Many companies have seen disruptions to their operations in 2023, including business travel. Travelers have had to think on their feet, change plans quickly, and deal with rising prices. But how much of an impact has this had on professionals around the world? Have various regions been affected differently, and how are travelers dealing with the chaos?

We conducted an online survey of 4000 business travelers from a range of ages and industries, across four countries: the UK, the US, Spain, and Germany.

Below, we’ve gathered a few key findings from our business travel survey to bring you new insights on the current state of employee travel.

Key takeaways from TravelPerk’s Business Travel Chaos survey

• 79% of global business travelers have experienced a travel disruption in 2023
• UK business travelers report that they’ve been the most impacted by transportation strikes (28%), while weather-related disruptions like natural disasters and floods have mostly affected American travelers (33%). US travelers are also the most affected by visa issues compared to Europeans, with 17% being affected by denied entry or delayed visa processing.
• In all countries surveyed, 40% of all business travelers reported being impacted by delays, and 1 in 4 business travelers have faced cancellations in 2023
• An average of 40% of travelers say they’re checking for travel updates more frequently because of the delays, while 35% say they now prefer to book options with flexible cancellation policies
• When things go wrong, 33% of global travelers would prefer to speak to a human customer service representative

According to travelers, the top benefits of business travel are exploring new places (44%) and developing new skills (43%)

Travelers are struggling to find options within their budget

When asked what they find the most challenging about booking a business trip, the highest percentage of travelers (34%) said they struggled to find travel options that weren’t too expensive or were within their budget. An additional 30% said it was difficult to find travel options to suit their schedule.

With inflation impacting business travel prices, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of professionals are concerned about costs. Fortunately, airfares and hotel rates began to stabilize in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023, according to our data.

40% of travelers have been affected by delays of more than one hour in 2023, while almost a quarter have been affected by cancellations

Travel delays have been a serious problem in 2023. For example, airports in the US are experiencing record-high numbers of passengers and flights with no increase in capacity to accommodate them, according to the US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group). Flight delays were also an issue in Europe, with 106.7 million air travelers affected in the summer months alone, according to Aviation Direct.

These travel trends were borne out in our data, which showed that 40% of travelers across all countries experienced delays of more than an hour in 2023. Moreover, 24% of travelers dealt with cancellations as well. These were particularly an issue in the UK, where 30% of travelers were affected by cancellations.

Travelers are checking for updates more frequently and booking options with flexible cancellation policies

Travel disruptions are changing the way people travel for work, as professionals do their best to avoid being derailed by changes to their trip. 39% of all travelers surveyed report that they are checking for travel updates more frequently, while 35% are now booking options with flexible cancellation policies, and 34% are allowing more travel time to get to their destination.

In the US, travelers were particularly likely to allow more travel time to get to their destination, with 43% reporting that they would do this. This makes sense, considering the high number of travel delays affecting the US – 84% of US travelers experienced some form of travel disruption in 2023.

In Spain, the largest percentage of travelers said they were checking for travel updates more frequently (41%), while the largest percentage of travelers in Germany (37%) said they were booking options with flexible cancellation policies.

Most travelers prefer to talk to a human customer service representative

Across all four countries surveyed, travelers agree: The human touch is a key concern for them when booking business travel. When emergencies happen and travelers need to cancel or change their booking, they’d prefer to have a real-life person to talk to.

33% of respondents said talking to a human customer service representative by phone was their preferred option for making modifications. They said they’d rather do this than make changes online, via SMS, using a chatbot, or by speaking with someone at the airport.

Travelers are concerned about their health and work arrangements

Across all countries surveyed, business travelers found it difficult to catch up with in-person meetings, virtual meetings, and emails after a business trip. Overall, 35% said they found this to be a problem, while an even higher percentage in the US (39%) thought this was a problem.

Travelers were also concerned about jet lag and physical fatigue, with 20% across all countries saying they were concerned with this. As health and well-being become an increasing focus in the workplace, this is no surprise—one in three US workers report being highly concerned with their workplace well-being in general, according to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Compiling, submitting, and getting expenses approved for a trip can also present a challenge. 19% of travelers had an issue with this across all countries.

Business travelers find it challenging to keep up with work and be away from loved ones

36% of travelers reported that it was difficult to be away from loved ones while on a trip, while 27% said it was hard to keep up-to-date on ongoing projects or work. 29% also said that being able to make changes to their trip when needed was a significant challenge for them.

These numbers were fairly similar across the four countries surveyed. US travelers were mostly concerned with keeping up with projects and work (33%), while in Spain, Germany, and the UK, being away from loved ones was considered the greatest difficulty.

What business travelers can do to mitigate travel disruptions

With all this chaos going on, it’s understandable that professionals might feel concerned about their upcoming business travel plans. Fortunately, there’s a lot that can be done to manage travel disruptions and limit their damage.

Here are some tips travelers can follow to prepare for their upcoming trips:

Build in buffer time

Considering the recent travel delays, it’s a good idea to build in extra buffer time for your business trips. This might mean:

• Leaving more time to get to the airport or train station in case of a delay
• Planning to stay an extra night in your destination to make the pace of travel more relaxed
• Planning layovers that are long enough to transfer comfortably from one mode of transportation to the next

Pack smart

24% of US business travelers were impacted by lost or delayed luggage in 2023, so it’s important to be prepared for unexpected circumstances. If your luggage is delayed or if you get stuck somewhere overnight, you’ll need to have the right supplies with you. This will prevent you from feeling stressed out if you have important meetings to attend once you arrive at your destination.

Be sure to carry essential items in your hand luggage, including:

• Medications
• Identity and travel documents
• A change of clothes
• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, razors, etc.)
• Phone chargers
• Laptop and charger, in case you need to get work done on the go

Know your rights

Did you know that you might be entitled to compensation if your flight or train is delayed? Different countries have different laws about delays and cancellations. Familiarize yourself with these before you travel, so you’ll know how to get your money back if something goes wrong with your travel plans.

For example, the EU’s air passenger rules state that passengers are entitled to reimbursement, rerouting, or return, as well as assistance at the airport, if their flight gets canceled. If the passenger is informed of the cancellation less than 14 days prior to the scheduled departure time, they also have the right to compensation.

If a flight is delayed, EU passengers also have the right to reimbursement, assistance, and a return flight. In addition, passengers are entitled to compensation if the flight arrives at the final destination with a delay of more than three hours.

EU rail passengers have the right to a rerouting or refund under certain circumstances, in case of cancellation or delays.

US air passengers are entitled to a refund in the case of cancellations or delays, according to the US Department of Transportation. The US does not have laws on rail travel compensation.

How TravelPerk helps travelers overcome the challenges of travel disruptions

TravelPerk offers a best-in-class business travel software solution to help travelers easily book, manage, and save money on business trips. With TravelPerk, business travelers can find hotel, flight, and rail bookings at the best rates, submit expense reports, manage corporate travel policies, recover VAT, offset their carbon footprint to meet sustainability goals, and more.

Saving you money

One of the main travel challenges reported by business travelers is compiling, submitting, and getting expenses approved for a trip. This challenge affected 19% of travelers across all countries. TravelPerk can help with this—the platform manages expenses and invoices in one place, while also integrating with the world’s leading expense platforms. Users can set up expense management automations and speed up the process for everyone on the team.

As global business travel prices and airfares rise, many travelers are concerned about budget. With 34% of travelers struggling to find options within budget, and another 30% finding it challenging to book options that suit their schedule, it’s clear that saving money is a top priority. TravelPerk’s extensive inventory of accommodation and travel services can help users find the best option to suit their needs. And TravelPerk offers corporate travel clients the best negotiated rates, allowing them to maximize savings when booking.

Keeping you informed

Since 39% of TravelPerk survey respondents check for information more frequently as a result of travel disruptions, these individuals may benefit from using TravelCare . TravelCare users (business travelers and admins) will get notifications of any disruptions or changes to their travel plans via the app. They will also have immediate access to the customer care team if they need assistance. This will help travel managers meet their duty of care and health and safety obligations.

In addition, when making bookings on the TravelPerk platform, travelers will have access to clear, verified, real-time risk and regulation information—so they can book with confidence.

Help when you need it

The highest percentage of travelers (33%) prefer speaking to a human customer service representative by phone. They’ll love TravelPerk’s seven-star rated customer care service , which is available 24/7.

Travel delays and changes create a greater need for flexible cancellation policies. With 35% of travelers actively looking for flexible offerings, TravelPerk’s FlexiPerk solution is the perfect fit. Using FlexiPerk, travelers can cancel a booking up to two hours before departure and get 80% of the cost back as credit on the TravelPerk platform. This results in an average 40% saving compared to traditional flexible fares.

Overall, 2023 has been a year of major changes, including some disruptions in travel. These have left travelers concerned and looking for different solutions to ensure their trips go as planned. The good news is, with advanced planning and the right tools, there’s no need to worry—travelers can take precautions to ensure they have a great trip, with the right resources to manage the situation if things go wrong. Hopefully, travel industry providers will see a resolution of these issues for next year and beyond.

Methodology
OnePoll conducted an online survey on behalf of TravelPerk from 27 October to 07 November 2023, with 4000 employed adults from the UK, US, Germany and Spain who travel for work. Respondents came from organizations within sectors such as accountancy, banking & finance, retail, and healthcare.

The post Key takeaways from TravelPerk’s Business Travel Chaos survey appeared first on TravelPerk.

Whether you're planning a last-minute vacation or heading off on an unplanned business trip, securing travel options that won’t break the bank can be a daunting task. Let’s face it, last-minute flights aren’t usually the cheapest airfares. Sometimes, spontaneous trips are necessary, so it’s good to know what your options are to save money on your speedy travel plans.

In this article, we're going to guide you through the process of booking a last-minute trip without breaking the bank, catering to the needs of both leisure and business travelers.

Leisure travel: mastering the art of last-minute travel deals

Any last-minute travel booking can be stressful, whether it’s for business or leisure. Each comes with its own challenges, so we’ve decided to look at each individually—this way you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with, and common pitfalls (and solutions) to look out for.

You might be heading off on a snap holiday, or you might have an under-the-wire family event. Whatever the case, here are the main challenges you might face as a leisure traveler.

The challenges of last-minute leisure travel

Limited availability

You might have a specific destination in mind, say Chicago or San Diego, but if you’re booking a last-minute journey, you might find that there’s very little availability on booking websites like Expedia. It helps to let go of any specific requirements and be open to different arrangements.

Practical reasons

Some holidays require planning in advance, whether that’s sorting car hire, planning ski rental, or booking specific attractions. Some top destinations might require booking ahead for activities and tours, particularly during peak season, so booking at the last minute can often mean you risk losing out on the best attractions.

It’s worth considering the time of year (for example, New York at Christmas or Thanksgiving) and see if you can avoid those holiday periods. Booking far in advance also means you can enjoy the wait—for many people, half the joy of a holiday is in counting down and looking forward to it.

Special occasions

If you have specific travel dates in mind, for example, if you’re celebrating an occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary, booking at the last minute can lead to disappointment. Coinciding with a special day isn’t very conducive to the book-and-go approach, as you may find yourself with limited options.

Our top tips for last-minute holiday bargains

Booking a holiday at the eleventh hour while looking for cheap flights and well-priced vacation rentals isn't easy. But it most definitely can be done— in fact, there are even certain perks!

Here are our hacks to securing the best deals for your next spontaneous getaway, without doing too much damage to your credit card.

Check accommodation and travel simultaneously

A common pitfall in last-minute travel planning is overlooking the total cost of the journey, especially if you’re planning a round trip. It's not uncommon for flights to seem well priced, only for you to discover that accommodation is wildly expensive, or vice versa. To strike the right balance, it’s worth exploring platforms that offer vacation packages for both travel and accommodation.

Leverage loyalty and credit card deals

Frequent leisure travelers can capitalize on their loyalty program points and credit card rewards to significantly reduce travel expenses. Airlines, hotel chains, and credit card companies often provide exclusive offers, discounts, and perks that can make a significant dent in the overall cost of your journey. For the best offers around, join newsletters or download their apps.

Embrace flexibility in your plans

Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to securing last-minute deals. If you can adapt your departure dates, you'll be well on your way to finding better vacation deals. Take advantage of flexible date search features on booking platforms to uncover the best offers, from last-minute hotel deals to car rental cancellations. Are you planning a road trip around Europe? Or are you set on a beach holiday in California?Or maybe Cancun?Wherever you have in mind, we’d recommend keeping your options open as far as possible.

Consider staying away from the center

In addition to flexible travel dates, it’s worth being flexible about your location. During your quest for affordable last-minute travel, consider hotels, hostels or Airbnbs located slightly away from the city center and trending tourist hotspots. These options are usually much more budget-friendly, and you know what they say: less-traveled paths can lead to hidden gems.

Explore alternative airports

If your last-minute plans allow for flexibility in your arrival airport, consider exploring smaller airports—or even airports in neighboring cities. These may offer more availability and more attractive pricing options. Just be sure to factor in transportation costs and convenience when making your choice! Now you know the best tips to book last-minute leisure travel without breaking the bank, let’s move on to business travel

Business travel: making each trip count

Corporate travel is subject to change. Deals and meetings often move around faster than you can keep up, and demand rapid, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

You might be dealing with crisis management, meeting client demands, or working around employee schedules: there are multiple reasons why business travel might be a last-minute ordeal. Knowing how to secure the best travel deals each time is essential.

Before we get onto our top tips, here are the main drawbacks of last-minute business travel.

Challenges of last-minute corporate travel

High costs

Last-minute flights and accommodation usually come with a hefty price tag, but particularly for corporate travelers. You might need to book a corporate venue, for example for a board meeting, and often you’ll be faced not only with limited availability but also much higher prices than usual.

Time-consuming search process

Scouring multiple booking websites for the best options is a time-consuming task. Business travelers often have limited time to plan and book their trips, so efficiency is a top priority. Employee time spent combing through various booking sites isn’t time well spent.

Limited availability

Last-minute options can be scarce, especially during peak travel seasons or when attending important events. Business trips usually come with more fixed times, meaning you have less flexibility when booking. Securing the right flights and accommodations can be challenging.

Policy compliance

Last-minute travel often falls outside of corporate travel policies due to its higher costs. Finding cost-effective options that align with company guidelines can be tricky. Employee duty of care is also something to bear in mind—it’s harder to implement when plans have been made at the eleventh hour.

Our top tips for last-minute corporate travel options

Navigating spontaneous business trips isn’t always a simple task, but with strategic planning and access to the right resources, it is possible to book efficiently. Here are our tried-and-tested hacks for keeping those costs low.

Utilize an all-in-one business travel platform

One of the most effective ways to streamline the process of last-minute business travel is by using an all-in-one business travel platform like TravelPerk.

You can easily compare prices and availability while staying within your company's travel policy guidelines. The convenience of booking all your travel essentials in one go allows employees to take control of their itineraries, reduce costs, and minimize the hassle associated with last-minute bookings.

Take advantage of exclusive negotiated rates

If last-minute travel is a frequent occurrence in your company, negotiating your own rates with individual providers can be a major drain on employee time.

Instead, you can leverage the exclusive negotiated rates available through business travel platforms like TravelPerk. These platforms continuously collaborate with various suppliers and have access to rates that often surpass those you can find independently through leisure travel websites. Allow them to handle the negotiations while you enjoy the cost savings.

Book flexible options

Given the often unpredictable nature of business travel, it's important to be as adaptable as possible and well-prepared for any changes. With TravelPerk you can access bonus extras like FlexiPerk to provide flexibility in your travel plans and guarantee money back in case of last-minute changes.

Don’t waste a second—prepare a game plan for your next last-minute trip

The bottom line is that you’re always better off when looking for a last-minute trip outside peak times, but this isn’t always possible, especially when traveling for business reasons. Part of the trouble is spending time trawling the internet for the best options—but you don’t have to.

Instead of wasting precious employee time on multiple websites searching for deals, you can book everything you need in one place, including flights, hotels, car rentals, apartments, and even train tickets. With all-in-one platforms such as TravelPerk, you can access an industry-leading inventory that provides you with a wide array of options at your fingertips.

Travel can’t always be planned months in advance, we get that, so if you’ve got to book a last-minute trip, do it right.

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You’ll get it all in New Zealand—from the geothermal marvels in Rotorua, the breathtaking fjords of Fiordland, and the adventure playground of Queenstown. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or business, the country will offer you exactly what you need. 

To enjoy what New Zealand has to offer, you’ll need the best travel agencies by your side. Luckily, we've done all the heavy lifting to bring you the definitive list of the five best online travel agencies in this island country of the South Pacific Ocean.

Our evaluation includes factors like user reviews, booking convenience, and local expertise, ensuring your trip is not just hassle-free but a genuine immersion into the heart of New Zealand. Pack your bags and get ready to enjoy a Kiwi adventure as epic as a haka dance!

Best online travel agency for business travel

1. TravelPerk: the one agency for all your business travel needs

TravelPerk is a modern solution for modern corporate travel. Its easy-to-use online booking tool is a refreshing change from the clunky UI often associated with business travel. TravelPerk enables you to make flexible bookings for employees, and even offers the option to offset your carbon footprint. 

This platform is more than just an OTA, it’s a comprehensive corporate travel management tool that helps your team book, manage, and report on business travel. TravelPerk ensures employees are traveling stress-free on the cheapest flights available, at no sacrifice to experience.

Main offerings and features: 

• Extensive inventory of travel services
• Safety alerts with TravelCare
• Integrated travel policy & approval flows
• Centralized invoicing
• Easy & real-time expense reports
• Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
• 24/7 customer support with a 15s target
• Integration with 3rd party tools, such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

TravelPerk gives employees access to the information and the security they need to travel with peace of mind. It gives organizations and travel managers access to the best corporate travel rates that you won’t find on the market.

Best online travel agencies for leisure travel

2. House of Travel: best for last-minute cruise deals

House of Travel has a team of 300 dedicated consultants who live and breathe the art of exploration. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the vibrant city of Wellington, Marlborough—New Zealand’s wine country, or to popular Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, or somewhere further afield (maybe Europe?), they've got you covered.

Search through thousands of tours worldwide to find a great trip tailor-made for you. Besides, House of Travel tour guides offer insights into accommodations, activities, and inspiring articles for every dreamy getaway on your bucket list. Get it all today with great offers for family holidays, cruises, flights, and guided tours.

Main features and offerings:

• Free video consultant service so you can better plan your holiday with the tour operators
• Treat your children to unforgettable Pacific, North and South Islands, and other destination cruises during school holidays
• Easy access to information through their mobile app

3. Hello World: great deals on flights and cruises to various destinations worldwide

Hello World is a trusted travel specialist in New Zealand. They offer unique experiences such as holidays in the Bay of Islands and cruises in the South Pacific, or explore Christchurch in the South Island. 

Their travel destinations span Australia, Fiji, the Pacific Islands, Asia, the UK & Europe, the USA, Canada, and South America. One of the best things about Hello World is that you can travel now and pay later with various finance options. They also accept American Express membership rewards points to pay for your trip.

Main features and Offerings:

• Partnership with Flybuys to let you earn Flybuys points on your travel booking
• Accredited travel planners and advisors guide on travel planning
• Travel Insurance: Secure comprehensive Allianz and Cover-More Travel Insurance coverage for a worry-free journey
• Flexible payment options

4. Haka Tours: enjoy New Zealand's finest group tours tailored to your preferences

Haka Tours offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore New Zealand's captivating landscapes with thrilling adventures. They provide an all-inclusive package with a range of tours tailor-made to your unique sense of adventure. This package covers accommodation, transportation, a knowledgeable Kiwi tour guide, breakfast, and essential inclusions—everything to ensure a stress-free trip.

Haka Tours set itself apart from the rest with its unwavering commitment to preserving Aotearoa (the Māori-language name for New Zealand), ensuring you leave only a positive environmental impact when on your New Zealand tours.

Main features and offerings:

• Small group tours for an intimate travel experience with a maximum of 16 people
• Swap or tour cancellation at no cost up to 60 days before your journey begins
• 100% Kiwi: Benefit from the local expertise of New Zealand travel guides. They promise a purpose-led Kiwi experience, ensuring you truly connect with the land and culture

5. Flight Centre: a dedicated travel agent with comprehensive travel services

Flight Centre have made travelers' dreams come true for over four decades. Operating in various countries, including New Zealand, Flight Centre provides a comprehensive one-stop shop for all your travel needs, making your journey seamless and stress-free.

Flight Centre also collaborates with leading car hire companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and more, ensuring you can access convenient transportation options. Explore freedom, fun, and flexibility by embarking on a North Island road trip with a rental car to enjoy a self-drive through Auckland, Bay of Islands, Napier & Wellington.

Main features and offerings

• Comprehensive travel services, including flight bookings, accommodations, holidays, cruises, tours, and insurance
• Presence in multiple countries as they’re part of the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG)
• With more than 450 stores and 3,500+ Travel Experts worldwide, Flight Centre tour company provides personalized guidance and support

Enjoy New Zealand with the best travel agencies by your side

Travel to the heart of Aotearoa with the best travel companies and enjoy how its extraordinary landscapes paint nature's finest hues. If you’re after an adrenaline rush of Queenstown's bungee jumps or looking for the serenity of Milford Sound fjords, these travel agencies in New Zealand are your gateway to extraordinary adventure.If your travels take you on a business venture to New Zealand, TravelPerk is your go-to agency for corporate needs. With their tailored services and dedication to making your business trips seamless, you can focus on what truly matters—closing deals.

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The Philippines offers a plethora of unique experiences for both corporate and leisure travelers. From whale diving in Cebu to the teeming and colorful beauty of the Masskara festival, there’s no shortage of adventure in this stunning archipelago.

The Capital Manilla, is also one of Asia’s major seaports, making it a destination for professionals all over the world. Ready to explore the 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines? We’ve compiled a list of the best online travel agencies to help.

Let's dive deeper into the five best online travel agencies the Philippines has to offer!

Best online travel agency for business travel

1. TravelPerk: the one agency for all your business travel needs

TravelPerk is a modern solution for modern corporate travel. Its easy-to-use online booking tool is a refreshing change from the clunky UI often associated with business travel. TravelPerk enables you to make flexible bookings for employees, and even offers the option to offset your carbon footprint.

This platform is more than just an OTA, it’s a comprehensive corporate travel management tool that helps your team book, manage, and report on business travel. TravelPerk ensures employees are traveling stress-free on the cheapest flights available, at no sacrifice to experience.

Main offerings and features:

• Extensive inventory of travel services
• Safety alerts with TravelCare
• Integrated travel policy & approval flows
• Centralized invoicing
• Easy & real-time expense reports
• Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
• 24/7 customer support with a 15s target
• Integration with 3rd party tools, such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

TravelPerk gives employees access to the information and the security they need to travel with peace of mind. It gives organizations and travel managers access to the best corporate travel rates that you won’t find on the market.

Best online travel agencies for tourist travel

2. Marsman Drysdale: wide variety of Philippines island exploration tours

Marsman Drysdale is committed to giving you a comprehensive Philippines experience. That includes discovering the natural beauty of the 7000 islands that make up the archipelago.

This Philippines travel agency covers getaways to the most common yet ideal tourist island destinations, including Luzon, Bohol, Cebu City, Boracay, and, of course, Manila.

Main offerings and features:

• Reservations and ticketing for international and domestic air travel
• Hotel, car, rail, cruise, and travel reservations
• Visa, passport, and travel documents assistance
• Local and foreign tour packages including public and private tours

3. Baron Travel: travel specialist staff at your service

Baron Travel has 55 years of experience in organizing all things Philippine travel. They offer a wide array of tourist services for both business and leisure travelers eager to experience the Philippines' picture-perfect beauty. They're a full-service company offering everything from tour packages to tailor-made adventure travel.

Baron Travel agents are also known for their excellent service, offering an online booking platform that makes traveling easy and hassle-free. To ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience, they've created a network of Filipino hotels and destinations.

Main offerings and features:

• A wide variety of Philippine tours across the 7,000 different islands available
• International tours to famous destinations throughout Europe and Asia
• Ocean cruises each with unique destinations and catering
• Destination management and booking for smooth and convenient traveling

4. Rajah Travel Corporation: for unique tours, travel experiences, and destinations

Rajah Travel Corporation focuses on developing and promoting a wide array of unique travel experiences. With 45 years of experience in the industry, this tour company offers international travel options, including destinations throughout Australia, the Americas, and Asia.

Rajah Travel is forward-facing, adopting travel industry trends, including cruises, flights, hotels, and specialized tour operators. They're also closely connected to a network of other hospitality companies and brands to ensure you have all you need.

Main offerings and features:

• Online booking tool for hotels and transportation
• Corporate travel management services for a personalized experience
• Tourist travel management including booking, group, and independent traveling for convenient leisure
• Documentation services including Visa management
• New travel insurance policy creation and existing travel insurance policy amendments
• A wide variety of group tours, flights, and cruises to both international and domestic locations

5. Van Sol Travel & Tours: for a wide variety of international tour packages and destinations

Located in Manila, Van Sol offers international tours throughout the world. From Japan to Europe, the USA, and beyond, Van Sol has a wide reach as a travel company.

They also offer a wide array of domestic Filipino tourist packages to famous destinations like Quezon and Makati. They're full-scale, meaning they cover every aspect of the travel process, giving you a one-stop tailored solution.

While they're focused on organizing your transportation, tours, and insurance, you can focus on enjoying all the beauty travel has to offer.

Main offerings and features:

• Various tour packages including international and domestic tour options
• Hotel and venue bookings ahead of time with a wide variety of options
• Passport services and documentation management
• Transportation services including organization and booking for flights, cruises, and cars.

Visit the Philippines with the best travel agency by your side

Whether you're heading straight for Manila or plan to explore El Nido or beyond, the right travel agency makes it all convenient and sets your mind at ease.

For your corporate travel needs, TravelPerk is your go-to option in the Philippines. They offer multiple ways to ensure you have the smoothest trip. You can use TravelCare as a convenient way to check for the latest information on your destination, including any travel restrictions, effectively keeping you safe and informed.

TravelPerk’s FlexiPerk lets you book and cancel flights, trains, and cars with 100% flexibility whenever you need quick and easy transportation.

Get your bags ready because the Philippines is waiting for you!

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Malaysia is a place where modern progression meets natural beauty. With some of the largest skyscrapers on the planet and one of the world’s oldest rainforests, it’s easy to see why this country was once nicknamed the “peninsula of Gold.” From the bustling energy of Kuala Lumpur to the picturesque beaches of Penang, Malaysia offers a unique experience for both corporate and leisure travel.

Here, we’ve rounded up the five best online travel agencies to help you explore both the natural and man-made wonders of this southeastern melting pot of cultures.

Best online travel agency for business travel

1. TravelPerk: the one agency for all your business travel needs

TravelPerk is a modern solution for modern corporate travel. Its easy-to-use online booking tool is a refreshing change from the clunky UI often associated with business travel. TravelPerk enables you to make flexible bookings for employees, and even offers the option to offset your carbon footprint.

This platform is more than just an OTA, it’s a comprehensive corporate travel management tool that helps your team book, manage, and report on business travel. TravelPerk ensures employees are traveling stress-free on the cheapest flights available, at no sacrifice to experience.

Main offerings and features:

• Extensive inventory of travel services
• Safety alerts with TravelCare
• Integrated travel policy & approval flows
• Centralized invoicing
• Easy & real-time expense reports
• Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
• 24/7 customer support with a 15s target
• Integration with 3rd party tools, such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

TravelPerk gives employees access to the information and the security they need to travel with peace of mind. It gives organizations and travel managers access to the best corporate travel rates that you won’t find on the market.

Best online travel agencies for tourist travel

2. Parlo Tours: for unique tour packages throughout Asia

Parlo Tours is all about adventure. That’s why they’ve handpicked and curated a list of 10 alluring destinations, each with a unique appeal for any explorer. They also offer a choice of different tour packages, with international travel experiences throughout Asia, including Indonesia, Korea, and Singapore.

Their staff is highly experienced, and Parlo Tours prides itself on offering a personalized touch to every getaway. To top it all off, they cover most of the additional work that comes with planning any trip, like car renting and airport transfer.

Main offerings and features:

• Group and private tours for both domestic and curated international destinations
• Hotel bookings, flight bookings, and venue bookings for tours and events
• Corporate travel management options such as transport and accommodation
• Visa application, handling, and travel insurance management for orderly travel documentation
• Inbound and outbound car rental, airport transfer, and transportation management

3. Star Travel: for a wide range of themed tour options

These travel agents can take you through Malaysia and all over the world just as well. With excellent service, countless options, and a full-scale travel organization, Star Tours focuses on making leisure travel as relaxing as possible.

Especially notable are the themed Malaysia tour packages for every taste, including nature, island, city, theme park, and staycation options. Feel free to choose from their main options, including Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Selangor.

Main offerings and features:

• International travel and tour packages to unique destinations
• Malaysian travel packages including city, nature, and other themed options
• Polar expeditions offering a combination of adventure, comfort, and education

4. Holiday Tours: for personalized and full-scale luxury tourist packages

Providing personalized service, a network of expert partners, and extraordinary experiences make up the main objectives of the luxury travel brand Holiday Tours. It’s easy to see why. They offer a variety of international tours, including destinations like Australia, Thailand, and Japan.

This travel agency also offers an in-depth look at all their options on their website. Holiday Tours take care of everything, so you’ll know exactly where you’re staying, what to expect, as well as FAQS you may have about the trip.

Main offerings and features:

• International travel tours including group and private options
• A wide range of all-inclusive resorts, hotels, and venue booking options and a personalized experience
• Guided holidays, tours, and cruises provided by a team of industry professionals

5. D Asia Tours: for honeymoon trips to popular destinations

D Asia Tours provides the local knowledge and expertise needed for an authentic Malaysian experience. This grand tour operator focuses on domestic destinations like Langkawi, Penang Island, and the Batu caves in Kuala Lumpur.

However, D Asia Tours also offers specifically themed tour options, such as company trips and honeymoon packages, alongside international destinations, including Europe, China, and India. They’ve been in the travel industry for over 30 years and have over 1000 packages.

Main offerings and features:

• Malaysian guided tours, including some of Malaysia’s biggest attractions.
• International tours to a wide variety of destinations across the globe
• Pilgrimage tours for embarking on a spiritual journey and discovering sacred sites across Asia
• Especially designed Muslim tours—including sightseeing in religious locations
• Honeymoon destinations for newlyweds and those needing a romantic getaway
• Company trips and corporate travel management including booking and transportation

Choose the right travel agency to make the most of your Malaysia trip

Malaysia can be an excellent backdrop to any trip. With culturally rich cities like Malacca and the breathtaking islands of Borneo, the experience is bound to be unforgettable. Additionally, it is just a stone's throw away from other important Asian places—think a honeymoon in Bali or a business meeting in Tokyo.

However, if you’re planning a corporate event, it’s best to leave your travel plans with the best travel company. That’s exactly where TravelPerk can help. It’s the best choice for flawless organization, flexible booking, and offering a personalized experience. With TravelCare, you can receive updated information on travel restrictions, ensuring you have a safe and smooth trip.

Travel to Malaysia with peace of mind using our comprehensive corporate travel tool featuring 24/7 customer support and an inventory of personalized travel services.

The post The 5 best online travel agencies in Malaysia appeared first on TravelPerk.

Domestic and international business travel can open many doors to developing new corporate partnerships and expanding your network.

While virtual meetings and webinars have become commonplace since the pandemic, in-person business meetings allow you to make stronger connections and build trust more easily with colleagues and clients. 

Traveling to another culture can also offer employees different perspectives and the chance to return to the office with innovative ideas or previously elusive solutions. 

However, we all know business trips can be challenging! Before you even embark on your journey, there are pitfalls and large amounts of planning to overcome. We have all fallen foul of overwhelming weeks trying to prepare a stand-out presentation while panic-packing those last-minute items.

Whether you're heading to Europe or Utah, we'll give you the lowdown on how to best ensure your business travel is as productive and stress-free as possible. Let's dive in!

Research reduces risk!

Before you set off, it's important to research your destination to avoid as many surprises as possible! Remember to look up the weather forecast to pack appropriately and prevent mistakes like planning a spectacular outdoor event during the rainy season!

Brush up on local customs

If you're going overseas, ensure you understand the local culture so you can follow the appropriate customs. While a handshake is a common American greeting, business etiquette varies between countries. 

For example, in Japan, a subtle bow is a respected greeting, and handshaking happens less frequently, so ensure you follow your Japanese host's lead to get meetings off to a good start. It can also be helpful to learn some simple phrases in your host country's native language if it's different from your own.

Be prepared

It's always worth allowing some extra time to navigate a new city, especially if you're using public transport. Double-check meeting times and locations, and ensure you're aware of any planned transport disruptions like train strikes or road closures so you're not rushing to that important meeting! Another tip is to save your client's phone number before corporate meetings. If you face delays, you can contact them quickly without searching through emails or documents first. 

Business trips are often jam-packed! To avoid wasting time, set a clear agenda for the trip and meetings in advance so you and the other participants can focus on your organization's top priorities. Finally, when prepping to impress, study the names and roles of everyone you will meet so you direct questions to the most relevant person.

Pack only the essentials

Generally speaking, packing lighter is better, particularly for business travel. You'll save time not waiting for checked luggage to make its way off the plane, and you won't have to drag heavy bags to that last meeting before dashing to the airport! However, efficient packing does take some preparation.

Generally, it's best to choose clothes that can be layered if the weather is changeable while you're away. If you're attending a corporate event, check whether there are any dress codes to avoid any embarrassment! 

Check whether your company cards will work overseas and if the charges and exchange rates align with your company's travel policy. If you need an alternative, look into prepaid travel cards, which can be loaded to cover your travel spend before departure and topped up if necessary using a mobile app.

Finally, double-check what voltage and plug type is used in your destination and pack enough adapters to keep all your gadgets powered up! A travel adapter with USB ports can be worth sourcing so you can charge all your devices at the same time.

Navigating airports and ground transportation

Some airports are the size of small cities, and it can be easy to get lost! When creating an itinerary, factor this into your travel time and allow for lengthy immigration queues! 

Serving over 5 million passengers a month, you'll need 3-4 hours to comfortably transfer through Singapore's expansive Changi Airport. 

When you reach your destination, taking public transport rather than relying on private cars or taxis might be more convenient. Download local maps and public transport apps before you arrive so they're available offline if you don't have data or access to Wi-Fi. As a backup, install a local rideshare app to nip from A to B if your bus lets you down.

Assess your accommodation options

Several factors can come into play when deciding on the best accommodation for your business trip. Where your meetings are taking place will influence which area you need to be located or have reliable transport links to.

If you're traveling individually, hotel rooms are likely your best option. In contrast, Airbnb can be more affordable and practical for group travel. However, this is always true! In certain cities, booking an Airbnb is often cheaper than a hotel, regardless of party size.  If you want to know more about how Airbnb rates for business trips, check out our comprehensive guide on using Airbnb for corporate travel.

New York is just one example of a destination where Airbnb is often more cost effective than a traditional hotel stay.

With so many options and things to consider, it can be simpler to let a full-service travel agency or travel management company (TMC) take care of arrangements for you. TravelPerk is a corporate TMC with an extensive accommodation inventory and access to industry-leading corporate rates. Plus, users can access a range of corporate travel solutions and 24/7 customer support. 

Stay productive with SaaS

Being able to access your work systems remotely can help you stay productive and manage your time effectively while on the move. A wide range of SaaS tools are available, from Trello and Asana to organize to-do lists, Slack and Microsoft Teams to keep connected, and Google Drive and Dropbox to ensure easy access to documents.

Plan for peace of mind

Travel insurance is an important aspect of your company's duty of care for business trips. Policies can include coverage for lost luggage, cancellations, and healthcare emergencies, so check which inclusions you have in your travel policy for reassurance on the road. 

For further peace of mind, TravelPerk's travel risk management solution, TravelCare, can keep you informed and supported before and during business trips. Users receive real-time notifications about any health and safety risks relevant to their destination, and a dedicated customer care team is available 24/7 for assistance.

Save time to explore

When your meetings are over, ensure you factor in some downtime while you're away. Remember to give yourself time to relax, not only for your well-being but also to soak up your destination for inspiration.

34% of surveyed workers believe their most creative ideas have come while traveling for work, a stat that jumps to 53% for employees aged 16-24 (TravelPerk).

Eating healthily, keeping hydrated, and frequent rest can also help you feel energized and ready to tackle next quarter's challenges on your return!

The post Traveling for meetings: what you need to know appeared first on TravelPerk.

Managing business travel operations without travel management software is like driving around an unfamiliar city without GPS -- you’ll eventually reach your destination, but you can expect the journey to be longer, more stressful, and more expensive.

Travel management software is a must-have for companies where employees are often on the road for work. ATPI, a global travel company that’s been operational in the industry for over 20 years, is a popular corporate travel management tool -- but it’s not the best option for every business.

Here, we explore the five best ATPI competitors and alternatives, including features, benefits, and pricing to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

1. TravelPerk

TravelPerk is an end-to-end travel management company (TMC) with an all-in-one digital platform for businesses and corporate travellers.

The modern platform is built with traveller self-management at its core and enables users to manage the business travel booking process from beginning to end from its centralised platform. From travel management reporting and trip approvals to policy compliance and traveller safety features, TravelPerk provides a best-in-class experience for business travellers and finance managers.

As well as access to the world’s largest travel inventory for flights and accommodation, TravelPerk offers the most comprehensive and unique set of corporate travel features. These include a VAT recovery solution, a carbon offsetting program, and FlexiPerk, an add-on that allows users to cancel their travel plans up to two hours before departure with a guaranteed refund of 80%.

TravelPerk noteworthy features

• An intuitive, user-friendly online booking platform—all traveller data, preferences, and loyalty points can be stored to use whenever needed.
• Integrated travel policy and approval flows to streamline the booking process.
• A simplified travel expense process with real-time expense reports.
• 24/7 business travel assistance with a target 15-second response rate.
• TravelCare, a complete and modern travel safety and alerts system that provides business travelers with peace of mind.
• Centralized and single invoicing for all business travel, removing the need to send invoice requests and reminders.
• A huge catalog of integrations with third-party software.

On top of the comprehensive features listed above, TravelPerk also offers a meetings and events management solution and enables users to book alternative transportation options, such as trains and rental cars from within the TravelPerk platform.

How customers rate TravelPerk

• G2 rating: 4.6/5 (as of October 2023)
• Capterra rating: 4.8/5 (as of October 2023)

TravelPerk pricing

Since TravelPerk is suitable for businesses of all sizes, there are four pricing plans to choose from, starting with a free tier. All plans have access to the world’s largest travel inventory and customer care support team, and customers can add an unlimited amount of travelers or administrators to the platform.

Across all of TravelPerk’s paid plans, businesses only pay the monthly fee if they travel that month. Here’s an overview of TravelPerk’s pricing tiers:

• Starter: This plan is free to use, meaning there is no monthly subscription fee. Plus, the first 5 bookings each month are completely free too, with a 5% booking fee thereafter. Users have access to consolidated invoicing, unlimited cost centers, one policy and approval workflow, and travel restrictions information and alerts.
• Premium: Priced at $99/month with a 3% booking fee, this plan offers concierge services for special requests, savings of up to 25% with VAT-ready invoices, and secure traveller sign-in and automated user setup.
• Pro: This plan costs $299/month with a 3% booking fee and provides unlimited policy and approval workflows, unlimited budgets by cost center, custom reports and insights, and access to corporate rates.
• Enterprise: This tier is designed for enterprise businesses that want to customisze their requirements. To find out more about this plan, get in touch with an expert.

Languages supported by TravelPerk

TravelPerk supports the following languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French.

ATPI vs TravelPerk

Since ATPI does not have any user reviews across the most well-known third-party review sites, it’s difficult to compare the solution with TravelPerk from a user perspective.
TravelPerk’s customers on the other hand rave about the platform’s comprehensive features and user experience. Speaking of their experience, one reviewer said, “Easy and intuitive interface, with a good range of choices & parameters to find the flight & accommodation which perfectly suits your business travel needs. Onboarding is really easy as you understand everything needed in a second. The approval from my manager was swift without any trouble.”

While ATPI specialises in providing travel services to specific industries (ATPI Marine & Energy, for example), TravelPerk comes out on top when it comes to a direct feature comparison.

TravelPerk offers a larger travel inventory, a better customer support function, and more integrations with a number of third-party apps for a seamless user experience (ATPI does not provide a significant third-party integration library -- only the Direct ATPI module integrates with Microsoft Teams).

2. Clarity

Clarity is a global business travel platform that offers booking, reporting, and traveller-tracking solutions for companies in the infrastructure, energy, academic, retail, sports, and public sectors.
The platform aims to improve the cost-effectiveness of business travel programs, policy compliance rates, and resource optimisation.

Clarity noteworthy features

• A large travel inventory that incorporates over one million hotels and 80 airlines.
• AirHelp, a solution that helps users claim compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
• 24/7 traveller alerts to keep your employees informed and safe while on the road.

How customers rate Clarity

• G2 rating: Clarity is not listed on G2.
• Capterra rating: Clarity is not listed on Capterra.

Clarity pricing

Clarity doesn't share pricing information on their website -- you’ll need to contact them to obtain a quote.

Languages supported by Clarity

Clarity only supports the English language.

ATPI vs Clarity

Neither ATPI nor Clarity has a presence on the most popular user review sites. However, one user on another review platform spoke of their experience with Clarity, saying, “I've had issues all three times I've used it. The website is painfully slow, buggy, and non-intuitive and the customer service is tedious. The first time I used it they failed to send me my tickets (I was emailed a dead link) and only received them days before travel after multiple mostly futile emails where I was emailed back by a different person every time.”

While ATPI does offer carbon offsetting solutions and corporate event management packages, Clarity caters to a wider range of industries and a more modern platform for streamlined business travel.

3. Agiito

Based in the United Kingdom, Agiito is a travel, meetings, and events management company that places traveller safety, duty of care, and well-being at the heart of businesses’ travel programs. To ensure the safety of travellers, Agiito offers 24/7 customer support and robust risk management processes.

Agiito noteworthy features

• An inventory that includes 260 of the world's leading airlines and over 300,000 properties.
• For air travel, the company provides a dedicated support team for group travel requirements.
• For rail travel, Agiito provides a user-friendly online booking tool.

How customers rate Agiito

• G2 rating: Agiito is not listed on G2.
• Capterra rating: Agiito is not listed on Capterra.

Agiito pricing

Agiito doesn't share pricing information on their website -- you’ll need to contact them to obtain a quote.

Languages supported by Agiito

Agiito only supports the English language.

ATPI vs Agiito

Agiito does not have a presence on the most popular user review sites. In fact, we couldn’t find any legitimate customer reviews for Agiito across the web.

In terms of features, ATPI provides more robust functionality for global business travel programs, including an online booking tool for all types of travel, a travel dashboard, and global buying power to access reduced fares. While ATPI might be a better fit for larger businesses and corporations, Agiito, with its limited travel options, might be more suited to smaller businesses without such extensive travel requirements.

4. CTM Travel

CTM Travel is a corporate travel management platform that offers business travel and management services. The company specialises in corporate travel and events and leisure trips, and helps businesses manage their wholesale travel spend.

As well as online booking tools and travel reporting features, CTM Travel also helps businesses work towards their sustainability goals.

CTM Travel noteworthy features

• A user-friendly online booking tool that includes built-in approval processes for quicker travel management.
• An airfare forecasting tool for more informed planning decisions and cost savings.
• CTM consolidates travel information from various sources, including APIs to offer customers travel content via the most budget-friendly channels.

How customers rate CTM Travel

• G2 rating: 1.8/5 (Note that this rating is based on only one user review, as of October 2023)
• Capterra rating: CTM Travel is not listed on Capterra.

CTM Travel pricing

CTM Travel doesn't share pricing information on their website -- you’ll need to contact them to obtain a quote.

Languages supported by CTM Travel

CTM Travel only supports the English language.

ATPI vs CTM Travel

CTM Travel does not have much of a presence on the most popular user review sites. The only user review to be found -- titled “Better off on your own” -- spoke of the problems they’ve experienced with CTM Travel: “Over the last year, they have taken a turn for the worse. Our rep is always MIA and doesn't respond or help. Might be lucky to get help after several follow-up emails. After they had to do backend maintenance for 3 days, our OBT was never restored and they didn't do much or were that concerned. WE had to find a workaround solution but still was not a full site. 6 months later and still no help or solution.”

Compared to ATPI, CTM Travel seems to provide a sleeker interface and more user-friendly features, with fewer independent solutions and modules. Whereas ATPI is geared toward specific industries, CTM Travel caters to all sectors.

Both solutions offer sustainability and offsetting features (ATPI Halo is a carbon offsetting program designed to reduce emissions), while neither provides a huge library of third-party integrations.

5. FCM Travel

FCM Travel is a comprehensive online travel management solution, encompassing travel account management, expense tracking, and safety and risk management.

The company also delivers specialised travel consulting and in-depth reporting services, as well as destination and event management support.

FCM Travel noteworthy features

• A customisable travel approval system tailored to individual company travel policies.
• A traveller safety function with round-the-clock access to a range of travel risk management tools.
• A simplified approval process through the consolidation of travel approvals from various booking tools and devices into a unified dashboard.

How customers rate FCM Travel

• G2 rating: 5/5 (Note that this rating is based on only one user review, as of October 2023)
• Capterra rating: FCM Travel is not listed on Capterra.

FCM Travel pricing

FCM Travel doesn't share pricing information on their website -- you’ll need to contact them to obtain a quote.

Languages supported by FCM Travel

FCM Travel only supports the English language.

ATPI vs FCM Travel

The only user review we could find for FCM travel across the most popular review sites was a 5* review from four years ago. The review also only mentions the booking and expense management process and gives no insight into the platform as a whole.

However, in a direct feature comparison, FCM Travel has the edge over ATPI, with AI-powered features including alerts, reporting analysis, and booking tips based on preferred carriers. Additionally, FCM Travel aims to “deliver an ESG-centric travel programme”, focused on an environmental, social, and governance strategy.

Wrapping up: Which ATPI alternative is best for your business?

Whether you’re looking to replace ATPI as your business travel platform or are just starting your search for the best TMCs, the good news is that there are plenty of ATPI alternatives that cater to the entire travel industry -- the trick is finding the right provider for your specific needs.

However, bear in mind that managing your company’s entire business travel program is no small feat, and requires an all-in-one travel management solution that helps you automate processes, provides employee self-service features, keeps travellers safe, and delivers valuable insights.

TravelPerk’s platform outperforms ATPI in terms of features, ease of use, itinerary management, integrations, and reporting capabilities -- as well as an extensive inventory for flights and accommodation. To find out how you can optimise business travel spending and maximisze ROI, get in touch with us today.

The post The top 5 ATPI alternatives to consider in 2023 appeared first on TravelPerk.

With a staggering 72% of total car rental revenue expected to be generated through online sales by 2027, there’s good reason why companies are turning to car rental software to help them capitalize on this digital shift and remain competitive in the evolving market.

Whether you’re a small business, start-up, travel management company, or travel agency looking to streamline business travel booking, this article breaks down the best car rental software and each system’s key features and functionalities to help you make the right choice for your needs.

What is corporate car rental software?

Corporate car rental software is primarily designed for car rental companies and dealerships to help them modernize their rental management systems, manage back-office tasks, and optimize fleet management processes.

However, corporate car rental software also caters to travel management companies and agencies to help them handle business travel operations, including car rental bookings, management, and tracking.

For example, while travel managers might be looking for car rental software that helps them rent vehicles for business, travel agencies might be interested in integrating a car booking engine into their website, enabling direct car rental reservations that streamline their clients' travel experiences.

As well as features for booking and managing vehicle rentals, corporate car rental software helps organizations track fleet operations, automate billing and invoicing, maintain driver and vehicle information, utilize GPS tracking, and generate insightful reports.

Best car rental software for companies

1. TravelPerk

Unlike leisure travelers who might prioritize the cheapest rental cars, business travelers have different needs. As well as a frictionless and reliable booking experience, business travelers are looking for flexibility, stellar customer support options, and exclusive corporate rates.

Catering for all these needs and more, TravelPerk is one of the few travel management platforms with a complete car rental booking feature that’s designed explicitly for business travelers. TravelPerk offers the widest selection of corporate rentals and rates and enables business travelers and travel managers to book car rentals, flights, accommodation, and save money with its all-in-one travel platform.

TravelPerk works with some of the top names on the market, including Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt. This system means that you’ll save significantly more than by simply booking with a provider.

And that's not all. You can also easily manage travel itineraries, business expenses, and VAT refunds. In fact, companies that book through TravelPerk have access to a VAT recovery solution, helping them save up to 25% of their annual travel budget for travel throughout Europe.

TravelPerk noteworthy features

• Streamline business travel and expense management within a single platform and seamlessly link your car rental with other travel plans.
• Gain access to an extensive global corporate car rental inventory and enjoy lower prices thanks to exclusive rates.
• Enjoy rapid 24/7 customer support, with responses to your or your employees' inquiries with a 15-second target response.
• If you need to make a cancellation up to two hours before the booking begins, FlexiPerk allows you to retrieve up to 80% of the cost of the trip.
• Receive VAT-friendly invoices from various car rental companies (applicable only to travel within Europe).

What’s Included:

• 3-day rental for a midsize sedan
• Insurance coverage and liability protection
• Cancellation policy
• Unlimited mileage

How customers rate TravelPerk

• G2 rating: 4.6/5 (as of October 2023)
• Capterra rating: 4.8/5 (as of October 2023)

Best car rental solutions for travel management companies and travel agencies

2. HQ Rental Software

HQ Rental Software is a web-based car rental management software solution that offers four tools: Online booking management, reservation, and payment plugins, fleet management tools, a self-service car rental tool, and a telematics solution for rental vehicle tracking.

The solution aims to help car rental businesses automate their car rental operations, manage fleet availability, repairs, and finances, and create customized rental agreements. Companies that rent motorbikes and boats and those that specialize in equipment rentals can also benefit from HQ Rental Software’s integrated rental package.

HQ Rental Software noteworthy features

• HQ Rental Software integrates with payment gateways such as Stripe and PayPal for integrated payment processing.
• Automatic and customizable receipts, rental agreements, and booking services.
• A drag-and-drop calendar helps businesses manage schedules, appointments, and rental durations.
• Users can set up maintenance rules, notifications, and alerts and create repair orders via automatic emails.
• Advanced reports help organizations monitor key performance indicators regarding their bookings, fleets, financial performance, and online conversions.

How customers rate HQ Rental Software

• G2 rating: As of October 2023, HQ Rental Software does not have any user reviews on G2.
• Capterra rating: 4.8/5 (as of October 2023)

HQ Rental Software pricing

As well as a free 7-day trial, HQ Rental Software offers four pricing tiers:

• Basic: $90/month for 10 vehicles.
• Standard: $150/month for 25 vehicles.
• Professional: $225/month for 50 vehicles.
• Enterprise: Travel management companies and agencies with more than 50 vehicles can request custom quotes.

3. Flit2GO

Flit2GO is a vehicle rental management solution designed to modernize and digitalize car rental services with a seamless multi-channel booking system, automation features, and intelligent follow-up processes for improved customer relationship management (CRM). The system is also customizable for all types of rental vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, scooters, motorhomes, and bicycles.

The software’s ERP tool for internal management helps organizations manage billing, customer registration, and booking calendars from one place. Flit2GO’s features help to centralize the entire car rental process from customer registration through to the start and end of the rental.

Flit2GO noteworthy features

• Users benefit from the digitalization of invoices and online contract signing.
• Flit2GO’s booking engine enables easy online reservations and bookings.
• Companies can create their own tailor-made and customizable car rental mobile app, complete with company branding.
• Reservation systems are connected to the platform’s ERP to help companies stay in complete control of their entire business.
• A fleet control module enables companies to remotely monitor and track their vehicle fleet.

How customers rate Flit2GO

• G2 rating: As of October 2023, Flit2GO does not have any user reviews on G2.
• Capterra rating: 5/5 (Note that this rating is based on nine user reviews, as of October 2023)

Flit2GO pricing

Flit2GO does not display public pricing information on its website -- you’ll need to contact them directly for a quote.

4. Rentall

Cloud-based car rental software solution Rentall is an all-in-one system designed for rental car companies. The software enables companies to automate all business processes, from marketing and maintenance to payments and reporting.

The software helps companies manage their fleet, customers, online bookings, rental agreements, and reservations with the added bonus of easy integration into their existing websites.

Rentall noteworthy features

• With over 30 add-ons, the platform can be customized to suit each organization’s unique business needs and goals.
• All users receive comprehensive platform training with the support of a dedicated support team.
• Users can enable real-time alerts, including customer inquiries and maintenance issues.
• Businesses can include a car-sharing add-on to their offering, providing customers with simple online reservations, e-signatures, contactless pickup and return processes, and user-friendly payment processing.

How customers rate Rentall

• G2 rating: 4.9/5 (As of October 2023)
• Capterra rating: 4.5/5 (As of October 2023)

Rentall pricing

Rentall does not display public pricing information for the three feature packages on offer. Instead, the company creates custom quotes based on the type and number of vehicles and the number of locations you require.

Best car rental software for small businesses

5. Vevs

Vevs is a SaaS-based vehicle rental software platform and website builder designed for small businesses to help them elevate their sales, optimize business operations, and enhance customer satisfaction.

In addition to an all-in-one rental solution complete with online reservations and payments, Vevs provides SEO-friendly website creation, lifetime customer support, and assisted setup and platform training. Vevs also offers several third-party integrations -- including fleet management software -- and a full API to help companies streamline their entire business.

Vevs noteworthy features

• Businesses can set variable rental rates based on reservation duration and seasonal pricing for all vehicle categories.
• Client communication is improved and staff are updated with automatic notifications for new reservations, payments, and cancellations.
• Maintenance and repair operations and vehicle expenses can be tracked, including dates, categories, types, costs, and status.
• The provider creates reports on sales and business history to help businesses make informed decisions based on real-time data.
• The API feature extracts specific data from Vevs’ platform and seamlessly integrates it with other third-party systems.

How customers rate Vevs

• G2 rating: 5/5 (Note that this rating is based on only one user review, as of October 2023)
• Capterra rating: 4.3/5 (Note that this rating is based on six user reviews, as of October 2023)

Vevs pricing

VEVS offers flat, subscription-based pricing. The software costs $80/month plus $799 for setup costs that include website creation, software configuration, and vehicle integration.

You’ll also need to select the number of vehicles that you operate. To give you an idea of the price, 10 vehicles will cost you an additional $73/month with an annual contract.

Wrapping up

Corporate car rental systems are a game-changer for business owners, vehicle rental businesses, travel management companies, and travel agencies that want to save time and money, simplify back-end operations, and boost profitability and online sales.

But, the future of the car rental industry will rely on more than just providing a great fleet of vehicles; the key differentiator will be how you leverage software to remain competitive in an evolving market, make better business decisions, and meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of your customers.
To find out more about how TravelPerk can save your business money on car rentals for business trips, book a demo with our expert team today.

The post The top 5 best corporate car rental software in 2023 appeared first on TravelPerk.

Planning corporate events can be a real treat: you can facilitate in-person get-togethers and the meaningful interactions that come with interfacing IRL. But for many, planning everything from team-building events to flights that all arrive around the same time, is a ton of stress.

That’s where an event management company can step in, especially in Canada! With the market size of the event planning industry growing yearly, there are plenty of event management companies to choose from in Canada, no matter the event or project you’re planning. Check out our top event management company recommendations below.

The 7 best event management companies in Canada

1. TravelPerk: top event management company for corporate events

TravelPerk is a best-in-class business travel platform that empowers travelers to connect with their colleagues in real life. With TravelPerk, booking, managing, and coordinating event travel is made easy.

TravelPerk customers also benefit from a comprehensive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) service. An in-house team of event experts is available to help you with venue sourcing, booking management, timeline management, duty of care, and more.

Due to hybrid and remote working, we recognize that companies are increasingly eager to gather team members in person. Our close relationships with suppliers mean you’ll get the best deal, every time. You’ll also benefit from consolidated invoicing and payment, all on the TravelPerk platform. 

Headquarters: Barcelona, Spain

Offices: London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Miami

What event planning services does TravelPerk offer?

TravelPerk offers event management services to customers in the US, the UK, Spain, Germany, France, and other European countries. These may include:

• Group bookings
• Audio/visual effects
• Incentive programs
• Ground transportation
• Theming and production
• Project bookings
• Delegate registration
• And more!

We can be involved in your event as much or as little as you want, depending on your needs. Request a demo below!

2. Bujou Studios: professional event planning company focused on memorable activations

Bujou Studios offers bespoke event management and event planning services for companies looking to activate their brands in a creative, splashy way all across North America and Canada—from British Colombia to Toronto and everywhere in between. Event production services can also be augmented by their marketing agency for companies and brands needing a bit more of a boost.

Headquarters: Alberta

Offices: Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa

What type of events do they plan? 

• Brand activations
• Brand experiences
• Corporate media events

What services do they offer? 

• Event management services
• Event production and logistics
• Post-event reporting
• Marketing strategy
• Public relations 

3. Fuse Create: award-winning event management services

Fuse Create’s award-winning Canadian team specializes in full-service virtual and in-person events that give companies the chance to interact with one another and with brands they love. Their professional event planners integrate with client planning teams to pull off a world-class shindig every time.

Headquarters: Toronto

What type of events do they plan? 

• Brand activations
• Corporate events
• Large-scale meetings

What services do they offer? 

• Event planning
• Event management
• Public relations services
• Event marketing
• Brand activation strategy for both digital and in-person events

4. Mosaic Events: event agency specializing in corporate events

The Mosaic Events team builds detailed, meaningful business events for companies looking to foster deeper connections and bring people together after years apart—from corporate meetings and conferences to AGMs. With years of experience hosting events in British Columbia and beyond, the production company boasts many well-known clients that come back again and again for their next event.

Headquarters: Calgary

Offices: Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto

What type of events do they plan? 

• Corporate events
• Product launches
• Board meetings
• Training seminars
• AGMs
• Off-site meetings

What services do they offer? 

• Corporate event planning
• Event management
• Full-service event production

5. Tigris Events: award-winning event staffing and experiential marketing

The award-winning team behind Tigris Events fully staffs, prepares, and executes business and brand events—ensuring all your company has to do is show up. With a presence in 15+ markets all over Canada, they even take care of the little things like equipment rentals!

Headquarters: Calgary

Offices: Vancouver, Montreal

What type of events do they plan? 

• Brand activations
• Trade shows
• Corporate entertainment
• Brand promotions
• Special events

What services do they offer? 

• Event staffing
• Event management
• Digital marketing
• Corporate entertainment options

6. Learngistics: full-service corporate training virtually and in person

Learngistics fills a unique market niche: training and corporate events for teams working virtually, hybrid, or fully in person. Their service providers minimize the stress and friction of corporate learning through user conferences, town halls, onboarding, and corporate development solutions designed to happen online or IRL.

Headquarters: Toronto

What type of events do they plan? 

• Virtual events
• Corporate events
• Team building events
• Corporate learning seminars

What services do they offer? 

• Corporate learning support
• Virtual event production
• Live learning events
• Virtual and in-person corporate training

7. TK Events: Ontario-based event management and event planning

TK Events offers virtual and in-person event management support, including everything from event production to on-site management and load out (thanks to their partnerships with event venue staff). Their support services aim to support business and corporate events from start to finish, leaving more time and energy for teams to focus on reconnecting and collaborating.

Headquarters: Ontario

What type of events do they plan? 

• Award ceremonies
• Galas
• Board meetings
• Brand activations
• Creative productions

What services do they offer? 

• Event management
• Event planning
• Load-in and load-out services
• Social media support

An event planning company could be your answer!

Planning a corporate event can be taxing, especially if being an event planner isn’t your full-time job (or area of expertise). Hiring an event management company to connect your team members before, during, and after the event is a great way to get the support you need through partnerships invested in your success.

TravelPerk Events builds opportunities for companies of any type and size to bring people together through engaging, fun live events. We enable corporate event planners to manage attendees, locations, schedules, and travel plans in one user-friendly spot (say goodbye to spreadsheets!). 

The post The 7 best event management companies in Canada appeared first on TravelPerk.

Corporate travel is necessary for most organizations, whether taking opportunities to expand client networks, strengthening existing partnerships, or scoping out the latest industry trends at a conference.

Whether you’re traveling domestically or jetting off to Switzerland or Germany, you'll want your itinerary to be as streamlined and stress-free as possible. In many countries, such as Spain, France, and Japan, rail travel is one of the most efficient and sustainable modes of transport.

But, booking and keeping track of rail travel can be complicated and time-consuming for travel agents or managers. Thankfully, technology has come to the rescue! Train ticket booking apps and software can remove the hassle and help secure the best deals on your rail journeys.

In this article, we'll highlight some of the best train ticket booking software available and help you decide which system is right for you.

What is train booking software?

Like other itinerary-building solutions, train booking software collates options for travelers into a single platform, making it easier to secure the most suitable tickets for your trip.

Optimizing the booking experience for the user, some platforms are designed specifically for travel agents, while others are streamlined for businesses to use directly.

The best train booking software for companies

If you're a travel manager or team member looking for a user-friendly online booking tool for trains, TravelPerk offers a comprehensive solution.

TravelPerk

TravelPerk is an all-in-one business travel platform with an industry-leading inventory. TravelPerk's easy-to-use railway ticket booking system has functionalities and features to optimize your corporate travel management.

• An expansive inventory for booking business train travel with the best price guaranteed.
• Integration with existing train loyalty programs, including Amtrak Guest Rewards in the US and Canada, allows you to earn points directly through TravelPerk. 
• Streamline the booking process by saving your discount railcards to your profile. 
• A range of European company rail cards are supported, including all UK Rail National Railcards and options from Deutsche Bahn, Renfe, SBB, SNCF, and Thalys.
• Users can even book a London Day Travelcard for unlimited travel in zones 1-6, valid on the London Underground, Elizabeth Line, Overground, DLR, buses, trams, and National Rail services. So you can hop from business meetings in Canary Wharf to a conference at ExCeL London and finish the day with dinner in Covent Garden.
• Receive quick responses from TravelPerk's dedicated in-house customer support team, available 24/7 for unlimited assistance.
• Take the stress out of cancellations with FlexiPerk and receive an 80% refund when canceling up to two hours in advance.

G2 rating 4.6 out of 5 - correct as of October 2023

Capterra rating 4.7 out of 5 - correct as of October 2023

TravelPerk offers a free demo on its full range of plans, so you can try it before subscribing. Organizations can choose from a free Starter plan, a Premium plan from $99 per month, a Pro plan from $299 monthly, or customize to your individual needs with an Enterprise plan.

Best train booking solutions for travel management companies and travel agencies

If you're a travel agency or travel management company looking to integrate rail reservations into your business, there are a few highly rated options for software.

Fareharbor

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, Fareharbor is the leading booking solution for tour operators, activity providers, attractions, and rental companies. Fareharbor provides bespoke train booking solutions, and a few standout features include:

• Mobile-optimized booking workflows provide a seamless customer experience on the go.
• Customize seat maps with Fareharbor's ticket management system and auto-assign seats for clients or let them choose their own for each booking.
• Available on iOS and Android, the Fareharbor mobile app offers real-time notifications, acts as a payment gateway, and makes it easy to maintain customer profile management in the office or on the road.
• Top API and OTA connections and distribution networks that will help increase your bookings.
• Access to white-glove SaaS onboarding from specialists and 24/7 multi-language customer support.

G2 rating 4.1 out of 5 - correct as of October 2023

Capterra rating 4.8 out of 5 - correct as of October 2023

Fareharbor offers a range of solutions with free and paid plans. Interested travel agencies can reach out for detailed pricing and a complimentary demo.

Amadeus

Amadeus has been providing worldwide travel software solutions since 1987. A renowned booking tool, Amadeus users can access multiple rail operators and is designed with flexibility and ease in mind.

• Amadeus Rail Display is a train booking tool that displays all suitable rail options in one place and is fully integrated into travel agencies' processes. 
• Real-time pricing and availability let you find the best deals and pick a suitable train schedule.
• Amadeus Air-Rail Display shows you rail and flight travel options together. This connectivity means you can compare or combine the two methods of transport with ease to optimize your client's journey.
• A clear and simple interface keeps staff training times to a minimum.
• Join the Amadeus Live Travel Community, a network of travel industry professionals. On this support platform, you can ask questions and share insights in this interactive forum.

G2 rating 4.5 out of 5 - correct as of October 2023

Capterra rating 3.5 out of 5 - correct as of October 2023

Amadeus pricing depends on the services you require and the size of your company and client base. Contact Amadeus to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quotation.

Sqills

Sqills is the global market leader in commercial off-the-shelf public transport reservations and ticketing systems. S3 Passenger, Sqills' fully scalable, modular web-based platform, is a comprehensive sales and distribution solution for rail and bus operators.

It's currently used in 10 countries by over 38 operators, including VIA Rail, SJ and Eurostar. Although Sqills mainly serves transportation providers, its software can help travel agencies and management companies broaden services, streamline operations, and improve the travel booking experience for customers.

• 1000s of out-of-the-box features so you can be up and running quickly with reliable technology.
• Integration with S3 Passenger gives your clients access to Sqills' large inventory of available train and bus tickets, which are updated in real-time.
• S3 Passenger also handles the sale of ancillary services, such as seat reservations, onboard amenities, and insurance.
• Dynamic pricing and revenue optimization tools let you adjust fares and promotions to maximize profits and competitiveness.
• Reporting tools track performance, analyze booking trends, and make data-driven suggestions to improve your services.

No G2 rating as of October 2023

Capterra rating 4 out of 5 - correct as of October 2023

Sqills offers a free trial, and you can organize an appointment to discuss your company's needs and relevant pricing.

Netstorming

Based in Italy, Netstorming has almost two decades of experience developing software for the travel and tourism sector. It has four main product offerings, including Castle, a B2B and B2C online booking engine.  

Travel product options include train tickets, flights, car rentals, hotel bookings, and tours. Netstorming's train ticketing software is aimed at travel agencies, tour operators, and destination management companies (DMCs), and highlights include:

• XML integration services of trains and railways allow seamless data sharing, including timetables, fares, and availability. 
• Ability to manage rail deals and offers so customers can access competitive prices.
• Customers can make secure payments by credit card and have the option to pay a deposit upfront and the remaining balance later.
• Clients are offered dedicated servers for greater flexibility and performance.
• Netstorming offers a team of software developers to provide speedy technical assistance.  

No G2 rating as of October 2023

No Capterra rating as of October 2023

You can book a consultation with a Netstorming sales rep to learn about its bespoke pricing plans and software solution options.

Choosing the right software

If you are an organization looking to manage rail travel for your employees, TravelPerk is a comprehensive option that will save time and boost productivity. The most suitable train reservation system for travel management companies and agencies will vary between businesses. Before contacting your options, consider your size, the functionality you need, the user experience you are looking for, and whether you want to easily combine it with other online software tools your organization utilizes.

The post The best train booking tools in 2023 appeared first on TravelPerk.

With so many options on the market, finding the right car rental provider can be a headache, so we’ve done the hard work for you.

Taking into account everything from rewards programs to airport locations, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best rental car companies in America. You might be looking for an economy car for a one-way rental getting you from A to B, or you might be sourcing a pick-up truck for a week-long rental. Whatever it is you need, these companies will kit you out. 

To best compare the options, we searched each website for a 3-day midweek rental in New York (JFK Airport), for dates two weeks out from the time of writing.

Ready? Let’s get started. 

1. TravelPerk: the best choice for business travelers

If you’re searching for the best car rental deals for business trips, travel management company TravelPerk might be your best bet. With multiple types of cars available, from Compact to Economy, Intermediate to Mini, you’re free to pick the style that best caters to your specific needs.

TravelPerk offers a vast inventory, including both manual and automatic cars, from which to choose your rental car. If you’re looking for a sustainable option, there’s also a selection of electric cars available. 

TravelPerk works with some of the top names on the market, including Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, and Sixt. This system means that you’ll save significantly more than by simply booking with a provider. The benefits don’t end there—if you have specific needs requiring a specialized service, TravelPerk can get in touch with extra providers to find your ideal vehicle. 

With all the bonus features including additional drivers, young driver insurance, and booster seats, TravelPerk’s got your back.

TravelPerk’s key features include:

• Partnerships with leading car rental companies
• 24/7 customer service with a target 15-second response time 
• Intuitive booking tool and all-in-one platform
• Available in four languages: English, French, Spanish, German 
• Bonus feature GreenPerk to offset your carbon emissions
• Paid extra FlexiPerk, enabling passengers to cancel up to two hours before a journey starts and receive at least 80% of their money back 
• A vast number of software integrations

During our research, we found that the TravelPerk platform gave a wide variety of options for a family car rental in mid-October, booked with two weeks’ notice, from $146 - $623. 

2. Hertz: the top car rental loyalty program on the market

Close to 20 million users around the world is about as good a recommendation as you’re going to get. Hertz is a strong contender when it comes to rent-a-car solutions. Whether you’re heading to Michigan in a Mercedes or Pennsylvania in a Peugeot, Hertz has everything from luxury saloons to zero-emissions EVs. Hertz offers some competitive rental rates—some of the most affordable on the market—but doesn't cut down on quality.

The Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® program has eradicated the fear of lengthy morning queues that are so notorious with car rental companies of the past. As a member of the program, you’ll be able to skip the queues and head straight for your car at the pick-up location. 

You’ll also rack up points pretty quickly, allowing you to access perks, and add-on features to make your car rental experience that much more enjoyable.

Some of their stand-out features include: 

• The Dream Collection: a selection of luxury cars (only available in certain locations)
• Van rentals by the week, day, or even by the hour
• Partner offers to sweeten your trip including American Express, Hostelling International, Sonhaus, Accor, and more
• Gold Plus Rewards: earn redeemable points, save up to 10%, guaranteed upgrades, and more
• GPS navigation

During our research, prices for a family car rental during mid-October, booking two weeks in advance, gives options at around $154 - $436.

3. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: a global leader in customer satisfaction

With some of the best rental prices on the market, Enterprise is a global leader when it comes to car rental services. Established in 1957, Enterprise has locations all over the USA, but also Europe, Asia, Australia, and much more. They cater to various travel requirements, whether a one-day car hire or a month-long rental.

Offering exceptional customer service and competitive rental rates, Enterprise is known for its reliability and accessibility. Globally, Enterprise owns and operates over 1.7 million vehicles: in short, they know what they’re doing. Enterprise is part of Enterprise Holdings, which also owns National Car Rental and Alamo Rent a Car.

Enterprise’s key features include:

• Enterprise Plus customer reward program
• Free upgrades for loyalty program members
• Replacements with no rental fees
• Car share options
• 25+ years old to rent a car
• Flex-E-Rent division

• Free cancellation up to three days before the scheduled pick-up
• Premium car hire options

A three-day family car rental for mid-October, booked two weeks in advance, offered various options between $285 and $740.

4. Fox Rent-A-Car: best for budget car rental and last-minute deals

If you’re looking for a car rental company that’ll have you back when you most need it—Fox is a great bet. With vehicles that are guaranteed to be safe and road-worthy, Fox operates all around the US with locations in Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Seattle, and more.

With drop-off points at all major airports, it’s best for travelers needing an economy car, and seeking cheap rates as a priority. Fox has many great deals on offer, but when you’re booking, keep an eye out for hidden fees: they’re not known for their transparent pricing system.

Fox’s key features include:

• Car rental age limit starts at 18 for active duty military, 19 for everyone else
• Free upgrades for loyalty program members
• Student discount available
• A fleet of over 20,000 vehicles
• Optional extras including GPS, car seats, snow chains, etc.
• Fee for one-way rentals, depending on location and rental company

Our research showed that searching for a three-day family car rental for mid-October, booked two weeks in advance, stood at $139 - $314.

5. National Car Rental: an American company with a smooth rental process

Owned by Enterprise Holdings, National is a top contender for those seeking both quality and affordable prices. With over 1,500 car rental locations around the world, including Canada and the rest of North America, you can rest assured this provider knows what they’re doing. With daily rates from only $30, National has some pretty good deals you can set your sights on. Whether it’s a sporty midsize or a hefty RV you’re looking for, National will help you source it.

National’s key features include:

• Emerald Club customer loyalty program
• National mobile app
• Van rentals by the week, day, or even by the hour
• Social responsibility program
• Last-minute special deals
• Partner rewards

We found that a three-day family car rental for mid-October, booked two weeks in advance, started at $281 - $477.

It’s time to book your ideal car rental agency

There you have it, five rental car companies in the US to consider for your next road trip. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or bleisure, you should be in safe hands, and on four wheels in no time at all. Two more companies to consider are Alamo and Turo if you want to extend your search a little further. 

Out of all of the companies we’ve shared on this page, TravelPerk comes out on top for its ease of use when it comes to the intuitive mobile booking application, and should be your go-to for business travel. 

The TravelPerk team works tirelessly to secure car rental deals that you’ll struggle to beat elsewhere. What’s more, traveling with TravelPerk comes with heaps more benefits beyond your car rentals: you’ll have your entire business trip planned from the comfort of one app. 

The post The 5 best car rental companies in the US appeared first on TravelPerk.

Most frequent travelers are used to using airline miles to book reward travel or using hotel rewards to get free nights.

But as car rentals continue to grow in popularity among travelers, you might be wondering if you can also use points and miles to rent a car. 

The quick answer is yes! 

There are a variety of ways to use miles or points to book a car rental. We’ll show you how in this article.

How to rent a car using miles or points

While there are a lot of ways to book a discounted car rental using miles or points, keep in mind that not all of these methods are created equally! When renting a car using travel rewards, there’s three main options: 

1. using points from a car rental reward program 
2. using credit card points 
3. using frequent flyer points 

1. Join a car rental reward program

The most efficient way to use points for car hire bookings is to join a car rental reward program. For travelers who rent cars frequently, this is the fastest way to earn rewards and the most efficient way to book reward car rentals. 

Car rental reward programs work similarly to airline mileage programs: the more you book, the more points you earn. Many car rental programs offer additional perks as well, such as expedited pick-up or drop-off processes, discount codes for non-reward bookings, and so on. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular car rental reward programs: 

Avis Preferred: With Avis Preferred, you earn 1 point for every $1 spent on rentals, plus 100 bonus points when you rent a car within your first 3 months of joining. Reward days start from 700 points, with no blackout dates.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: At Hertz, you also earn 1 point for every dollar spent on rentals. One free rental day starts at 950 points. 

Enterprise Plus: Members earn 1 point per dollar spent on qualifying rentals, and free rental days start at just 600 points, with no blackout dates. Gold, Silver and Platinum members earn more points per dollar. 

National Emerald Club: With Emerald Club, points and rewards are based on rental days and credits. One credit is earned for every qualified car rental. Free rental days can be redeemed once you have at least seven credits. 

Europcar Privilege: Europcar’s Privilege membership is less linear, but easier to earn rewards—they offer 10% off all rental rates to members, as well as free weekend rental after just three paid rentals. 

Sixt: With Sixt’s reward program, you earn increasingly greater discounts as opposed to free reward days. After three rentals, you'll become a Gold member, rewarding you with 10% off the base rate, and you can work your way up to the Platinum tier, earning 20% off base rates. 

2. Use credit card points

If you don’t rent frequently enough to be eligible for rental car loyalty programs, credit card points are the next best option. Many personal and corporate cards offer points that you can use on travel purchases, including car rentals. 

Some of the best corporate cards that offer travel rewards points are: 

• Chase’s Ink Business Preferred Credit Card 
• American Express Business Gold Card 
• Capital One Venture X Business Card

With each of these cards, not only can you earn points for travel-related purchases (among many other categories), you can also use points to redeem for rental cars and other travel. For many corporate cards, you can also transfer credit card points to participating travel loyalty programs. 

3. Use airline miles from a frequent flyer program

Finally, if neither of the above options work for you, you may be able to use airline miles from a frequent flyer program. However, you likely won’t get as much value for your miles compared to using them for flights. Another disclaimer: some frequent flyer points only allow you to book from airport locations.

That said, the following airline loyalty programs all allow you to earn and use miles for rental car bookings in the USA, Europe, Australia and beyond.

AA Advantage: Use miles for car rentals through select companies like Avis and Budget, starting from around 6,000 miles per day. AA cardmembers and Elite members can redeem car rentals for fewer miles. 

United Airlines: You can use United miles for booking rental cars with Avis car rental or Budget, starting from around 12,000 miles per day. 

Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines has a wide variety of car rental partners. Booking rental cars with airline miles is currently only available for Southwest credit card members. 

Delta Air Lines: You can use miles or miles + cash to pay for rental car bookings that are part of a Delta Vacations package. Miles needed to redeem free rental days depends on your Delta status and your vacation package. 

British Airways: You can use your Avios miles for booking Avis rental cars. Mileage needed per rental varies based on the base fare and rental locations. 

What to consider before booking a car rental with points

As discussed above, not all points redemption plans are created equally. Before you book a car with points, make sure you consider carefully all your options, and whether or not points are the best deal for your travel plans. 

Read the fine print 

Most car rentals booked with reward miles come with potential restrictions, blackout dates, taxes, surcharges, insurance fees or other costs that must be covered out of pocket either at the time of booking or at pickup. In addition, some reward travel programs have other booking caveats or restrictions that you should know before you start making plans to book car rentals with points. 

Compare rates 

Before you book using points, you should always do two things: 

1. compare rates from various car rental companies, when possible (i.e. if using credit card points or airline miles), and 
2. compare the value you get from using miles or points vs. paying in cash 

For example, when we checked United Airlines’ car rental reservation system, the search we made cost about 12,500 frequent flyer points for a one-day rental through Budget. That same search directly on Budget was about $60, which means you are spending approximately 200 points for every dollar on your rental. 

By comparison, you can book a roundtrip flight from Boston to Miami for around 19,000 United miles, or purchase the same flight for $320. In this case, you’re spending only around 60 points per dollar.

When it comes to business travel, this is especially important, as there are many corporate rates available without needing to spend hard-earned points. Companies who use a travel management platform like TravelPerk get access to exclusive corporate rates for car rentals and more. Plus, you can add your loyalty programs to your TravelPerk accounts and continue to earn miles on every eligible booking.

Is using points a good deal for renting a car?

Using points can get you some great deals on car rentals, it just depends on your situation. If you’re a member of a car rentals reward program and book rental cars frequently, you can earn some fantastic deals that can save you hundreds on car rentals. 

However, if you don’t rent cars frequently and are “borrowing” miles from another program, such as airline miles, you might not get the best value for your accrued points. An exception would be if you fly so frequently that you regularly earn miles faster than you can realistically redeem them. Although using loyalty programs to book rental cars can be tricky, when you’re booking cars for business travel, you can always save time and money with TravelPerk.

The post The quick guide to renting a car with points and miles appeared first on TravelPerk.