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Optimizing Your Journey: 5 Ways Roof Racks Enhance Your Adventure

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Optimizing Your Journey: 5 Ways Roof Racks Enhance Your Adventure

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Nothing is more relaxing on a weekend getaway in a personal automobile than venturing out of your weekly routine. A travel break is usually preceded by a change in the seasons, a professional accomplishment, or a family celebration. Regardless of the purpose of the trip, having accessories and luggage becomes necessary. A foldable wheelchair or a baby carriage are examples of medium- to large-sized things that may not fit perfectly in a car’s cabin. It’s possible that your car can’t readily fit into the space you need.

In an emergency like this, your best bet is a roof rack. It provides all the room required for gear and luggage without detracting from the overall driving experience. 

As a consequence of hassle-free travel, passengers feel much more at ease and calm. Custom fittings are available for car roof racks, but it’s important to know how to install the finest roof rack for your car. Let’s investigate the greatest guidelines to follow while buying roof racks.    

1. Extra Room for Your Bags

While traveling, most people tend to bring more than they need. If you count yourself among their numbers, you’ll need every inch of closet space you can find. You may safely transport your baggage on the roof rack instead of cramming it into the car.

Flatbed racks, roof boxes, and even basket-style flatbed cages are just a few options for roof racks for your automobiles. Depending on the amount of gear you want to bring along on your road trip, you can select an appropriate one. You won’t have to sacrifice a car room for your tent, bike, or chairs if hiking is on your plan.

2. Your Car’s Security

One of the riskiest things a motorist can do is overload their vehicle. Lost objects can turn into projectiles in an emergency. It is advisable to store as much as possible outside on a roof rack or basket to address this.

Investing in roof racks for your vehicle also serves to protect it from damage when driving over challenging terrain. Carrying a large amount of luggage in the trunk of your car makes it harder to steer, particularly on inclines. 

Making sure everything you take that could have sharp edges is safe and out of the path of other passengers is an added plus. Prioritizing the safety of both large and little individuals must come before ensuring the load.

3. Maximizes the Car’s Ability to Function

Roof racks offer the ideal rooftop tent foundation or platform. By carrying the tent on top of your car, you may make more space and enjoy a more pleasant and efficient method of setting up and breaking down camp. You also don’t have to worry about making floor space available for an even floor!

4. Extra Ease of Use

There are a variety of uses for your roof rack. A roof rack is an excellent accessory on any vehicle, whether you’re taking a road trip with a group or just need to move some supplies from one location to another.

You may also use it to load and unload your car with ease. You may be sure that nothing inside will be damaged if the automobile tips over while being loaded into your vehicle, thanks to the weight distribution system.

Pain in the body is a common complaint among automobile passengers. As you continue your trip, these bodily aches can get worse. With roof racks, you and your passengers can have additional space to stretch out in the vehicle. Everyone can relax, enjoy the outdoors, and capture every moment on camera.

5. Satisfies the Need for a Sports Rack:     

Hiking, skiing, rafting, and kayaking are just a few of the exciting activities that might be a part of a trip. Is it necessary to have separate roof racks for each sport? Roof racks are often able to hold a wide range of sizes and weights of sporting equipment. However, roof racks that are compatible with specialized equipment may be necessary for some sports, such as golf.

Roof racks may come in different styles and often have upgrades. To make sure your sporting gear is completely protected when traveling over steep terrain, certain racks include safety locks.

With so many different kinds of cars on the road, the roof rack industry must be massive. As a reasonable driver, you should limit your options after considering weight and any integrated roof racks. Look at the roof racks’ product support and durability with a long-term view.

Before purchasing roof racks, be sure to consider all aspects. Similar to a brand-new car, it is an investment for the rest of your life. As a loyal friend, it will reciprocate your kindness by showing its pride.

Things To Look For When Buying Roof Racks

1. Durability

Roof racks are made to endure the most severe weather conditions. Ensure the roof racks are securely fastened and do not require adjusting before loading them.

2. Quality

The cheapest isn’t always the greatest option, and looking for roof racks may provide a variety of options. Still, professionals will always advise you to invest in high-quality items resistant to corrosion, fading, and breaking. Cheaper options could be more cost-effective, but they might not necessarily be the safest, particularly if you want to use them for transportation rather than just cosmetic enhancements.

3. Compatibility

Instead of looking for a roof rack, follow the advice of an expert installer and install the appropriate roof rack system for your car type. Not every roof rack fits perfectly. It’s necessary to see if your car can accommodate a roof rack.

In the end

One inexpensive way to make sure you’re safe and comfortable when driving is using roof racks. You might think about getting a good carrier for your vehicle and making road trips more enjoyable because the addition is cheap and seamless to install. 

Author Bio

Nancy W is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps her to improve her knowledge, skills & understanding about the specific industry. She loves writing & sharing her knowledge mostly in the health industry. She believes health is the real wealth & wants to spread her belief across the world. Apart from writing, she loves traveling & cooking.

Director of Charter Sales for Mercury Jets, explains that a change in perception on private jet travel is a key element that also explains the trip
Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Tranquility in Transit: 7 Tips for Stress-Free Business Travel

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Business trips are an excellent chance to meet new clients and spread brand awareness. Employees on the trip also have opportunities to sightsee and absorb the culture of a new location. 

However, business trips can be complex. The planning process is intricate, with many details from beginning to end — especially if the trip is international. These complications can add unnecessary stress to an already tedious affair. Trip planners should prep as much as possible to make their travels stress-free. 

Notifying the Bank

One of the first tasks business leaders should complete is notifying the bank of their trip. This advice applies to international and domestic travel. Access to debit and credit cards is essential on any trip, so trip planners should contact their bank or credit card company and notify them of upcoming travel. Providing the dates, destinations and card information helps the bank know whether to freeze assets due to fraud.

Nearly 65% of Americans have been victims of credit card fraud, so financial institutions heavily emphasize safety with bank cards. Many banks mandate their customers notify them of business trips. Company leaders should consider getting a travel card. Many institutions waive foreign transaction fees and offer other incentives for acquiring these cards. Logistics professionals who often travel internationally benefit from these features.  

Saving Time at the Airport

Business trips often have tight itineraries with can’t-miss deadlines and critical meetings. These obligations underscore the importance of having everything run smoothly in the airport. The last thing business travelers need is a missed flight. Flights to international destinations may only run once daily, so being on time at the airport is critical.

One of the most time-consuming parts of travel is security checks. Professionals can save a lot of time by applying for PreCheck with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Research shows 89% of PreCheck users waited five minutes or less for their security screenings.

Sometimes, departure and arrival times are out of the travelers’ control. A late arrival could lead to these employees being late for meetings and other obligations. One way to make up for lost time is to schedule transportation in advance. This preparation means a taxi will be ready at the airport, or the employees will have public transportation tickets upon arrival. Travelers can also present their boarding passes on their phones if they lose their documents.

Accounting for Jet Lag

Traveling from Chicago to New York City is easy because the time difference is only an hour. However, Chicago to Tokyo has a 14-hour time difference, so the average person will feel out of sorts when their flight arrives. Jet lag is a legitimate problem — especially when travelers go from east to west. Businesses should give their employees flexibility and account for jet lag. 

Planners should encourage their employees to adjust their sleep schedules on the days before traveling. Being alert and productive on these trips is imperative, so employees should have a flexible schedule to account for jet lag. The plan should include a day or two to adjust to local time on the trip and at least one day of rest when returning home.   

Reading the Rental Insurance Agreement

Business trips often require employees to reserve rental cars. These vehicles are convenient when traveling to locations with limited public transportation. Laws require renters to purchase liability insurance, so it’s essential to read the terms and conditions for the company and see what’s covered. Some rental companies make drivers pay out of pocket — even if the incidents weren’t their fault. 

Reading the terms and conditions is also essential to ensure employees abide by the rules. For example, most companies require drivers to be 25 or older to operate the vehicles. Also, most agencies don’t permit renters to cross international borders without prior authorization. Rental companies may allow drivers to drive into a country if they pay a fee and notify beforehand. Crossing the border without approval could lead to legal troubles for the renters. 

Protecting Devices

International travel could mean being in locations with weaker cybersecurity laws. Business travelers often bring electronic devices with sensitive information, so protecting them is critical. Research shows cybercrime costs the world $6 trillion annually, so focusing on cybersecurity is worthwhile for companies. 

Before departing, employees must check their devices for updates and ensure they have the latest security patches. Then travelers should encrypt all of the devices in case thieves do get a hold of sensitive data. Hotels and other public places likely have public Wi-Fi, so patrons should use virtual private networks (VPNs) and ensure their connection is secure before using the internet for business. 

Meetings and presentations may occur in hotel conference rooms and unfamiliar places. It’s wise to bring power strips and adapters to ensure employees can charge devices like laptops and tablets. The hotel may have limited working electrical outlets, so power strips are an excellent backup plan for peace of mind. 

Ensure Portability

Business trips require constant access to technological devices — primarily for safety and contacting the company headquarters back home. Travelers need to ensure portability with their devices in a couple of ways. 

First, the trip planners should provide employees with portable chargers for the trip. These travelers may be away from the hotel for long stretches without access to an electrical outlet. They need to have a portable charger to ensure their devices can charge no matter where they are. 

Next, employees must ensure they have portability with their files. The internet may be unreliable in the hotel or wherever travelers go, so business leaders should allow their employees to access specific documents and other materials offline for presentations or conferences. 

Using Downtime Wisely

Some companies give employees flexibility on business trips and allow time for themselves. Employees may visit Japan, France or Argentina for the first time and want to see the sites while focusing on business. Business leaders should encourage employees to use their downtime wisely and have fun. 

Organizations should use business trips to promote mindfulness while traveling and having enlightening experiences. For example, business leaders could give employees a travel journal to record their thoughts while sightseeing. The travelers will return with incredible stories to tell their co-workers and family while seeing a boost in morale.

Traveling With Efficiency in Mind

Business trips are an exciting time for employees. They’ll see new parts of the world and meet other industry professionals. However, these trips can induce anxiety if planners don’t make the proper arrangements. 

Getting through security and ensuring electronics work overseas can be challenging. Businesses should equip their employees with these seven tips for stress-free travel. 

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Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

SURF’S NOT UP: LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, HAS NO WAVES BUT PLENTY OF ACTION  

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Moving into her university dorm room in the foothills of Los Angeles County, an incoming freshman who hailed from Southern California’s Inland Empire asked her new roommate where she was from.

“Long Beach,” the young woman answered.

“Oh, so you live by the beach?” inquired the inlander.

A puzzled look came over the young roomie before she replied, “There ain’t no beach near my house.”

Though it’s the second word in the city’s name, there is no beach in Long Beach if waves crashing into white sand ala scenes from the Baywatch television series are what come to mind. Although surfing in California is believed to have started there in 1911, a 2.2-mile-long breakwater built in 1949 to protect the U.S. Pacific Fleet has halted strong wave action along the Long Beach coast ever since. Shoreline? More like a lakefront.

However, there are large swaths of retail, dining, lodging, attraction and entertainment development facing much of the Long Beach coastline or within a couple of miles of it. This makes the city of Long Beach—a.k.a. “The LBC”—an ideal spot for business gatherings large and small hosted by companies, associations and industry groups, many of which book the Long Beach Convention Center, whose grounds include Long Beach Arena and Long Beach Performing Arts Center, both of which attract national touring acts.

Of particular interest to those booking conventions for shipping, logistics and other supply chain professionals is the nearby Port of Long Beach, which is the second busiest port in the country and, when coupled with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, a part of the ninth busiest port complex in the world. Indeed, the port and/or its Harbor Commission routinely holds events inside the convention center—and yes, of course, tours of the port facilities make the itineraries.

If you know nothing of Long Beach, California, and perhaps more about Long Beach, New York, you may be surprised to learn that the one on the Left Coast, with its 463,218 population, is about 14 times larger than its East Coast counterpart. As you’d expect of a city that’s bigger than the likes of Minneapolis, New Orleans and St. Louis, this one has its own airport. Indeed, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is far closer and much more convenient than Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). UPS Airlines and FedEx Express serve the cargo side, and Delta, Southwest, American Eagle and Hawaiian Airlines are the passenger carriers. Alas, JetBlue’s long tenure ended in October in a dispute over expansion plans.

The convention center is encircled by the best lodging in town, including The Westin, The Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, Renaissance Long Beach and the Hyatt Centric The Pike. But those who are tired of the usual corporate suite should look to the other side of the Los Angeles River from the convention center. There you will find the Latin-inspired, waterfront Maya Hotel, which is set within 14 acres of tropical gardens. The Hilton/Double Tree property features an open-air patio restaurant and pool deck with fire pits and cabanas that let you unwind from a day of breakout sessions. If you’re worried about being too far from the convention center action, the Maya is just a five-minute walk from water taxis bound for downtown Long Beach.

Also on that side of the river channel is perhaps the most unusual hotel around: The Queen Mary. Construction began on the former RMS Queen Mary in 1930, and after retiring as a luxury liner in 1967, the ship docked at its permanent location in Long Beach Harbor, where its staterooms now serve as hotel rooms. The cruise-ship spirit is maintained with fine dining, parties on the decks and an actual, uniformed captain. And according to legend: ghosts!

Other attractions include the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Belmont Shore district and The Pike, which opened as an amusement park in 1902 and was famous for its Cyclone Racer roller coaster that ran on tracks over pilings that were built on the water. The coaster closed in 1968, but it has since been replaced by a tamer version that looks retro but actually meets strict California safety regulations. The Pike area includes more shops, stands, restaurants, a comedy club and an outlet mall, making it a great place for long strolls and people watching.

Food choices abound in Long Beach, whether you seek the tried and true or the one-of-a-kind. Many of the latter can be found on Second Street, Retro Row (Fourth Street) or tucked away all over town. (Assignment: Get yourself to Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles.) If you have access to the company credit card or want to impress a client, here are three recommendations:

Fuego, 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach. At Hotel Maya is this restaurant serving scrumptious Latin-style seafood. It’s better to eat outside because of the equally stunning setting and views of the downtown skyline. However, indoors is also an option that you will especially want to take up if it is a chilly night or the rare time it rains. You can’t go wrong with the Crab Cakes, Lobster Mac or Lamb Chops, but do consider a later flight if you are leaving Sunday so you can return to graze at Fuego’s five-star brunch.

Michael’s on Naples Ristorante, 5620 East Second Street, Long Beach. Given the number of awards, accolades and smash reviews the Italian restaurant has picked up since opening in 2008, you might assume it’s a button-up, fine-dining establishment. Actually, the vibe is casual and, if you desire (and you really should), al fresco. Over in the kitchen, ingredients are farm-sourced and everything is made from scratch, whether it’s the pastas and sauces or the mozzarellas and gelatos. Michael’s also has on Naples Island a pizzeria, which Zagat rated as the nation’s best in 2013, as well as Michael’s downtown that is a hybrid of the ristorante and the pizzeria. Even if you’re hotel/convention-bound downtown, you’ll want to make the trip because Naples has canals that are lined with quaint (multi-million-dollar) cottages. You can pass by them on foot, but it’s better to see them from the water on a rented kayak or paddleboard. You can even hire a gondolier.

Parkers’ Lighthouse, 435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach. Years ago, my wife and I decided in the early evening of New Year’s Eve to grab a quick bite inside the steak and seafood restaurant, partly because their hot and silky New England Clam Chowder is to die for, partly because of the endless options from the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner’s two-story wine cellar, and mostly because of the spectacular views. We got a table for two on the top level, right up against the glass on the lighthouse side facing Rainbow Lagoon, which is cradled by another must-experience: the Shoreline Village shopping, dining and entertainment area. Little did we know we were in for a motorcyclist practicing before his nationally televised jump over the water at midnight. We got home in time to watch the successful feat. Talk about a rocking during a New Year’s Eve!

Wait . . . I forgot about dessert. Any night out should be capped with a stop at Long Beach Creamery, 4141 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach. Warning: The decision between the Whiskey Vanilla, Burnt Caramel and Midnight Oolong ice creams is impossible. And there ain’t no beach near Long Beach Creamery.

Convention
Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

2020’s BEST CONVENTION CITES AND CENTERS

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Editor’s Note: Travmar, which produces intelligence for event planners, is based in Minnesota, but the seeds for the company were planted in the Northeast.

John Horchner left Manhattan and the Hearst Corp. for Providence, Rhode Island, and his startup, The New England Meeting Planning Guide. Similar regional sourcebooks were created for meeting planners around the U.S., and Travmar was born.

In the mid-1990s, Travmar made its mark in the digital world with MeetingSource.com, the first meeting and convention website in the country. ResponseRewards.com and WeddingSource.com followed soon afterward. The company relocated to St. Paul, Minnesota.

This year—quite appropriately given the global you-know-what—Travmar launched DigMeetings.com to help clients move to digital events using WordPress and Zoom teleconferencing. But the company still kept a keen watch over brick-and-mortar conference and convention centers across the nation.

For Travmar’s list of the “Top 25 Convention Cities For 2020,” walkability, affordability, safety, exciting tourism options and city assets were all considered.

Looking at the 166 cities ranked nationwide, judges noted that smaller, so-called “second-tier” cities gained ground this year because of more attractive hotel rates, something they note that may linger due to COVID-19 concerns.

For example, affordable room rates and above-average scores in most other areas like safety propelled Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Boise, Idaho; and Tampa, Florida. Pittsburgh’s city parks also helped it excel, as did St. Paul, Minnesota’s, Madison, Wisconsin’s and Portland, Oregon’s, according to Travmar, whose top convention cities of 2020 follow.

Pacific

San Diego, California
Honolulu, Hawaii
San Jose, California

Southwest

Las Vegas, Nevada
Denver, Colorado
Grapevine, Texas

Southeast

Tampa, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida

Mid-Atlantic

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Northwest

Portland, Oregon
Boise, Idaho
Seattle, Washington

Northeast

Portland, Maine
Hartford, Connecticut

Midwest

Grand Rapids, Michigan
St. Paul, Minnesota
Columbus, Ohio

In ranking U.S. convention centers, Travmar noted that many are positioning themselves to be better than ever once we “return to normal.”

Hotel room affordability, accessibility as well as what the destination has to offer in the way of tourism infrastructure were factors in the rankings of the best of the best of 2020 that follow.

Northeast

Javits Convention Center
New York, New York

Northwest
Washington State Convention Center
Seattle, Washington

Southwest

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas, Nevada

Pacific

Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, California

Mid-Atlantic

Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Midwest

TCF Center
Detroit, Michigan

Southeast

Tampa Convention Center

Tampa, Florida

Don’t see your city or favorite convention center? Find the full lists at Travmar.com.

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Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

ALL HAIL ATL: THERE IS A LOT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE FIRST-HAND IN ATLANTA

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If you are lucky enough to find some free time while visiting Atlanta for business, get ready for some memorable experiences. Because we understand that business trips have to be paired with a little bit of pleasure, we searched some of the local hot spots in Atlanta that have a reputation for offering a good time, great eats and even greater memories to share among colleagues.

Each place listed below offers something unique and beyond the typical wine-and-dine experience. There is a lot to see when visiting the great city of Atlanta, but even more to experience first-hand. So, without further delay, here are our latest picks for your business trip getaways.

LOCKER CLUB

Because, who does not appreciate a speakeasy, especially in a new space after a long day of networking? Just hope that you find yourself in Atlanta on a Thursday-Saturday evening because this hidden gem has limited hours for tours. Located in the Old Fourth Distillery on Old Fourth Ward’s Edgewood Avenue, Locker Club offers patrons a Prohibition-style touring experience while serving up some high-quality spirits and the ideal environment for your next business trip adventure. Locker Club provides a journey through history in the region back to a time when alcohol was not so easy to come by. The Old Fourth Distillery is the first distillery to be opened in Atlanta since 1906 and takes pride in its environmentally friendly methods in creating authentic and high-quality spirits from gin and vodka to straight bourbon whiskey. A team of three (yes, three) people start from fermentation all the way down to packaging all of their vodka and gin with the help of a customized, handmade CARL copper still. It goes without saying that the small-but-mighty team here likes to do things a bit differently and has no problem sharing their unique process with the locals and visitors.

RAY’S BY THE RIVER

Part of the Ray’s Restaurants, LLC trio, Ray’s by the River not only offers award-winning eats but pairs them with scenery and an experience you are sure to remember once you unpack your suitcase back at home. Choose to sit at the newly renovated riverside pavilion and take in the matchless views of the Chattahoochee River or dine inside and experience the balmy ambiance and colorful outdoor views. While enjoying some tasty menu options such as their hand-cut steaks and surf-and-turf specialties, be sure to give one of their signature, hand-crafted cocktails a try. Missed happy hour? Not to worry because Ray’s has two for you to take advantage of. If you miss their 3:30-7 p.m. happy hour, they start it up again from 9 p.m. to closing time during the week.

WORLD OF COCA-COLA

Even if you are not a Coca-Cola drinker or are a die-hard Pepsi fan, there is something for you at the World of Coca-Cola that you can appreciate, enjoy and take with you. Beyond its fascinating history and more than 200 international artifacts throughout the Loft, your taste buds are in for a treat at the Taste It! exhibit experience offering samples of what Coca-Cola is like around the world. Curious about the history of the coveted Coca-Cola recipe? Now you can get a close-up look at the history, myths and legends, and even the origins of the recipe at the Vault. This interactive experience gives guests a hands-on experience to see exactly what it takes to create that perfect recipe and flavor with the Virtual Taste Maker. Once your taste buds have had enough, head on over to the 3-D theater and give other senses an experience with the film In Search of the Secret Formula. On your way out, stop by Bottle Works to get a peek behind the curtain of what Coca-Cola’s bottling process looks like from equipment to processing.

DELTA FLIGHT MUSEUM

The Delta Flight Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary this past May. Along with that milestone, Delta celebrated 90 years of services in the Atlanta region. Regardless of your profession, visiting the Delta Flight Museum should absolutely be on your list when visiting Atlanta. Visitors are given a tour through Delta’s rich history through the museum’s two original 1940s-era aircraft hangars and its 747 Plaza full of exhibits and factoids. When visiting the hangars, guests are given an up-close and personal view of Delta’s aircraft and history beginning in the 1920s. Interactive exhibits offer visitors more than Delta’s history, however, with its one-of-a-kind full-motion flight simulation training session. This is an experience that is sure to make your friends back home jealous as this is the only full-motion simulation available for public use in the country. If you prefer to stay in the exhibit areas, be sure to stop by the restored 1940 Douglas DC-3 and the Waco 125 biplane–it will probably be the only time you will ever see aircraft like these in person. The museum’s Waco 125 is the only one like it remaining. Trust us on this one, you do not want to miss the Delta Flight Museum.

POUR TAPROOM

Known for its “beer and wine festival every week” theme, Atlanta’s Pour Taproom is every beer and wine lover’s dream. This local hot spot is quite literally a taproom perfect for anyone seeking a unique (and delicious) experience with local craft beers and wine on tap. If you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, Pour Taproom is sure to have something you will want some more of. With regularly rotating selections and the ability to purchase by the ounce instead of the glass in a self-serve approach, your visit to the Taproom is sure to be an experience you will not find back home. Pick from a variety of craft beers ranging from IPAs, sours, darks, ciders, lights and wine while. Taking in the local scene on the relaxing and contemporary patio. Hungry? There are food options that pair nicely with whatever you choose to satisfy your beer or wine cravings. Oh, and did we mention the “Beer Me” button?

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Three Ways the COVID-19 Crisis has Affected Corporate Travel and Entertainment Expense Claims

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In a few short weeks, COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has permeated every aspect of our lives and completely changed how (and which) businesses operate. Business travel and entertainment have come to a standstill. Many companies have switched almost entirely to working from home to enforce social distancing or comply with mandatory shelter-in-place mandates. As the economic landscape becomes increasingly uncertain, many companies have been forced to take difficult actions to cut spending as they endure a severe downturn of unknown length.

As the crisis progressed, the scale and nature of expense claims have changed drastically. As expected, trip cancellations and work-from-home expenses increased dramatically, while business travel expenses dropped.

AppZen wanted to dig even deeper into the data to find out how employee expenses have changed in comparison to this period last year: Which industries’ expenses have been most and least affected by the current environment? What kinds of expenses are changing the most?

The baseline: Strong year over year growth before COVID-19

To contextualize the changes wrought by the current COVID-19 health crisis, let’s first look at what happened before it began. Between January 2019 and January 2020, expenses in the top 10 largest categories grew by 24%. While COVID-19 was causing significant disruptions in Asia and Europe in early February of this year, overall expenses still rose by 8% compared to last year. By March, that percentage had declined to about 7%.

In March, travel expenses began to drop

Unsurprisingly, travel-related expenses such as airfare, hotels, baggage fees, taxis, and trains dropped 9% between March 2019 and 2020. Looking at weekly data shows just how precipitously travel expenses have dropped. Expenses in early March were higher than in 2019, but as the month progressed, expense claims fell dramatically. By the last week of March, travel expense claims were down by 40% compared to the previous year.

However, not all industries are equally affected. Heavily white-collar, digital businesses that have been deemed “non-essential” have dropped off the most. In finance and insurance, for example, expense claims fell by 47% year over year in the last week of March. In information businesses (mostly software and media), claims fell even more – over 63%.

Businesses like construction (whose “essential” status varies by type and location), and life sciences (definitely essential!) were affected to a much lesser extent to date. In the same timeframe, expense claims for construction companies only decreased by 12% compared to last year. Life sciences companies saw an uptick in expenses during this time – a 3% increase from last year, though the trend line in the previous five weeks, if it continues, points toward a decrease in the weeks ahead.

Office expenses have gone up as many employees have shifted to working from home

Expenses in the office supply category have increased across every industry during this timeframe. The most significant spike was during March, where AppZen saw 80% growth in these expenses across sectors.

As companies closed their offices and began encouraging their employees to work from home, many employees needed to expense office supplies such as laptops, monitors, cables, and keyboards. The last week of March was the most significant spike in these expenses, particularly for the construction, information, and professional services industries.

Variations in expense categories by industry

In March, expenses in categories such as subscriptions, training, and internet were 20-25% higher compared to March of last year. Demand for subscription-based services such as video conferencing software rose in March as employees began to work from home. This would explain the additional charges for the internet, as some companies allow remote employees to be reimbursed for internet usage.

AppZen also saw variation by industry. Both life sciences and construction industries show an uptick in transportation mileage during March. This may be because these industries are considered essential, and car travel adheres more strongly to social distancing requirements in the current environment. Finance and insurance companies saw a significant surge in subscription expenses, over seven times higher than 2019. Construction companies saw the most significant rise in office supplies, five times higher than the previous year.

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Anaheim Has Much More to Offer than Just a Magic Kingdom

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The late San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen used to describe Southern California as “the box that Disneyland came in.” That would make Anaheim the box top. Along with Orlando, Florida, Anaheim is the only place in America where it’s a compliment to hear a visitor remark, “Well, that was a real Mickey Mouse place to stay.”

But there is more to Anaheim than being the granddaddy of Uncle Walt Disney’s theme parks. Indeed, there is even more to Anaheim than its next two most well-known entities: the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League’s Anaheim Ducks.

For instance, did you know the Anaheim Convention Center is the largest exhibit facility on the West Coast? Originally opened in 1967, the convention center spans 53 acres, offers 1.8 million square feet of function space and also includes an on-site Hilton Hotel with display and meeting spaces of its own. Located directly across the street from the Anaheim Resort District’s second theme park, Disney’s California Adventure, the convention center hosts such large events as Citrix Synergy, Disney’s D23 Expo and the Winter National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show. Don’t let the roster spook you into believing the facility is solely suited for mega-tradeshows as it can also host small meetings and intimate industry gatherings.

Business travelers can choose from a plethora of lodging offerings as there are 111 hotels with 22,183 rooms within two miles of the convention center, including 41 (with 8,749 total rooms) within a half-mile walk of the meeting place. Besides Anaheim, there are hotels, motels and other lodging options in the bordering cities of Buena Park, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange and Yorba Linda. Beyond those, there are surrounding Orange County’s famous (and generally pricey) oceanfront resorts in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast and Huntington Beach. You might find a celebrity in these … checked in under an assumed name after having ditched the paparazzi an hour-and-change away in Hollywood.

Meanwhile, back in Anaheim, there is plenty to see and do locally. Most visitors do include at least a day at one of Uncle Walt’s parks, but those on a budget, tight on time or opposed to marathon standing sessions in attraction lines can get the Magic Kingdom flavor at the much mellower Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment area that’s just steps from the main gates of Disneyland and California Adventure.

A similar destination on the other side of Harbor Boulevard from the Disney parks is Anaheim GardenWalk, which includes more great shopping and restaurants, as well as the House of Blues, live concert venue. Make sure to also check the entertainment listings for City National Grove, which is a couple of miles east on Katella Avenue from GardenWalk. And if you continue on Katella a bit you’ll hit the Honda Center, which draws arena acts when it’s not filled with conventions, Ducks games or other athletics.

Convention bookers should consider holding at least one gathering in The RANCH Restaurant & Saloon’s private dining and events center. Just two miles from the convention center—and five floors above The RANCH Restaurant (that is also available for buyout)—the exclusive sixth-floor venue offers spectacular views of Anaheim.

An even more unique outing can be had mere steps from Disney’s California Adventure. FlightDeck is the only simulator in the world that has visitors take a quick flight course, get fitted for a jumpsuit and experience mock flying that includes aerial maneuvers at 600 knots as well as air-to-air combat. Curse you, Red Baron!

Set about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Anaheim is intersected by the 5 Freeway, which runs from the Mexican border all the way up to the Canadian border in Washington state. There are four major airports just minutes away from Anaheim: John Wayne (Santa Ana) International Airport, Long Beach Airport, Ontario International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Buses and shuttles that pick up steps from those hubs’ terminals feed into the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), which is across the street from the Honda Center and nearly adjacent to one of Angels Stadium’s gates.

Much farther south, on the other side of the Orange County border, is San Diego County, which is home to the pioneering California craft brewing scene. But Anaheim is no slouch when it comes to suds. The city boasts numerous craft breweries, some of which have won national awards for their elixirs. I recommend an Uber or Lyft crawl that at the very least includes Bottle Logic Brewing Co., Noble Ale Works, Towne Park Brew Co., Bruery Terreux and, nearby in Placentia, The Bruery Tasting Room. As Charles Harris, senior vice president of Marketing with Visit Anaheim, puts it: “You don’t have to be a cicerone to appreciate the perfect pint in Anaheim.”

Another worthy beercation stop is Anaheim Brewery, a revived pre-Prohibition beer garden that is this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. But it’s recommended not only for the milestone and delicious brews (their Anaheim 1888 is a must pour). A small lawn area separates the brewery from Anaheim Packing House, an old citrus packinghouse that has been reimagined as a hip food hall. People watching while nibbling on artisan eats is the real treat.

You can usually pack light because Anaheim is graced with nearly 300 days of sunshine, a miserly 13 inches of annual rainfall (and no snow) as well as an average temperature of 67 degrees. The 42-mile-long Orange County coastline facing the Pacific Ocean is usually just 20 minutes. If traffic is heavy, skip the maddening freeways and take Harbor Boulevard south.

It’s little wonder you must plan ahead when getting around, given that 20 million people reside within a 90-mile radius of Anaheim. Guess it’s not such a small world after all.

Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

ATLANTA OFFERS DELIGHTS FOR THE EYES, MIND AND BELLY

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Rich in history, food and culture, Atlanta is a city that never seems to disappoint visitors. You’ll discover a variety of things to do if you’ve found yourself in Atlanta with time to kill in between meetings and conferences. Bring your appetite, a comfy pair of shoes and plenty of camera space as Atlanta boasts some of the most beautiful things to eat, see and experience. Global Trade magazine took time to vet the best spots to visit while maximizing your Atlanta experience after-hours—whether you’re seeking fancy cocktails, thrills at new heights or simply wanting to learn more about the city’s robust history. 

Centennial Park District

Take the time to unwind while taking in breathtaking views at The Glenn Hotel’s SkyLounge. This distinguished rooftop experience is among the top 23 in the world, as voted by ABC.com, and among the top five in Atlanta according to Forbes Travel Guide. Located in the heart of the city in Centennial Park District, SkyLounge offers unmatched views paired with a refreshing variety of perfectly crafted drinks to satisfy any cocktail lover’s taste buds. If you’re seeking more sustenance during your visit to The Glenn, stop by Glenn’s Kitchen for a tasty meal doused in Southern style for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Seeking more heights? Take a stroll over to the SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel on Luckie Street. Towering 20 stories high, it boasts 42 gondolas with temperature-controlled features. Feeling fancy? Take advantage of the VIP gondola and enjoy Ferrari-style seats and a glass floor to enhance the experience. 

If you’re a sports fanatic, look no farther than the College Football Hall of Fame located just off of Marietta Street. Be fair warned, however, and bring yourself dressed appropriately with a comfy pair of shoes if you dare give the Indoor Running Field a try. Test your skills by kicking a field goal or challenge yourself to the obstacle course. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t demand your inner athlete, take your college football team pride to the next level at The Quad, where you can register your team of choice and watch it light up on a three-story helmet wall. There’s also the “Game of Your Life” 4K feature film showing at the Game Day Theater, bringing the big screen to life with all the college football action your heart desires. 

Old Fourth Ward

If you’re a history buff and seeking a region rich in history and heritage, exploring the sites and monuments in the Old Fourth Ward are well worth your time. Established in the 1800s, Old Fourth Ward boasts the very historic birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. Visitors get the opportunity to experience the very home he grew up in and the church he preached at, Ebenezer Baptist Church at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, also known as “Atlanta’s Top Tourist Destination” by the National Park Service. Take a moment to appreciate the Behold Monument unveiled by the civil rights martyr’s wife, Coretta Scott King, or the beautiful World Peace Rose Garden featuring themes of peace and non-violence through 185 different kinds of roses with unique colors and scents.

Once your craving for history is satisfied, take your appetite for a trip to the Ponce City Market Food Hall, where you can find options ranging from Indian street food, Szechuan-style cuisine, Asian favorites, traditional American dishes, Southern favorites and an impressive elevated craft beer garden at Nine Mile Station. Boasting views that pair well with the beer or cocktail of your choice, if you’re in town on the right day, you might even be able to catch the weekly cult classic film featured on the rooftop. You won’t regret visiting Ponce City Market and might even find yourself going back for seconds. Did we mention there’s also a wine tasting room? 

If the weight of a business trip starts to get heavy, what better way to alleviate it than with laughter? Head on over to Dad’s Garage Theater in the Little Five Points neighborhood for some uniquely showcased humor from classic improv to sketch. It goes without saying, there’s a lot to do in this part of the city. 

Buckhead District 

Buckhead is sure to please those seeking a fancier Atlanta experience–from shopping and fine dining, to historical sites and classy cocktails–all paired with modern landscapes and a refreshing atmosphere that can’t be overlooked when in Atlanta. 

If you have an appreciation for a fine bourbon and fancy atmosphere, be sure to check out the Southern Art and Bourbon Bar in Buckhead. Southern Art takes a different approach to cooking and boasts a fresh cuisine experience with the finest versions of Southern favorites that rely on the seasons to determine their character. Considering Southern Art was founded by Art Smith–known for serving as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for a decade–this choice spot is definitely worth a visit that will leave guests satisfied and impressed. If you’re stuck wondering what to do on a Friday or Saturday evening, Southern Art has you covered through its weekly featured “Bourbon Bar Unplugged” with live music and entertainment up until midnight. 

For another taste of history, be sure to give the Atlanta History Center a visit and plan to spend a generous amount of time exploring attractions such as the 1928 Swan House, the Smith Family Farm, the Margaret Mitchell House, and 33 acres of breathtaking gardens, woods and nature’s beauty at the Goizueta Gardens. 

Finish off the night with an elegant cocktail atop the W Atlanta’s Whiskey Blue Bar that sits 125 feet above the city skyline, where you can take in the scenery at one of the two offered patios. If you’re curious about what’s inside, head over and enjoy a cozy yet chic experience at the W’s Living Room Cook Hall or lounge area. 

With Southern hospitality at the forefront of ATL culture, you’re bound to find some interesting and kind folks to mingle with. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. 

business
Archives, Global Site Selection, Global Trade Daily

Where do People Travel for Business?

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When it comes to global business, the right transportation is essential. Getting talent from one side of the globe to another matters as much as ever it has – and perhaps even more so. But which cities are the most attractive for modern business? This is a question whose answers have remained more or less the same over the last four or five years, despite the fact that global business flights have more than doubled.

New York

The Big Apple leads the pack when it comes to inbound business flight, and it has done since 2014. This is largely thanks to its status as a centre of global finance, but it’s also because New York is among the most business-friendly states in the US, with a range of tax incentives offered to startups. Buzzfeed and WebMD originated here. Whether you’re taking a private jet or a commercial airliner, New York remains the world’s premier destination for business travellers.

London

London has consistently run a close second, despite the uncertainty still lingering over Brexit. Among the biggest draws of the capital is the English language, which remains the second most widely-spoken language in the world (and probably claims the top spot when we count only the customers of international airports). London contains around 15 businesses per hundred residents; the figure for the rest of the UK is around 10.

Paris

Paris is something of a fast-climber, experiencing around twenty-per cent growth over the two-year spell from 2016-2018. It’s easy to see why a business might locate here; Paris has an enormous amount of culture and history to offer, and thus it’s easy to persuade would-be staff to settle here. While France might have something of a reputation for overbearing bureaucracy (the word, is, after all, derived from a French one), the business environment is competitive enough to tempt many international businesses and skilled employees looking to sample life on the continent.

Shanghai

With China having established itself as a global power, it’s probably no surprise that its busiest airport is so attractive to international business customers. While the city isn’t quite as attractive to western travellers as the other entries to this list, it’s a location that no globalised business can afford to neglect – and this is reflected in its rapid rise as a centre of international air traffic. 

Among the more interesting trends in global air traffic generally has been an increased spread between different continents, with five of the seven listed in the top twenty destinations. There is perhaps no better example of this than that of Shanghai.

Toronto

Toronto outranks many US cities, including San Francisco, Houston and LA. As with New York, there is a range of incentives to businesses looking to grow here. The combined rate of corporate and income tax sits at around 26.5%, which is lower than the US average by around thirteen percentage points.

Singapore

Like Dubai, Singapore claims a great deal of air travel thanks to its popularity as a stop-off for long-haul flights between Europe and Australia. But there’s more to Singapore than that. The country is widely regarded as an ideal place from which to tap into Asia’s emerging markets. The location is strategically attractive, the workforce is competitive and the economic policy is explicitly favourable to business. It’s also emerging as serious competition for Hong Kong’s financial centres. For the world’s business travellers, there’s no shortage of reasons to pay this part of the world a visit.

Archives, Departments, Executive Getaways, Global Trade Daily

EXECUTIVE DESTINATION: CALIFORNIA

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California is a big state, one of the biggest, actually, with its 163,696 square miles making it the third largest in the United States in terms of area and its 39.5 million residents making it the most populous in America.

When it comes to travel to or within the Golden State on business, there is no single destination that is a central location to the hubs of industry, unless that industry is agriculture, in which case just about anywhere in the Central Valley should work just fine. Direct flights there on major airlines could be an issue, however.

Otherwise, you would not fly into, say, Los Angeles International Airport—the world’s fifth busiest and second only to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta in the U.S.—if your business meetings were in Silicon Valley. Nor would you stay in, for instance, San Francisco—whose $878 billion GDP gave it America’s third largest urban economy in 2017—if your trade convention was in sunny San Diego.

Getting There

For our business travel purposes, we are going to focus on San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose (which is in the heart of Silicon Valley) and San Francisco.

The international airports in all four of those cities are served by Air Canada, Alaska, American, British Airways, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, United and Virgin. Allegiant, Condor, Japan Airlines, Spirit and Sun Country fly in and out of all except San Jose.

Chances are that American and United are airlines that use your nearest airport for flying across the continent. Both figured prominently in the 15th annual Tested Reader Survey in December’s Global Traveler. More than 22,000 frequent business and luxury travelers named the best in a variety of travel-related categories.

American was named the Best Airline in North America and, for the third consecutive year, the Best Airline for Domestic First Class. American Airlines AAdvantage was deemed the Best Frequent-Flyer Customer Service.

United Airlines MileagePlus was deemed the Best Overall Frequent-Flyer Program for the 15th straight year and Best Frequent-Flyer Bonus Program for the sixth consecutive year.

The airline also just announced that its new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners will fly United “Premium” transcontinental routes between Newark and California beginning Jan. 7. The newest and biggest version of Boeing’s 787 widebody, the jets will also start flying from Newark to San Francisco on Feb. 14.

Seating 318 passengers, the 787-10s include 44 lie-flat business-class seats and 21 of United’s new “Premium Plus” recliner seats that split the difference between business-class and typical coach seating. Also onboard are 54 extra-legroom Premium Economy seats and 199 in standard coach.

Staying There

U.S. News & World Report identified the top business hotels of 2018 in large American cities by considering amenities, reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.

What follows is a rundown of each of our target California cities, with the nightly rates being what was quoted on Dec. 10, 2018 (meaning current prices may vary).

LOS ANGELES

-The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Stars: 5

Critic rating: Excellent

Nightly rate: $605

Amenities: Business center with a few computers, color printers, executive desks and a fax machine. Six meeting spaces accommodate events of up to 250 people.

-Montage Beverly Hills

Stars: 5

Critic rating: Excellent

Nightly rate: $545

Amenities: 24-hour business center. On-site meeting planners. Variety of rooms, including ballrooms, are configurable to all types and sizes of events.

-The London West Hollywood

Stars: 5

Critic rating: Great

Nightly rate: $339

Amenities: Meeting and event coordinators. Media equipment to facilitate audiovisual presentations. 24-hour business center. Access to printers, personal computers and an ATM.

SAN DIEGO

-Hotel del Coronado (Coronado Island)

Stars: 4

Critic rating: Excellent

Nightly rate: $268

Amenities: 47 indoor event venues ranging in size from 300 to 12,500 square feet. Event planners. Full-service FedEx Center with computer workstations with Internet access, fax and copy service, shipping and postal services and more.

-La Valencia Hotel and Spa (La Jolla)

Stars: 4

Critic rating: Great

Nightly rate: $299

Amenities: Four meeting rooms, including a ballroom with a terrace, a boardroom and The Galeria, which can hold up to 40 participants. The Med and Patio Sol can also be booked for many types of meetings.

-Omni San Diego Hotel (Downtown)

Stars: 4

Critic rating: Great

Nightly rate: $144

Amenities: Space for up to 1,200 people. 27,000 square feet of meeting space. Grand Ballroom measures 9,266 square feet.

SAN FRANCISCO

-The Ritz-Carlton

Stars: 5

Critic rating: Excellent

Nightly rate: $359

Amenities: 18 event rooms. Up to 500 attendees can enjoy the ballroom, which can also be divided into four smaller spaces. On-staff event planners.

-The St. Regis

Stars: 5

Critic rating: Great

Nightly rate: $356

Amenities: 22,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Board meetings or business receptions for up to 600 attendees can be handled.

-Fairmont

Stars: 5

Critic rating: Great

Nightly rate: $195

Amenities: 72,000 square feet and dozens of meeting rooms. Event of any kind for up to 2,300 people can be handled. Sustainable meeting options.

SILICON VALLEY

No U.S. News & World Report data was available for the region, so we turned to Oyster.com (“The Hotel Tell-All”), which boasts of knowing “what business travelers look for in hotels.” Instead of relying on guests and professionals, Oyster reviews properties around the world in person.

-Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Stars: 5

Nightly rate: $469

Amenities: 24-hour business center with secretarial services, translation and interpretation services and well-equipped meeting rooms.

-Rosewood San Hill (Menlo Park)

Stars: 5

Critic rating: NA

Nightly rate: $485

Amenities: Rooms have large work desks with several power outlets and comfortable seating. Nearly 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space with high-tech amenities and private dining rooms.

-Aloft Silicon Valley (Newark)

Stars: 4

Critic rating: NA

Nightly rate: $134

Amenities: Comfortable work desks. Quiet area, which is a 20-minute drive away from Palo Alto, the W hotel boasts “a mellow vibe perfect for unwinding after a day of work.”