The survey also revealed some interesting trends in accommodation preferences among the respondents. In the 18 to 29 age group 46% of respondents expressed a clear preference for their favorite brand of hotel even if the location was not quite suitable while that figure fell to 37% for those above 30. Related to that, 49% of those in the over 30 age group felt that levels of service and hotel facilities varied widely among hotels in the same group. Only 39 % of those under 31 felt that way.

There was also interesting data on how business travelers use hotels, with 67% saying that they spent time working in their rooms. However, many of the younger business people spent time in executive lounges and lobbies for work. The younger respondents showed a preference for using automated check-ins but this was only a favored option for 19% of those over 45.

How have business travelers reacted to hotel price increases? By expecting better services and better amenities. This was the view of 61% of respondents. In addition 77% said that they wanted free Internet access as a priority. Like other travelers business travelers are concerned about flight and security delays at airports and these are even bigger issues for them than staff and amenities at hotels. Read the full story here.

(Image: Maurice Koop)

Whether you are a seasoned business traveler or on your way out to represent your company for the very first time, it’s important to know how to conduct yourself—particularly if you are traveling overseas. While people are people no matter where you go, the British, in general, are known for being more reserved. If you are traveling to the UK it may help to be aware of etiquette and protocol in world of British business.

Initial Greetings

• Firm handshakes will be given with no consideration for gender. Men and women are expected to conduct themselves in the same manner and are treated as equals. Expect to shake hands, both upon entering and leaving a meeting.
• Eye contact is considered proper throughout the greeting but holding prolonged eye contact should be avoided; it will make your British colleagues uncomfortable.
• Mr., Mrs. or Miss and the person’s surname should be used until you are invited to use a first-name. This tends to be particularly true of members of older generations.
• Plan to exchange business cards at first introduction with little fanfare. Business cards are not studied; rather they are simply tucked away in a wallet or jacket pocket. Don’t be offended if you don’t feel the proper attention is paid to your card.

Communication

The British tend to be a direct lot, particularly if you are seen as an equal. While not rude, their direct approach can take a little getting used to. As with initial greetings, be sure to use a person’s title and surname throughout your conversation unless you are invited to do otherwise. Using first names, especially among the older set, is seen as quite disrespectful. Once a Brit feels more comfortable with you their style of communication will become less formal.

Written communication is handled in much the same way as spoken communication. Titles and surnames are standard and abbreviates are rarely used. Should you pepper your communications with slang you will be looked upon as a bit vulgar.

Meeting Protocol

Business meetings in Britain follow many of the same rules as business meetings anywhere, though they seem a touch more formal. Follow these general rules and you’ll have a successful meeting.

• When using an agenda, forward it to anyone that will be attending the meeting at least one week in advance. This will give everyone a chance to have input and recommend changes.
• Be punctual. Just as you wouldn’t want to be kept waiting, neither do your British counterparts. It is understood that emergencies arise but if you are going to be more than a few minutes late, phone and advise the attendees of your expected tardiness.

• If the people attending the meeting are on equal footing, ideas and comments will flow freely. If there is someone of rank in the company attending the meeting, they will generally lead the discussion and should be deferred to.
• Keep the small talk to a minimum. While Americans tend to want to make friends straight away, the British do not. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss business; stay on track.
• Presentations should be professional. Be prepared with facts to back up any statements that you make. The British do not make emotional decisions when it comes to business. If you come to the meeting unprepared you will almost certainly lose whatever it was you had hoped to gain.

When conducting a meeting with your British counterparts, formality and preparedness rule. Try not to put so much stress on yourself that you’re a nervous wreck. Be respectful, avoid the tendency to be overly friendly too quickly, but be yourself and know that honest faux pas will be overlooked; you are a foreigner after all.

UK resident, Tom Blanchard, is a finance consultant and suggests you check for bargains while visiting and shopping on Coupon Croc, a well known UK discount site.

More on this:

• Do You Speak Brit?
• 20 British Expressions You Will Never Hear in the US

1. Accept that you need less than you think you do. Unless it’s summer, if you’re a guy,  it won’t kill you to wear the same suit for three days and just take a couple of spare shirts. That won’t work for the ladies, but try two mix and match outfits to give you four combos. Pair that with no more than 2 pairs of shoes and, for the guys, two ties, and you’re all set.

2. Make clothes do double duty. If you’re a PJs kind of person, and you also like to hit the hotel gym in the morning, then let your workout wear double as sleepwear. Shorts and a T-shirt are very versatile. If you get the light ones with wicking, you can rinse them in the shower and they’ll be dry by nightfall, so one set will be enough.

3. Leave lotions at home. For the ladies especially, lotions and potions can take up a lot of room, but how many of those do you really need? This is the time to pack your most versatile makeup and body lotion. Even better, leave the lotion at home and pick up a travel size when you arrive if there’s none at the hotel. Unless you have sensitive skin, you can survive for a couple of days.

4. Change your laptop. There’s no point in downsizing your luggage needs if you still have to lug a behemoth of a laptop around with you. Switch to a netbook or, even better, a tablet, which is light, ultra-portable and has apps, games and an e-reader as well as all your business stuff. After years of traveling with a huge Dell laptop, I found the netbook a nice change and I currently have my eye on an Android-based tablet (Samsung Galaxy, perhaps?) when next I upgrade.

These four changes will make a big difference to the weight you have to carry around when you travel. What tips would you add?

More on this: Achieving Minimalism in Business Travel.

(Image: herbrm)

San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular cities in all of America. Unfortunately, the city does not lend itself to easy travel, particularly for newcomers. If you’re planning a business trip to San Francisco, here are some tips for navigating the city without using your entire expense account for tolls.

The Airport

San Francisco is home to a top-rated International airport. If you’re a frequent traveler, you should have no problem navigating your way through the airport. If you don’t travel, getting in and out of the airport can be a bit daunting. The best tip, in this case, is to make use of either the airport’s shuttle service or a taxi. Hiring a professional will take the stress out of leaving the airport and finding your way to your hotel.

Where to Go

If you’re given a choice of where to stay, head to Market Street. The street runs from the northeastern edge of the city, through downtown and continues southwest through the city. Not only does Market Street give you a true taste of all that is San Francisco but it virtually eliminates the need for a car.

If you have a bit of time to explore, hop aboard one of the cable cars, horse-drawn streetcars or trolleybuses and head out on the town.  Market Street is home to everything you’ll need on your trip so there’s really no need to stray far. From shops and restaurants to cafes and pubs, walk out of your hotel and you’ll be only a block or two away from whatever you’re looking for.

Apps

If you do decide to explore the city on foot, here are some fantastic apps for your smart phone or iPod that will help you navigate the city with ease:

- Routesy San Francisco: for a mere $2.99 you can download this application that will find you, locate the closest Muni station and provide you with a list of transit lines and arrival times.
- Hop Stop: this free app offers incredible versatility. Door-to-door directions can be adjusted for how far you want to walk, and even transit only. Like other apps, it will find your exact location and point you in the right direction.
- Where: utilizing GPS technology, the free app knows where you are and can find things nearby. Restaurants from Yelp, gas stations, Starbucks and theaters are all easily located with the simple application.
- MotionX Gps: never get lost on the trail again! If you need to get out into nature for a bit of a break, track your location and plot “waypoints” which will lead you back the way you came. Handy if you don’t know you’re way around the city, much less its parks.

How to Get There

You’ve made it to San Francisco, found a great hotel, downloaded your apps and are ready to hit the road. So, how do you get where you want to go without a car?

Walking: the city is pedestrian friendly with plenty of sidewalks and cross walks. Locals are used to pedestrians and are incredibly courteous to them. Throw on a great pair of walking shoes, grab a bottle of water and go! Do be aware, however, that the city is full of steep streets so if you’re heading uphill you may find that you need to stop and rest more frequently than usual.

Biking: cycling is the quickest way around the city. Experienced cyclers will have no problem riding through the city streets but those who aren’t avid bikers may want to stick to bike paths and quiet roads.

Public Transport: Muni operates all buses, streetcars and cable cars within the city. BART operates the city’s major subway line. Public transit is the perfect option for getting around the city as long as you have a good map.

It’s easy to get lost in San Francisco. The city is a maze of busy streets and has an abundance of toll bridges. By following these tips, you’re sure to navigate the city like a pro.

Ned Stolmeyer advises on time shares around the world. One of his favorite locations is the Ritz Carlton Club and Residences, San Francisco.

Traveling has become significantly more difficult over the past decade—regardless of the continent or the season, there are just more people traveling and it is always crowded. Everything from the excessive screening at airports to getting bumped off due to overbooking, all threaten to taken the fun out flying. It’s even more difficult for a business traveler who has to do it frequently. However, it is possible to make travel enjoyable, by following some simple rules that will help to minimize potential problems and make your trip stress-free, if not enjoyable.

Book Smartly

Whether it is rental cars, hotels or airlines, be smart about the bookings. Travel is not about getting the lowest prices—for a business traveler it is about avoiding cancelled flights and uncomfortable, inconveniently located hotels. Consider an airport hotel if your stay is short; a taxi to the airport is usually one of your biggest expenses, and also you won’t have to worry about rushing to make your flight.

If a very cheap hotel is located in an out-of-the-way location from which transport will be difficult or a greater expense, then it is not cheap. Precious time which can be better utilized in meetings or used for rest is wasted in transit, while the transport bill skyrockets. Likewise, an airline is not “cheap” if its flights have long layovers or delays, because time is wasted and you won’t arrive at your destination fresh and ready to participate in business meetings.

There is a wealth of information available online, and business travelers should use it to their advantage. Always check an airline’s on-time and lost luggage performance before booking. Also, look up the fare history on the intended route so that it can be determined if you are really getting a good price. Book flights that allow you to reserve seats, and ensure that seat early by getting a printout of the boarding pass; this is the best way to avoid getting bumped off or arriving without your checked-in baggage.

The Airport Experience

Check-in lines are always long and airport security is meticulous. So arrive early, a minimum of three hours before boarding time for international flights and two for local. Airport security officers will not be rushed just because the last call for one’s flight has been made, in fact if you’re in too big of a hurry they are going to pay you closer attention. Anticipate delays and schedule meetings with sufficient cushion time so you don’t become stressed out unnecessarily. Plan to have your before-flight meal at the airport instead of several cocktails, which will add to your jet lag and use up some of your extra time.

Once you’ve found an airline that you feel comfortable with, stay loyal. There is nothing better in travel than the perks that come with an elite status gained through frequent flyer programs. The same is true for hotel and car rental loyalty programs. Be sure to use these incentives to your advantage when traveling frequently. One weekend worth of flying to Asia can earn one a year of upgrades, speedy security lines and priority standby status.

On average, one passenger on each flight arrives at their destination without their luggage. So hold on to everything of value or those items that you can’t manage without. This includes medicine, jewelry, documents or that suit that will be needed for your early morning meeting. Make sure the luggage is clearly identified and drop a business card inside as well.

If you must travel for work, then why not enjoy it as much as possible? After your business is done, explore your destination—be open to different cultures and cuisine, and visit the local markets. Save a day to see a museum and learn about the local history. Create a diary or even a travel blog to share with others; remember travel is an option not everyone is blessed with.

Author Samantha Hathaway is a financial consultant and always traveling between the U.S. and Europe. She is also a blogger and content contributor to payday loans, a site with information about and access to pay advances.

1 Zebra crossing – so named because of its black and white stripes, but better known as a crosswalk here in the US.

2. Whinge – to whine or complain, usually about things seen as trivial by someone else. If someone calls you a whinger it is not a good thing.

3. Welly – as in give it some welly. A good old Brit expression that’s the equivalent of elbow grease here in the US.

4. Trainers – you might think that this is a word for people who coach other people, but no, it’s Brit-speak for sneakers. And if you’re talking about tennis shoes, then the Brits say plimsolls.

5. Subway – this is a walkway that runs under a road, not to be confused either with the sandwich chain or a mode of transport (in London, what Americans call the subway is known as the Tube (or the Underground).

6. Sarky – Brit-speak for sarcastic where Americans would say snarky.

7. Rubber – this isn’t what you think, but what Americans call an eraser. Misuse of the term can lead to confusion, obviously.

8. Recce – in this case the same word reconnoitre/reconnaissance (both of French origin) have produced two diferent abbreviations on each side of the pond. In America, we’d say recon.

9. The off-licence is where you’d go to buy an alcoholic drink. Known affectionately as the offie, we’d call it a liquor store.

10. Their motorway is our freeway.

11. Want that ice-cream with a few sprinkles? You’ll have to ask for hundreds and thousands in the UK.

12. Our billboard is their hoarding.

13. Fortnight – this means two weeks, whereas we just take it one week at a time.

14. Even on the phone there are major differences. That tone you hear when you can’t get through is called the engaged tone in the UK, where we would say busy signal.

15. Got a personal bank account in the UK? you will probably call it a current account, the equivalent of the US checking (or check) account.

16. Our cop is their bobby, and the cops in general are sometimes called the Old Bill.

17. A ballpoint pen is a biro in the UK, after the last name of the inventor.

18. If you’re watching TV (or telly), then chances are you’ll take a look at the BBC, also known as the Beeb or Auntie.

19. The presenters there will use an autocue and not a teleprompter.

20. Is your boss a great guy? You’d call him a top bloke in the UK.

Check out an even longer list of uncommon British expressions here.

Other resources:

• British Language and Customs
• BBC America’s British American dictionary
• and, for the true word nerds out there, differences in American and British grammar. Image: Taikun2007)

Get a $25 Restaurant.com voucher when you book 4 days or more of parking at selected facilities. Details in this post.

Emergency Contacts

Let’s start at the beginning. Who do you call in case of emergency? Calling 911 won’t help you at all; if you’re in the UK, it’s 999 and don’t you forget it. Got a headache after your flight and need some Tylenol (officially acetaminophen)? Try asking for paracetamol – you can get it in any corner shop or chemist (which Americans know as a drugstore). That’s also a good place to get lip balm, which we’d call ChapStick. And when you stick your purchases in that case around your waist, don’t call it a fanny pack (fanny is UK slang for female genitals) but a bum bag.

Eating Out

When it comes to food, don’t bother asking for arugula unless you want puzzled stares. Try the more widely used rocket instead. And if you want cilantro, ask for coriander, which in the UK refers to the leaf and not just the seed. Replace that zucchini with a courgette and that eggplant with an aubergine, too. If you want your food to go, it won’t be wrapped in plastic wrap, but in cling film. Those with a sweet tooth can trade candy for sweets, candy apple for toffee apple and cotton candy for candy floss. And at the supermarket, you won’t find any carts – take a shopping trolley instead.

Your Rental Car

Want a stick shift as a rental? Then ask for a manual car and don’t forget to fill up with petrol (not gas). When you hit the road, Jack, you’ll be driving on the tarmac and not the blacktop and if you’re on foot, forget the boardwalk and take the promenade or leave the sidewalk behind in favor of the pavement. If you want to check out the big game, asking about football will get you news of the latest soccer scores. In England, you’ll have to swallow your pride and ask about American football.

Money Talk

Let’s talk money – in notes rather than bills, please. You can swap your dollars for pounds at the bureau de change (and not the currency exchange). Most people in Britain use the word cashpoint for ATM. Turning to the courts, where Americans have lawyers, the Brits have barristers and solicitors, which might come in handy when it’s time for business. Want to send out some business information? You will need the right postcode (not zipcode) and may have to send your packages by recorded delivery instead of certified mail. And don’t forget, if you’re going upstairs to your meeting room, you will be taking the lift and not the elevator.

There are dozens more examples of how Americans differ from the Brits. More on this here or for a quick ready reference check out this British-American translation tool on About.com. (Image: michal818)

Get a $25 Restaurant.com voucher when you book 4 days or more of parking at selected facilities. Details in this post.

Air Traffic Control Goes Virtual

Playing video games may provide valuable experience for when the next generation of air traffic control systems is fully rolled out. Currently in testing at the Florida NextGen Test Bed, the technology includes a virtual display, a joystick and 3D live data of the planes in the air and on the ground. This gives a more realistic and precise view of what’s actually happening and compares well with the radar systems currently in use, which are beginning to show their age. However, radar and satellite will continue to be used for backup.

The virtual imagery is one of the technologies being tested for the refurb of the National Aerospace System which will make more use of the technologies that most people are using in daily lives, such as GPS and SMS messaging for communication. In the end the overhaul should result in fewer delays, more direct routes and less holding time in the sky, with obvious environmental benefits.  More on that story on The Daytona Beach News Journal.

New Travel Discount Scheme

Small business travelers stand to save money with MHNsaves for business, launched last week. According to MHN, this is a different type of discount travel website, offering discounts of at least 5% off the lowest advertised prices for hotels. In addition you can combine your discount with discounts from AARP or AAA membership, earn your regular loyalty rewards and earn additional rewards with the site’s own cashback rewards scheme. You can redeem your MHNsaves points at any time. The site also allows rental car booking.

In the Clouds

And finally, how would you like to float on a cloud? This has nothing to do with William Wordsworth’s Daffodils poem, but with a design concept from Tiago Barros. With his Passing Cloud design, Barros sees us traveling in a set of lightweight balloons held together in the shape of a cloud, moving at the speed of the prevailing winds. Whether that could be the future of business travel, I don’t know but the concept is intriguing. Check out the photos here.

Attire: India, being in the tropical zone, is warm most parts of the year. Except for the northern regions, the rest of India does not experience winters. If you are travelling in April-September, keep your clothing cool and light. Formal shirts and trousers are the norm here with a blazer/ jacket thrown in for more formal meetings. For women, conservative business formals can easily be worn. If travelling in the months of October-March, it is recommended to carry warm clothing, depending on the part of the country you are visiting.

Business Entertainment: In a usual scenario, your hosts will insist on taking you out for lunch/ dinner or arranging the same for you within the office premises. It is one of the traits that come naturally to Indians. Working lunches have increasingly caught up. In case you would like to have a drink with your meal, it will be a good idea to ask your host about it, albeit discreetly. If you are in Ahmedabad or anywhere in the state of Gujarat, it will be better to abstain as Gujarat is a dry state. Most locals frown upon alcohol and you may not want to put yourself and your host in a tight spot. It is also a good idea to avoid beef as Hindus, the predominant religious group in India, consider the cow as sacred.

Businesswomen: Though India has opened up considerably and most metropolises have cultures akin to those of London and New York, there may be a slight difference in the way Indians interact with women. Do not be offended or surprised if your male host does not look at you while talking. With respect to safety, you should have dependable arrangements with respect to your accommodation and commute. It is unwise to step out unescorted after dark. At work or outside, if you encounter any sort of harassment, do not hesitate to raise an alarm.

Currency: The Indian currency is Indian National Rupee or simple Rupee. Most importance currencies like Dollar, Euro, Pound, and Yen can easily be converted at various points. All large establishments also accept credit cards and travelers’ cheques. For day-to-day use, however, it is advisable to carry the Indian rupee.

Transport: The public transport system is insufficient, given the large Indian population. It is, thus, avoidable for people unaccustomed to it. Ask your Indian counterpart to make stay and transport arrangements for you. Alternatively, your hotel would be able to provide you with transport. However, if you are adventurous and want a flavor of the real India, step out on the streets and flag a taxi or a three-wheeler called auto rickshaw. In Mumbai, you can safely assume to be billed by a meter system, but in other cities, you will have to put all your bargaining skills to work! For a point-to-point travel, enquire about rates beforehand so that you are not taken for a ride. If you have company and time on your hands, you can try other means of transport like metro, local train and bus.

Weekends and After-Office Hours: Enquire about local places of interest and utilize your weekends in exploring these. E.g. if you are in Delhi, you can do a heritage walk which will take you through the Mughal dynasty. In Mumbai, you can explore the various street markets and simply let your hair down in coffee shops along with beach.

Shopping: The richness of India gets reflected in the wide variety of wares it seeks to sell. From comparatively inexpensive branded merchandise to handicrafts, you can have a field day picking up mementos for dear ones back home. In large shopping malls or showrooms, the prices will be fixed but in small shops and roadside kiosks, there is room for bargaining. Do not shy away from haggling as there is a good chance that you are being quoted an inflated price.

Sightseeing: If you have time on your hand, make sure you visit a few tourist destinations. India is rich in its diversity which gets reflected in its mountains of Himachal, deserts of Rajasthan, beaches of Goa, backwaters of Kerala, temples of south India, and mangroves of Sundarbans. Depending on the region you are visiting, make provision for a trip to nearby points of interest. There is much to take back from India!

Safety: As with any other big city, Indian cities have their share of law and order challenges. However, for most parts, it is safe to stay and carry on with day-to-day work. Be careful about your documentation; have the contact details of your embassy/ high commission handy; and exercise a little more restraint than normal. Till you are familiar with the city, it is best to step out in company, especially after dark.

India is huge, and diverse. What applies to one region may be in complete contrast to another. So when you reach, observe the local customs and follow accordingly. Ask, if you have doubts. Your Indian friends will be more than willing to educate you on their tradition.

The skyline of Mumbai may look like that of Manhattan at night but India still preserves its mysticism of being the land of the maharajas and snake charmers. So do not just do business here; discover India. India cannot be ignored any longer.

Image: mayankpandey

India is at a stage when it cannot be ignored. With a GDP growth of 7.8% (2011 Q2 estimate), India is one of the most rapidly developing economies. It is attracting multinationals and investors in large numbers. Visiting India, and doing business here, is quite an experience though. So whether you are an investor looking to meet future partners or you are an MNC employee here to engage with your global team, this post may just be what you need to read.

Geography: Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are the most prominent cities for business purposes. While Delhi, being the capital, is the seat for all governmental activities, Mumbai is the financial capital. Bangalore and Hyderabad are the IT hubs, and Ahmedabad is emerging as a strong investment destination with a number of special economic zones coming up. Whereas Delhi is to the north, Ahmedabad and Mumbai are in the west. Bangalore and Hyderabad fall in the southern part of India. This is helpful in order to keep climatic conditions in mind when travelling. The north experiences severe summers and winters; so, if you are travelling to Delhi (or anywhere in the north) during October-March, it is wise to carry warm clothing.

Business Behavior: Due to the large presence of multinational corporations in India, the etiquettes followed here are quite similar to the globally-accepted ones. This stems largely from the British influence dating back to the colonial rule. Compared to cultures like Japan, India is more absorbent of other traditions. This is perhaps due to the existence of a wide variety of cultures within India itself.

For a meeting, a handshake is acceptable as a form of greeting. If you are meeting a lady, however, it may be better to wait for her to extend her hand. Exchanging of business cards too takes place in a simple manner. Indians prefer to open conversations with small talk, usually bordering on personal. So if your host asks you about your family, do not think it to be intrusive. It is merely a way to make you feel at home.

Considerable importance is given to position and/ or rank. So if you are meeting your subordinates, do not be surprised if they insist on calling you Sir or Madam. Similarly, if you are meeting a senior, politely enquire how s/ he would like to be addressed.

Most Indians are comfortable with English but they may have a thick accent, depending on the part of the country they belong to. Similarly, they may take a while to understand your accent. So speak slowly and ensure you are being understood. Also, ask a person to repeat  if you have not followed the thread of conversation.

Though Indians are quite tolerant about religious diversities, it is a wise move to not initiate discussions on religion. Political discussions are more acceptable. As with any self-respecting nation, India is fiercely proud of her cultural heritage and history. It is thus good to focus on the positive aspects of the growing and developing India than to dwell on the pain points like poverty, filth, and backwardness. Read up on the current affairs in order to have intelligent and safe small talk with your Indian colleagues.

The occidental cultures are more direct and to-the-point. You may find Indians different when it comes to this. A simple no would be said with a lot of politeness and hesitation. While interacting with Indians, it is good to be a little less abrupt and more evasive. E.g. if you wish to decline an invitation, do not say no directly. Instead, say, “It may be difficult but I’ll try.”

In a business interaction, the process is more important than the outcome. Indians will focus on the soft aspects of the interaction, e.g., the relationships being formed. So if you want a successful result of your visit, ensure you give as much importance to the people as to the numbers.

Do not be upset if your hosts or Indian counterparts turn up late for an appointment. Indians have a relaxed concept of time. So do carry enough material with you to keep yourself busy if your Indian meeting delegates do not turn up on time.

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of our India Business Travel Guide.

Image: ~FreeBirD®~