Business travel: choosing alternative modes of transport
The average business trip involves a two- or three-night stay in a hotel. Professionals also need to get around during the day. This all adds up for companies and can be quite the financial burden. To optimise the management of business travel, reduce CO2 emissions, cut costs, and make journeys more environmentally friendly, alternative modes of transport are essential. That's why we're going to show you a number of tips and tricks to help you make savings, both in traditional and innovative ways.
How can I organise a great-value and environmentally friendly business trip?
Whether it's a business trip, a client meeting, or a company seminar, a business trip needs to be planned and organised in advance. If you're travelling locally or abroad, either way you need to plan your stay, book accommodation, and choose a means of transport that will have the smallest possible carbon footprint.
- To save money, it's always best to plan ahead: the earlier you book your accommodation, the better the rates. The same is true for train and plane tickets. You can also plan ahead for catering costs and opt for half-board accommodation (breakfast and dinner included) or full-board (breakfast + lunch + dinner). Lastly, knowing how much will be covered for travel costs before you book means you can make sure you can claim everything back on expenses and optimise your budget.
- When it comes to the environment, let's focus on some key planning and organisation points for your stay:
For better efficiency and peace of mind, and to limit your carbon footprint, it's important to plan all your journeys carefully. Be logical and get the best out of your customer meetings. You'll save time and money and be more environmentally friendly. Check the geographical perimeter you'll be covering, and try to restrict it where possible. You should also check the days and times of your appointments. Don't forget to download a travel app to help you avoid traffic jams and roadworks.
Business travel: which modes of transport are best?
If you can, opt for the train, especially if your business meetings take place in a city centre. Take advantage of the opportunity to book accommodation close to the station. Whenever possible, it's best to limit air travel to trips abroad.
While you're there, think about where your various appointments are and decide whether you'll be going by car or public transport. If you're travelling between two regions, take advantage of regional trains to save energy and work during the journey. Companies tend to only offer the choice between trains and planes, but other alternatives exist. Although cars have a bad rap in a time of ecological awareness, you can definitely offset the negatives by carpooling, for example. Driving a hybrid car is also a way of limiting your carbon footprint. And once you've reached your destination, you can switch to public transport: bus, train, and even local bike hire. There are plenty of ways to opt for an alternative mode of transport during a business trip.