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Principal Business Travel

Business travel agents offering all inclusive Concierge service. Visit us at www.principaltravel.co.

21/12/2024

Christmas cheer from principal Business Travel!!! x

20/12/2024

Deck the Desks: Office Party Traditions Around the World 🎉

It’s that time of year when offices everywhere trade spreadsheets for Secret Santa, laptops for laughter, and to-do lists for tinsel! Office parties are a great way to bring teams together, celebrate the year's successes, and embrace the festive spirit. But what makes a truly memorable office bash?

Some companies keep it cosy with gingerbread decorating contests and festive jumper days. Others go all out with themed parties or even karaoke competitions (a brave soul always tackles Last Christmas). Secret Santa gift exchanges—where you’re just as likely to receive chocolates as a questionable mug—remain a firm favourite.

Around the world, traditions vary. In the UK, mince pies and mulled wine often make an appearance, while in Sweden, the season isn’t complete without julbord—a festive buffet featuring pickled herring and glögg (mulled wine).

No matter the tradition, the best office parties always come down to one thing: bringing the team together for some well-earned fun.

We’ll be celebrating here at Principal Business Travel (watch this space for photos)! – with a traditional party with lots of fizz and festive cheer. And speaking of festive cheer, what are your go-to office party traditions? Share your favourites with us—gingerbread cookies, photo booths, or maybe even a dance-off?

Stay tuned for the post-party highlights and, of course, and any suggestions for best hangover cures will be gratefully received! 😉

service

Check out this post on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/deck-the-desks-office-party-traditions-around-the-world-%f0%9f%8e%89/

13/12/2024

• 🎅 Lapland for a snowy adventure
• 🗽 New York for a magical city break
• 🏖 Maldives for a tropical escape
• 🏠 Home sweet home

Cast your vote so we can see what you're dreaming of this season! Don’t forget to tag a friend you’d love to travel with.

08/12/2024

Evie’s Journey: From Gap Year Dreams to Uni Life Goals

At Principal Business Travel, we’re committed to supporting students in balancing their academic and financial goals. Evie, one of our star team players, began her journey with us before university and this has grown into a flexible role that fits perfectly around her student life.

Evie first joined us to save for her gap year abroad, a goal she achieved with hard work and dedication. After returning from her travels, she headed to university and transitioned into a semi part-time role with us. Now, she balances her studies with flexible working hours, earning while gaining valuable work-life skills for the future.

What makes Evie’s experience even more unique is her ability to work remotely. While she’s not physically in the office, she’s always connected with the team through live chat during her working hours. “It’s great to have that support,” Evie says. “Even though I’m working from my little room in halls, I still feel part of the team. The camaraderie and help I get makes such a difference—it’s like I’m right there in the office with everyone!”

Evie works around her university schedule, taking on more hours during the holidays when she has more time to save for the next term. Her role isn’t just about earning money; it’s about learning and growing, too. From honing her organisational skills to gaining real-world customer service experience, she’s setting herself up for future success

We’re proud to offer opportunities for students like Evie to thrive and grow—helping her develop, while also keeping us current and relevant. Supporting young talent ensures we stay connected to all aspects of the working world, from academia to big business and beyond!

You can look at this post on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/evies-journey-from-gap-year-dreams-to-uni-life-goals/

29/11/2024

Festive Detours ☃🎅

Business travel doesn’t have to be all work and no play, especially when your destination is a wintry wonderland like Scandinavia. If you’re heading to Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, or Reykjavik this December, why not make time for some festive cheer? Think mulled wine, twinkling lights, and the magical scent of roasted chestnuts – the perfect way to sprinkle some joy into your itinerary.

In Copenhagen, the iconic Tivoli Gardens transforms into a yuletide paradise, with beautifully decorated stalls, Christmas-themed rides, and enough æbleskiver (Danish doughnuts) to keep you warm through the longest meetings.

Over in Helsinki, the Senate Square Christmas Market is an absolute must. Browse handmade gifts, sample piping-hot glögi, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Santa himself – after all, he’s practically a local!

Meanwhile, Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town) hosts one of Europe’s cosiest Christmas markets. Stroll its cobblestone streets, marvel at the traditional Swedish crafts, and indulge in some pepparkakor (gingerbread) – it’s impossible not to feel festive.

Finally, Reykjavik offers a unique twist with its Yule Town Christmas Market. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it’s the perfect spot to pick up Icelandic woolens while sipping on jólaglögg.

For those feeling extra adventurous, why not extend your trip and hop over to Lapland to meet the big man himself? Combining business with a bit of leisure – or “bleisure” – could be the gift you didn’t know you needed.

Work trip or winter escape? In Scandinavia, it’s both! 🎄

Check out some of our business travel city guides here for your next business trip: https://principaltravel.co.uk/the-knowledge-hub/

22/11/2024

Save Time, Save Money, Support Your Team! ✨

Did you know? Inefficient travel processes not only cost your business money but also waste valuable employee time.

With a Business Travel Audit , you’ll:
💸 Cut unnecessary costs and optimise your travel budget.
⏱ Save your team hours of admin time on travel bookings.
😊 Enhance employee well-being with stress-free travel solutions.

It’s time to rethink how you manage travel. 🌍

👉 Book your complimentary audit today and uncover hidden savings!

Look at this post on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/unlock-the-hidden-value-in-your-business-travel-budget/

15/11/2024

We’re delighted to be sponsoring a Wi******er City FC team this season – having a good season so far, currently sitting 2nd in the league with a game in hand!
Wi******er City Football Club

08/11/2024

Flights, Fireworks, and Final Meetings: November's Business Travel Essentials

So, here we are in November already, and we are seeing a definite uptick in travel bookings, as many businesses look to bring their year’s to a close, and plan for 2025 by bringing employees together all around the globe. However, this is a hectic time of year and brings unique challenges for business travellers, particularly as the traditional winter festivities and holiday events also kick in around that time adding a layer of complexity to travel logistics. With celebrations like Guy Fawkes Night in the UK and Thanksgiving in the US, navigating airports, booking hotels, and securing meeting venues can require extra planning. Here’s how to ensure smooth travels and make the most of November’s festive energy.

Plan Ahead Around Local Celebrations

Events like Guy Fawkes Night, celebrated during the first week of November, bring vibrant fireworks displays and gatherings across the UK. While thrilling, these festivities can mean increased demand for transport and accommodation in key areas, particularly near major city parks and viewing spots. To avoid any inconvenience, book well in advance and consider areas outside of main event zones to dodge high demand and potential delays.

In the US, Thanksgiving is a major national holiday (the fourth Thursday of November) with many Americans travelling to spend time with family. Airports can be packed, and flights are often fully booked, so opt for midweek travel or early morning flights if possible. Staying flexible can help avoid Thanksgiving traffic, especially near big cities.

Stay Productive on Long-Haul Flights

For those enduring long-haul flights during this season, staying productive and comfortable is key. Equip yourself with essentials like noise-cancelling headphones, portable chargers, and offline work files. Many airlines offer Wi-Fi on longer flights, making it easier to handle emails and catch up on tasks, even at 35,000 feet.

Embrace Local Culture

November travel offers a chance to enjoy local traditions. If business takes you to the UK, consider attending a Guy Fawkes fireworks display after work. In the US, many restaurants and hotels offer Thanksgiving dinners, perfect for team building and experiencing the holiday spirit with colleagues! Whatever your business plans, we hope you get to time to celebrate with your families and join in the fun of the season.

Or read this on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/flights-fireworks-and-final-meetings-novembers-business-travel-essentials/

01/11/2024

Spooky Stops for Business Travellers 🎃👻

At Principal Business Travel, we love exploring new cultures and traditions, and Halloween is no exception; it offers a unique lens into different customs around the world. Whether you’re meeting clients or attending conferences, why not take some time out to discover local quirks and celebrations and enjoy a few spooky traditions along the way this week? Here are some standout Halloween customs in major business cities that you might come across:

New York City, USA : The iconic Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village draws thousands, showcasing extravagant costumes and creative floats. Business travellers can join the festivities or enjoy themed events in local bars and restaurants.

Tokyo, Japan : Halloween has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in Shibuya, where streets fill with revelers in elaborate costumes. Expect vibrant celebrations, with many shops and cafés offering Halloween-themed treats and decorations.

Mexico City, Mexico : While Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead) is celebrated in early November, the festivities begin on Halloween. Expect vibrant altars, sugar skulls, and marigold decorations as locals honour their ancestors, providing a unique cultural experience for those visiting during this time.

Paris, France : Although Halloween isn't as widely celebrated, certain districts come alive with spooky decorations and themed parties. Visitors can enjoy a blend of traditional French culture and Halloween fun, with many bakeries offering seasonal pastries.

Have you experienced any weird and wonderful Halloween celebrations on your travels? Share your stories with us!

Check out this post on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/spooky-stops-for-business-travellers-%f0%9f%8e%83%f0%9f%91%bb/

28/10/2024

🎉 Exciting News! Principal Business Travel has been featured in *Business Travel Magazine* for our innovative Principal Rewards program! ✈️💼

Our wellness-focused loyalty scheme is helping business travellers feel appreciated and supported. Interested in partnering with us by offering rewards to our members? Get in touch today!

👉 Learn more: [https://principaltravel.co.uk/principal-rewards/](https://principaltravel.co.uk/principal-rewards/)

18/10/2024

From Panic to Party Train: The Power of Customer Service in Travel

In the world of business travel, it’s all about efficiency—until, of course, something goes hilariously off script. We once had a client who was travelling to Egypt for business, needing to get to Luxor on a tight schedule (as business travellers always are!). But when his flight into Cairo was severely delayed, causing him to miss his connection, he gave us a panicked call. Little did he know, his predicament was about to turn into an unexpected adventure!

Because it was late at night, our client wasn’t the only one in trouble. Several fellow passengers, also stranded, were looking utterly lost, unable to reach anyone for help. To make matters worse, they were about to miss their Nile River cruise. Enter our resourceful client, who, with a bit of quick thinking (and our behind-the-scenes magic), became an unlikely tour guide.

We swiftly organized an overnight train from Cairo to Luxor, and what started as a logistical challenge soon turned into a kind of "party train." Our client rounded up his newfound friends, whisked them all in taxis to Cairo station, and onto the train—problem solved. They arrived in Luxor just in time for the cruise and, in our client’s case, his business meeting.

To this day, that client is still with us. Sometimes, a little unexpected adventure is all part of the service! You just couldn't make it up.

Or read on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/from-panic-to-party-train-the-power-of-customer-service-in-travel/

11/10/2024

Rainy Day Remedies

This morning’s commute through the rain was a typical autumn ordeal for many—cold, wet, and dreary. As we trudged through the puddles, dodging umbrellas, it might have been tempting to let the grey weather set the tone for the day. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With a few simple strategies, you can overcome the drudgery of grey autumn days and make both your daily commute and business travel more inspiring.

1. Curate an Autumn Playlist
To turn your damp commute into something more enjoyable, pop in your headphones and lose yourself in a mood-boosting playlist. Whether it’s energising tracks to lift your spirits (we’re loving ‘The Door’ by Teddy Swims), having the right soundtrack can turn a dreary journey into a moment of calm or motivation. Pair it with an engaging podcast—perhaps a gripping mystery or an inspiring business story—and suddenly, the rain tapping on the bus window isn’t so bad.

2. Treat Yourself with Comfort Food
After braving a wet commute, it’s time for a well-deserved treat. Why not reward yourself with something indulgent like a slice of Millionaire’s Shortbread, as we did today, with your afternoon tea? These little comforts can make a grey day feel just a bit brighter, giving you a moment to savour as you recharge.

3. Get Moving to Boost Energy
Despite the drizzle, stepping outside during your lunch break can work wonders for your mood. Wrap up warm in your coat and scarf and take a brisk walk to clear your mind (grab the dog if you’re working from home). The fresh air will help shake off any sluggishness from the morning and give you a chance to re-energise for the afternoon ahead.

4. Make It a Reading Season
Autumn is perfect for diving into a good book. Instead of scrolling through your phone during a wet train ride, download a novel or an insightful business book – The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella is very inspiring for anyone feeling they’re on the hamster wheel!

5. Turn Downtime into Reflection Time
The autumn months are ideal for reflection. Whether you're on a delayed train or waiting for a flight, use the quiet moments to jot down your thoughts, review your goals, or brainstorm new ideas. A notebook, or even a relaxing app, can help you stay productive and focused while the rain pours outside. We love the Calm app for mindful inspiration….

6. Enjoy a Change of Scenery
If you’re travelling for business, break free from the monotony of hotel rooms. Find a cozy café or quiet spot where you can work with a view of the rain from the comfort of a warm indoor seat. A hot coffee and a welcoming atmosphere can turn your work session into a moment of autumnal inspiration. Marshmallows anyone?

Or read on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/rainy-day-remedies/

04/10/2024

Q4 Business Trips: Plan to End the Year on a High Note

The beginning of October is of course the start of the last quarter of the year for many businesses, so as the year winds down, it’s critical to make the most of your final business trips. These trips are a chance to close deals, strengthen relationships, and set yourself up for success in the new year. However, with the festive season approaching, both personal and business travel tend to ramp up, making thoughtful planning and efficient use of resources more important than ever.

1. Plan and Book Well in Advance

One of the key elements to ensuring your year-end business trips are successful is planning ahead. As Christmas approaches, personal travel skyrockets, and flights, hotels, and transportation options become increasingly limited. Here’s why early planning is crucial:

· Avoid Holiday Travel Chaos : The period between November and December is one of the busiest times for travel, with flights and hotels filling up quickly. By booking your business trips in advance, you avoid the stress of competing with holiday travellers and ensure that you secure convenient flight times and accommodations.

· Maximise Your Travel Budget : Airfares and hotel rates often surge toward the end of the year due to increased demand. Booking your travel early allows you to lock in lower rates, stretching your travel budget further. Additionally, many airlines and hotels offer early bird discounts, and you’ll have a wider range of choices before things get booked up.

· Secure Client and Partner Availability : Business meetings and events also become harder to schedule as the holidays approach, with key decision makers taking time off or becoming less available. Planning your business trips in advance ensures you can align your meetings with your clients' availability, making your trip more productive.

2. Set Clear Objectives for Each Trip

Once your trips are planned, focus on their purpose. Whether it's closing a deal, meeting stakeholders, or solidifying partnerships, having clear goals for each trip ensures you stay focused and productive. Each meeting should have specific outcomes, and you should plan follow ups well in advance to keep the momentum going post trip.

3. Leverage Q4 for Decision Making

The final quarter is when many businesses are making critical decisions, setting budgets, and planning for the upcoming year. This creates an ideal environment for pushing negotiations forward or re engaging with clients who have been slow to decide. Use your in person meetings to move deals to a close and ensure that your company is front of mind as your clients make year-end decisions.

4. Introduce Year End Promotions and Incentives

Take advantage of the final months to offer clients year end promotions, discounts, or limited time incentives. This strategy can create urgency and prompt clients to finalise agreements, ensuring that your business closes the quarter, and the year, on a strong note.

5. Optimise Your Time on the Road

When traveling during this busy period, time is precious. Use every minute efficiently by scheduling back to back meetings, keeping a clear agenda, and minimising downtime. Travel can be taxing, but with careful planning, you can maximise your productivity while on the road.

6. Follow Up and Maintain Momentum

Post trip follow up is essential, especially as the holidays approach and clients' attention shifts. After each meeting, send prompt, personalised follow ups to reiterate key points and outline the next steps. Maintaining momentum is key to converting meetings into results before the year ends.

7. Review and Reflect on the Year

Your final trips of the year are a great opportunity to reflect on what worked and what didn’t in terms of your business travel and overall strategy. Use these reflections to adjust your approach and better position yourself for success in the upcoming year.

By planning ahead, being clear about your goals, and maximizing your time on the road, your final business trips of the year can be highly productive and set the stage for a strong start in the new year. Don't let the hustle of holiday travel derail your business priorities—organise your trips early and use them as an opportunity to close out the year with a bang! Your business, not to mention your travel agent, will thank you for it!

Or read on our website instead at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/business-trips-plan-to-end-the-year-on-a-high-note/

27/09/2024

Spotlight on Our Star Player: Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence with Ingrid Sanderson

As we approach the end of a month of celebrating the 25th anniversary of Principal Business Travel, we shine our final ‘Spotlight’ on our founder and all-round star, Ingrid Sanderson. Since establishing the company in 1999, Ingrid has been the driving force behind a travel management firm that places clients and staff at the heart of everything we do. Her unwavering commitment to 100% customer service has been the cornerstone of our success, making her an indispensable leader and mentor.

Ingrid’s ethos of treating every traveller as if they were her own has created a culture of care and loyalty within the company. Beyond her travel roots, Ingrid has expanded into business coaching, where she shares her invaluable knowledge and experience with aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing from decades of leadership, she now helps others navigate the complexities of running a successful business, just as she has done for the past 25 years.

What drives Ingrid is her deeply personal ‘WHY’ - her dedication to her business and mentoring others is inspired by her family. Ingrid’s passion stems from her desire to give her two boys not only extraordinary travel experiences while growing up but also a world of opportunities and essential life tools to take forward into their own careers and life choices. Her enormous sense of pride comes from building a successful business, all while raising her boys to understand the value of hard work, dedication and success - not to mention the boundless possibilities and adventures that travel itself can offer!

As we celebrate this milestone, we recognise that Ingrid’s journey is about more than business achievement—it’s about family, pride, and the relationships she’s built along the way – a true one-woman success story. We salute you

Or read on our website at: https://principaltravel.co.uk/spotlight-on-our-star-player-celebrating-25-years-of-excellence-with-ingrid-sanderson/

20/09/2024

🧘‍♀️Feel Good Friday – Relax and Recharge: Taking time to relax is just as important as work. Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises can help you unwind – then perhaps reach for your favourite cocktail for that Friday feeling!

How do you relax after a long day of travel? Let us know in the comments https://businesstravelwellnessweek.co.uk/

Our blissed-out fave’s are: https://breethe.com/
and https://mybarapp.com/

19/09/2024

🚀 Thrive Thursday – Boost Productivity on the Go: Maximize your productivity while traveling! Use downtime on flights or trains to plan, organize, or catch up on emails and stay efficient while on the move.

Do you have a go-to productivity tip for when you’re traveling? Share it and inspire others! https://businesstravelwellnessweek.co.uk/

Our favourite time management apps: https://todoist.com/
and https://asana.com/

18/09/2024

🍏 Wellness Wednesday – Nourish Your Body: Healthy eating can be a challenge on the road, but it’s not impossible! Pack snacks like nuts and fruit, choose lighter meals at airports and hotels and find better food choices while traveling.

What’s your favourite healthy snack for business trips? Let us know! https://businesstravelwellnessweek.co.uk/

Our favourite nutrition apps: https://yuka.io/en/
and https://www.noom.com/

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✈️ Unwrap more of our daily Advent tips for maintaining wellness on the go… 🌿 To be the first to find out more about our upcoming rewards program, specially crafted for our valued customers, click here : https://principaltravel.co.uk/balancing-success-and-wellbeing-unveiling-our-2024-principal-business-travel-wellbeing-rewards-initiative-name-tba/ 🌟 #FestiveWellness #BusinessTravel #AdventTips #CustomerRewards #BeTheFirst"

✈️ Unwrap more of our daily Advent tips for maintaining wellness on the go… 🌿 To be the first to find out more about our upcoming rewards program, specially crafted for our valued customers, click here: https://principaltravel.co.uk/balancing-success-and-wellbeing-unveiling-our-2024-principal-business-travel-wellbeing-rewards-initiative-name-tba/ 🌟 #FestiveWellness #BusinessTravel #AdventTips #CustomerRewards #BeTheFirst"

✈️ Unwrap more of our daily Advent tips for maintaining wellness on the go… 🌿 To be the first to find out more about our upcoming rewards program, specially crafted for our valued customers, click here :https://principaltravel.co.uk/balancing-success-and-wellbeing-unveiling-our-2024-principal-business-travel-wellbeing-rewards-initiative-name-tba/ 🌟 #FestiveWellness #BusinessTravel #AdventTips #CustomerRewards #BeTheFirst"

✈️ Unwrap more of our daily Advent tips for maintaining wellness on the go… 🌿stay tuned for an exciting announcement about our new rewards program, dedicated to looking after our valued customers into 2024 and beyond here : https://principaltravel.co.uk/balancing-success-and-wellbeing-unveiling-our-2024-principal-business-travel-wellbeing-rewards-initiative-name-tba/ 🌟 #FestiveWellness #BusinessTravel #AdventTips #CustomerRewards

✈️ Unwrap more of our daily Advent tips for maintaining wellness on the go… 🌿 Find out how we are going to help our clients maintain their health and wellbeing in 2024 here: https://principaltravel.co.uk/balancing-success-and-wellbeing-unveiling-our-2024-principal-business-travel-wellbeing-rewards-initiative-name-tba/ 🌟 #FestiveWellness #BusinessTravel #AdventTips"