For any business, managing limited budgets without compromising profit and productivity is always a priority. With our 2022 inflation report indicating that travel prices would continue to increase, we wanted to find out exactly how business travel costs have been impacted so far this year.

Has inflation continued to have a big impact on the cost of business travel so far in 2023?

Are there differences in travel pricing trends in the US, UK and Europe? 

Which travel verticals are recovering quicker post-pandemic?

To get the answers to these questions and more, we analyzed booking data from our industry-leading corporate travel inventory and global customer base. We compared pre-COVID data (2019) to comparable quarter periods in 2022-2023 (post-COVID) and analyzed price trends based on average booking value across different travel verticals such as airfares, hotels, and rail.

Here’s what we found out…

Key findings on business travel prices in the first half of 2023

• Airfares and hotel rates are showing stabilization in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023, with average price increases trending significantly lower than the same period in 2022.
  
• After a +47% increase year over year (YoY) in Q2 2022 based on average customer booking value, airfares for flights departing the US, UK and Europe began to normalize in Q2 2023 (+2% YoY). 

• Since peaking in Q2 2022, the average cost of US airfares has remained virtually constant between Q3 2022 through to Q1 2023. In Q2 2023, the price of flights departing the US increased by only +1% YoY, much less than the European (including UK) average (+9% YoY).

• Incentives in various European countries, including Spain, may be driving train ticket prices down below pre-pandemic levels. Compared to the same period in 2019, in Q1 and Q2 2023, train prices dropped -23% and -15% respectively. 

• Hotel prices see a more settled inflation trend in Q2 2023, with only a +4% increase in hotel booking daily rates compared to +59% in the same quarter the previous year.

Travel inflation: Factors influencing price changes in the US & Europe

Let’s start by looking at the variety of factors that affect price fluctuations for flights, hotels and trains. Our analysis shows the percentage change year over year - and in comparison to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, based on the average booking spend for each vertical.

Although prices continue to trend upwards overall, the increase year over year isn’t as sharp as the average booking inflation levels seen in 2022. There are a number of explanations for the increases in price for travel:

• Pent-up demand post-COVID for business and leisure travel. This increased appetite for travel had a direct impact on the cost of transport and accommodation.
• Energy price inflation resulting from the war in Ukraine.
• Numerous strikes, cancellations, and travel disruptions in the Summer and Fall of 2022 which subsequently caused prices to increase.
  

The Global Business Travel Association predicts that business travel is set to recover to its pre-pandemic total of $1.4 billion by 2024 - two years earlier than originally forecasted. According to their report, this is due to “more favorable economic conditions”. 

A closer look: Business travel prices by vertical and region

Let’s dig into how prices have evolved across flights, hotels, and trains. 

How flight prices are shifting in the UK, US, and Europe

In H1 2023, we see overall flight prices stabilize significantly. In Q2 2023, prices increased by just +2% compared to the same period the previous year. This is a significant decrease compared to the +47% increase in flight prices in Q2 2022, a period that was affected by travel chaos.

We see the biggest impact on flight price increases in Q3 2022 (+61% YoY), but this begins to stabilize quarter over quarter as we move into the first half of 2023. 

No more turbulence – Flight prices stabilize in the U.S.

Looking at both domestic and international flights departing the US, airfare prices experienced the sharpest YoY peak in Q2 2022 with a +57% increase.

Since then, our data shows that prices have been holding steady, with the second quarter of 2023 resulting in a small +1% increase in price YoY. The US tapped into strategic fuel reserves to combat global energy inflation. As a result, as shown by data from the OECD, we see the US energy inflation curve as a smaller peak compared to Europe.

What’s even more interesting to note in the graph below is the steady average US flight price of around €480 (~$520) throughout Q3 2022 until Q1 2023, despite fluctuating energy costs at that time.

The view from the other side of the Atlantic

In Europe, the picture looks slightly different to the US . The peak in prices in this region came in Q3 2022 (+69% YoY) compared to Q2 2022 (+57%) in the US. 

Flight price inflation continues to affect markets in Europe more than the US due to the greater impact of the Ukraine war in this region. European (including UK) airline ticket prices departing this region in Q2 2023 are trending +9% higher YoY, eight percentage points more than the US for the same period. The UK, France, and the Netherlands experienced the longtail of energy inflation, with the biggest spikes in those markets recorded in Q3 2022. In that same quarter, the UK and France saw YoY prices skyrocket at +125% and +110%, respectively.

It’s worth mentioning the European flight inflation of +69% in Q3 2022 is the highest increase in YoY prices for this segment, compared to other travel verticals and regions. 

Checking in: The top trends in hotel rates

Hotel rate trends have seen a steady YoY increase of over +40% from Q1 to Q3 2022. The lowering of COVID travel restrictions increased the appetite for business and leisure travel, which resulted in a price increase of almost +60% in Q2 2022 compared to the same period the previous year, peaking at an average daily rate of €159 (~$171) in Q3 2022. 

However, so far in the first half of 2023, we see a more settled inflation trend, with pre-COVID inflation plateauing at around +19% (H1 2023) and YoY inflation showing as low as +4% in Q2 of 2023. This trend is likely due to the stabilized demand for business trips compared to previous years. The increased demand for travel in Q2 2023 from fewer Covid restrictions regionally is beginning to increase prices up again to €155 (~$166). 

Railway rewards –  train prices drop in the first half of 2023

Train ticket prices showed some stabilization in Q2 2023 (+5% YoY), compared to the same quarter in 2022 (+11% YoY).

Train travel incentives could be one factor contributing to the price decrease; Spain and Germany introduced these to reduce the impact of the cost of living crisis and encourage more sustainable travel habits. However, it's important to note that there are many external factors that impact train pricing, including supply and demand.

Compared to pre-pandemic, in Q1 and Q2 2023, global train prices have dropped -23% and -15% respectively. Some notable cost decreases recorded in H1 2023 versus H1 2019 are for rail services in France (-47%), the UK (-46%) and Spain (-34%).

3 top tips to help beat inflation for business travelers

• Be flexible with travel options – The impact of inflation isn’t the same in every region, as demonstrated in our report. So, business travel managers should consider more budget-friendly routes and destinations that are less impacted by rising costs. Do you really need to host your team offsite in London? Or could you save on travel expenses by choosing another city in Europe? You could make significant savings to the overall cost of your business travel by being more flexible with destinations. Rail prices have increased less than flights, so consider taking the train if you have the option. It could be a smarter choice both for your budget and the environment!

• Book in advance – Our data shows that business travelers continue to book international trips and domestic trips much closer to their departure date than they were pre-pandemic. The biggest savings are often found the more you book ahead (especially with airfares). With much of the chaos and uncertainty behind us, there is a significant economic benefit to booking early. Plus, with flexible travel options like FlexiPerk, should your plans change, you can cancel up to 2 hours before departure and get 80% of the cost of your trip back, no questions asked.

• Make the most of exclusive negotiated rates - Business travel management software like TravelPerk uses the combined buying power of their customers to negotiate exclusive rates on accommodation and travel and pass these savings on to their customers. In fact, there are over 26,000 exclusive hotel rates to choose from with savings up to 25% when you book with TravelPerk. With its industry-leading inventory, TravelPerk makes business travel more affordable and a lot simpler to manage.

Report Methodology

TravelPerk analyzed booking data from its customers between 2019 (pre-COVID) and compared it to data from 2022-2023 (post-COVID). Travel verticals within this report include flights, hotels and trains.

European (UK) and US flight graphs show both domestic and international flights departing these countries/regions.

European (UK) and US hotel and train graphs show trips and stays within these countries/regions only.

YoY % = % difference of the current Q vs the same Q in the previous year

Precovid = % difference of the current Q vs the same Q in 2019

Price conversion: EU to USD and GBP as per currency rates on 03 September 2023.

The post Is inflation still impacting business travel prices? Key takeaways from our latest H1 2023 inflation report. appeared first on TravelPerk.

That's thanks to a trend in which airlines have focused their investments on pricier cabins and rewarding high spenders over frequent or long-distance flyers, says Eric Rosen, director of travel content at The Points Guy.

Many of these upgrades have come a long way from the days when smoking was permitted on board, seatback entertainment was a futuristic dream, and passengers couldn't board without a paper boarding ticket. According to Rosen, the changes are also motivated by airlines that are in fierce competition with another to capture the burgeoning market of premier-class travelers.

Lufthansa Group

Upgrading seats to private suites

One of the most significant spaces where carriers are innovating is in the seats. Business-class seats or suites have begun to resemble—and in many cases have altogether replaced—first-class seats. Airlines that have kept first-class cabins have financed add-ons, designs, and services to differentiate them from business class and justify higher premiums, says Rosen.

Upcoming changes aboard Lufthansa's business and first-class seats confirm these shifts. Starting in 2024, first-class seats on Europe's largest carrier will be a separate double cabin, ceiling-high walls, a door one can close entirely, and two side seats that transform into a double bed. The suite will effectively resemble a mini hotel room, according to Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter.

Beyond the curtain, Lufthansa's business seats will benefit from personal minibars, wardrobes, and sliding doors—that last one, Rosen says, is a "game changer." Though seemingly a small detail, sliding doors (or dividers) offer passengers the luxury of privacy, protecting them from the occasional bump from a passing attendant, noise from passing people, and a barrier from neighbors' food smells.

At Delta and Air France, such privacy measures are already in service and paired with lie-flat beds, which are also becoming increasingly popular for business seats.

On Qantas' long-haul flights starting in 2025, first-class tickets will take the door trend even further. The carrier will offer completely enclosed suites that can comfortably host two people. It includes a flexible work and dining space, a reclining armchair, and even personal storage with a full-length wardrobe.

Some airlines are even making premier offerings available to economy class. Two years ago, Air New Zealand announced "Skynests," lie-flat six-bed sleep pods available for an additional fee for passengers who have booked an economy class ticket. These beds will be available to book on ultra-long-haul flights starting September 2024, according to the latest update from the carrier. The exact prices are not yet determined, but it will likely cost passengers an extra $400 to $600 per four-hour period.

THE BEST BUSINESS TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

Choose a great business travel management company to stay up to date with the latest travel restrictions and change or cancel trips flexibly.

Aaron P Bauer-GriffinGC Images/Getty Images

Adding convenience and perks

Many other amenities are zeroing in on the medley of anxieties plaguing flyers.

If you've got $1,500 to spare for a one-way flight, booking a ticket with BeOnd will allow you to fully recline on all 68 of their lie-flat seats, check in your bags from the comfort of home, fly in and out of private terminals at select destinations, and expedite immigration services. The Maldives-based carrier will start operations to select locations this fall.

Increased convenience is another major trend that follows in the footsteps of companies like JSX, a leader in short-haul luxury, private jet-like experiences with quick access and seamless travel. With a JSX ticket, you can skip the long lines, show up 20 minutes before a flight, and fly conveniently with a pet, says Fora Travel advisor Gaya Vinay.

The service would eliminate much of the logistical headache associated with air travel, transforming a flight into something as convenient and unbothered as an on-demand taxi.

If Alaska Airlines and British Airways' are successful in their trials of SkyLights' VR headsets in first-class cabins, travelers may be able to check out of the flying experience entirely by immersing themselves in cinematic experiences, guided meditations, and nature excursions.

Ramin Talaie/Corbis via Getty Images

Reimagining in-flight food

Airlines are also going above and beyond to replicate the luxury that some of their clients are used to when it comes to culinary options.

In this realm, no airline is more practiced than Emirates Airlines. In August 2022, the Dubai-based carrier announced a $2 billion investment in their in-flight offerings, the perks of which now include unlimited caviar on first-class flights paired with Dom Pérignon vintage Champagne, Veuve Clicquot, and Moët & Chandon, which the carrier is exclusively permitted to serve in the sky.

Air France also continued its tradition of partnering with renowned chefs to create menus for their long-haul first- and business-class cabins. Until October 2023, Michelin-starred chefs Régis Marcon, Thierry Marx, and Meilleur Ouvrier de France pastry chef Philippe Urraca will collaborate on two eight-course menus.

Justin Tallisa/AFP via Getty Images

Incorporating sustainability

One other luxury carriers are courting is the luxury of a clear conscience by offering more sustainable flying options.

A quieter, greener, and more affordable supersonic flight is a prospect that Colorado-based Boom Supersonic hopes to bring to passengers starting in 2029. According to designs, the Overture airplane would travel at twice the speed of today's commercial jets thanks to a "contoured fuselage and gull wings for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency" Most importantly, it would do so using 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

In June 2021, United became the first U.S. airline to purchase 15 Overtures. When they debut in 2029, they'll be able to cut the seven-hour flight between New York City and London to just three hours and 15 minutes.

By the time Overture launches, Boom could see competition from French-based Airbus, which plans to take its hydrogen fuel cell aircraft on test flights by 2026. Liquid hydrogen fuel is also being tested in a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and EasyJet.

Given these forthcoming innovations in technology and amenities, there's no telling just how different flights will look in another decade.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.

The post A look into the future of luxury air travel, from game-changing privacy to supersonic flights appeared first on TravelPerk.

Despite the impact of the pandemic and global travel restrictions, the UK’s travel sector is bouncing back with force. According to the latest UK travel and tourism statistics, the sector contributes a massive 4.11 million jobs to the UK’s workforce and just under 10% to the UK’s total GDP. 

Plus, as forecasts point to a remarkable 3.8% expansion and a valuation of £257 billion by 2025, it’s clear that tourism is set to become one of Great Britain's fastest-growing sectors.

In this guide, we explore the top tourism statistics, shedding light on international and domestic travel trends, as well as tourism statistics related to sports, adventure, business, and much much more. 

Reviving inbound tourism: The UK's journey to recovery

• The latest inbound tourism forecast for 2023 anticipates 37.5 million visits, an impressive 92% recovery compared to the pre-pandemic level in 2019. 

• In 2023, inbound visitors are projected to spend £30.9 billion, surpassing the 2019 level by 109% in nominal terms.

• Travel and tourism’s total contribution to the UK’s GDP in 2017 was 5.3%. By 2028, travel and tourism’s contribution to the UK’s GDP is expected to decrease significantly to only 2%.

• Overseas residents made 31.2 million visits to the UK in 2022.

• By 2024 and 2025, both domestic and international tourism in the UK is projected to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

• Ranked the sixth largest in the world, the UK tourism industry generates £155.4 billion in revenue for the UK economy annually.

• In 2022, London remained the most visited city by international visitors with just over 16 million international visits. However, this figure was approximately 26% lower than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

• Edinburgh and Manchester welcomed a considerable number of tourists in 2022 — 1.8 million and 1.2 million respectively — making them the second and third most popular destinations.

• In 2022, the United States topped the list as the leading inbound travel market for the UK based on the number of visits, with approximately 4.6 million inbound trips from American travelers. 

• Following closely were tourist arrivals from France, the Republic of Ireland, and Germany.

• In 2019, Americans spent a record £4.18bn while visiting the UK. 

• In 2022, overseas visitors to the UK enjoyed an average stay of 8.4 nights, compared to just over 7 nights in 2019.

• The National History Museum, Brighton Pier, and the British Museum topped the list of the most popular free attractions in England in 2022.

• The Tower of London, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the RHS Garden Wisley topped the list of the most popular paid attractions in England in 2022.

• The Windsor Great Park was the most visited tourist attraction throughout the UK in 2022, attracting 5.6 million visitors. 

Sources: Statista, McKinsey, VisitBritain, The Office for National Statistics (ONS), Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, The International Passenger Survey (IPS)

A surge in travel staycations: UK domestic tourism statistics

• Between April and December 2021, Brits enjoyed nearly 45 million overnight stays within the UK.

• In 2021, domestic travelers in the UK spent £98.7 billion on trips around the UK.

• In 2019, British tourists embarked on almost 123 million domestic holidays.

• The number of outbound international travel trips in 2019 amounted to 93 million.

• Brits took an average of 2.3 domestic vacations between September 2021 and August 2022. 

• 20% of Brits say that the South West of the UK is their top destination for overnight domestic trips during summer.

• With staycations on the rise, Brits spent an average of almost £770 on UK getaways in 2021.

• Throughout 2022, British residents made 1.1 billion day trips to places within the UK, spending £45 billion on these trips alone. 

Sources: Tourism Alliance, Statista, IBIS World, UNWTO

Adventure tourism statistics: Visitors to the UK have caught the adventure bug

• The UNWTO reports that the UK boasts Europe’s largest adventure tourism market, accounting for 19% of the world's adventure travel tourists.

• By 2024, the adventure tourism industry revenue is projected to reach £3.8 billion.

• From 2011 to 2019, spending on adventure and water sports in the UK increased from £1.5 billion to £1.8 billion.

• The number of people taking part in adventure and water sports activities in the UK has also increased from 57 million in 2011 to 100 million in 2019.

• In 2021, UK spending on camping trips rose to £2.7 billion.

• In 2019, outdoor-related activities in urban settings accounted for over 60% of all nature-based spending.

• 59% of European millennials have had at least one kind of adventure experience. 

Sources: ONS, Condor Ferries, CBI, Business Gateway

Healthcare tourism statistics beyond borders: Medical tourism in the UK is on the rise

• The UK medical tourism market is expected to reach a valuation of over £17 billion by 2032.

• The global medical tourism market is projected to be worth $35.9 billion by 2032.

• In 2020, the UK ranked fifth in the global destination environment ranking for medical tourism.

• In 2021, a total of 34,000 inbound visits to the UK were for medical treatment.

• Of the 34,000 medical tourists in 2021, 62% were from countries in the EU-15, and less than 3% were from North America. 

• Tourist spending on medical treatment in the UK is between £178 million to £325 million annually. 

• Inbound medical travelers and their companions contribute approximately £219 million to the UK economy through additional tourism expenditures every year. 

• Dental care, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and cancer treatment top the list of popular procedures for medical tourism trips.

Sources: Statista, Future Market Insights, National Library of Medicine, CDC, Market.US

Sports tourism statistic scoring big: Football rules UK sports tourism

• In 2022, 76.2 million people attended professional sporting events throughout the UK.

• According to the latest figures, inbound tourism expenditure on sport and recreation reached an impressive £231 million in the UK.

• In 2019, around 1.5 million inbound visitors attended a live football match, accounting for approximately 1 in every 27 visitors.

• Football is the number one sporting attraction for international tourists visiting the UK, with over 800,000 visitors annually attending a football match.

• Cricket is the second biggest sporting draw with 225,000 annual visitors. 

• Since 2010, the value of sport to the UK economy has increased by 40%.

• In 2019, inbound football tourists spent an average of £909 per visit, 31% higher than the average visitor spend of £696 by other inbound tourists.

• In 2019, the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester and the Anfield Stadium in Liverpool had the highest attendance at 440,000 tourist visits. 

• The amount spent on golfing activities in the UK grew by 40% between 2011 and 2019, from £800 million to £1.1 billion 

Sources: ONS, VisitBritain, Gov.uk, Statista

Business tourism statistics: Meetings, incentive trips, and exhibitions fuel the business tourism boom in the UK

• In 2022, there were 5.1 million visits to the UK for business reasons.

• Business contributed £5.8 billion in spend in 2019, representing an incredible 20% of all inbound spend.

• Business travelers tend to make flying visits to the UK. In 2019, almost two-thirds of all business visits to the UK lasted between 1 and 3 nights.

• Unlike typical tourism flows, business visits to the UK don't show much seasonality, which means there's a steady number of visitors year-round.

• In 2019, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) made up nearly one-third of all UK business trip expenses, with visitors spending a hefty £1.7 billion.

• In 2019, conferences, conventions, and congresses took the lead among the MICE sub-categories, accounting for 742,000 visits and a whopping total spend of £716 million.

• Large meetings consisting of over 21 people in 2019 accounted for approximately 7% of all business visits (646,000 visits in total), and these travelers spent £573 million.

• In 2019, incentive and team-building trips made 67,000 visits and spent £69 million, making them one of the top-spending business groups with an expenditure of £1,039 per visit.

• In 2019, attendees of exhibitions, events, and trade shows spent a total of £319 million during 319,000 visits.

• In 2021, UK residents made an estimated total of 8.3 million business trips.

• Two-thirds of UK businesses plan to boost business travel spend by 50% or more in 2023. 

• The Travel and Tourism Development Index ranked the UK as the fifth-best country for non-leisure travel worldwide in 2021, and the first-best country in Europe.

• Business travelers flocked to London in 2019, with a remarkable 3.98 million visits from abroad, solidifying its position as the top business travel destination in the UK.

• The average cost of a business trip to London has risen by 15% since 2022. 

• As of 2023, London is the third most expensive business travel location in Europe.

• Ranked as the eighth most expensive city in the world for business travel, a trip to London costs around £497 per day visit.

• The average spend per domestic business trip in 2019 was £280. 

• Over half of business trips to the UK turn into bleisure trips. 

Sources: ONS, VisitBritain, Statista, American Express, ECA International, Stratos

Rural tourism statistics: The charm of rural tourism and sustainable travel is on the rise

• A testament to its beauty, UK nature contributed a remarkable £12 billion to tourism and outdoor leisure in 2019.

• In 2021, the Gross Value Added (GVA) from tourism in Predominantly Rural areas was worth an impressive £11.5 billion. 

• During 2019/20, rural areas boasted 66,800 registered tourist-related businesses, making up 11% of the total registered businesses in those regions.

• Tourism-related industries play a more substantial role in rural employment, representing 15% of the total workforce, compared to 11% in urban areas.

• The majority of UK travelers (71%) and US travelers (69%) say that sustainable travel practices are important to them and strive to make more eco-conscious journeys. 

• 23% of UK travelers chose to travel to a destination closer to home in order to reduce their carbon footprint. 

• In a bid to enhance rural tourism, Scotland allocated £3 million in 2022 to support 10 infrastructure projects, focusing on visitor facilities, access improvements, and promoting eco-friendly transport options.

• An estimated 34% of holidays in Wales involve camping or caravanning, compared to 20% in England and 21% in Scotland. 

Sources: ONS, Gov.uk, Savills, Booking.com, Highland.gov.uk, Pitchup

Music tourism is hitting high notes in the UK

• In 2022, the global music tourism market value was valued at $5.5 billion and is on track to rock 'n' roll all the way up to an incredible $11.3 billion by 2032. 

• The thriving music tourism sector sustained a total of 56,000 jobs across the UK in 2022, massively contributing to overall tourism employment statistics in the country. 

• In 2022, the UK’s music scene drew in an impressive 1.1 million foreign music tourists and 13.3 million domestic music tourists.

• 2022 marked a crescendo in music tourism spending in the UK, peaking at an impressive £6.6 billion — surpassing the pre-pandemic total in 2019 of £4.7 billion. 

• Attracting a staggering 4.9 million music tourists, London is a major magnet for music lovers.

• Thanks to the draw of legendary groups The Beatles, The Stone Roses, and Oasis, the North West region is close behind with 1.9 million music tourists.

• 10% of British people would travel eight hours by plane to see their favorite artists.

• 63% of Brits have been on trips that combined travel with a gig or festival.

• New York and Barcelona are the top dream travel destinations for British music lovers. 

Sources: Future Market Insights, UK Music, Statista, UK Music Report, NME

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Between your toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, and other essential lotions and potions, many passengers found their little bags bursting at the seams. Plus, while you may arrive prepared for security screening, lengthy queuing still eats into time better spent relaxing in the airport lounge. 

Thankfully, changes to the liquid limit are already happening in parts of Europe, including London and Milan, with other cities set to follow. So why do the current 100ml liquid restrictions exist?

Unbottling the 100ml rule

The 3-1-1 liquids rule at airports was introduced in 2006 to prevent liquid explosives from being carried onto planes after a foiled terrorist plot in which chemicals concealed in drink bottles would have been used to down multiple transatlantic flights. Initially thought to be a temporary measure, the 100ml liquid limit has remained in place in case of other possible threats.

There are a few exemptions for breast milk, baby food, essential medical purposes, or special dietary requirements, although these vary by country. Liquid items bought on planes or in airports, including duty-free, are also allowed if sealed inside a tamper-evident bag with your receipt.

But change is in the air

Source

New technology means that simpler air travel may be on the horizon. High-tech computed tomography (CT) scanners are being introduced at airport security checkpoints, enabling their screening process staff to see the contents of carry-on baggage more clearly.

CT X-ray technology produces detailed 3D images which can be rotated to provide more reliable information to security officers. This new technology will allow passengers to keep liquid and electrical items inside their carry-on luggage and potentially carry liquids of more than 100ml per bottle, saving time and money and ensuring an overall smoother security experience.

In the UK, the government has announced that the 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage will be increased to 2 liters at UK airports following trials at London Gatwick, Heathrow, and Birmingham airports.

"The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that's all set to change," said Mark Harper, UK Transport Secretary. By 2024, all major airports across the UK will have been updated with the latest security innovations."

Source

But these wide-scale changes will take time to roll out. Estimations in 2022 stated it would take 2 years to implement the upgrades fully. Until they are finalized, travelers must continue to pack liquids according to the existing 100ml rules. 

Still, the new liquid allowance is already in place at Teesside International Airport in North Eastern England and London City Airport (LCY). The latter is under 10km from the British capital's financial district, making it a great hub for business travelers looking to take advantage of this new tech!

Benefits to business travelers

Adding CT scanners at airports across the US means that regular travelers will experience a similar process to those with access to TSA PreCheck lanes. In these lanes, passengers can enjoy shorter wait times and don't need to remove liquids, electronics, shoes, or belts, simplifying the security process. As stated on TSA's website, in June 2023, an average of 88% of PreCheck passengers enjoyed a wait time of 5 minutes or less.

LCY's scanners can scan over 550 trays per lane each hour. According to Alison FitzGerald, the airport's COO, this allows them to get 30% more passengers through security every hour.

As well as reducing wait times, the new liquid rules should make packing your cabin bag more efficient and cheaper. The increased liquid allowance would remove the need to buy expensive travel-sized toiletries and spare the hassle of decanting liquids into 100ml containers.

Other countries ahead of the curve

Ireland

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Donegal and Shannon Airports have had CT scanners since late 2021. These scanners mean that the 100ml limit on liquids no longer applies, and passengers can travel with larger volumes of liquids as long as they fit inside their cabin bags.

In June 2023, Dublin Airport opened new C-3 security scanners. Dublin Airport Authority's Group Head of Communications, Kevin Cullinane, announced "We've now replaced 6 lanes with traditional x-ray machines with these new, 3 dimensional scans which provide instant imaging for the security officers.

"The 100ml liquid restrictions still apply for now, but when this program is fully completed, people can pass through as they please and go through these scanners in due time.” Terminal 2 is due to be completed early next year. 

United States

Source 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been installing CT scanners at airports across the US since 2021. As of April 2023, approximately 634 CT units were installed, with a further 1200 units planned. 

While many major airports like Los Angeles' LAX and New York's JFK have had CT scanners for several years, the TSA is now looking to make air travel easier across smaller airports too. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and TF Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island, are among those set to receive the technology.

However, the liquid limit is still enforced for now, with the TSA expecting this to remain the same for several years. You can follow @AskTSA on Twitter for updates.

Where else are upgrades happening?

The new technology enables airports to lift the liquid cap, but in Europe, regulations still currently limit liquids to 100ml with a total of 1 liter per passenger. Once these regulations are relaxed, airports with the new CT scanners installed will be ready to lift the restrictions. 

To complicate matters further, some European countries and airports have chosen to operate under local laws, with some locations already offering increased limits.

France

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Groupe ADP, which operates 3 airports in the Paris region, began testing new explosives detection equipment for cabin baggage at Orly-Paris airport's Terminal 3 in October 2022. The trial, scheduled to continue for a year, lets passengers keep their electronics and liquids in 100ml containers inside their carry-on bags. 

Italy

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You can already travel through Rome–Fiumicino International Airport's Terminal 1 without removing liquids and electronics from your cabin bags, and Terminal 3 is currently being updated. The 100ml liquid limit remains in place at present.

Meanwhile, in Milano Linate Airport and Malpensa Airport's Terminal 1, there are no longer restrictions on the containers and volume of liquids as long as your cabin baggage remains within the weight and size set by your airline. 

Spain

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Spain's Barcelona-El Prat and Madrid-Barajas airports will be upgraded with 3D scanners from the end of 2023. It's expected that Palma de Mallorca and Malaga-Costa del Sol's airports will receive the new technology in 2025. 

By 2026, it's anticipated that they will also be installed in Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Alicante, Ibiza, Menorca, Valencia, and Bilbao. Although the 100ml rule is still in place, it's anticipated that this will change in line with the introduction of new scanners.

Germany

Source 

Munich Airport unveiled 5 CT scanners across Terminals 1 and 2, and Nuremberg Airport opened its first scanner this year. Both Bavarian airports plan to complete their upgrades to these new systems by 2026. For the time being, the current liquid restrictions still apply.

Czech Republic

Source 

Václav Havel Airport Prague's Terminal 2 is planning to unveil CT scanners allowing an end to the 100ml liquid restrictions as early as 2024, with the roll out across Terminal 1 later.

Packing for your next trip

For now, you'll likely still need to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule, as countries have varying technology and regulations. While CT scanners are slowly rolled out, airports might not be able to guarantee passengers access to this innovative system. 

Layovers and transferring through other countries present further complications for travelers, with restrictions on liquids in cabin baggage still being enforced at other airports along their route. 

As you can see, as a corporate traveler, staying up to date with the latest domestic and international travel regulations can be challenging! 

TravelPerk's TravelCare informs business travelers of relevant restrictions for upcoming trips in real-time, while 24/7 customer support takes the stress out of planning, letting you focus on that important pitch! 

The post Lifting the liquid limit: what business travelers should know appeared first on TravelPerk.

But does this really make sense? 

After all, you probably don’t let employees buy whatever office furniture strikes their fancy on the company dime. And you almost certainly don’t let employees manage their own benefits or payroll. 

So why do so many companies allow employees to manage their own travel? 

Let’s take a look at how unmanaged business travel might be costing your company. 

What is unmanaged business travel? 

Unmanaged business travel, sometimes known as “self-booking” lets employees make travel bookings on their own—typically by contacting travel agents or using an online booking platform that caters to leisure travelers and then submitting receipts for reimbursement. 

The drawbacks of unmanaged business travel

Generally, unmanaged business travel is touted as being easier on everyone. It provides more flexibility for employees and it requires less management.

External travel management can also be expensive, so allowing employees to simply book travel ad-hoc can appear to be more cost-effective as well. 

But is it? 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the drawbacks:

Lack of policy (or policy enforcement)

Unmanaged business travel solutions are often used by smaller companies who don’t yet have standardized booking policies. Even if you do have policies in place, unmanaged travel programs make enforcing those policies much more difficult. 

Either way, a lack of enforced policies typically creates a number of problems: 

• higher travel costs for your company 
• non-compliance with legal travel regulations 
• lack of data 
• difficult or non-existent approval processes, resulting in a lack of oversight or knowledge about where your travel budget is going 
• frustrated employees, who may unintentionally overspend due to unclear or non-existent policies 

Fragmented booking processes

Similarly, fragmented booking processes are inevitable with unmanaged business travel. When employees make their own travel arrangements, they’re likely to book travel on multiple websites, creating more invoices for your finance team to juggle. They’ll also need to front the cost and wait for reimbursement, which can cause financial hardship for employees. 

Fragmented booking processes also mean that everything happens manually, creating disorganized and ineffective processes that waste time, resources and company spend. It also prevents you from getting consolidated travel data for valuable insights into company trends, travel spend and allocation. 

Insufficient travel support & risk management

Another common problem is insufficient travel support for your employees.

When your employees are traveling for business, you have a responsibility to them—to ensure they can travel safely, adjust travel plans as needed and provide support for any unforeseen circumstances or changes. 

If the COVID-19 pandemic showed us anything, it’s that circumstances can change rapidly, especially with international travel. Unmanaged travel processes open your company up to much more risk, both financially and in terms of safety and security.

The benefits of managed business travel

On the flip side, managed business travel solutions mean that companies manage their business travel arrangements for their employees, either through an online or cloud-based booking tool, or through an external travel management company. 

Business travel management is often avoided because companies think: 

• it’s too expensive 
• they’re not big enough to warrant a managed travel program 
• they’ll encounter too much employee resistance 
• it will be more difficult than asking employees to self-book 

On the contrary, corporate travel management can actually result in cost-savings through exclusive business discounts, negotiated rates, VAT recovery, better ability to track and manage travel spend,ing and more. 

Systemized processes 

Whether you outsource to a traditional travel agency or a modern travel management platform, like TravelPerk, you immediately get more control over the booking process. Increased control allows you to streamline processes and centralize data, which can improve efficiency. 

Travel technology also supports process automation, allowing you to more easily enforce corporate travel policies, automate approvals, manage expense reporting and monitor employee travel. 

Discounts and supplier connections 

Working with a managed travel company or platform also gives you connections to preferred providers, corporate travel discounts and exclusive travel suppliers that aren’t available on consumer websites. 

For example, TravelPerk uses the combined buying power of its customer base to give you access to exclusive negotiated rates and help you reclaim VAT on your business travel. 

Manage risk & safeguard against emergencies 

Perhaps most importantly, a managed travel platform provides you with resources to mitigate risk. This includes both round-the-clock customer service to help employees resolve any travel issues as well as flexibility with travel planning and bookings—both of which are essential for business trips. 

You can also add FlexiPerk to your bookings and get 80% of your travel costs refunded, no questions asked. In addition, we offer a full-service Duty of Care solution that keeps you and your travelers fully informed through pre-trip risk alerts and trip reporting to stay up-to-date on any risks or safety concerns in your employees’ trip destinations. And, with 24/7 customer service and a traveler tracker that allows you to see where your employees are in real-time you can rest easy knowing that you can act fast for any changes.  

The key differences: unmanaged or managed business travel

The bottom line: it depends on your business size, goals and the amount of travel you manage. 

Take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of each side-by-side: 

With TravelPerk, you get an all-in-one travel booking and expense management platform that allows you to: 

• only pay when you travel, and only pay for what you use
• negotiated rates that allow you to save up to 30% on business travel costs
• comprehensive, user-friendly platform that allows you to book and manage all travel-related reservations in one place 
• consolidated invoices and automated processes to save time 
• 24/7, 7-star customer support and Emergency Assistance 

The post Why unmanaged business travel is costing your company money appeared first on TravelPerk.

3 ways to prepare for strikes and keep your business trips on track

1. Proactive Planning

If you know when strikes are going to happen, you’ll be able to plan your trips around them.

Find a trusted news source, and follow it regularly so you can keep up to speed on the most recent developments and strike dates (trade union negotiations on working conditions, pay offers, the retirement age, and other strike-related issues are sometimes rescheduled or canceled.)

Some news sources that are updated regularly in different countries include:

• BBC News
• France 24
• Spain in English
• The Local Italy / The Local Sweden / The Local Germany
• The Local Europe (for news on other countries, such as Belgium)
• The Portugal News
• EuroNews
• Reuters

Once you know when strikes are scheduled, work that into your trip plans. Be sure to leave plenty of extra time to get to your destination if you think a strike may interfere with your road, train, or plane travel, especially if you’re headed to a large hub such as Heathrow Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle. 

2. Leveraging technology

Of course, keeping up with planned strike actions can take a lot of effort. It requires you to continuously check up on the news—and when you find out that a strike is planned, you or your travel manager may have to rebook your existing flights or make other changes to your itinerary. Unexpected delays can catch you unawares and may interfere with your business travel goals.

Fortunately, a good business travel management platform can make this process much easier. A travel management platform is a software solution designed to help with every aspect of business travel booking management, including making bookings, changing and managing travel plans, centralized invoicing, expense management, VAT recovery, and more.

TravelPerk is a business travel management platform used by companies across Europe and around the world. TravelPerk can help you deal with unexpected changes— including air traffic control strikes, industrial action, or walkouts in Europe—with the following features:

• All travelers who book with TravelPerk have access to TravelCare services. This means you will receive instant notifications about disruptions, changes, or travel advisories while on the road. You’ll also be provided with a direct link to contact the customer care team for immediate assistance.
  
• If you choose to contact the customer care team, you’ll benefit from best-in-class travel assistance available 24/7 via phone, chat, or email, with a target response time of 15 seconds. This way, you can be assured that help will be available when you need it.
  
• With FlexiPerk, you won’t have to worry about losing money if plans change at the last minute. You can book any flight, hotel, car, or train, and cancel up to two hours before your departure with just one click. You’ll get a guaranteed 80% of your money back, no questions asked, and enjoy a 40% average savings over traditional flexible fares.  
  

3. Travel insurance: know your rights

A final step in planning for strikes in Europe is to look into travel insurance. Travel insurance may cover you for essential services, such as healthcare, but it can also sometimes cover you for travel disruptions—such as lost luggage, flight cancellations, or delays.

Did you know that in some regions, you may be entitled to compensation if your flight is canceled or delayed?

In Europe, European Union Regulation 261/2004 protects your rights as an airline passenger. If you fly from an EU country, or if you fly from a non-European country to an EU country with a European airline, you may be entitled to food, drink, hotel stays, or compensation if:

• your flight was delayed by more than three hours
• your flight was canceled right before departure
• you missed your connecting flight
• you were denied boarding for your flight
  

In the US, airlines are generally not required to compensate passengers if flights are delayed or canceled, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. However, if passengers are removed from an oversold flight, compensation is required. Airlines are also required to give updates about flight delays no later than 30 minutes after the airline becomes aware of the change. 

In some cases, you may be entitled to a refund for air travel if your flight is “significantly delayed”, or if your flight is canceled and you choose to cancel your trip as a result (even for non-refundable tickets). These rules apply to domestic and international flights departing to, from, or in the United States. 

In Canada, airlines have certain obligations towards passengers in the event of a delay or cancellation. According to the Canadian Transportation Agency, if a flight is delayed or canceled for a reason within the airline’s control (such as a staffing issue, or a decision to consolidate flights due to low demand), the airline is required to provide assistance, offer alternate travel arrangements or a refund, and pay compensation. They also have to communicate key information in plain language, provide status updates every 30 minutes, offer food and drink, and arrange overnight accommodation.

Don't let strikes derail your next trip

If you discover that strikes will be going ahead at a time when you have business travel planned, there’s no need to panic. With careful planning, you can avoid getting stranded at the airport or needing to cancel your trip.

Software tools can help you avoid unwanted outcomes and help you easily keep on top of unexpected changes, with minimal effort on your end. A business travel management tool will offer you the peace of mind of knowing you’re in good hands, with the support you need to manage strikes and trip changes.

If you do need to cancel your trip, you’ll be able to do so easily—and even recover most of the money spent—with a program like TravelPerk’s FlexiPerk.

To try out TravelPerk and get to know our FlexiPerk feature, schedule a free demo today. 

The post Strikes in Europe: Your guide to travel disruptions and how to plan ahead appeared first on TravelPerk.

The U.S. Travel Association is forecasting a surge in air travel that will not only surpass pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, but may become the biggest demand the U.S. has ever experienced. At the same time, airports throughout the country are undergoing major transformations and, in some cases, being entirely rebuilt. The goal for many is to offer new travel experiences for the modern age—U.S. terminals are over 40 years old on average, according to the Airports Council International-North America.

The transformations are thanks in part to the Biden Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which most recently allocated $1 billion to 99 airports nationwide for terminal expansions, improved security screening areas, better passenger experiences (including baggage handling), and more. In some cases, funding is also coming from the airlines themselves.

To take a deeper look at some of the transformations happening across the country, TravelPerk compiled a list of 15 U.S. airports whose renovations are well underway, about to begin, or have recently been completed, using data from the Federal Aviation Administration, news organizations, and local airport authorities.

While these projects are ongoing, passengers may experience varying levels of upheaval on their way to wheels-up, so logistics may get worse before they get better. No matter the destination, travelers should expect construction, congestion, limited parking, detours, and closures in the coming years. That means arriving early is now more important than ever.

Fortunately, most airports offer updates and alerts on their websites, through email signups, and, in some cases, on a mobile app. Read on to see if your local airport is getting a facelift and what you can expect on your way to the friendly skies.

Eric Glenn // Shutterstock

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

At Los Angeles International Airport, construction on an Automated People Mover has been in the works since 2019. This new electric-powered transit system will connect LAX to the city's public rail system via the future LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, both of which are scheduled to open in 2024. However, this is just one aspect of the $15 billion overhaul of the airport, whose "jet age" iteration dates back to 1961.

The investment is helping modernize terminals, build new parking facilities, improve roadways, consolidate rental car facilities, and more—all in preparation for the city to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In the meantime, there are road closures between parking structures 3 and 4 and around the Theme Building, and there's ongoing construction inside Terminal 3 (which will allow direct passenger access to the Tom Bradley International Terminal without getting screened again) and Terminal 4 (where the People Mover will connect).

EQRoy // Shutterstock

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is entering the heavy construction phase of its $19 billion project to build "A New JFK"—a major transformation of one of the busiest airports in the U.S.

The Queens facility originally opened in 1948. Although new terminals have been added since then (most notably, the JetBlue terminal in 2008), this latest effort involves building a new international terminal, which broke ground in September 2022 and is slated to open in 2026, replacing Terminal 2 (demolished in early 2023) and Terminal 3 (aka the former Pan Am Worldport, which was razed in 2013). A new mega-terminal will also replace Terminals 6 and 7 (forecasted to open in 2028 fully), and Terminals 4 and 8 will both see reboots as well.

All this means that some traffic is being rerouted, some parking options have changed, and some rideshare pickups have been relocated. The Port Authority recommends taking public transportation to the airport while these improvements are underway.

Multiple rail lines (including Long Island Railroad and the MTA's A, E, J, and Z subway lines) and bus lines connect to the AirTrain driverless people mover. However, the AirTrain station at Terminal 1 will experience a long-term closure during the construction of the new terminal, so service to and from there will be replaced by a shuttle bus.

Renata Ty // Shutterstock

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

New York City's LaGuardia Airport—the little sibling to the much-larger JFK Airport, also in Queens—has just undergone an $8 billion transformation that essentially constructed a whole new airport, the first of its kind to be built in the U.S. in the last 25 years.

Since the work began in 2016, there's a new Terminal B (which opened in 2020, replacing the original 1964 terminal) and Delta's new Terminal C (which replaced the old Terminals C and D in 2022)—both of which now operate alongside the historic Art Deco-style Marine Air Terminal (aka Terminal A), built in 1939.

According to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, these new terminals replace what was widely considered one of the worst airport travel experiences, as reported by The New York Times. However, despite the recent improvements, the Port Authority has not yet upgraded transport to LaGuardia airport, as plans for its own AirTrain people mover (like the one at JFK) were scrapped earlier in 2023. In the meantime, the only options for getting to and from LGA are taxi/rideshare, driving, or MTA bus.

EQRoy // Shutterstock

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the world, according to Airports Council International. And with its new $4.8 billion plan, it'll increase its passenger and flight capacity with a new 15-gate Terminal F. That project alone, set to take place from 2024 to 2026, will cost $1.63 billion.

And then there's the $2.72 billion renovation of the airport's Terminal C, which dates back to the airport's opening in 1974 (when it was known as DFW Regional Airport). Terminal C is the country's largest airport hub for American Airlines, which already constitutes 80% of the airport's traffic.

DFW plans to open up the space by removing columns, increasing the height of ceilings, and letting in more natural light—improvements that should be finished by 2028. Over the next several years, airport roads will also be improved—and that will hopefully help traffic flow better through the property, which covers more surface area than the entire island of Manhattan.

VIAVAL TOURS // Shutterstock

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Florida's Orlando International Airport became the world's seventh-biggest airport in 2021—despite pandemic-imposed travel restrictions and even before the completion of its new Terminal C, which increased capacity by more than 10 million passengers. The terminal became fully functional in September 2022. That project clocked in at $2.8 billion, thanks to technology improvements like facial recognition at gates and automated TSA checkpoints.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority's investments continue with $69 million in federal funds going toward new connections to high-speed rail, additional parking facilities, a pedestrian bridge, and a rental car lobby.

But travelers should beware that making flight connections within Terminal C may require a lengthy walk—as much as a half-mile long—without the aid of moving walkways, which are not currently included in any phase of the construction. However, passengers can transfer between the main terminals (Terminals A and B, which were constructed in 1981) and Terminal C by hopping on the Terminal Link people mover or a shuttle bus, both of which operate 24 hours a day.

The complex has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2. It was later renamed McCoy Air Force Base in honor of Col. Michael Norman Wright McCoy, who died during a flight demonstration in 1957—hence the airport's present-day abbreviation, MCO.

Wspin // Shutterstock

Kansas City International Airport (MCI)

The airport in Kansas City, Missouri, has a new single terminal consisting of 1 million square feet and 39 gates—and, at a cost of $1.5 billion, it's the most expensive standalone infrastructure project in the city's history.

MCI was completed in 1972 as a three-terminal airport. This configuration was modern at the time but had become cramped and outdated over the last half-century, especially with the city anticipating the NFL Draft in 2023 and the World Cup in 2026.

Besides brand-new eateries and lounges, other new amenities include a sensory room and a "practice" opportunity for people who are anxious about traveling, individuals who may be neurodivergent or have sensory differences, or those who have dementia. The new terminal, which opened in February 2023, was built on the former site of Terminal A (demolished in 2019), next to the now-closed Terminals B and C (also slated for demolition later this year).

Although the old terminals' furniture was auctioned off, some of the decorative mosaic medallions from the floors are finding new homes in both municipal buildings and the new terminal. Part of a 2004 public art project called "Polarities" by Kristin Jones and Andrew Ginzel, the medallions were embedded in blue terrazzo flooring, some of which was also removed from Terminal A for reinstallation in its replacement.

ruimc // Shutterstock

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

The Logan Forward initiative from Massport, the airport authority of Massachusetts, involves modernizing and expanding Boston Logan Airport's international terminal, Terminal E—which will receive four new gates (three of which were approved back in 1995) and a new 320,000-square-foot addition, set to open in late summer or early fall of 2023.

Upgrades will also make the 1974 terminal more sustainable, with less water waste, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and better energy efficiency—thanks partly to special solar panels.

A couple of Logan's other terminals are getting some work done, too—including Terminal C, which will get a post-security connection to Terminal B, improved traffic flow at the curb, and curbside protection from the elements. That means, however, that there are some road closures, lane closures, and detours on the Arrivals level that will affect travelers at both Terminals B and C until future notice.

Surprisingly, though, Logan Airport has kept all of its terminals open and functional during this massive construction project, which is a $2 billion investment for Massport ($62 million of which came from the Biden administration).

EQRoy // Shutterstock

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

O'Hare 21 is a $12.1 billion plan to overhaul Chicago's largest airport "from curb to gate"—and it's already well underway. Although improvements will take place over the course of a decade, the year 2023 will see two major milestones: the completion of Terminal 5's expansion, which began in March 2019 and cost $1.3 billion, and the start of construction on two satellite courses.

Once completed, the new satellites will allow Terminal 2 to be demolished and replaced by a new Global Terminal for both domestic and international flights—without the airport losing gate capacity. Terminal 2 originally opened in 1962, when Chicago's Midway Airport's operations transferred to O'Hare, making it the world's busiest airport. The Global Terminal construction doesn't begin until 2026, but changes to Terminal 2 are already afoot: Delta moved its operations from Terminal 2 into the new Terminal 5 at the end of 2022.

Right now, parking options are extremely limited at O'Hare while a new, six-story parking garage is under construction. If Lot D is full, alternatives include Economy Lots G and H and the main parking garage, which is a short ride away via the Airport Transit System.

EQRoy // Shutterstock

Denver International Airport (DEN)

United Airlines' Rocky Mountain region hub—its second-largest hub in the country—is at Denver International Airport. And now, the airline is doubling down on its presence in the Mile High City with 12 new gates, three new United Club locations, six new routes, and almost 200 brand-new Boeing planes. The gate expansion, which is part of an overall $1 billion infrastructure investment, will be completed in mid-2024.

Meanwhile, DEN is also currently undergoing the Great Hall Project, which will improve the Jeppesen Terminal's ticketing areas and create a new security checkpoint, among other renovations. Although the project is currently in its $1.3 billion completion phase, it's not slated to wrap up until 2028. Fortunately for travelers, the airport's CEO, Phillip A. Washington, has promised that the worst of the disruptions are over.

EQRoy // Shutterstock

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Diego Airport's Terminal 1 opened in 1967 when 2.5 million passengers annually passed through this Southern California city. Fast-forward nearly six decades, and the airport has outgrown its facility, serving 15.6 million travelers in 2021.

In response, the San Diego Airport Authority broke ground on a $3.4 billion replacement terminal—or, the New T1, as it's called—in 2021. Its first phase is slated to open in late summer 2025, featuring high-profile restaurants and bars to greatly expand upon the airport's dining (as well as shopping) options. But once it's completed in early 2028, it will offer 30 total new gates, more gate-area seating, a streamlined new security checkpoint, and added energy and water conservation.

In the meantime, demolition on the existing Terminal 1 is happening at night to minimize the effects on those passing through the airport. But at any time of day or night, expect heavy traffic with road closures, detours, and the temporary relocation of the Terminal 1 Ground Transportation Center (where travelers can find courtesy shuttles, taxis, and rideshares). Because parking spots are hard to come by at this small airport to begin with, reservations are recommended.

FloridaStock // Shutterstock

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Major terminal improvements at Baltimore's BWI Airport began in 2022 and are set to wrap up in 2026. It cost an estimated $332 million. That's no chump change—and for that capital investment, passengers will get an advanced luggage system and the option to connect directly between Concourses A and B. But that's just part of an overall $425 million glow-up for the Baltimore airport, originally dedicated in 1950 and now one of three major airports that serve the Washington D.C. area.

Additionally, the biggest terminal improvement project ever for BWI will allow passengers to freshen up in upgraded restrooms and dine and shop at new concession offerings. Airport parking may become scarce as a result of the work, especially during holiday weekends and other peak times. A nationwide driver shortage is also causing potential delays on the free courtesy shuttles.

fritz16 // Shutterstock

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

In 2017, the Los Angeles metro area airport in Burbank rebranded from Bob Hope Airport (its name since 2003) to Hollywood Burbank Airport. But no matter what you call it, BUR is about to take a huge leap forward with a new 14-gate terminal slated to open in early 2024.

The Burbank–Glendale–Pasadena Airport Authority plans a state-of-the-art facility with more space for passengers—a plus for any traveler who has felt cramped in the narrow corridors, couldn't find a seat in the small waiting areas at the gate, or had to elbow their way to claim their baggage.

These improvements aren't just part of good customer service and community relations, though: The airport has to replace the original airport building, which no longer complies with the FAA requirements for distance between structures and the runways. The new terminal will be built alongside the current one, which will be demolished after the upgraded version is up and running.

EQRoy // Shutterstock

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the best airport in North America this year, according to Skytrax's World Airport Awards—but SeaTac isn't resting on its laurels, as it prepares to expand its C Concourse by building four new floors on top of the existing building.

With a $340 million budget already approved, initial construction began in 2022 and things are expected to rev up in 2023 as the airport moves toward a completion date of 2027. The concourse expansion is part of a larger $4.6 billion plan called Upgrade SEA. New membership lounges are also coming to an enlarged Concourse A in 2024, and the SEA Gateway Project will bring an improved experience from the start of the travel experience, including ticketing services, check-in, and baggage check.

The $986 million International Arrivals Facility and the $21.8 million makeover of the Central Terminal are already completed. The latter features new sit-down dining options and the first beer and wine garden ever in a U.S. airport.

Passengers are urged to arrive early, as some services and facilities may have been moved. An added bonus: TSA PreCheck isn't necessary to speed through security at SeaTac; the online SEA Spot Saver allows travelers to save their spot in the security line for free.

Brandon Jenner // Shutterstock

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

Travelers to and from Salt Lake City are already experiencing an entirely new airport, The New SLC, which opened in September 2020. One of its biggest improvements is less passenger-centric: clearing airplane traffic jams from the tarmac.

But this LEED Gold-certified terminal complex won't actually be fully done until 2024. The eastern part of Delta's new Concourse A is only half-opened (with 17 more gates scheduled to open by the end of October 2023) and Concourse B will be expanding by nine gates and more concessions in fall 2024.

Although there's still technically just one building at SLC, it's a doozy—and the distance from Terminal A to Terminal D is over a half-mile long, which could take an estimated 15 minutes to walk. And that's on top of the walk from the parking garage to the terminal. Fortunately, there are moving walkways, but walking on them will only shave about a minute or two off that travel time.

David Gaylor // Shutterstock

Portland International Airport (PDX)

Portland International Airport's $2 billion renovation project, PDX Next, includes a new main terminal opening in mid-2024, which the Port of Portland is touting as "less like an airport" and "more like a neighborhood."

With local dining and shopping options (including made-in-Oregon goods), and a woodsy design aesthetic under a Douglas fir timber roof in a pre-security area called The Garden, it'll bring the Pacific Northwest experience to Portlanders and out-of-towners alike. Visitors will even be able to take a hike inside the terminal, although it'll be up a flight of stadium stairs instead of up the side of Mount Hood.

All the quirky new features coming to PDX also mean some sacrifices: Concourse A was demolished in 2019, and the 33-year-old Clocktower Plaza was razed in 2022. But there's reason to rejoice, too: One of PDX's most beloved icons—a 1980s teal carpet, with a runway-inspired geometric pattern—is coming back, after having been controversially torn out in 2015. The new main terminal will feature 10 carpeted shoe-selfie stations featuring the original pattern throughout.

Until the new terminal opens, travelers won't have access to pre-security shopping options, and they'll have to walk long distances along a detoured route between security and Concourses C and D (at least until 2025). It's also not as easy to move freely between the concourses once through security (passengers are assigned a TSA checkpoint based on their gate); but fortunately, a new Concourse Connector is coming in 2024.

The post 15 US airports getting major renovations—and tips for navigating them appeared first on TravelPerk.

International travel has come back with a bang after borders have reopened and quarantine restrictions have lessened. But before you pack your bags and get your passport stamped, you should know all the basics of the country you are visiting—including the language, currency, and the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar.

TravelPerk compared how the U.S. dollar has strengthened or weakened against the local currencies of 10 top travel destinations using data from Google Finance. Exchange rates were compared between Dec. 28, 2021, and Dec. 28, 2022. Locations for this list were chosen after analyzing U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office data on the most popular countries visited by American travelers.

Luckily for budget-minded travelers, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against the currency of many popular travel destinations on this list. However, the dollar has weakened compared to several warm-weather destinations in neighboring Central America and the Caribbean.

By arming yourself with information about the exchange rate, you can better budget for the food, drink, and entertainment you'll no doubt buy in your destination. In some countries, your savings might stretch further than you'd expect, while others might require that you budget for more than you initially expected.

Eurozone

• USD value, December 2021: 0.88 euros
• USD value, December 2022: 0.94
• Year-over-year change: 6.8%

Twenty countries in the eurozone accept the euro, making it a particularly versatile currency for travelers. Whether you want to eat waffles in Belgium, sip champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower in France, or tour cathedrals in Italy, having plenty of euros in your pocket is crucial for your European vacation.

The value of the euro compared to the U.S. dollar has seen some volatility over the last 10 years, but this has largely worked in Americans' favor. Where you used to need about $1.50 to equal 1 euro, the rate between the two currencies is now much closer to a 1-1 ratio.

Mexico

• USD value, December 2021: 20.66 Mexican pesos
• USD value, December 2022: 19.44
• Year-over-year change: -5.9%

When you think of traveling to Mexico, your first thought might be of all-inclusive resorts on pristine beaches. But the country has so much more to offer to travelers. History buffs can marvel at the pyramids of Chichén Itzá; foodies can try different street tacos from vendors in Mexico City; and beach enthusiasts can soak up the sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Mexico is a pretty affordable trip for U.S. visitors, thanks to its proximity and the value of the Mexican peso against the dollar. While you might get fewer pesos for your dollar than last year, you can still expect your money to stretch a long way.

Canada

• USD value, December 2021: 1.28 Canadian dollars
• USD value, December 2022: 1.36
• Year-over-year change: 6.3%

The Great White North also uses a dollar for its currency, the value of which has changed in U.S. travelers' favor recently. This will come as welcome news to outdoor enthusiasts ready to soak up the stunning Canadian landscapes.

More than cold weather and donuts, this massive country is home to stunning mountains and waterfalls, ski resorts, museums, and more. Walk the 400-year-old cobbled streets of Old Québec, go on a culinary tour in foodie cities like Toronto and Vancouver, or check out the other side of the famous Niagara Falls.

United Kingdom

• USD value, December 2021: 0.74 British pounds
• USD value, December 2022: 0.83
• Year-over-year change: 12.2%

When the United Kingdom left the European Union, the value of the British pound fell significantly. While not without ramifications to the international finance world, the upside is that U.S. travelers can stretch their dollars further than before.

The U.K. has no shortage of tourist attractions to entice travelers, such as museums packed with global history in London and castles in the countryside. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each offer unique histories and landscapes.

Dominican Republic

• USD value, December 2021: 57.05 Dominican pesos
• USD value, December 2022: 56.05
• Year-over-year change: -1.8%

If you're looking for a trip that will get you a lot of bang for your buck, look no further than the Dominican Republic. One American dollar can get you quite a few Dominican pesos, despite the exchange rate falling slightly in the last year.

This island nation is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and beach bums alike. Those who prefer a little adrenaline can go rafting or paragliding in Jarabacoa, while those who want to lay out on the beach next to crystal blue water can check out resorts in Punta Cana. The Dominican Republic is just a short flight away from the U.S. and boasts cheap eats and a favorable exchange rate.

Jamaica

• USD value, December 2021: 153.52 Jamaican dollars
• USD value, December 2022: 153.07
• Year-over-year change: -0.3%

Jamaica is another great island destination for travelers trying to stretch their dollars as far as possible. While the American dollar has weakened in many warm-weather destinations in the last year, it has remained fairly stable when compared to the Jamaican dollar.

Like other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is a veritable paradise for travelers seeking lush rainforests, stunning beaches, or mountain hiking. You can zipline through the forest, climb the Blue Mountains, or sip a fruity beverage on the beach at an all-inclusive resort. Don't forget, the food in Jamaica is also renowned, whether you prefer curry or fresh seafood.

China

• USD value, December 2021: 6.37 Chinese yuan
• USD value, December 2022: 6.98
• Year-over-year change: 9.6%

China can be challenging for Americans to get to, requiring a special visa for entry and several connecting flights. Still, it is a bucket list destination for many for a reason. The country's rich culture, delicious food, stunning vistas, and fascinating history make it an excellent destination for travelers.

From the Great Wall to the Forbidden City in Beijing or the Terracotta Army in Xian, there is no shortage of famous attractions to soak in as you travel across this large country. Plus, your dollar can get you quite a few Chinese yuan, and the exchange rate has strengthened in the last year.

Japan

• USD value, December 2021: 114.77 Japanese yen
• USD value, December 2022: 134.39
• Year-over-year change: 17.1%

Compared to the Japanese yen, the U.S. dollar has steadily strengthened over the last few years, meaning now is a better time than ever to visit this island nation.

Take the bullet train to Tokyo to see the tower, museums, temples, and a bustling urban scene. WWII buffs can check out the memorials in Hiroshima, while foodies can fill up on sushi, ramen, and curry. Japan also boasts some of the most acclaimed theme parks in the world, some of the most beautiful beaches, and rich culture—there is something for everyone on a trip to this country.

India

• USD value, December 2021: 74.71 Indian rupees
• USD value, December 2022: 82.85
• Year-over-year change: 10.9%

Like China, India requires U.S. travelers to apply for a special visa to enter the country. But it is worth it for many travelers, as the diverse country has a ton to offer in terms of tourism. Not only can you get plenty of Indian rupees for your dollar, but you can use them for some of the best food in the world, or to visit famous attractions like the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Urban travelers will love the bustling streets of Mumbai, while those who prefer the countryside can check out the many beautiful temples and shrines.

Costa Rica

• USD value, December 2021: 649.96 Costa Rican colóns
• USD value, December 2022: 581.19
• Year-over-year change: -10.6%

Like the other warm-weather destinations on our list, the U.S. dollar has weakened compared to Costa Rican colóns. And still, your dollars will take you a long way in this affordable travel destination.

The landscape of Costa Rica is known as some of the most beautiful in the world, featuring lush rainforests, volcanos, beaches, and diverse wildlife. It is an ideal destination for divers, hikers, and other adventure seekers. Animal lovers can visit the country's many rescue centers to meet the local wildlife, from jaguars and monkeys on land to turtles and rays under the sea.

The post Bang for the buck: How USD exchange rates have changed for 10 major travel destinations appeared first on TravelPerk.

But what percentage of corporate trips include an element of leisure time? What are the benefits of blending business and leisure trips to businesses, and what are the top reasons employees are so keen to use their vacation days after traveling for work? Read on for our list of bleisure travel statistics for 2023.   

Bleisure in the business travel market 

• Annually corporate travelers spend 22 days on average traveling for work. The average business trip lasts 3.8 days (SavvySleeper).
• Pre-pandemic, 57% of businesses had travel policies allowing employees to add leisure time to their business trips (Forbes).
• In 2021, 37% of corporate travelers from North America extended their business trips to do some sightseeing and other leisure activities (GBTA).
• U.S. business travelers take over 405 million long-haul business trips annually. It is estimated that employees are adding vacation time to around 60% of these trips (243 million) (Stratos).
• A survey by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) asked travel managers if they thought employees were more interested in blended travel post-pandemic. 82% of respondents answered that their teams were now equally or more interested in adding leisure time to their business trips (GBTA).
• In the UK, 45% of survey participants said they intended to add a leisure element to business trips in the future (Crowne Plaza). 
• In 2022 a U.S. survey found that 89% of participants wanted to include some vacation time to their next corporate trip (American Hotel & Lodging Association). 
• 41% of travel managers have noted a rise in colleagues asking to add a longer stay to their work trips for leisure purposes (GBTA).
• 81% of business travelers are engaging in some variation of bleisure travel. 61% of travelers include leisure activities in their itinerary, while 41% are lengthening their stay to carve out some time off around their work trip (National Car).
• The percentage of business trips that become a bleisure trip varies from country to country, 56 % in the UK, 65% in Germany, and 62% in China (Stratos). 
• In 2022 American Airlines revealed that almost half of its $13.46 billion revenue was generated from bleisure itineraries, a record high for the organization (AFA).
• Compared to a 2019 survey, workers feel less pressured to hide the leisure elements of their trips from their boss (19% versus 21%) and their colleagues (22% versus 24%) (National Car).
• 79% of bleisure travelers state they volunteer more frequently for business trips where they can extend and enjoy some vacation time (National Car).

Which business need is the origin of most bleisure trips? 

• 67% of bleisure trips begin as an itinerary to take in a conference. 46% start as a trip to external meetings and 42% as sales opportunities. Meanwhile, 30% of bleisure travelers are traveling for an internal appointment, and 5% list their purpose as “other” (Stratos).

How many days does an average bleisure trip last?

• 17% of bleisure trips last 4 nights or more, 31% are 3 nights in length, 39% are for two nights, and just 12% of bleisure travelers are away for only one night (Stratos).
• 32% of bleisure stays are taken by frequent travelers who take one or two business trips each month (Expedia).

What are the top destinations for bleisure trips? 

• Perhaps unsurprisingly, New York City generates the most bleisure trips each year, with Paris, France, coming in second and London, UK, third (Statista).

Do bleisure travelers travel solo?

• 35% of bleisure travelers have company during their trips (Stratos).
• 36% of bleisure travelers have family or acquaintances in the destination (Stratos). 
• 65% of survey participants stated they thought it was fine for friends or family to accompany corporate travelers on business trips as long as they didn’t distract from work commitments (Visit Anaheim).
• 58% of male business travelers reported taking their partner on a number of business trips compared to 48% of female corporate travelers (National Car).
• 57% of employees confessed to looking to take business trips to destinations they know their loved ones would enjoy (Visit Anaheim).

Which employee demographic engages most with the bleisure travel trend? 

• Engagement with bleisure travel varies from generation to generation with Millennial employees (86%) more likely to add on leisure time than Gen Xers (76%) or baby boomers (73%) (National Car).
• 32% of bleisure trips are taken by frequent travelers who take one or two business trips each month (Expedia).
• Senior leadership teams and executives are twice as likely to extend their business trips for leisure compared to non-management employees (National Car).

Employees consider corporate travel an important perk 

• 86% of bleisure travelers see corporate travel as a key component to career development, and 81% see it as crucial to cementing key business relationships that would be impossible without traveling for work (National Car).
• 3 quarters of millennial corporate travelers see traveling for business as a benefit of their role (Hilton Hotels & Reports Survey).
• 39% of bleisure travelers report they actively seek job roles that involve opportunities for business trips and are open to losing other benefits to have more chances to travel (National Car).
• When asked whether they are willing to forego other perks in favor of more business travel, male employees emerge as more willing, with 21% stating they would accept a lower salary compared to the 10% reported from their female counterparts. 22% of male participants said they would accept a role with fewer vacation days versus 10% of females, and 28% of men said they would consider less flexibility around their work hours to take more work trips (National Car).

What are the most common motivations for bleisure travel? 

• When surveyed, 4 out of 5 corporate travelers responded that they felt they should be allowed to take some time for leisure during a work trip, and 79% believed their employer would agree (National Car). 
• 65% of millennial corporate travelers believe traveling for their company is linked to their sense of status (Hilton Hotels & Reports Survey).
• For many employees, bleisure trips are linked to efforts to become more sustainable, with 60% of surveyed business travelers reporting that the pandemic has made them more conscious of the environmental impact of traveling (Crowne Plaza). 
• Bleisure travelers list their favorite elements of traveling for work as exploring new destination (70%), making new connections (58%), having a change of work environment (57%) and having new experiences (55% (Visit Anaheim).

What are the benefits of bleisure trips?

• Corporate travel is linked to employee satisfaction, with 90% of business travelers desiring to travel for work for the rest of their careers (SavvySleeper).
• Close to 100% of business travelers report enjoying time spent on business trips (National Car).
• A Hilton survey of U.S. travelers revealed that 76% of participants reported negative outcomes if they went too long without taking time off. Burnout rated top with 41% of the vote, with boredom (36%), irritability (30%), and depression (29%) taking second, third, and fourth place (Hilton hotels).
• The same survey reported that just over half of American employees (51%) feel guilty when asking for time off, with 28% not taking all their vacation days. With these staggering stats, businesses encouraging bleisure travel could stand out as advocates for employee happiness and ultimately benefit from better engagement and retention (Hilton hotels).
• Employees of all demographics who combine leisure travel with their business trips reported a better work-life balance (91%) compared to respondents who didn’t combine their vacations with traveling for work (79%) (National Car).
• Bleisure travelers report returning to the office more refreshed than non bleisure travelers (54% versus 35%). This stat varies between demographics, with 55% of Millenials feeling invigorated by their bleisure trips compared to 48% of Gen Xers and 42% of baby boomers (National Car).
• 33% of workers stated they are more concerned with their physical and mental well-being since the Covid-19 pandemic. US participants especially reported that the last few years had increased their appreciation for travel for its mental health benefits (21%) (Crowne Plaza).
• Bleisure trips can help reduce the cost of accommodation for business trips. 82% of bleisure travelers will opt for the same hotel for the entirety of their trip giving companies access to favorable rates for extended stays while sharing the spend. Organizations that encourage their corporate travelers to sign up for loyalty programs and stay with their preferred hotel brands can access further perks like complimentary wi-fi, room upgrades and late check out (GBTA).
• 34% of surveyed business travelers shared that their most innovative concepts were conceived while on a business trip. This stat jumps up to 53% for team members aged 16-24 (TravelPerk).

The post 42 bleisure travel statistics for 2023 appeared first on TravelPerk.

In today’s hybrid world, employees can easily feel disconnected from each other and from their work. In fact, up to 67% of remote workers say they feel isolated from their colleagues and the company. That's why many are going the extra mile to find the right team-building activities to help team members connect—particularly important for remote teams.

Besides boosting morale and camaraderie, team-building events (whether in-person or for remote teams) can help develop communication skills, build team spirit and get those creative juices flowing, in an attempt to get your team thinking outside the box!

We understand that planning corporate team-building events can be a lot of work—there’s planning the travel, arranging accommodation, choosing the activities, and so much more. 

We’ve made things easier for you by compiling a thorough list of activities to help your company culture become that much more dynamic and engaged at your next event in the United States.

9 In-person team-building activities to consider in the USA

Despite the wide variety of virtual team-building activities available, employees are really looking for the opportunity to bond in real life beyond the confines of video calls on Zoom or Slack or a remote happy hour. 

In fact, according to a recent survey, 79% of employees are most excited to get back to events for the opportunity to meet other colleagues and build meaningful relationships in real life. It’s long overdue after so many teams have transitioned into remote work cultures.

With this in mind, let’s have a look at the nine best in-person team-building ideas in the USA, designed to bring your team together and boost employee engagement.

Let’s dive in!

1. Take team improv workshops: have a few laughs and improve your team communication skills along the way

• Location: Across the US
• Duration: 1.5-3 hours
• Group Size: 5-500 
• Budget: $$
• Book now

The Washington Improv Theater (WIT) offers improv team-building activities that are suited for teams of five to five hundred participants.

Whether you choose the 1.5hr or 3hr class, your team will be able to learn the basics of improv, improve their communication, have a few belly laughs, and just enjoy a fun day with their colleagues.

WIT can run the workshops at their theater, or they can meet you anywhere in Washington, the US, and across the globe – they really take saying ‘yes’ exceptionally seriously. It’s a great activity for small groups as well as large groups, engaging each and every one of your participants. 

2. Charade murder mystery: because nothing bonds a team like solving a murder

• Location: Across the US
• Duration: 2 hours
• Group Size: 16-100 
• Budget: $$$
• Book now

Cast the traditional fun games aside, with this activity, a normal workday will suddenly turn into a murder mystery. One of your team members will unexpectedly fall to the ground dead, and anyone could be a suspect! It’s up to you to find out who’s guilty...

Improve employee engagement and boost morale in your next team event with a touch of mystery. With a detective hat on, your team will have to think outside the box and collaborate with others to solve the mystery. 

This murder mystery team-building activity hosted by The Leaders Institute helps teams go past the water cooler chit-chat, put their detective hats on, and try to solve a mystery—keep your enemies close! 

3. Charity bike build-a-thon: give back to the community and increase team morale

• Location: Across the US
• Duration: 1-3 hours
• Group Size: 25-1000+
• Budget: $$$
• Book now

Working together on a good cause is a great team-building exercise to increase your team’s morale, camaraderie, and engagement with their community.

This hands-on activity is the perfect way to get your team doing something truly fulfilling, making a positive impact on someone else’s life. Something as simple as a bike can help kids learn a new skill, gain confidence, and get to school. 

4. A cooking master class: Eataly, the perfect recipe for turning colleagues into friends

• Locations: Chicago, NYC, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boston, and Silicon Valley
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours
• Group Size: Best for smaller teams of around 10 people
• Budget: $$
• Book now

Team meals out are a classic: around 70% of team-building activities are group lunches/dinners. To make this a more valuable (and memorable!) experience for all, treat your team to an Italian cooking class and prepare your meal together while picking up some tips and tricks to show off at home. 

Eataly is an award-winning cooking school that combines everyone’s love for Italian food with an easy-to-follow teaching style that sees beginners leave as pro chefs—or at least with the confidence of one!

Whether you take one of their holiday party events or any other of their hands-on classes, you’ll be able to get your team to bond like only tomato, mozzarella, and oregano can.

5. The Escape Effect room: connect your team in minutes

• Locations: Orlando, Florida
• Duration: Up to 2 hours
• Group Size: min 15
• Budget: $$
• Book now

There are few activities which create as much instant team synergy as an escape room—making them one of the most popular team-building activities around the world. Forget virtual escape rooms: this one’s the real deal. 

The award-winning Escape Effect has been voted the Best Entertainment Experience in Orlando three years in a row by Orlando Magazine. It’s an incredibly immersive experience boasting advanced tech and riveting games, it’s also great value, making it a brilliant option for your next team-building event. 

With Escape Effect, there are enough puzzles, trivia, and realistic rooms for your team to choose from. You could solve a mystery? Or capture some ghosts, if that’s more your thing. You could even rescue a colleague from a dungeon! 

These different types of games are a fun way to build team cohesion and encourage creative thinking without your employees even realizing! With some requiring heavy communication, others offering a more varied mix of puzzles, and some darker and more thrilling, you can choose which works best for your event. 

This activity offers a really memorable experience designed to improve teamwork and develop problem-solving skills. Escape rooms are a classic team-building activity for a reason—and Escape Effect is one of the best around. May the best team win!

6. Try the San Antonio scavenger hunt: explore the city, and deepen your team’s relationships

• Location: San Antonio, Texas
• Duration: 3 hours
• Group Size: Small teams of 2-5
• Budget: $$
• Book now

Scavenger hunts are the perfect icebreaker games that encourage team bonding, with a dash of friendly competition, while sharpening creative thinking and attention-to-detail-skills outside the conference room.

With the San Antonio scavenger hunt, you’ll get to explore the city, learn about its history, and get your team to put on their thinking caps while following a series of artful clues. Led by experienced facilitators, this is definitely a fun team-building activity to consider–especially if you know your team likes a bit of competition.

7. Nashville bubble football: the perfect way to score employee engagement

• Location: Nashville and across the US
• Duration: 2 hours
• Group Size: 16-32 
• Budget: $$$
• Book now

Nashville Bubble Ball will get your teammates into massive inflatable balls as they try to dribble across the field and score a goal! Also known as zorb soccer, this classic game is a firm favorite for corporate events, known for its feel-good factor and ability to get teams up and running without being too physically demanding. 

Suitable for all abilities, you’ll have the option to choose from multiple games, like British Bulldog, Around the World, and Last Person Standing. If you’re specifically looking for an icebreaker activity, this one’s for you. 

There’s no better way to get your employees to know each other than while dressed as a huge zorb-ball. It’s original, engaging, and your team will be sure to go home fulfilled and invigorated. 

8. The LA Guac Off: get your team working together as smooth as guacamole

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Group Size: 2-300+
• Budget: $$
• Book now

A little competition is always great for team-building, and it’s even better when everyone gets to enjoy a little guacamole and some snacks at the end of it all. 

The Guac Off is more than just a guacamole competition, though! There are fun mini-trivia games and challenges, too, so teams have to do more than smash some avocados. 

This activity is great for teams looking for out-of-the-box team-building activities, and will definitely bring some laughs, memories, and perhaps a touch of spice to your team dynamics. Ideal for getting your team out of the office, or bringing remote employees together, this one’s a must.

9. Museum Hack: learn and hack out some fun at the same time

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts & more
• Duration: Tailored to your needs 
• Group Size: 2-300
• Budget: $$
• Book now

Boston is a beautiful city for any workplace event. It’s filled with green parks, rich history, and great food, so why not take your team to Boston for a Museum Hack?

The Boston Museum Hack’s tour guide will lead your team through the Museum of Fine Arts–but it won’t be your typical museum visit. Visiting a museum is always an enlightening experience, but can often be overwhelming, and difficult to keep larger groups consistently engaged. With these guides you can get into the depths of the museum, so everyone comes away feeling fulfilled and like they’ve really learned something.  

There’ll be some engaging group activities throughout, with guides sharing interesting trivia and amusing historical secrets. Together with your team, you’ll be able to expand your mind, imagination, and find inspiration in all the museum has to offer. You can even find a way to tie the tour back to your company’s industry–after all, there was a great quality of service in the Roman empire, and the technology in ancient Egypt is one of a kind! 

Organize a team-building experience today and see your team thrive together

The USA is a country that offers nature and modern cities for you and your team to explore. Whether your team is already in America or is in other corners of the world, you can seize this beautiful country by organizing a memorable corporate event.

One that will have your team leaving the isolation of the pandemic in the past, working together, developing skills, and most importantly, feeling like they are part of something greater than them.

Use TravelPerk to make your team’s building event a reality. See employees and your company thrive!

The post Top 9 team-building activities in the USA appeared first on TravelPerk.

Austrian culture is recognized for its characteristic way of enjoying life (a concept called Gemütlichkeit), giving importance to things that encourage a feeling of warmth and community—like art, coffee, and sports. Allow Austria to inspire your team and draw on these values for a successful corporate team-building event that encourages employees to build strong relationships while truly enjoying themselves.

With in-person team-building activities gaining popularity again after the pandemic, 88% of businesses are making sure to fit them into the company calendar: they’re a must for building cohesive teams and employee engagement.

Whether you’re based in Austria or just visiting for a few days, we’ve done the legwork and compiled a list of the best team-building activities Austria has to offer. From Vienna to Salzburg to Innsbruck, we’ve left no stone unturned in our hunt for the most engaging, memorable team events around.

Let’s get started!

Austria’s top 10 unmissable team-building events

1. Vienna city hunt: explore the beautiful capital together

• Location: Vienna
• Duration: 1-3 hours
• Group size: 4-200
• Budget: $
• Book now

Let’s start in Austria’s capital, recently crowned the world’s most liveable city for the third year running. Lying on the Danube River, it has a history that’s bursting with famous names such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Freud. What could be better than discovering this extraordinary city’s unique history by completing a team-building scavenger hunt?

Following a series of clues and challenges, your team will explore the city’s best-known landmarks, as well as being tasked with finding hidden gems. Along the way, groups will test their knowledge of local trivia, solve riddles, and complete photo challenges. Each team will compete to score as many points as possible in the allotted time to win.

Scavenger and treasure hunts are a brilliant choice of team-building activity: they develop problem-solving skills, add a dose of team spirit, and demand effective teamwork.

2. Ice-skating and a Christmas market in Vienna: the winter edition

• Location: Vienna
• Duration: Half day
• Group size: max 100
• Budget: $
• Book now

When in Rome... do as the Romans do! But, what do the Viennese do? Vienna is a perfect destination to visit around Christmas time, filled with heartwarming traditions and soul-warming glühwein. If you want to experience how the Austrians celebrate, this day out is the ideal team-building activity for you and your team.

First stop, ice-skating! The Rathausplatz is the city’s most popular ice rink among locals and tourists alike. Open from mid-November until late January, the eistraum transforms the iconic Rathausplatz square into a huge ice skating rink.

Better still, the city’s most famous Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) is just around the corner from the ice rink, typically sitting under the enormous Rathaus Christmas tree. It’s the centerpiece of Austrian tradition, selling everything from roasted chestnuts to Viennese pastries to Fladenbrot (traditional flatbread with toppings).

This immersive cultural experience will provide a really memorable team event, as well as a glimpse into Austrian traditions.

3. Culinary tour: discover Austria’s most tasty traditions

• Location: Vienna
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Group size:
• Budget: $$
• Book now

Vienna is known around the world for its artisan pastries, chocolate, and confectionery, part of its historic coffee house culture. Experience Vienna’s sweet side by visiting the best bakeries, pastry shops, and chocolatiers the city has to offer.

You’ll stroll through the city’s old town, past its most iconic landmarks, and make three stops along the way. 

The first two stops are for the sweets: you’ll try strudel, homemade ice cream, artisan hot chocolate, and pastries. Next, you’ll head to the third stop, where you’ll get to taste Austria’s most famous savory dishes, including goulash, schnitzel, and spinach dumplings.

As far as incentives go, this food-meets-walking tour is brilliant for getting your team to experience some authentic Austrian culture while getting to know each other in a relaxed, casual setting.

4. Paint your own souvenir: unleash your creative side in the capital

• Location: Vienna
• Duration: 2 hours
• Group size: max 20
• Budget: $$
• Book now

Painting a souvenir is a brilliant way to get those creative juices flowing with no pressure to create a masterpiece. You’ll be able to choose between snow globes, mugs, or magnets, with stencils of typical Viennese motifs and step-by-step instructions from a professional artist for the beginners in your group.

With snacks provided, you’ll have two hours to paint a variety of souvenirs—which you can either keep for yourself or gift to friends and family.

In this intimate setting, your team members will have the opportunity to discover each other’s hidden talents while unwinding in a relaxed setting. It’s a great icebreaker for new teams and for consolidating existing relationships—a quaint reminder of your team-building trip. 

5. Hiking in the Austrian alps: build trust and communication alongside breathtaking views

• Location: Austrian alps
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Group size: 1-100 (depending on the tour chosen)
• Budget: $
• Book now

There are around 140 mountain ranges and peaks in Salzburg, with alpine hotels and huts available all year round. All of these boast a wide range of possible team-building activities.

This one is ideal for the warmer months, and there are numerous hiking trails across the region, suitable for a range of abilities from leisurely beginners to sporty enthusiasts. There’s also a vast range of hiking programs available, so here are a couple of recommendations:

• Salzburg Adventures, offering guided half-day hikes of groups of 5-12 people
• Tours by Locals, a cheaper option with a choice of 13 local, multilingual guides offering customizable hikes

As well as the physical aspect of the activity, the views you’ll experience will be unlike anything you’ve experienced before. With vast green expanses and deep blue lakes, the Austrian alps are a breathtaking place.

Innsbruck, the capital of the state Tirol, is also a brilliant option for getting your team up on their feet and into the mountains. The routes are very accessible, with cable cars up the mountain and an abundance of hiking routes. 

What makes Innsbruck stand out as a hiking destination is its free hiking program. Running from May to November, you can get a guide and rent your hiking gear for free!

6. The Sound of Music tour: exploring Salzburg as the iconic film location

• Location: Salzburg
• Duration: 4 hours
• Group size: max 65
• Budget: $
• Book now

There’s nothing better for team bonding than taking a trip down memory lane together. Set in Salzburg, The Sound of Music is an all-time classic, which many of us will have grown up with (if not the film, then at least the soundtrack!).

Highly rated by over 5,000 reviewers, this tour provides a highly original outdoor team-building experience, combining history with sightseeing in a hassle-free trip around the city.

Tours are held in English, and you’ll be shown around iconic sights, including Leopoldskron Castle, Nonnberg Abbey, Lake Wolfgang (where the Von Trapp family house is located), and Mondsee Cathedral. Each sight appears in the film. Your guide will test you throughout the journey on amusing trivia related to both the film and the city.

Your team will feel like they’re traveling through a film set while learning from your local guides and taking in the stunning architecture and scenery around.

7. Create your own Winter Olympics: get your team to go for gold

• Location: Austria-wide
• Duration: min 3 hours
• Group size: 15-150
• Budget: $$
• Book now

If your team enjoys more physical activities, this 'old-fashioned Winter Olympics’ activity designed specifically for corporate teams is the one for you!

Using old techniques such as wooden ‘carving’ skis, this is the perfect opportunity for you and your team members to try something new while taking a big step back from your desks.

With activities such as sack sledding, ‘partner-skiing’ (which looks much easier said than done!), and a snow show relay race, your team can use this valuable time together in a different setting to work on team cohesion and communication. You’ll leave with long-lasting memories and a newfound love of the Austrian mountains. 

8. Bubble soccer in Vienna: the ideal ice-breaker

• Location: Vienna
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Group size: min 10
• Budget: $$
• Book now

Release some energy and get your team members moving with Bubble football! Guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs and increase the feel-good factor, your workforce will love this team-building activity, also known as Zorb Football.

The activity is best described as a take on 5-a-side football, while wearing an inflatable zorb ball. There are numerous games to choose from, including Last Man Standing, British Bulldog, and Bubble Bowling.

Chances are, most of your team will be unfamiliar with the activity, so you’ll have the opportunity to learn something new together, allowing plenty of room for mistakes and lots of smiles along the way.

Suitable for small and large teams alike, this original, engaging activity is supervised by accredited workers. With changing rooms, showers, a bar, and function rooms, you’ll be all set for a brilliant afternoon.

9. Global Innovation Game: test your team’s pitching skills, Dragon’s Den style

• Location: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck
• Duration: 2 hours
• Group size: min 18
• Budget: $$
• Book now

If you’re looking for a team-building experience that’ll really help your team hone their innovative and creative skills, the Global Innovation Game is for you. It’s a rewarding, fun activity that’ll engage and energize your team members.

The aim of the game is to put together a successful pitch (based on an object, service, or tool) without the use of search engines, PowerPoints, and screens in general.

Your team will need to think outside the box and rely on good communication to develop the winning pitch! The activity comes highly recommended for corporate groups, with multiple stellar reviews.

10. Private Innsbruck city tour: get to know the historic city with the help of a local guide

• Location: Innsbruck
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Group size: max 65
• Budget: $
• Book now

The best way to get to know a new place is with a walking tour—especially when your guide is from the area and helps you get a feel for the place.

With tours available in English and German, this tour of Innsbruck helps you get under the skin of the historic city, which has held two separate Olympic Winter Games in 1964 and 1976, and the famous battle against Napoleon in 1809.

Aside from its rich history, Innsbruck is also known for its speckknödel (Austrian bacon dumplings), local wines, and freshly-baked pretzels. It’s a place that is well worth an in-depth visit, providing a memorable team-building experience absolutely brimming with culture. 

Experience Austria while building a stronger, more engaged team

As you’ve probably gathered by now, Austria really is an ideal location for a vast variety of team-building events. Now, all you need to do is plan your trip!

If you’re interested in learning more about travel management, look no further, and sign up for a free demo with TravelPerk today. Until then: Servus!

The post Top 10 team-building activities in Austria appeared first on TravelPerk.

Germany is the ideal place for team-building activities, offering a vast variety from archery to wine tours, indoor skydiving to Oktoberfest events. 

Planning and executing a company event can be stressful, to say the least, so we’ve decided to get the ball rolling for you by compiling a list of the best in-person team-building events in Germany—guaranteed to give you and your team a memorable company experience.

Whether you’re based in Germany or just visiting, there’s something for everyone in our list of engaging activities designed to drive team spirit and build cohesion. Each activity offers a different experience and draws on a range of skill sets, so you’ve got plenty of options to choose a team-building event that works for you. 

So, tie up your dirndl, grab a beer, and let’s see what Germany has to offer!

Top 10 team-building experiences in Germany you can’t miss

1. Archery in Berlin: hit the target with this original team-building activity

• Location: Berlin
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Group size: 15-100
• Budget: $
• Book now

Leave the KPIs in the office and hit some different targets. Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe—so why not make the most of these outdoor spaces and try out some archery? It’s an activity that’s well-suited to a group of mixed ability: it’s not about strength but about nailing the right technique.

Guided by experienced supervisors, you’ll be taught the art of archery, from how to hold the bow and arrow to how to successfully hit the target. To add a competitive edge and encourage a touch of team spirit, you could divide your team up into groups and award prizes to those who achieve the top scores.

Available all year round with instruction in German and English, this experience will prove a firm favorite with your team. Some of the best team-building activities are about discovering a new skill with your colleagues, as it leaves room for laughter and learning, while providing a generally constructive experience.

2. Group cooking class: build communication and collaboration in the kitchen

• Location: Berlin
• Duration: 4 hours
• Group size: max 22
• Budget: $$$
• Book now

It doesn’t matter how much experience in the kitchen you’ve got, cooking and learning with your team is always an enlightening experience—in a number of ways.

A meal out is a typical go-to corporate gathering, making up 70% of team-building activities, but actually preparing this meal makes it particularly memorable for your employees. Team bonding takes on a new angle with this energizing cooking class, where you’ll put together a 4-course dinner while learning about modern German culinary culture.

With a class geared towards corporate groups, you’ll find yourselves in a fun and relaxing environment that encourages creativity and teamwork. You’ll use seasonal products, all organic or from sustainable farms, with plenty of vegetarian options too.

Classes can be held in English or German, with drinks (including artisan beer and high-quality local wine) included.

3. Indoor skydiving in Berlin: prepare for take-off!

• Location: Berlin
• Duration: 1-5 hours
• Group size: max 220
• Budget: $$$
• Book now

This is a team-building activity you won’t forget in a hurry! Get your team pumped on adrenaline with this safe, indoor skydiving experience in the center of Berlin.

The word ‘skydiving’ might raise a few eyebrows, but this activity has already proved a firm favorite for companies who’ve tried it out. It’s easy, controlled and (very) exhilarating, with up to 30 guests able to fly per hour. Great for building confidence and pushing your team out of their comfort zone, this is a very original activity that your employees will be talking about for a long time to come. 

Designed for corporate groups, the Hurricane Factory can provide air-conditioned conference or meeting spaces equipped with wifi, in addition to spaces ideal for music, dancing, and buffets: you can combine your flights with a company party afterward for a long-lasting event.

4. Boat trip meets wine-tasting: explore the Rhine River with your team

• Location: Rhine River
• Duration: 7-9 hours
• Group size: max 8
• Budget: $$$
• Book now

If you’ve got a smaller team and you’re looking to splash out on a memorable team-building activity, wine-tasting on the Rhine River is a great option. Just 45 minutes from Frankfurt, this is a really unique experience: wine tasting done properly.

Wine cellar tours are included in the various stops over the course of your boat trip through small historic villages. In addition to visiting three top wineries, you’ll learn all about local varieties and winemaking traditions specific to the area often referred to as ‘the Burgundy of the North.’

With local artisan cheese platters provided along the way, this promises to be a really enjoyable, authentic experience for you and your team.

5. Go Team urban challenge: explore the city while racking your brain

• Location: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Freiburg, Rothenburg, Bonn and Bremen
• Duration: 2 hours
• Group size: 10-100
• Budget: $$
• Book now

Specifically designed to be an effective team-building activity, this urban challenge will get your team’s thinking caps on and their decision-making skills up to scratch.

Available in cities all around Germany, throughout the year, this activity is a brilliant opportunity for your team to get to know an unfamiliar city while working to solve a series of clues and riddles.

Think of it as a sightseeing-meets-scavenger-hunt scenario. Collaboration is key to success, and your groups will have to really work together to earn points and be the first to uncover the prize. 

This is a highly popular team-building activity, and the challenge will keep your team occupied, engaged and stimulated throughout.

6. Get your team up and dancing: create your own Oktoberfest event

• Location: Munich
• Duration: All day
• Group size: min 20
• Budget: $$$
• Book now

Oktoberfest is a staple of the German calendar. It’s a two-week carnival, bringing everyone together with beer, Dirndls, and Lederhosen while celebrating Bavarian culture.

To ensure you celebrate as a company for at least one day of the festival, why not put together your own Oktoberfest event? You can create your very own Bavarian Beer Tent, complete with a bar and bar hosts and hostesses, with performers including: jugglers, stilt walkers and even a band.

Guaranteed to be a resounding success, you could make this a recurring annual tradition: something your whole company looks forward to.

Merriment and laughter in a casual setting are sure to bring your team together and encourage everyone to really let their hair down. Whether your team is familiar with Oktoberfest or new to it, this activity is guaranteed to immerse everyone in German culture. Alcohol-free beers are also available for those who aren’t big on drinking. Prost!

7. Catan-themed escape room: get your thinking caps on in Frankfurt

• Location: Frankfurt
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Group Size: max 8
• Budget: $
• Book now

You’ve probably heard of Catan, one of the most popular board games across the globe, but did you know it was originally invented in Germany?

Chances are, many of your team members will be familiar with this world-famous game, so why not try out the first even Catan-themed escape room in Frankfurt?

Before you ask, no, prior knowledge of the game is not required. Following a series of clues, you’ll have to stave off an “Attack of the Barbarians” and escape in time!

Escape rooms are very popular team-building activities, building effective communication between individuals and encouraging potential leaders to reveal themselves.

The teams are small, with a maximum of eight people, but you can always divide your group up, with prizes going to those who complete the challenge first. If you’d prefer an escape room experience you can do all at the same time, try Escape Frankfurt with a capacity of 18 players at once, or Room Fox with up to 26.

8. Visit Hamburg’s world-famous Miniatur Wunderland: followed by lunch at a street market

• Location: Hamburg
• Duration: 3 hours
• Group size: max 100
• Budget: $
• Book now

Rated as Hamburg’s top attraction, with nearly 20,000 'Excellent’ reviews, visiting the Miniatur Wunderland is a must if you’re keen to see something you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

The world’s largest train model exhibit, in the center of Hamburg, is a truly breathtaking sight. It consists of over 16,000m of track, divided into nine sections, including 1,300 trains, 400,000 human figurines, and half a million lights.

If you want to keep your team engaged, you can create a bingo-type list of places and objects they need to find, and tick off. This way, they’ll keep their eyes peeled and really take in the intricacies of the model.

Based in the center of Hamburg, you can organize lunch in one of the city’s many street food markets, encouraging your team to try traditional German delicacies such as Bratwurst, Schnitzel, and Labskaus. 

If your idea of a constructive team-building activity is discovering new places and experiences together, this is the perfect day out for your team.

9. Go Give challenge: do well in the activity to do good for others!

• Location: Across Germany
• Duration: 1-3 hours
• Group size: min 8
• Budget: $
• Book now

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs are fast gaining popularity around the globe as employers increasingly recognize their widespread benefits—both for team cohesion and collective awareness of the wider community.

If you’re looking for an experience in Germany that’ll bring your team together while ‘giving back,’ this is a perfect team-building activity for you.

Suitable for both small and large groups, this activity involves a race of various challenges, questions, and cryptic clues as teams race towards the final goal—where success translates into giving an amount to a chosen giving project.

Each success might mean planting a tree, giving a hungry child a meal, or providing someone with access to clean water: you and your teammates can choose a cause that collectively means the most to you.

With a series of glowing reviews describing the significant success of this team-building activity, Go Give is a sustainable, rewarding option for you and your team.

10. iBuild: improve your team’s communication skills 

• Location: Across Germany
• Duration: 1.5-3 hours
• Group size: min 4
• Budget: $
• Book now

iBuild is an activity that can be designed as an indoor or an outdoor team-building game, depending on the time of year you want to host your event. It’s an activity designed with corporate teams in mind, aiming to engage every member of your team by focusing on language and how teams communicate.

Your team will be divided into builders, couriers, and architects. The architects will describe to the couriers what they’ll need to do, and the couriers will then go and explain this process to the builders.

Sounds a bit too easy? Here’s the catch: the architect and the courier can only communicate using words as they are back-to-back, so no signing or showing designs. Plus, the courier won’t see what the builders are doing, they’ll only explain and reply to questions with yes or no answers.

This activity is set to bring your team’s communication levels to new heights, an investment worth its weight in gold. It’s also followed by a debrief session, where participants can share their feedback and conclusions. It’s a way to think outside the box outside the office, as well as a fantastic icebreaker for employees from different departments who rarely cross over.

Experience Germany in a way that will make your team work better together!

Germany, the land of great sausages, large beers, and amazing football. It has everything you need for a truly bonding team-building event. Whether you’re coming from another city in Europe, or from a country overseas, let TravelPerk help you make corporate traveling as easy, quick, and all-round wunderbar!

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