Technology Shaping the Future of Business Travel

A decade ago, wireless internet access was considered a luxury. Today, it is a necessity and an expected amenity for both business and pleasure travelers. Advances in digital technology have changed the way we move about the country and has made it exponentially easier for small business owners to achieve a big presence. Here, we take a look at just a few of the roles technology plays in our business travel and planning:

Technology has made it easier to find flights, hotels, and transportation. It is less complicated than ever to locate and secure travel accommodations from anywhere. Mobile technology and the widespread availability of 4G connectivity means you can search and compare rooms and hotel amenities with just a few swipes. As an added benefit, it’s also very easy to find coupon codes and determine the best time to book for the best price. Websites such as Expedia and Southwest will even alert you when flights around your date come available or change in price.

Online review sites give you a glimpse into potential meeting locations. There is no shortage of online review websites and that means you have instant access to information regarding the ambience of restaurants and public meeting spaces. Why is this important? If you’re traveling and don’t want to conduct a meeting at your customer’s place of business, you will need to impress them over dinner.

You can utilize Tripadvisor and other travel review companies to get a better feel for your chosen spot. Online, you will be able to find hours of operation, menus, and even photographs to help you determine the best place to dine and get down to business. This list provided by Esquire online can put you in the right direction from New York to San Francisco and every major stop off in between. Remember, a business dinner has more to do with the atmosphere than the appetizers.

If you are recovering from alcohol addiction, it is easy to feel the pressure to have a drink while dining at a new restaurant, so you will need a plan for saying ‘no.’ According to DrugRehab.com, you might want to rehearse a script to answer with confidence. Be sure not to succumb to peer pressure as your colleagues may be unaware of your sober lifestyle. If there is a party or social, you might feel better leaving early or move to a different area at the event to avoid any temptations.

The internet will help you impress your clients with your knowledge of the area. If you’re not from a big city, it can be a little intimidating not knowing what you’re getting yourself into. Thankfully, we have the internet. You can easily get to know your client’s hometown using Google Maps and other online tools. According to TechAdvisory.org, Google Maps will help you make your journey easier and feel more comfortable places you’re not familiar. Don’t forget to check out their city’s Chamber of Commerce before you go so that you will have knowledge of any competing businesses that may come up in conversation.

Prescheduled postings and auto responders keep you in touch on the go. When you are an entrepreneur, stepping away from your business often means stepping away from the customers that keep you going. But, the advent of the digital age means you never have to be too far from work. If you will be out-of-pocket for a while you can pre-schedule your social media postings so that you remain active online whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. You can additionally set your email to alert anyone trying to contact you that you are away and point them in the direction of someone who can help them until your return.

Author Bio: Henry is the co-creator of FitWellTraveler. The site blends two of his favorite subjects (travel and health) to provide readers with information about how to get the most out of both.