Rental car companies have introduced new technology that simplifies the reservation process and improves customer service by making the rental pick up process more interactive.

For example, Avis’ rental car app allows you to book your reservation using apps for Android, iPhone, Blackberry or Windows Mobile. It allows you reserve a vehicle or, view, modify or cancel an existing reservation. It includes images and details of car types, pricing options and car availability.

In addition to giving you the ability to reserve your vehicle, Hertz’ “Carfirmation” offers email or SMS alerts, or both, to its Gold members regarding their upcoming rental. The message includes the make/model and license plate number of the car they have waiting for you and, in the U.S. where they have the electronic Hertz Gold Boards available, they will let you know the stall number where the vehicle is parked. This helps save you time as you are able to go straight to your car and get on your way.

This is only the beginning as the rental car companies continue to search for ways to simplify the reservation and rental process for the customer and improve internal efficiencies.  What tools have been most helpful to you?

We hope you’ve enjoyed the road warrior interviews we’ve featured so far. Sam DeFranco and Sherry Saunders offered up some great stories and tips in their interviews. And now it’s my turn – here goes!

CWT: On average, how many trips per year do you take?
Janet: 45-50 per year

CWT: What are your must-have items you bring on your business trips?
Janet: Running shoes, clothes, fitbit, exercise DVDs,  iphone/ipad/laptop, “minimergency” kit which has 18 tiny emergency items, umbrella, scarf/wrap in case I’m cold,  a favorite pair of comfortable black flats, my own shampoo/conditioner, electric toothbrush, protein bars and vitamins, a flatiron, a small collapsible backpack.  You wouldn’t believe how much I can cram into a fairly small suitcase.

CWT: What are some tips you’d share with other travelers to make the travel or travel-planning process easier? 
Janet: If you travel to and from the United States often, and are eligible, apply for Global Entry so that in addition to speeding through customs when you enter the U.S., you can use the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Pre Check at many U.S. airports.  Love, love it!  It almost feels like a miracle when all you do is put your bags on the belt and walk through security.  Keep your coat on! Keep your shoes on! Don’t have to take the laptop out! Toiletries stay packed!  Can you imagine?

At airports without TSA Pre Check, I make sure I wear shoes that are easy to take off and I don’t put all my jewelry on (yet). My toiletries are in the front pocket for easy access and my ID is ready. I always check in online ahead of time to make sure there are no problems.  If there are any issues, you’d rather notice them at home, which is preferable to finding out at the airport. Although I like to use the electronic boarding passes, I’ve had trouble with wireless reception in some airports, so I usually use the paper boarding passes.

Travel apps can be lifesavers. I use CWT To Go to keep all my travel information, itinerary, gate info, flight changes at my fingertips. Airport/airline apps help me navigate airports and find clubs, restaurants, shops, etc.

If you’re traveling internationally, check out airport/travel requirements before you travel.  For example, in Delhi, you can’t get into the airport on your return without a printed itinerary. And there aren’t any printers outside. Many international airports charge a departure tax, which you may be able to pay in advance (even at your hotel), etc.

CWT: Do you have any favorite stops you make in certain airports or cities every time you go?
Janet: Minneapolis – fun to run into the Mall of America, although my favorite shopping place is 50^th and France (great boutiques and restaurants).

Charleston, SC - I just had an amazing meal at a restaurant called Anson.

St. Louis - it’s my home town, so I’m not traveling there, but thought I’d share my favorite restaurant—Paul Manno’s Cafe in Chesterfied.

CWT: Since we’re in the middle of winter, do you have any tips for business travelers during the winter travel season?
Janet: Try not to check your bag.  If you run into bad weather, you have many more choices if your bag is with you.

We’re pleased to welcome guest blogger, Nathan Strelow, Global Project Manager for the CWT Solutions Group, to tell us a little bit about the importance of remaining connected while traveling.

When you’re traveling for business, how important is it that you’re able to remain connected to your email, phone, and other systems you have access to at the office? If it’s highly important to you, you’re not alone. In fact, in a recent study the CWT Solutions Group conducted with 6,000 business travelers around the world, results showed that “poor/no internet connection” was the second highest stress factor for travelers.

With the increased focus on staying connected while traveling, travel managers are starting to look at the ways in which their travelers are accessing email, phone, etc., while on the road. The most recent CWT ViewPoint takes a look at this emerging area of travel management: “Managing connectivity ‘next big thing’ in travel management.”

Productivity is a key driver of travelers’ desire to stay connected while traveling, and most companies would agree that it’s important for employees to have access to the tools and systems they need to do business while on the road. However, there are some key considerations businesses can look at when determining the most efficient and cost-effective ways for travelers to stay connected to the office. Below are a few key areas that both travelers and travel managers should take a look at:

• In-flight internet: Depending on the length of the flight, and the amount of work the traveler will be able to accomplish during that time, it may or may not be worth the cost of using in-flight internet services.
• Hotel internet access: When this service is included as a part of the negotiated corporate rate, hotel internet connections can be a convenient and cost-effective way for travelers to stay connected. When it’s not included, travelers should check their travel policy to see if the cost of the service is a covered business expense.
• Mobile devices: Different companies have different approaches to mobile device use. Some may provide an approved mobile device to travelers, while others will reimburse the cost for travelers to use a personal mobile device. In either scenario, there is the opportunity to evaluate whether the current mobile device plan being used allows for the appropriate data, text and minute allotments.

 

These are just a few of the considerations reviewed in the CWT ViewPoint. For more information, I’d invite you to read the full document.  Additionally, I’ll be presenting on an upcoming BTN Group webinar, “Connectivity and Calling Costs: The Next Frontier for Travel Managers” on February 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Participation is free, and you can register here.

How do you stay connected while traveling? Do you have any tips for fellow travelers? We’d love to hear them.