situated one of Jamaica’s most popular resort areas Negril. This area has become famous for its wild and free reputation. The area has several nudist beaches and attracts many young singles looking for lots of fun and sun. In terms of sun, Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is one of the longest beaches to be found anywhere in the Caribbean. Partying is the order of the day or night. The local food is excellent but not gourmet, and you will definitely leave the area with wild memories and one of a kind fun experiences.

Ocho Rios

The second most popular destination is Ocho Rios which sits on a beautiful deep water harbor and also offers a teeming set of beaches and other tourist area.  The North Coast where Ocho Rios is located has sharply sloping topography, the perfect scenery for panoramic public gardens and breathtaking waterfalls that pop up throughout the area. Ocho Rios certainly is a welcoming area but is smaller than Montego Bay and can get a bit crowded depending on the season. The area also has great Reggae concerts throughout the year. Many choose to say in nearby Runaway Bay because of it offers great beaches and is much less crowded.

Kingston

Ocho Rios is also a scenic drive from the country’s capital Kingston and the center of government, and commerce here. It is also the home of the legendary Reggae artist Bob Marely. Kingston is also the cultural capital of Jamaica and has many museums and galleries featuring the world of many famous Jamaican artists and writers. The nightlife in Kingston is also the best in Jamaica with several jazz and reggae clubs, upscale supper clubs and even English theater in town. You can visit Spanish Town to see older Jamaican architecture and experience the sleepier side of the island.

The Blue Mountains

If you are up for a beautiful scenic drive, just North of Kingston are the famous Blue Mountains. You can take winding roads that go up high in the hills and down in the valleys and are covered by lush and beautiful vegetation. This is where Jamaica’s famous coffee is grown. The best way to see them is to book a tour because the roads are in bad shape and getting turned around is easy.

Wherever you choose to stay on the island or even if you choose to travel around to several cities, you will enjoy the great hospitality and one of a kind atmosphere this unique island nation has to offer. Bring the entire family and have a great time in Jamaica.

What Do You Do for Entertainment?

What Do You Do for Entertainment?

Finding things to keep you entertained does not have to be the biggest challenge you face in life.

That said what forms of entertainment do you tend to go with?

From movies and TV to sporting events and more, you should have many things to select from.

So, what do you do for entertainment?

Do You Know what is on TV and the Internet?

If watching television shows and movies is a must for you, do you know what’s new on Netflix?

In the event you were not aware, Netflix has a whole host of offerings each month.

From some of the latest series to trips down memory lane, you can see some great TV shows streamed right to you.

If movies are your things, there are a whole host of movies waiting for your viewing pleasure.

No matter your choices, you will not find boredom to be an issue.

You can also watch such shows and movies on your mobile device. Doing so gives you some more flexibility as where you want to view the stuff.

Take time to see what Netflix has to offer. When you do, there’s a good chance you will want more.

Do You Get Out Often?

While watching TV shows and movies can be great entertainment, get out of your home on a regular basis.

With that in mind, do you get out all that often?

There are a myriad of ways you can find the entertainment you are looking for outside of your home.

Among some choices to ponder:

· Concerts – Look around to see which concerts are playing near you. You may well find a band or bands that you’ve wanted to hear for a while now. As such, you can look for tickets online for them. Once you have your ticket in hand, get set for an awesome show no matter who the artist is.

· Sports – If you like sports, about how many games do you get to each year? Baseball, basketball, football, hockey and more could be waiting for you at any moment. The earlier you get your tickets, the better chance you have of scoring the seat or seats you want. And if you have a rooting interest in one of the teams you are going to see, be sure to cheer them on.

· History – Going to see historical places can be quite rewarding. You not only learn about history, but you can pass such learning on to your children if you have them. Do some research to see what kinds of historical offerings there are near you. You can also consider such activities if you are traveling.

· Family – Last, do you ever stop to think that your own family can be quite entertaining in their own right? When you have children, they will serve up hours of entertainment. Sure, they may well get on your nerves at times, but this is an expectation when one is a parent.

In seeing if you do have enough entertainment in your life, will you be happy with the answer you arrive at?

3 Keys to Improve Your Appearance

3 Keys to Improve Your Appearance

Are you satisfied with your appearance these days?

For some women, they can never get that look and feel they want. As a result, they go on with feeling like things could be better.

If you are looking to improve your appearance, where best to start?

Give Yourself a Makeover

In trying to get the appearance you want, remember these three keys:

1. How you feel – First, do you feel good about yourself? One issue may be that you are feeling overweight and too tired out. If so, there’s a good chance the weight is a part of the problem. That said you want to do your best to get into shape. If exercise has not been a big part of your life in recent times, you can do something about this. Even working out a half an hour a day is better than nothing at all. That said find an exercise regimen that works for you. Over time, you will feel better about your health and also your appearance. If you do not like working out alone, look for an exercise partner. Having one can be a great motivator for you to go and work out on a daily basis.

2. How you look – From your hair to your skincare and more, how you look is of obvious importance. Starting with your hair, you know as a woman how important this is. That said you can do some different things with your hair on a regular basis. From the right curling irons to the best filtered shower heads for your hair, make hair care a priority. Some women wash their hair more than once a day. For others, the time spent washing their hair is more than only a few minutes. With your skincare, be sure to get the right moisturizers on a regular basis. This will help your skin glow and feel alive. Last, think about your eyes and how they can bring out an even more attractive face. One of the first things many people look at would be one’s eyes. As such, you want your eyes to stand out. You can try different colored contact lenses and eye shadows to make yours get attention.

3. How you dress – Finally, are you happy with your clothing selection? Clothing plays such a big part in one’s appearance. With that in mind, be sure you are dressing for success and happiness. If not happy with your current clothing selections, consider buying some new apparel. From dresses to shirts and more, find a look that makes you happy and confident. Like with other needs, you can rely on girlfriends, the Internet, magazines and more to find a look you like. And don’t worry about winding up at work or an event where another woman has a similar outfit to you. In some cases, two or more women will be at the same location with similar or exactly matching outfits. If it happens, roll with it.

In improving your appearance from your hair to what you wear, take it all in stride.

Remember, you are the only one you need to please at the end of the day.

Is Your Spouse Pulling Away?

Is Your Spouse Pulling Away?

Seeing your spouse spend less time with you can be both frustrating and scary.

While their attentions elsewhere may be legit, it may mean they’re with someone. When this is the case, all kinds of emotions are going to go through you.

That said is your spouse pulling away?

What Steps to Take if Your Marriage Seems in Trouble

Having a marriage that may be in trouble can be one of the most difficult things an individual will go through.

With that being the case, there are some steps you can take if your marriage seems in trouble.

First, sit down with your spouse and talk to them about the matter.

Often, open dialogue can get to the bottom of a problem that exists in a marriage. See if your spouse will be candid with you as what might be going on.

If you are a guy, you may start to wonder is my wife cheating on me?

When trying to answer such a question, do not lose sight of the fact that you need to be as calm as possible. Without any evidence of such cheating, the last thing you want to do is hurl accusations around.

Although you may not get the answers you want, you are at least trying to have a dialogue.

It is also wise to do some investigating on the side.

Now, this may or may not mean you end up hiring a private investigator.

Some individuals will go the private investigator route.

They either do not have the time on their own for such investigating or they want to leave it to the pros. Either way; think about what you want to do with as clear a head as possible.

When you suspect your spouse is pulling away, making bad decisions on your part is the last thing to do.

Get the Answers Before Making a Decision

In the event you do decide that your marriage is in fact going in a bad direction, think about your options.

You could decide that a divorce is imminent. If so, do you want to get it over with sooner than later? Doing so could relieve you of some bad stress and depressing days ahead.

On the flip side, you may decide to stick around for the long haul and try to make things work. While they may not turn out how you wanted, you at least tried everything possible to make the marriage work.

No matter your decision, take time to process things.

The last thing that will benefit you is making rushed and angry decisions. You do not want to drive off without thinking things through.

Being in a marriage where your spouse pulls away can be one of the most challenging things you will deal with.

That said it is important to try and keep as even a keel as possible. Not doing so can lead to a lot of stress, unhealthiness, heartache and bad decision making.

So, if you sense your spouse is pulling away, what will be your course of action?

3 Keys to Eating Healthier

3 Keys to Eating Healthier

With all that you have going on in your life, where does eating healthy rank when it comes to importance?

Far too many individuals end up grabbing whatever food at whatever time they can. In the process, their bodies fail to get the needed daily nutrients. When this happens, health issues can crop up.

That said there are steps you can take today to start eating healthier.

The question is, will you take those steps or keep meandering down the path of unhealthy eating you appear to be on?

Change Your Eating Habits Beginning Today

For you to get on the road to better eating habits beginning today, remember these three keys:

1. What is a typical day like for you? – First, what is a typical day like in your life? Do you set aside time to make sure you eat three healthy meals each day? If not, are you getting whatever food you can and hoping it will suffice? Take the time to make what you eat today worth your while. For example, did you have a good breakfast on your way out the door this morning? Too many individuals fail this all-important task. As a result, it can leave them sluggish and in for a long day ahead. Make sure you start your day on the right foot when it comes to food. Do the same on your lunch break to help you make it through the work day or school. Once home and unwinding, be sure to have a good meal. You may throw in some snacks during the day. While this is fine, do your best to enjoy some healthy snacks like fruits and nuts. The better you treat your body, the better in turn it will treat you.

2. Do you have time to prepare meals? – If your work life or attending school means you have little or no time to prepare meals, where does this leave you? For some, it can mean not eating the right foods. If this sounds like you, this is where it would be worth your time to have Blue Apron meals reviewed. Blue Apron and other meal delivery services help when you do not have time or expertise to make good meals. When you work with a meal delivery service, it can provide you with well-balanced meals. If you are a vegan or have special health considerations, a meal delivery service can work with you. If preparing meals is not something you do on a regular basis, letting the pros do it makes sense.

3. Steer clear of bad food – Although many folks do have fast food or junk food on a regular basis, do not make it a habit. With that in mind, do your best to avoid making fast food and junk food a daily staple of your diet. If you don’t, you could end up with different health issues. Two of the more common ones would be being overweight and having heart issues. 

In doing all you can to eat healthier, are you digesting what you need to do for a better diet starting today?