business trip and vacation

How to Combine a Business Trip with a Vacation

T he long history of road warriors adding vacation days before or after a business trip, initially a response to the old airline pricing practice of marking up midweek round trips, is getting a fresh look thanks to the widespread acceptance of remote work.

High inflation that has driven airline fares up by 18% over the past year are also a big driver, according to Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

“If you’re already on a plane, [that’s] a huge motivation. If your basic transportation… is already covered by your employer, I think that’s a huge benefit, and a reason why business travelers are interested in this,” she says.

A 2022 survey conducted by hotel brand Crowne Plaza found that 60% plan to add leisure travel days onto future business trip itineraries. “It’s almost as if Monday is the new Sunday and Thursday is the new Friday,” says Ginger Taggart, vice president of global brand management at Crowne Plaza’s corporate parent, IHG Hotels & Resorts.

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Hotels are on board: Although vacationers are making up for lost time with abandon, the return of more-lucrative corporate bookings has been, at best, halting. The GBTA predicts that factors including persistent inflation, climbing energy prices and companies’ desire to conserve cash in the face of an economic downturn will delay until 2026 the recovery of what had been a $1.4 trillion business before the pandemic. And that is one of the more optimistic projections. “Consumer sentiment suggests a full return to pre-COVID levels of business travel may never occur,” according to an analysis by hotel data consultancy STR. .

Beleaguered hotels can make up for some of the shortfall when business travelers bring their families and spring for adjoining rooms or suites, as well as when traveling companions with nothing to do during the workday spend money at a hotel spa, golf course or casino.

Some employers haven’t warmed to the blended-travel trend, says Evan Konwiser, executive vice president of product and strategy at American Express Global Business Travel. “Having a policy denotes formal endorsement of something, and a lot of travel management teams don’t have the overhead or resources to manage an additional component,” he says.

But in spite of concerns about potential liability, expense account mismanagement, workers slacking off or some combination of all three, many employers have been eager to embrace an activity that doesn’t add to their payroll costs and is perceived as a perk by many employees. In a 2022 GBTA survey of corporate travel managers, 90% said employees were interested in combining business trips with recreational travel at their companies.

How to make the balancing act work

Blending work and play can be easier said than done—especially for business travelers whose instincts have gotten rusty. “It’s almost like a muscle people haven’t flexed in the past couple of years,” says Misty Belles, vice president of global public relations at travel agency network Virtuoso.

But with a few tips from industry pros, you can make sure that both the work and the recreation parts of your trip get the job done.

• Get the green light from your higher-ups. Combining the two is a gray area at many companies, so clear communication with your boss is key, particularly as more executives are agitating to get worker bees back into the office. “Making sure they can be productive [is] important for their own sanity, but also important to show to the company,” Konwiser says.
• Plan for disruptions. Gaming out a contingency plan with your fellow travelers beforehand is smart. Shortages of workers ranging from baggage handlers to air-traffic controllers have triggered epic logjams at airports in recent months. In the event of a canceled flight, a traveler on a bargain or frequent-flier reward ticket is apt to have more hassle getting rebooked than a business traveler whose reservation benefits from the clout of a corporate account, says Paul Tumpowsky, CEO of Virtuoso member agency Skylark Travel Group. “Be prepared … Those two people are going to get treated very differently,” he says. For business travelers whose itineraries are prone to change on short notice, he suggests looking into travel insurance that includes coverage for work-related cancellations.
• Have a place where you can get work done. Ironically, the trick to working from anywhere is making sure you have a place to get work done. Belles says many travelers bringing partners or family with them book larger rooms or suites, or stay at hotels with amenities that cater to professionals, like a business center, club floor or lounge. Your hotel lobby might be another option: Many have comfortable nooks that offer a modicum of quiet and privacy.
• Don’t forget to put relaxation on your calendar. If you’re traveling with family or friends, make a schedule and stick to those boundaries. “It’s not fair to your family when you’re saying, ‘Hey, come with me,’ and then you end up working your normal 60- or 70-hour workweek,” Neufang says. “I think the most successful blended travelers have their work and their play … It’s very clear when they can go and shut the laptop.”

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Planning a business trip 101: Tips for regular business travelers

There’s a lot to consider when planning a business trip. This guide is designed to make sure you’re prepared to get going. Travel for business is easier when you’re prepared.

By Jessica Freedman

February 9, 2024

Planning a business trip is not always fun and games ; there’s a lot to think about. Whether you’re a small business owner, a regular business traveler or a travel manager, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start. You have to deal with searching for the best travel deals, planning the ideal itinerary, and if you’re the one traveling, make a packing list.

Dealing with all that goes into planning business trips for yourself, your boss and your company is no easy task, which is why we’ve created this Business Trip 101 to help you get going. Travel easier and be sure how to plan a business trip after reading this guide. 

Get going, travel easier

The more efficient your planning is, the more productive you can be on your business trips as a regular business traveler because you will have a clear agenda and know where your priorities lie. When it comes to corporate travel there is a lot to keep in mind such as flight and hotel bookings, scheduling, ground transportation, checked baggage vs. hand luggage and everyone’s agendas. The more organized you are, the better yours and your team’s results will be.

How to plan a business trip

Planning a business trip can take a lot of work, and part of that is making sure you can balance the business traveler’s mental health (or if you’re the one planning, you have your own wellbeing in mind) as well as the physical needs with the objectives of the company. This is why it’s so important to start with a goal. This way you can see if your agenda is feasible and whether it helps work towards achieving a goal while also following a rhythm that is feasible for the person doing the traveling. If you can, try to have a master planning list that allows you to optimize the time that goes into planning, and then you can more easily replicate for future trips.

1. Start with a goal

If you are looking for how to plan a business trip and stay efficient, we suggest you start with a goal for your business trip . Figure out what you want to accomplish and why you must take a trip to do so. With a goal in place it will be easier to figure out your objectives and then track KPIs related to the trip. KPIs could be the number of new clients onboarded, number of new prospects, number of sales contacts, or goals like designing the Marketing Plan for the following year or simply teambuilding, depending of course on the goal of your business trip.

If you are a regular business traveler traveling for a sales meeting, why not set up several meetings with different potential clients and current clients in the same area to avoid having to travel so frequently? This way you can focus on quality business trips over quantity, which makes them more productive and you will experience less travel fatigue, especially for regular business travelers. 

2. Plan travel once and repeat

Sometimes the biggest part of getting anything done is devising a plan. So start your business trip planning by coming up with a travel plan that is easily replicable for future trips. Start by making a list of everything that you need to do to plan and turn it into a checklist. Business travel like any project needs a roadmap to get anything accomplished.

Need a helping hand to get started? Download our checklist!

3. create a master business trip itinerary.

Creating standard itinerary for a business trip oftentimes will fall in the hands of an administrative or HR professional, but if one isn’t provided for you, there are some important details you must consider jotting down such as transportation times and details, travel reservation and confirmation numbers, addresses, emergency contact information, check in and check out times for the hotel, day-to-day schedule details (such as what time do meetings start, where and how long do they go), as well as contact information for the people you will be meeting with. 

It may seem overwhelming at first but once you have a master business trip itinerary outline it will be easily replicable for your next trip. If you work with a travel management company like GetGoing , you can store all your itineraries and travel documents in one place making managing your business trips as easy as the snap of a finger. 

4. Store all business trip-related documents in one place

As we’ve mentioned, when you work with a travel management company, all of your business and trip-related documents will be stored in one place on the web app, including important contact information for travelers, hotel information, emergency contacts, and a support phone number to call in case of issues. 

If you are booking all your regular business trips on your own without the support of a TMC, then be sure to have a spreadsheet and shared drive dedicated to your travel plans and itineraries. It will be easier to keep track of everything and ensure nothing gets missed.

Packing and trip lists: lists are your friend

When it comes time to pack for your business trip there is nothing more important than having a list ready with everything you need to start your business travel plans, especially if you’re a regular business traveler. That means having a running list of those elements that you can’t travel without like your passport or ID, your computer, a mouse, a pen and notebook, or your business cards.

Consult our ultimate packing list for more ideas about the travel essentials.

Make a list of all the travel extras

Extras can be things like checking a bag, traveling business class on a flight, purchasing an in-flight meal, having a driver pick you up, and more. The kinds of extras permitted might depend on your company’s travel policy. For example, taking a taxi instead of the bus to the airport may or not be allowed based on the budget per trip your company has in mind, so make sure to check with your travel manager, HR or office manager about what is and is not allowed. 

Search for business travel deals

Finding business travel deals is perhaps the most important and time-consuming task when it comes to making your business travel arrangements. If your company doesn’t already work with a TMC, you may consider urging them to sign up for a corporate travel management solutions company who can help you find the best (and most convenient) travel deals . 

Some other cheap travel hacks for regular business travelers are:

• Be flexible with dates
• Travel in the middle of the week instead of Monday or Friday.
• Consider traveling via a historically cheap destination to get to your final destination
• Go with budget flight options like RyanAir, EasyJet or Vueling

Business travel by flight

Business travel by flight is one of the hardest parts of booking a business trip. How can you find the most convenient and shortest route without having to pay an arm and a leg? There is also a fine balance between the amount of time you dedicate to searching for cheap flights and the amount you pay because after all time is money, so you don’t want to whittle away your time to spend a little less. 

It’s also hard to know, whether hand luggage is enough for you when traveling by air, whether it’s worth-it to book business or first class (and if your company even allows it). One of the most important things is to familiarize yourself with your company’s travel policy so you don’t find surprises when it comes time to having your travel approved. 

Checked or hand luggage only: Is hand luggage enough for you when traveling by air?

So should you go with checked or hand luggage only? Is hand luggage enough for you when traveling by air? Our rule of thumb when is to ask yourself the following questions, which can help you decide whether hand luggage is enough or if you should consider fronting the extra bucks to check a bag:

• Is your meeting formal or informal? If it’s formal you may want to consider checking a bag so you can keep your suit or blouse from wrinkling.
• How many days are you traveling for? 1-4 days of informal business travel can easily be packed into hand luggage only. Beyond 5 days, it’s definitely worth checking a bag or if you have to deal with cold weather or different climates on the different stops in your trip.
• Will you be adding time on for bleisure or blended travel? If you decide to add in extra days either before or after your trip you may consider throwing in a bathing suit to hit the beach or the spa or some extra clothes that don’t necessarily scream “I’m on a business trip.”
• What kind of traveler are you? If you’re the kind of traveler that wants to throw in your rain boots and parka in case it rains when you’re traveling to Spain that has an average of 50 days of rain a year, then you might consider checking a bag. If you’re a “worst case scenario” type of traveler then just a carry-on will most likely never suffice. 

Hotels for business travelers

Choosing the right hotels for regular business travelers is no easy decision. Breakfast or no breakfast? What kind of amenities are non-negotiable? Is it better to be close to the office or downtown? Should you choose a hotel just because they include airport pick-up? There are so many questions to ponder that we’re going to dedicate an exclusive post just to choosing hotels for business travelers. Stay tuned.

Use the right tools for booking hotels for your business trip

Kayak, Skyscanner, Google flights or Hopper are all great tools for your every day trip, but when it comes to business travel, you want a company like GetGoing travel management for businesses that will help optimize and streamline your booking process. The easier trip planning is, the less time you will have to spend planning and the more productive you can be in your daily job. 

And that’s how you plan a business trip

Review and refine the process for planning a business trip . To do so, create a short survey that you can share with your team so you can evaluate how the trip went and assess whether the goals of the meeting were accomplished. This is an important step, especially when deciding whether to travel or not to travel for future trips.  The more often you reach your goals and the more your goals are reliant on a trip to meet them, the more it makes sense to travel. 

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Tax-Smart Getaways: How to Combine Business Trips with Vacation Days

Summertime means sunny days, warmer weather, and opportunities to take a hard-earned vacation.  As a self-employed person or a business owner, there are ways to combine a business trip with a few of those vacation days while offsetting some of the cost with a tax deduction.  Use caution, however, or you may not get some of those write-offs for which you were hoping.

Basic Rules

Business travel expenses can potentially be deducted if the travel is within the United States and the expenses are “ordinary and necessary” business expenses that directly relate to the business.

It is important to note that tax rules for foreign business travel are different from those for domestic travel.

Business owners and self-employed persons are generally eligible to deduct business travel expenses if they meet the tests described above. However, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, employees can no longer deduct such expenses. The potential deductions discussed in this article assume that you’re a business owner or self-employed.

A Business-Vacation Trip

Transportation costs to and from the location of your business activity may be 100% deductible if the primary reason for the trip is business rather than pleasure. But if vacation is the primary reason for your travel, generally no transportation costs are deductible. These costs include plane or train tickets, the cost of getting to and from the airport, luggage handling tips and car expenses if you drive. Costs for driving your personal car are also eligible.

The key factor in determining whether the primary reason for domestic travel is business is the number of days you spend conducting business vs. enjoying vacation days. Any day principally devoted to business activities during normal business hours counts as a business day. In addition:

• Your travel days count as business days, as do weekends and holidays — if they fall between days devoted to business and it wouldn’t be practical to return home.
• Standby days (days when your physical presence might be required) also count as business days, even if you aren’t ultimately called upon to work on those days.

Overall, the bottom line is that if your business days exceed your personal days, you should be able to claim business was the primary reason for a domestic trip and deduct your transportation costs.

What else can you deduct?

Once at the destination, your out-of-pocket expenses for business days are fully deductible. Examples of these expenses include lodging, meals (subject to the 50% disallowance rule), seminar and convention fees, and cab fare. However, expenses for personal days aren’t deductible.

Keep in mind that only expenses for yourself are deductible. You can’t deduct expenses for family members traveling with you, including your spouse or dependents, unless they’re employees of your business and also traveling for a bona fide business purpose as described above.

Keep Good Records

Be sure to retain proof of the business nature of your trip. You must properly substantiate all of the expenses you’re deducting. If you get audited, the IRS will want to see records during travel you claim was for business. Good records are your best defense. Additional rules and limits apply to travel expense deductions.

Please contact your Blue & Co. advisor with questions regarding the tax effects of combining personal and business travel.

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17 Incredibly Useful Business Travel Tips from a Frequent Traveler

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17 Business Travel Tips You Need to Know

After several months of traveling every week for work, I’ve picked up some very helpful business travel tips that make traveling for work easy and enjoyable.

Whether you’re a consultant like me and you travel for work every week, or you just take occasional business trips, these tips will help you improve your business travel experience.

More of my favorite travel tips and hacks:

• 15 Extremely Helpful Airport Tips
• 15 Tips for Long Haul Flights
• How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Best Business Travel Tips Summarized

Low on time? Here’s a quick summary of the business travel tips below!

• Travel with a carry-on only. It saves you time and hassle at the airport.
• Invest in good luggage. You don’t need the most expensive brand name out there, but get something that’s good quality and will last a long time.
• Pack portable and spare chargers. You don’t want your phone or laptop to die while traveling.
• Pack wrinkle release spray. A game changer for making your work clothes look perfect without needing to break out the ironing board.
• Stick with a single loyalty program. You’ll rack up airline and hotel points and status faster.
• Check to see if you can join any status challenges. Corporate status challenges allow you to earn airline and hotel status much faster than you normally can.
• Download airline/hotel apps. Stay organized and save time with apps!
• Make the most of rideshare apps. You can earn rewards from Uber/Lyft and also combine them with other travel loyalty programs.
• Keep an extra set of travel essentials. One to have at home, one to always have on the road.
• Get Global Entry/TSA Precheck. The best $100 you will ever spend.
• Get airport lounge access. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in airports, might as well enjoy it!
• Remember to pack casual clothes. Pack clothes you can wear to work out wear for a casual dinner or exploring the city after work.
• Pack earplugs. The key to getting a good night’s sleep at the hotel.
• Note your preferences on your travel profiles. Things like whether you prefer an aisle or window seat or a high or low floor at the hotel.
• Simplify expenses. Snap a photo of all your receipts using an app like Expensify and set aside a designated time to file your expense reports.
• Prepare the night before. Avoid early morning stress by creating a pre-trip routine.

1. Travel with a carry-on only.

If you’re in consulting like me, you’re probably only traveling Monday morning through Thursday night in which case you really don’t need anything larger than a carry-on suitcase!

Packing in a carry-on saves so much time when you arrive at your destination because you don’t have to wait for your checked luggage to come out (or worry about it getting lost.)

2. Invest in good luggage.

You don’t need to get the most expensive or trendiest luggage, but investing in good quality luggage is a must for business travelers.

I travel with a carry-on suitcase and a large Longchamp tote bag. When choosing a carry-on suitcase, be sure to get one with spinner wheels (like  this one. ) Some business travelers also like to get a carry-on suitcase that has a laptop compartment (like  this one. )

Here are more of the top-rated suitcases for business travelers.

3. Pack portable and spare chargers.

A portable cellphone charger ( this is the one I use ) is one of my top travel essentials, and it comes in handy when traveling for work too.

I also pack a spare charger for my phone and laptop which I keep in my work luggage at all times.

4. Pack wrinkle release spray.

Wrinkle release spray is a lifesaver for business travelers!

It’s perfect for those mornings where you want to smooth out a wrinkled dress shirt but don’t want to go through the whole process of setting up the ironing board in your hotel room and pressing it.

5. Stick with a single loyalty program.

The best way to rack up airline miles and hotel points is by choosing one loyalty program and sticking with it. 

Once you reach status with an airline or hotel, you get access to so many perks like priority boarding/check-in, complimentary upgrades, bonus miles and points, and more.

This also applies to other travel loyalty programs, like rental car companies and train lines.

6. Check to see if you can join any status challenges.

A lot of companies have “status challenges” going on with airlines and hotels. This is especially common in the consulting industry.

When you join a status challenge, you will be able to earn expedited status with an airline or hotel by completing a certain number of trips/stays in a specific timeframe (usually three to six months.)

This is how I was able to earn Gold Medallion status with Delta, Platinum status with Marriott, and Gold status with Hilton within just a few months!

7. Download airline/hotel apps.

Downloading airline and hotel apps on your phone will save you a ton of time.

Most airline apps allow you to check in for your flight, make/change your seat selection, and get a mobile boarding pass so you don’t have to print one at home or at the airport.

Similarly, hotel apps can save you time and some even offer a mobile check-in and mobile key so you can go straight to your room when you get to the hotel!

8. Make the most of rideshare apps.

Unless you are getting a rental car, you’ll probably be taking a lot of Ubers/Lyfts when traveling for work. Both of these rideshare apps have special programs for business travelers that you can sign up for and earn rewards.

You can also link your other loyalty accounts – for example, Delta and Lyft have a partnership where you earn Delta SkyMiles for every dollar you spend on Lyft!

9. Keep an extra set of travel essentials.

Save time packing and ensure you don’t forget anything by having a designated business travel toiletries case to leave in your suitcase between trips.

This can contain items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, deodorant, earplugs, and any other items you may need for traveling.

10. Get Global Entry/TSA Precheck.

Getting Global Entry (which includes TSA Precheck) has been a lifesaver. It has saved me so much time and hassle at the airport. My company covered the $100 fee, but it’s worth paying for out of pocket if yours doesn’t. Some travel credit cards will also cover the fee for you.

With TSA Precheck, you get to skip the general security line and go through an expedited line where you don’t have to remove your shoes or take electronics out of your suitcase. If you’re traveling internationally, you can go through an expedited customs line upon arriving back in the US.

At just $100 and lasting for five years, Global Entry is well worth it for business travelers.

11. Get airport lounge access.

This is one thing I don’t have but wish I did!

If you’ll be traveling frequently for work, it may be worth it to you to pay for airport lounge access (or see if your company will pay for it!)

This is another thing that some travel credit cards cover. You can also get airport lounge access when you reach a certain status level with airlines.

12. Remember to pack casual clothes.

One mistake I made on one of my first business trips was only packing work clothes.

I wanted to use the hotel gym one night, but I didn’t have any workout clothes or sneakers to wear. So be sure to pack one or two casual outfits to wear if you go explore or have a casual dinner or use the gym in the evenings after work.

13. Pack earplugs.

I sleep with earplugs every night, but even if you don’t sleep with them at home they can be extremely helpful when traveling.

Hotel rooms can get super noisy at night. Between the air conditioner/heater switching itself on and off, the sounds of other guests, and other annoying noises, you might find it hard to get a good night’s sleep. A good pair of earplugs helps a ton.

14. Note your preferences on your travel profiles.

If you download airline/hotels apps (see Tip #7 above) most of them will have a place for you to update your profile with your travel preferences. Things like whether you prefer a window or aisle seat on airplanes, or a high or low floor at the hotel.

You should also update your travel preferences with your company’s travel booking platform or travel agency, if your company uses one.

15. Simplify expenses.

If you’re traveling for business, you are probably responsible for tracking and submitting your expenses in a timely manner. This can be VERY important if you are putting expenses on your personal credit card and need to be reimbursed by your company.

Some companies require you to save your receipts. If that’s the case for you, download an app like Expensify or Receiptmate to keep track of all your receipts by snapping a quick photo of them.

Also, set a recurring reminder on your phone for when you need to complete your expense reports so you never get behind on them!

16. Prepare the night before.

Avoid adding to the stress of early morning travel days to get everything ready by packing for your trip the night before you leave.

Go ahead and take care of anything that needs to be done before you’ll be gone for the week so when Monday morning rolls around, you aren’t stressed out trying to get anything done.

17. Make time for fun.

One of the best things you can do when traveling for work is making time for fun!

So many people take business travel for granted, but I look as it as a mini-vacation and a way to explore a new destination (for free!)

Yes, your main focus is work and not leisure, but there are plenty of fun things you can do in the evenings after work (or in the mornings before!) Check out cool restaurants instead of just ordering room service at your hotel, go see a local show, or take a nighttime walking tour.

All of these things are easy to incorporate and will make your business travels more fun.

I hope you found these business travel tips helpful!

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

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A beginner’s guide to business travel

Heading on a business trip, before you leave, check your company's travel policy, look up loyalty programs, stay up to date with disruptions, install useful apps, during your trip, keep your receipts, work on your wellbeing, after your trip, get ready for reimbursement, looking after a team of corporate travelers, before travelers depart, empower employees to book their itineraries, travelperk integrated travel policies, go the extra mile for executive travelers, cut your carbon, while travelers are on the road, ensure traveler safety, after travelers return, check in with your travelers, review travel receipts.

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How To… Turn a business trip into a vacation

Make the most of your next work trip with these top business travel tips from Scott Hamilton, General Manager of Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. | By Leanne Philip | March 14, 2023

Make it work … and play!

Read on to create the ultimate workcation.

Did you know that more than 200 million people travel for work in the U.S. each year? But what happens after the meetings and Zoom calls are done? That’s where Scott Hamilton comes in. As the General Manager of Hilton McLean Tysons Corner , Hamilton is no stranger to business trips. The property hosts numerous conferences throughout the year — a fortuitous side effect of its prime location in Fairfax County’s business district (home to many corporate headquarters) — and is within driving distance of both Washington and Baltimore.

Says Hamilton, “Business travel can be stressful, and we help solve for that by having a well-trained and seasoned staff that will remember you and make you feel at home every time you stay with us.”

From fueling up on delicious meals made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients at Harth to staying on track with your workout routine at the on-property gym, Scott Hamilton and his talented team curate a stay that’s comfortable, reliable and seamless.

More importantly, they also know how to leverage their knowledge of the area (and guests) to take a business trip to the next level. Love nature? Recharge after a day of meetings in Great Falls National Park and get lost (not literally!) in its 15 miles of hiking trails and stunning river views. Prefer multitasking? Hop on the hotel’s free shuttle to Tysons Galleria to brainstorm while sourcing the perfect souvenir.

But what’s Hamilton’s number one tip for turning a work trip into a vacation? Easy — take the work out of the equation and let your amazing hotel staff worry about the details.

How To... Turn a business trip into a vacation 

Step 1: Room service. Upgrade your room via the Hilton Honors app before you arrive. When you check-in, request a late checkout so you can enjoy some extra ZZ's during your stay.

Step 2: Get the inside scoop. Talk to your front desk Team Member or concierge for local tips on where to go and what to see.

Step 3: Work it out. Keep your mind and body sharp by creating opportunities to work out during your stay.

Step 4: Make a splash! Grab your favorite book and bathing suit, and head down to the indoor pool to really channel those vacation vibes.

Step 5: Dig in. Unwind after a long day of meetings with a delicious dinner at the on-property restaurant OR brought straight to your door for a relaxing meal in bed while you catch up on all your shows.

Leanne Philip is a content marketing manager at Hilton. She has written for numerous print and digital platforms, including Travel + Leisure, The Atlantan and Barneys New York.

Discover How To... do it all with insider tips from Hilton's talented Team Members

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Understanding business travel deductions

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IRS Tax Tip 2023-15, February 7, 2023

Whether someone travels for work once a year or once a month, figuring out travel expense tax write-offs might seem confusing. The IRS has information to help all business travelers properly claim these valuable deductions.

Here are some tax details all business travelers should know

Business travel deductions are available when employees must travel away from their  tax home  or  main place of work  for business reasons. A taxpayer is traveling away from home if they are away for longer than an ordinary day's work and they need to sleep to meet the demands of their work while away.

Travel expenses  must be ordinary and necessary. They can't be lavish, extravagant or for personal purposes.

Employers can deduct travel expenses paid or incurred during a  temporary work assignment  if the assignment length does not exceed one year.

Travel expenses for  conventions  are deductible if attendance benefits the business. There are special rules for conventions held  outside North America .

Deductible travel expenses include:

• Travel by airplane, train, bus or car between your home and your business destination.
• Fares for taxis or other types of transportation between an airport or train station and a hotel, or from a hotel to a work location.
• Shipping of baggage and sample or display material between regular and temporary work locations.
• Using a personally owned car for business.
• Lodging and  meals .
• Dry cleaning and laundry.
• Business calls and communication.
• Tips paid for services related to any of these expenses.
• Other similar ordinary and necessary expenses related to the business travel.

Self-employed individuals or farmers with travel deductions

• Those who are self-employed can deduct travel expenses on  Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship) .
• Farmers can use  Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss From Farming .

Travel deductions for the National Guard or military reserves

National Guard or military reserve servicemembers can claim a deduction for unreimbursed travel expenses paid during the  performance of their duty .

Recordkeeping

Well-organized records  make it easier to prepare a tax return. Keep records such as receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support a deduction.

Subscribe to IRS Tax Tips

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Business Trip Packing List for Overnight, 3-Day, and 5-Day Trips

Published September 19, 2023

Written by:

Laura Lopuch

Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

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At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Whether you’re heading out on a last-minute, overnight business trip, or a five-day conference abroad, packing for business travel is always different than prepping for a fun vacation.

Your work trip packing list will likely include more electronics and gear. So you’ll need to plan around the extra items and weight.

Also, traditional business clothes are notoriously delicate and wrinkle-prone, so they can be difficult to pack.

This article will break down how and what to pack for your business trip. We’ll cover men’s and women’s business clothing , advice on managing your electronics, and more.

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How to Pack for a Business Trip

Carry on plus personal item.

When packing for a work trip, use carry-on-sized luggage plus a personal item that can carry your laptop.

How to Pack Your Laptop for Travel

Pack your laptop in your personal item when you travel, ideally in a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag with a dedicated laptop sleeve for protection. If you’re using a tote or other bag that doesn’t have a padded area for your laptop, invest in a laptop sleeve to protect it.

If you’re one-bagging, make sure you choose luggage that has a dedicated laptop compartment. Remove your laptop before stowing your bag in the overhead compartment so that you can work during your flight.

Whatever you do, never, ever put your laptop in a checked bag and risk it being broken, lost, or stolen while in transit.

Roll Your Clothes and Pack Them in Packing Cubes

Once upon a time, I didn’t use  packing cubes . And my bag was a disaster. It took long minutes to find the shirt I was looking for or clean socks. Not anymore, thanks to packing cubes.

To look your best, you should fold your clothes along the seams then roll them . Yes, this even applies to most dress clothes. When you arrive, hang your clothes in the closet or even in the bathroom when you shower to release more wrinkles. Your hotel should have an iron for any necessary touchups beyond that.

For maximum organization, use packing cubes and assign each one a purpose. For example, a smaller packing cube holds underwear. A larger cube keeps your shirts organized and wrinkle-free. Then, roll them before zipping them away to make each item easy to find while preventing creases and wrinkles.

How to Pack Your Suit: Fold, Don’t Roll

A traditional, wool suit must be packed properly to keep its shape while in transit. To pack a suit in a carry on , fold it, don’t roll it.

Alternatively, you can try a wrinkle-free suit from Bluffworks or Ministry of Supply ( men’s , women’s ). Wrinkle-free, synthetic fabrics have improved dramatically from the early days of stiff, plastic-y dress shirts.

Stuff smaller, soft accessories like your socks, tie, and pocket square in your shoes to preserve their shape.

Business Trip Packing List

A good business trip packing list is built around a solid core, personalized to your needs and style. “Work clothes” can vary depending on your industry and the nature of your trip. You could be dressed anywhere from a three-piece suit to a shirt and slacks to a hoodie and jeans. Pack and dress as makes sense for your business trip.

Let’s start with the basics.

• Copy of itinerary
• Boarding pass
• Transportation and accommodations

If your business trip takes you across borders, don’t leave home without your passport. If you’re traveling abroad for your business trip, know that some countries won’t let you in without a guarantee of when you’ll leave. Pack a copy of your complete itinerary, including evidence of when you’ll leave the country, to show border security.

After your passport, your boarding pass is your most important document. Mobile boarding passes are convenient, but make sure that you’ll have internet access via your phone if you plan to use one. Or, take a screenshot of the boarding pass and use it offline through your photo app.

For your own convenience, print out the details of your transportation from the airport to your accommodations (if you’ve booked anything), the address of where you’re staying (for customs forms and taxi drivers).

I use  TripIt  to aggregate all of my trip details in one place. Using the app is more convenient than carrying a stack of printouts with me. However, paper copies are better for border crossings and for when you don’t have WiFi access or a local SIM card.

Electronics

• Phone and charger
• Headphones or earbuds
• Laptop and charger
• Adapter (if traveling abroad)

Carry earbuds if you want to travel light or noise-canceling headphones if you want a quieter trip. For the latter, we like Bose’s QuietComfort line.

The  Macbook Pro  and  Macbook Air  are the most popular choices for Apple users. We recommend the lightest computer you can get that doesn’t sacrifice the performance you’ll need. Dave at Too Many Adapters wrote a helpful guide to  choosing a laptop for work and travel .

• Eye mask and ear plugs
• Water bottle
• Kindle or book
• Pen and notebook

If you’re taking long flights or overnight trains, earplugs and an eye mask make for all-natural, compact sleep aids.

Get a reusable, refillable water bottle for your travels so that you can stay hydrated without generating the extra trash of plastic bottles.

I’m still old-school and read physical books instead of using a Kindle. Either way, don’t forget a good book to pass long hours waiting or traveling.

Clothes: Business Travel Wardrobe

When packing clothes for a business trip, look for items that pull double-duty and that can be dressed up or down.

Meaning: that black dress looks equally stunning with a scarf for a casual business meeting or a statement necklace for a client dinner. Whatever your personal style is, pack items that make you feel comfortable and confident.

Although the exact items will differ depending on your style and gender, the clothes section of a 3-day business packing list looks like this:

• 3 tops; 2 dress tops and 1 casual top
• 1-2 bottoms
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 set of pajamas
• 2 pairs of shoes : 1 dress shoe and 1 athletic/casual shoes
• Workout clothes (optional)

Women’s Business Travel Wardrobe

Use the above business trip packing list template and add the following for a 3-day business trip.

2 Blouses and 1 T-Shirt

• 1 lightweight t-shirt to dress up or down

Pack two business-appropriate blouses or collared shirts and wear the more casual t-shirt on the plane. I love J.Crew’s vintage cotton t-shirts as they look chic (and feel comfortable) with jeans or slacks. 

Everlane has a range of modern, basic shirts that work for both business and casual attire. Their Japanese GoWeave line is especially good for travel since the fabric is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and comfortable.

• 1 dark-colored blazer or suit jacket

It’s no secret that I’m a huge J.Crew fan. Their women’s blazers fit well, look chic, and last a long time. Consider a wool blazer that keeps you cool in hot boardrooms and warm on chilly airplanes.

If you’re willing to make the investment, consider a wrinkle-resistant blazer, like the Kinetic Blazer by Ministry of Supply , that you can pack without worrying about it turning into a rumpled mess. En route, wear your blazer so it doesn’t get wrinkled in your carry on bag.

2 Bottoms and 1 Dress

• 1 pair of slacks or skirt
• 1 pair of dark-wash  jeans , worn on the plane
• 1  dress (optional)

Opt for  Betabrand’s Yoga Dress Pants  for sleek black pants made from stretchy material like your favorite yoga pants. Alternatively, look at ADAY’s line of pants for a wrinkle, odor, and pill-resistant pair of business travel pants that are technical, travel-ready, and fashionable.

I live in jeans, and even on the dressiest business trip, I’d yearn for a pair. If you’re like me, wear your jeans on the plane. My favorites are Lucky Brand jeans with some stretch woven in.

Love your dresses? Pack a versatile dress like one from  Draper James  or any of the odor-and-wrinkle-resistant merino wool dresses by Wool& .

3 Pairs of Underwear and Socks

• 3 pairs of  socks
• 3 pairs of  underwear
• 2  bras

If you want to hand wash your underwear, you can get away with packing less. However, for a short 3-day business trip like this one, pack one pair per day. Because you’ll save more on time vs packing space.

2 Pairs of Shoes

• 1 pair of business-appropriate shoes
• 1 pair of athletic shoes, worn on the plane

Pack one pair of professional shoes that are small, light, and comfortable, like this  pair of classic black heels from Clarks , or a simple and easy-to pack pair of flats or loafers by Rothy’s .

You can wear your heels through the airport, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, I wear a pair of black athletic shoes that I can use for a run or workout at my destination.

1 Set of Pajamas

• 1 lightweight shirt
• 1 lightweight, athletic pair of shorts

My favorite packing light secret? Make your pajamas and workout clothes the same outfit. Snag a quick, sweaty workout in the AM and hand wash your clothes in the sink. By the time you’re ready for bedtime, your clothes will be dry and ready for you.

Men’s Business Travel Wardrobe

Use the business trip packing list template and add the following for a 3-day business trip.

2 Dress Shirts and 1 Casual T-Shirt

• 2 wrinkle-resistant dress shirts
• 1 casual shirt that’s suitable for after-dinner drinks and on the airplane

Ironing dress shirts is a pain. Instead, opt for a wrinkle-resistant dress shirt (or two), like one from Bluffworks . They are made from 98% polyester (that’s a good thing), have lots of stretch, are breathable, and dry quickly. The best part is that they’re machine washable. Perfect for happy hour or the boardroom in any city you visit.

For your casual shirt, opt for a versatile merino wool t-shirt that will stand up to the rigors of travel.

2 Pairs of Pants

• 2 pairs of pants and/or  jeans

For a pair of pants that can easily work for business and leisure alike, pack a pair of basic, but high-performance pants, like the good-looking  Outlier Slim Dungarees . If you prefer jeans, try  Bonobos’ Extra Stretch Travel Jeans  which are made from lightweight, 10.5 ounce denim and have a 1% stretch.

Stick to 1-2 pairs of pants and wear your more casual pair on your flight.

Avoid doing laundry on a quick, three-day business trip and, instead, pack three pairs of underwear and three pairs of socks.

1 Blazer or Jacket

Read the full Buyer’s Guide to Travel Blazers for all of our favorites. Or, jump right to our top pick, the wrinkle-free  Bluffworks Gramercy Travel Blazer .

• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 pair of athletic shoes for workouts (optional)

Think small, light, and comfortable for your shoes. Like the  Lenox Hill Cap Toe Oxfords from Cole Haan  or  Vivobarefoot Ra II.

Packing two pairs? Wear the heavier or bulkier pair through the airport and pack the lighter pair.

• 1 lightweight, athletic pair of shorts

5-Day Business Trip Packing List

For a longer, five-day business trip, be prepared to hand wash your clothes mid-trip. Or, have the hotel do it for you. Check with the front desk to see if they offer a laundry service for guests. Make sure to ask how long it will take and the price.

Not keen on doing laundry? Prepare to pack a little more in your luggage. You can still pack carry-on-only for a five-day trip. Some of our customers travel for weeks, months, or years out of just a carry on .

When your clothes get a little wrinkled or smelly, hang them up in the bathroom while you take a hot, steamy shower. The hot, moist air eases wrinkles and smells from your clothes.

What to add to the base list above for a five-day business trip:

• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of underwear
• 1 blouse or dress shirt
• 1 casual shirt to dress up or down

Overnight Business Trip Packing List

Ready for a quick, easy packing list for a one-night business trip? Reduce the number of items in your one-day work trip packing list by two.

Pack an outfit, wear an outfit, and add the non-clothing essentials.

What to pack for an overnight business trip:

• 1 dress shirt
• 1 casual shirt
• 1 pair of dress pants or skirt
• 1 pair of casual pants
• 1-2 pairs of shoes (one dress pair and one athletic)
• 1 pair of underwear
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 blazer or jacket
• Book or kindle
• Notebook and pen
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Travel adaptor and passport (if international)

Steal a page from George Clooney’s well-refined playbook from  Up in The Air  and streamline your airport experience by packing only in a carry on bag . You’ll save time at the airport and feel more confident.

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Laura’s first trip was when she was 3 months old, instilling an insatiable wanderlust. She hasn’t stopped traveling, or writing about it. As an expert in carry on travel, she’s flown on over 100 flights with only a carry on bag. Even on trips with her husband and kids.

She believes travel is the great educator — and vital to our humanity.

Read more from Laura

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Business Travel: The Beginner’s Guide

June 12, 2019

by Rob Browne

In a world where it has become as easy as a quick few taps on smartphone to book a trip across the world, business travel is more widespread and accessible than ever before.

Are you a recent graduate or new employee looking for an introduction to business travel? This article provides an overview of the field as a whole as well as a guide to traveling for work and managing your business travel expenses .

What is business travel? A step-by-step business trip guide

Research from Statista shows that business travel contributes almost $1.3 trillion to the global economy in a single year, making it one of the world’s largest economic industries. Further research highlights only upward trends in the amount that is spent on business travel as well.

This research reflects an increasingly intertwined global economy. With the speed at which businesses on opposite sides of the world can interact over the internet and travel to meet with each other, employees are operating in a space where location is fluid and business interests can converge across state, national, and continental lines.

Thus, business travel is a vital part of many companies’ lifebloods. In this article, we’ll explore the four temporal components of a business trip and use them as a lens through which to discuss business travel.

Booking business travel

Oftentimes, the dates and general logistics of your business trip are determined by the wants and needs of the client(s) you visit on the trip. If possible, it’s always best to book as far in advance as you can to plan on being out of office. Of course this won’t always be the case, as business trips occasionally arise on short notice if a client needs a quick turnaround time on a particular task that requires a visit.

Booking a business trip is not the same as browsing the internet for the best deals on a family vacation . The online booking platform (OBT) that you use for securing your transportation and hotel depends on your company’s internal travel policy.

Some companies require their employees to book through a specific brand of travel management software  or using a travel management company . A key motivator for companies to use travel management software is that it makes it easier to ensure that employees comply with corporate travel policies. These policies include which airfare class employees are allowed to book, which hotel star class they can stay in, and the class of rental car they can use.

For others, booking your business trip may be a similar experience to booking a trip outside of work, as some companies tolerate open market bookings.

The rigidity with which you’ll be dealing with in terms of booking compliance is dependent upon your company’s travel policy and budget. In most cases, you’ll be looking at a range of mid-tier flight and hotel options that best fit your needs in terms of schedule and distance from the site where you’ll conduct most of your business.

Preparing for the trip

Business trips are often short and have a singular purpose. Get to your destination, meet with the people you need to meet with, and go home. Because of the high energy level required for such a focused itinerary, you’ll want to make sure that you are well-rested going into the trip.

After arriving at your destination, there may not be time to catch a nap  before heading to your first meeting, so you’ll want to ensure that you are able to operate at peak performance as soon as you arrive.

Travel with your important items in your carry-on bag just in case anything happens to your checked luggage. Almost everything you bring on a business trip should be essential to your work, and with a short turnaround between arrival and meetings, you can’t risk not having item X, Y, Z..

On the trip

While on your trip, optimize for everything you can. Outside of any business-related commitments, you’ll want to make sure you have as much time as you need for your work. If there is a particular company policy regarding a daily per diem, or allowance, for meals or transportation, you’ll also need to keep that in mind.

If your trip is to a destination with a lot to see outside business hours or a place where you have friends or family, you can also check with your company’s travel policy regarding bleisure travel. Bleisure, a combination of “business” and “leisure,” means adding a few days onto the beginning or end of your trip to enjoy the opportunity to spend some time not only inside an office.

After the trip

The most important part of finishing a business trip is gathering your expenses and filing an expense report. Between flights, hotels, other transportation, and food, you likely spend a decent amount of money and would like your expenses to be approved and reimbursed as quickly as possible.

Having your expenses approved and reimbursed is typically an easy process, especially if your company uses a form of expense management software .

It’s a trip!

Traveling for work may seem daunting, but thinking about your trip in terms of these four segments will help you succeed at all points of your trip. If your job allows you the opportunity  to spend time outside of your office, enjoy it—and maybe spend time in some exciting destinations along the way.

Rob is a former content associate at G2. Originally from New Jersey, he previously worked at an NYC-based business travel startup. (he/him/his)

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15 Corporate Incentive Travel Program Tips

By: Angela Robinson | Updated: May 01, 2023

You found our list of the best corporate incentive travel program tips !

Corporate incentive travel programs are initiatives that offer all-expenses paid trips and experiences in exchange for extraordinary performance. For example, a trip to Thailand or Mexico. These programs aim to motivate employees and raise morale, loyalty, and productivity.

Travel incentive programs are one example of employee incentives and employee engagement ideas , and can be a popular employment benefit .

This article includes:

• incentive travel examples
• incentive trips for employees
• group travel incentive programs
• corporate incentives besides travel

Here is the list!

Incentive travel examples

When it comes to destinations and trip experiences, possibilities are endless. Here are a few examples of incentive travel programs to give you inspiration:

• A stay in the British countryside complete with castle tours
• A food tour through Italy or France, or through your home city
• Museum crawl through New York City
• Hotel and tickets to a Broadway or West End show
• A Seine River expedition through Germany
• Weeklong country-hopping tour
• Hiking excursion in the mountains
• Wildlife interaction at a sanctuary
• Wine country visits
• Behind the scenes tour of a nearby brewery
• Weekend stay at a local bed and breakfast
• Tropical beach escape
• Historical tour of a prominent city
• Hot air balloon rides
• Passes and accommodation to a cultural festival
• Company cruises
• Glamping or camping
• Team building retreats

The items on this list provide a solid baseline for program structures, but there are many possibilities for irresistible trips that will drive employees to perform at their best.

Corporate incentive travel program tips

From soliciting suggestions from staff to leveraging social media, here are the steps for creating an effective corporate incentive travel program.

1. Ask your staff for ideas

A travel program is only an incentive if your staff wants to take the trips you choose. Instead of outright guessing, or stealthily scanning your staff’s Instagram vacation posts, ask your staff for destination and activity ideas.

First, gather plausible options for countries, cities, accommodations, excursions, and activities. Then, distribute a survey, and use the feedback to inform your selections. Consider including a write-in option on your questionnaire so employees can point you towards any useful travel resources or discount programs.

2. Determine the goal of your program

The point of an incentive program is to achieve a particular result or encourage a certain behavior. Thus, when designing your incentive trips for employees, it is important to outline the goal.

Corporate incentive travel program objectives may include:

• Specific sales targets
• Increased client satisfaction scores
• Decrease in paperwork errors
• Shorter customer wait times
• Quicker production turnaround time

The goal of the program may include multiple aims, and targets may vary by position or department.

Trips are a significant investment, and organizations expect a worthwhile return on such a weighty investment. By outlining clear goals when introducing the program, you justify the expenditure and link the reward to a clear result.

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3. Provide clear guidelines to staff

Higher management are not the only parties that benefit from having accurate expectations for the program. When announcing the initiative, provide clear guidelines to the staff so employees understand how to earn the rewards. For best results, communicate the necessary targets, performance period timeline, methods of measurement, and ultimate prizes.

You may also want to mention:

• The level of date flexibility for trips. Can attendees choose from multiple months or weekends, or will there only be one date for the trip? If the latter, then disclose the date upfront.
• Whether or not family members and guests can join the trips.
• Included amenities vs add-on options.
• Accommodations the company can make for staff with special circumstances.

Misunderstanding requirements could lead to staff missing out on the opportunity, causing disappointment. Employees want to feel that managers are upfront and honest, and clear communication fosters trust.

4. Consult a travel expert

Corporate travel programs require a great deal of planning and logistics management. Coordinating such a program alone can feel overwhelming, but travel and events companies that specialize in running incentive programs can simplify the process.

Here are some recommended travel incentive companies:

• American Express Meetings & Events
• Creative Group Inc.
• First Incentive Travel
• Peak Performance Meetings & Incentives
• Bishop McCann
• Bi Worldwide
• Fox World Travel
• Maritz Global Events
• George P. Johnson Experience Marketing
• World Travel Inc

Even if you decide not to hire a third-party vendor to manage incentive trips, consider consulting a travel agent or other professional who has experience planning and executing group trips. If nothing else, then read HR blogs for advice. You do not need to reinvent the wheel; you can rely on the guidance of professionals who have seen success with incentives to shape your program.

5. Research multiple vendors

While destination management companies often advertise packages that remove the hassle from corporate travel planning, these all-inclusive offerings are not always the best options for your needs. Working with multiple event providers may be a more cost-effective solution that results in better experiences for your employees.

Consider branching out and enlisting different companies for transportation, accommodations, catering, and experiences such as museum tours or adventure sports outings. At minimum, research and compare multiple destination management companies to ensure you find the best deal and optimal level of service.

6. Negotiate exclusives

Most travel incentive companies work with organizations to create tailored, customized plans. When designing trips, securing exclusive amenities and activities can make the experience even more attractive. For instance, booking an illustrious restaurant for a private party with a special menu, or receiving an after-hours, behind-the-scenes tour of a historical site with an expert. Planning experiences that attendees cannot replicate during personal visits makes the experience feel more unique, which compels employees to work harder to secure their spots on the trip.

7. Use organizational resources

While a travel incentive trip differs from a business trip, branches in other geographical regions can be a great help to your planning process. Offices in other states or countries might be able to make an introduction to a contact such as a travel coordinator, local guide, restaurateur, or hospitality professional that can help you coordinate your trip. You might even take advantage of special corporate discounts or offerings thanks to your relationship with the sister site.

Even if your organization does not have locations worldwide, you may employ a teammate who has previously worked, traveled, or lived in your destination and can offer recommendations. Tapping into your company’s internal resources improves the journey.

8. Stick to a budget

Travel programs are rarely low-cost perks. Expenses like transportation, accommodation, meals, and entertainment add up quickly, even if your group remains local. While increases in worker output and performance often justify the price of the program, it is still important to stick to a budget to ensure a balanced return on investment.

Researching beforehand helps avoid overspending. Before you commit to a destination or travel package, ensure you understand the total cost, including any additional expenditures such as insurance, service fees, non-included meals, transportation between venues, and tips for service staff.

Remember that if employees show interest in pricey experiences that the company cannot cover, then you can compensate by scheduling free time and allowing attendees to purchase optional activities.

Here is a list of ways to spend your budget at year-end .

9. Be liberal with options

Your group is a diverse bunch with a wide range of interests. One employee’s dream trip might not be another’s. To guarantee that all travelers enjoy the experience, arrange an array of activities that suit many tastes. For example, plan a bar crawl one evening and an open mic the next. Or, give attendees the choice between wine tasting, rock climbing, or touring a museum.

When planning activities, keep in mind:

• Physical ability
• Level of socialization
• Dietary needs
• Non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers
• Price, if members pay out of pocket
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity

Keep these considerations in mind not only when planning activities, but also when booking trip details. For instance, steer clear of destinations with recent human rights violations or recent racial tensions in favor of diverse and inclusive locations where all guests feel welcome.

10. Focus on the experience more than the destination

While the ability to travel to a foreign country or a lively city is a major draw, the location is not as important as your team’s overall happiness. Instead of fixating on the destination, focus on the experience. You do not need to pick a flashy locale to garner interest in the program. Attendees can have fun in a neighboring town or an off-the-beaten-path destination if you plan meaningful and engaging activities.

When choosing a venue for your trip, explore unconventional options and open yourself to interesting possibilities. Aim to connect your staff meaningfully with the local culture and with each other. Keep an eye out for experiences unique to your host city, and aim to be travelers rather than simply tourists. In essence, unlock the full potential of each city, neighborhood, or business instead of relying on the allure of the destination to do the heavy lifting.

11. Offer resources and assistance

Assuming that every trip member is an experienced traveler is a mistake. Travel programs generate interest among a wide range of attendees, from globetrotters to folks who have yet to step foot in an airport. Because there may be a discrepancy in the travel knowledge within your group, offering resources and assistance is helpful. Even if your package includes transportation, members may need to book plane tickets individually, in which case you should designate a helper to answer questions and resolve issues.

Consider also providing:

• Passport and visa application assistance
• Packing tips
• Applicable CDC advisories and vaccine information
• A guide to cultural norms in your destination country
• Travel medical and insurance resources
• Currency exchange services
• Safety recommendations and emergency contact information

You can equip the group with helpful literature, hold informational sessions, and create online forums where attendees can ask and answer questions, too.

12. Use trips as an opportunity to expand employees’ worldviews

While the trip acts first as an incentive and reward, the vacation can serve as an educational tool, too. By incorporating cultural experiences, you expand teammates’ worldviews, teach empathy, and develop soft skills that enhance employees’ abilities to interact with clients and colleagues.

To capitalize on the effects of the trip, select a destination that pushes staff out of their comfort zone and introduces new viewpoints and experiences. To achieve this end, the destination does not have to be a foreign country. Every country is culturally diverse, and workers benefit from visiting a new region, or even connecting with a distinct subculture close to home. The trip can be an opportunity not only for employees to relax and have fun, but also to grow.

13. Maximize team bonding

Being in an unfamiliar place together can bring a group closer together. Shared experiences are the root of team building, and group trips establish common ground and memories that form a foundation for continuing relationships. Group travel incentive programs can not only save companies time and money, but also supercharge group development. One of the best approaches to travel programs is to maximize team bonding potential by planning group excursions and team building activities and scheduling time for group reflection.

By dedicating Slack channels, social media groups, team chats, pre and post trip sessions, and shared online photo albums to the trip group, you can further fuel interactions between members.

Here is a list of team building ideas to try.

14. Leverage employee testimonials and social media

Organizations devote significant resources to travel programs. One way to optimize return on investment is to leverage employee testimonials and social media as a way to market company culture and motivate colleagues to strive for future travel incentives.

A few suggestions:

• Distribute a survey at the end of the trip. Make the survey completion a scheduled activity, or incentivize feedback by holding a prize drawing in tandem.
• Ask employees to submit photos and captions to the marketing team for the company social media page
• Coordinate a social media takeover campaign where trip attendees schedule content for company social media channels
• Encourage attendees to tag posts on personal accounts with the company handle and a specific hashtag.
• Dedicate blog posts to the experience
• Compile a highlights reel of the trip by editing together video clips
• Allow participants to speak about the trip on a company podcast
• Invite attendees to speak at information sessions for future trips

Most folks appreciate having a platform to share their stories and experiences. This user-generated content has many uses both internally and externally, such as in recruitment materials, marketing projects, and employee engagement campaigns .

15. Offer alternatives to travel

Although travel is an enticing incentive, it is not a universal motivator for all employees. Familial obligations, health complications, fear of flying, or a distaste for travel are examples of conditions that might prevent staff from reaping the rewards of the program. To better suit the needs of your entire organization, offer alternatives to trips, such as material bonuses or more localized experiences. Examples might include a chartered day at a nearby winery, tickets to the hometown sports team game, or extra paid time off. Read the next section for more suggestions on non-travel incentive rewards.

Other corporate incentives besides travel

Travel is not viable to every employee’s circumstances. For a more universally appealing incentive program, consider offering alternatives to travel. The following list offers a few suggestions.

Bonuses are the most common employee incentive. Monetary rewards give employees more autonomy over their winnings, since staff has the discretion to use the extra cash as they see fit. Not to mention, a financial award sends the message that the organization shares extra profits with staff, thus compelling employees to generate more revenue for the company.

When introducing financial incentives, it is important to explain a clear bonus structure so that the staff has a solid understanding of expectations and performance metrics.

2. Extra paid time off

Instead of scheduling a trip for employees, you could offer extra paid time off so that employees can travel when, where, and with whom they prefer. Through this method, your staff may opt for a staycation instead, choosing to use the extra time to catch up on errands, develop side hustles, spend time with family members, or relax at home. This approach signals that the company values employees’ personal time and appreciates work life balance. Plus, offering extra time awards employees more freedom to customize their prize.

3. Concerts

Concerts are close-to-home adventures. Music and nightlife enthusiasts love the chance to attend live performances. Access to sold-out or exclusive events, good seats or entry into VIP areas, and other perks like complimentary food or merchandise sweeten the deal. Partnering with a corporate-facing event company or local concert venue can help you net discounts and special offers for your employees.

4. Sporting events

Tickets or company box seats at a sporting event are an enticing prize for sports fans, salespeople, and anyone who relishes the energy of a live game. Best of all, since seasons consist of many games, you can divide the performance period into multiple benchmarks, and employ ticket giveaways as an ongoing motivator. Also, sports inspire attitudes of camaraderie and teamwork which you can channel into your workplace.

5. Technology

New gadgets and upgrades hit the technology market daily. Keeping all gadgets updated can be a challenge, so technology rewards are tempting incentives.

A few suggestions for technology incentives:

• smartphones
• video game systems
• action cameras
• smartwatches and fitness trackers
• wireless earbuds
• 3-D printers

Consider offering technology upgrades for personal use, work use, or a mix of both. For example, promise to buy high-tech printers for the winning department.

6. Parking spots

Parking can be a surprisingly effective employee motivator, especially if you work in a city with scarce or expensive parking options. Even if the office building houses a company garage, employees may eye a desirable spot. Winning a prized parking spot or a complimentary pass checks one box off of the proverbial to-do list and makes the morning commute less hectic. If parking is not part of your employee benefits package, then consider offering the amenity as a prize.

7. Fitness classes

Fitness is important, but not always inexpensive. While many companies offer wellness credits, gym memberships, or exercise classes as perks, bonus fitness services can make attractive prizes.

Here are some ideas for fitness incentives:

• Home gym equipment
• Subscription to online Yoga classes or Peloton
• Personal trainers
• Workout wardrobes
• Fitness trackers and smart devices
• Unusual exercise classes like parkour or circus aerobics

Even if your company provides regular exercise options, an upgraded fitness experience can serve as extra motivation.

8. Charity donations

Monetary gain is not a universal motivator, and at times philanthropy can drive efforts more effectively than cash rewards. One alternative to material prizes is to donate an agreed amount to a charity of the awardee’s choice.

Pro tip: Allow employees to suggest charities that fall within prescribed guidelines instead of picking from a limited list to ensure that workers can raise money for a cause they are passionate about.

9. Task management services

While you may not be able to give your employees extra hours in the day, gifting task services is the next best option. Hiring professional errand-runners frees up time in your employees schedules for relaxation, self-care, and self-improvement.

Suggestions for task services:

• Grocery deliveries
• Laundry and dry cleaning services
• Cooks or professional meal preppers
• Cleaners or organizing consultants
• Childcare services

Consider gifting credit towards multiple-service providers like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack so awardees can choose the most useful options.

10. Meals with executives

Lunch or dinner with a member of the C-suite serves the dual function of providing a complimentary meal along with quality time with higher management. For best results, offer one-on-one meetings or small group experiences so that every awardee has ample opportunity to interact with the executive. Similar bonding opportunities include golf games, tennis matches, hikes, creative classes, winery or brewery trips, or video game showdowns.

11. Massages and self-care

Some workers might not treat themselves to massages, spa-days, and other self-love splurges, but will indulge if gifted an activity. Pampering experiences inspire employees to achieve a goal while emphasizing the importance of self-care.

Here are some examples of self-care incentives:

• Manicures and pedicures
• Salon appointments
• Meditation session
• Career consulting or meeting with a life coach

These prizes send the message that companies care about employee wellbeing as well as performance.

12. Extraordinary events

Though some folks use the term incentive events interchangeably with incentive trips, at-home events can offer the excitement of travel minus the forms, transportation costs, or downtime at the airport. Extraordinary events give employees opportunities to socialize, participate in new experiences, and make memories with colleagues.

Some examples of event incentives include:

• Improv or standup comedy shows and workshops
• Cooking classes with renowned chefs
• Laser tag tournaments
• Winery or brewery tours
• Cocktail party at the CEO’s house
• Amusement park trips
• Early access to a new venue
• Special sales or product trials

Limiting the number of spots at these events and awarding entry only to high-achieving employees makes the occasion feel more special and motivates staff to strive towards a goal.

Final Thoughts

Travel is one of the most common bullet points on bucket lists, which means that trips serve as a powerful motivator. By affording employees opportunities to travel, you expand their world views and supercharge their relationships with teammates, all while rewarding extraordinary efforts and results and assigning great value to your workers’ contributions.

Next, check out this list of employee wellness program ideas and this list of incentives to return to the office .

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FAQ: Corporate incentive travel programs

Here are answers to the most common questions about corporate incentive travel programs.

What are corporate incentive travel programs?

Corporate incentive travel programs are motivational campaigns that reward top-performing employees with trips or special experiences. The aim of these programs is to increase staff loyalty, morale, and productivity. Incentive programs typically target specific goals such as fulfilling sales quotas, meeting product development deadlines, or raising customer satisfaction scores.

What are some good corporate incentive travel program tips?

Some good corporate incentive travel program tips include:

• Ask your staff for ideas
• Determine the goal of your program
• Provide clear guidelines to staff
• Consult a travel expert
• Research multiple vendors
• Negotiate exclusives
• Use organizational resources
• Stick to a budget
• Be liberal with options
• Focus on the experience more than the destination
• Offer resources and assistance
• Use trips as an opportunity to expand employees’ worldviews
• Maximize team bonding
• Leverage employee testimonials and social media
• Offer alternatives to travel

Though travel programs require extensive planning and organization, following the proper steps can ensure that your program pays off by raising employee output and morale.

What are good companies to use for corporate incentive travel programs?

There are many providers who offer and arrange trips and engaging events for corporate incentive programs.

Here are some recommended companies to use for corporate incentive travel programs:

When selecting a partner organization, research multiple providers and choose an option that fits your company’s budget, company culture, and particular needs.

Do corporate incentive travel programs work?

Travel programs can be powerful motivators. Employer-sponsored trips are an attractive reward, especially when the experiences include exclusives such as exclusive tours, private accommodations, and company parties. Travel programs are an especially compelling incentive for sales teams, though the perk can motivate a vast variety of positions and departments.

Though travel is a hefty investment for organizations, the corresponding rise in productivity is significant. Plus, funding trips signals that employers value their workers efforts and personal growth.

What makes incentive travel programs effective?

Clear goals and benchmarks, measurable metrics, smart internal marketing, meaningful experiences, and attractive awards are all factors that make incentive travel programs effective. The best determinant of the operation’s success is the level of foresight, consideration, and communication that goes into the planning and execution of the program.

Besides travel, what can employers offer in incentive programs?

Some non-travel incentive program rewards include:

• Extra paid time off
• Sporting events
• Parking spots
• Fitness classes
• Charity donations
• Home services
• Meal with an executive
• Massages and self-care
• Extraordinary events

Not every team member is able to travel, yet providing alternate rewards allows dedicated employees to reap the rewards of their efforts.

What is the difference between a corporate incentive program and an employee benefits program?

Organizations offer employee benefits across the board to all workers, although benefits packages might vary depending on position and band level, and individual candidates may be able to negotiate a more attractive package. While benefits programs are ongoing, built-in rewards, incentive programs are auxiliary, often limited-time offers. Corporate incentive programs exist to motivate employees to hit specific targets within a particular time frame.

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com.

Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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Taxpayers Guide to LLCs and S Corps

Introduction.

• About the Author
• Progressive Updates
• Introduction Disclaimer
• Shameless Self-Promotion
• Book Introduction
• Quick Reference 2023
• Quick Reference 2024

Chap 1 - Business Entities, LLCs

• Basic Business Entities
• Sole Proprietorship
• Single Member Limited Liability Company
• Multi-Member Limited Liability Company
• Partnerships
• Being Considered a Passive Business Owner
• Rental Partnerships
• C Corporations
• Personal Service Corporation
• Professional Corporations and LLCs
• S Corporations
• Section 199A Qualified Business Income Tax Deduction
• S Corp Versus LLC
• LLC Popularity (Hype)
• Formation of an LLC or S Corp
• Nevada Fallacy of an LLC (or Delaware or Wyoming!)

Chap 2 - Customized Entity Structures

• Your Spouse as a Partner (Happy Happy Joy Joy)
• Family Partners
• Real Estate Holding Company and Operating Company
• Parent-Child Arrangement (Income Flows "Up")
• Parent-Child Arrangement (Income Flows "Down")
• Multi-Member LLC That Issues Invoices
• Things to Work Through with Multiple Entities
• Recap of Benefits with Multiple Entities
• State Apportionment with Multiple Entities
• California Multi-Member LLC S Corp Twist
• Holding Company versus Management Company
• Economic versus Equity Interests
• Structuring Deals with Angel Investors
• ESOPs and S Corporations
• Another Employee Ownership Situation
• Medical C Corp
• Fleischer Tax Court Case
• Joint Ventures
• Loans or Capital Injections
• Using a Trust in Your Formation Considerations
• Operating Agreements
• Exit Plans, Business Succession
• Liability Protection Fallacy of an LLC
• Charging Orders
• Using a Self-Directed IRA to Buy a Rental, Start A Business

Chap 3 - S Corporation Benefits

• Avoiding or Reducing Self-Employment SE Taxes
• Tax Savings with Health Insurance
• S Corp Hard Money Facts, Net Savings
• Ancillary Benefits with S Corporations
• Officer Compensation with Solo 401k Plan Deferral
• W-2 Converted to 1099
• Net Investment Income, Medicare Surtax and S Corps
• Being a Passive Business Owner
• Three Types of Income

Chap 4 - The 185 Reasons to Not Have an S Corp or LLC

• Chapter 4 Introduction
• Additional Accounting Costs
• Additional Payroll Taxes
• SEP IRA Limitations
• Trapped Assets
• Distributing Profits, Multiple Owners
• Other W-2 Income
• State Business Taxes (Not Just Income Taxes)
• Deducting Losses, Trapped Cash
• Distributions in Excess of Shareholder Basis
• Stock Classes
• Vesting and Expanding Ownership
• Bad Loans to the S Corp
• Social Security Basis
• Payroll Taxes on Children
• C Corp to S Corp Problems
• Going Concern
• Recap of S Corp Downsides
• Growing Business, Debt Service

Chap 5 - State Nexus Problems

• Chapter 5 Introduction
• Chapter 5 Disclaimer
• Wayfair Case Part 1
• Nexus Theory
• Constitutional and Legislative Standards
• Sales and Use Tax, Income Tax
• Physical and Economic Presence, Nexus Attached
• Wayfair Case Part 2
• Services and Tangible Personal Property (TPP)
• Costs of Performance, Market-Based Approach
• Allocation and Throwback
• FBA, Drop Shipments, Trailing Nexus Revisited
• Recap of State Tax Issues
• State Tax Issues and Nexus

Chap 6 - S Corporation Election

• Formation (Election) of an S-Corp
• Electing S-Corp Filing Status, Retroactive for 2023
• Another Option, Dormant S Corp
• Missing Payroll, Now What
• Mid-Year Payroll
• Nuts and Bolts of the S Corp Election
• Ineffective S Corp Elections
• S Corp Equity Section
• Terminating S Corp Election
• Distributed Assets
• 5 Year Rule
• Life Cycle of an S Corporation

Chap 7 - Section 199A Deduction Analysis

• Section 199A S Corp Considerations
• Calculating the Qualified Business Income Deduction
• Section 199A Defining Terms
• Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB) Definitions
• Trade or Business of Performing Services as an Employee
• Services or Property Provided to an SSTB
• Section 199A Deduction Decision Tree
• Section 199A Reasonable Compensation
• Section 199A Pass-Thru Salary Optimization
• Cost of Increasing Shareholder Salary
• Section 199A Rental Property Deduction
• Negative Qualified Business Income
• Qualified Property Anti-Abuse
• Aggregation of Multiple Businesses
• Section 199A W-2 Safe Harbors
• Additional Section 199A Reporting on K-1
• Section 199A Frequently Asked Questions

Chap 8 - Section 199A Examples and Comparisons

• S Corp Section 199A Deduction Examples
• Section 199A Side by Side Comparisons
• Section 199A Basic Comparisons
• Section 199A Health Insurance Comparison
• Section 199A 200k Comparison
• Section 199A 250k Comparison
• Section 199A Specified Service Business Comparison Part 1
• Section 199A Specified Service Business Comparison Part 2
• Section 199A Phaseout
• Section 199A Recap
• Section 199A Actual Tax Returns Comparison

Chap 9 - Reasonable Shareholder Salary

• Chapter 9 Introduction
• IRS S Corp Stats
• Reasonable S Corp Salary Theory
• IRS Revenue Rulings and Fact Sheet 2008-25
• Tax Court Cases for Reasonable Salary
• Risk Analysis to Reasonable Shareholder Salary
• Reasonable Salary Labor Data
• Assembled Workforce or Developed Process Effect
• W-2 Converted to 1099 Reasonable Salary
• S Corp Salary Starting Point
• Multiple Shareholders Payroll Split
• Additional S Corp Salary Considerations
• Reasonable Salary Recap

Chap 10 - Operating Your S Corp

• Chapter 10 Introduction
• Costs of Operating an S Corp
• New S Corp Puppy, What Do I Do Now
• Accounting Method
• 1099-NEC Issued to Your SSN
• Take Money Out of the S Corp
• Processing S Corp Payroll
• Taking Shareholder Distributions
• Reclassify Shareholder Distributions
• Accountable Plan Expense Reimbursements
• Accountable Plan Requirements
• Shareholder Distributions as Reimbursements
• S Corp Tax Return Preparation
• Distributions in Excess of Basis
• Minimize Tax or Maximize Value (Economic Benefit)
• Tracking Fringe Benefits
• Other Tricks of the Trade with S Corps
• Adding Your Spouse to Payroll
• Chap 10 - Comingling of Money

Chap 11 - Tax Deductions, Fringe Benefits

• Chapter 11 Introduction
• Four Basics to Warm Up To
• Section 199A Deductions – Pass Through Tax Breaks
• 185 Business Deductions You Cannot Take
• Depreciation
• Small Business Tax Deductions Themes
• Value of a Business Tax Deduction
• Deductions the IRS Cannot Stand
• Automobiles and LLCs, S Corps
• Business Owned Automobile
• Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation
• You Own the Automobile, Get Reimbursed By The Mile
• You Own the Automobile, Take Mileage Deduction
• You Own the Automobile, Lease Back to Your Company
• Automobile Decision Tree
• Home Office Deduction
• Tax-Free Rental of Your Home
• Business Travel Deduction
• Deducting Business Meals
• Sutter Rule
• Capital Leases versus Operating Leases
• Putting Your Kids on the Payroll
• Educational Assistance with an S-Corp - Section 127
• Summary of Small Business Tax Deductions
• Business Tax Return Preparation
• Comingling of Money
• Reducing Taxes

Chap 12 - Retirement Planning

• Retirement Planning Within Your Small Business
• Self Employed Retirement Plan Basics
• Retirement Questions to Ask
• Tax Savings and Tax Deferrals
• Using a 401k in Your Small Business Retirement Options
• The Owners-Only 401k Plan
• Having Staff with a Solo 401k Plan
• Self-Directed 401k Plans
• Company-Sponsored 401k Plan
• 401k Plan Safe Harbor Provision
• Roth 401k Plans
• Roth 401k Versus Traditional 401k Considerations
• Two 401k Plans
• Rolling Old 401k Plans or IRAs into Your Small Business 401k Plan
• 401k Loans and Life Insurance
• 401k Plans and Roth IRA Conversions
• Turbo Charged 401k Plans
• SIMPLE 401k
• SEP IRA, Roth IRAs and the Roth Conversion
• Controlled Groups
• Owner Only 401k Plans in MMLLC Environment
• Spousal Attribution and Controlled Groups
• Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
• Exotic Stuff
• Expatriates or Expat Tax Deferral Planning
• Small Business Retirement Planning Recap
• WCG Fee Structure
• More About WCG
• Consultative Approach
• Core Competencies
• Expectations of Our Clients
• Final Words

Chap xx - Health Care

• Disclosure and Updates
• Gaming the HSA System
• Health Care Summary
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Long-Term Care
• Multiple Employees
• One Person Show or Husband-Wife Team, S Corporation
• Section 105 Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Section 125 Cafeteria Plans and Flex Spending (FSA)
• Sole Proprietors and Single Member LLCs

Chap yy - Business Valuations, Sale, Exit Planning

• Business Valuation Techniques
• Buy-Sell Agreements
• Deal Structure
• Debt Service
• Exit Plans, Succession
• Purchase Price Allocation

Chap zz - Other S Corp Thoughts

• 1099 Income as Other Income, No Self-Employment (SE) Taxes
• Audit Rates and Risks with an S-Corp
• Recap of S-Corps
• Rental Losses with an S-Corp
• Rentals Owned by an LLC Fallacy
• W-2 or 1099-MISC That Is The Question

Expat and Expatriate KB

• Are there any downsides to claiming the foreign earned income exclusion?
• Are there exceptions to the bona fide residence or physical presence tests?
• As an ExPat, do I need to file a State tax return?
• Can I deduct mortgage interest paid on my foreign home?
• Do I have to pass the same test each year?
• Does voting through an absentee ballot mess up my bona fide foreign residency?
• How do fluctuating currency values affect my taxes?
• How do I handle my foreign rental property?
• How do I qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion?
• How do moving expenses affect my exclusion?
• How do partial years work with the foreign earned income exclusion?
• How do tax treaties affect my ExPat situation?
• How does the foreign housing exclusion or deduction work?
• If I am a self-employed ExPat, what taxes am I responsible for?
• If I don't qualify for the housing deduction, can I still deduct expenses?
• May I still make contributions to my IRA as an ExPat?
• What amount can I deduct for foreign earned income exclusion?
• What happens if my host country has a form of social security?
• What is a tax home or abode, and how do they relate to each other?
• What is considered foreign earned income?
• What is foreign earned income exclusion?
• What is the bona fide residence test?
• What is the difference between foreign tax credit and deduction?
• What is the physical presence test?

Rental Property KB

Rentals faqs.

• Can I claim my residence as a rental, sell it for a loss and deduct the loss?
• Can I deduct internet expenses?
• Can I deduct my cell phone charges?
• Can I deduct the taxes associated with public improvements?
• Can I rent out half a duplex or a room in my house?
• Do I need receipts for my rental expenses?
• Do rental properties offer good tax sheltering?
• How are repairs and improvements different?
• How do passive loss limitations affect me?
• I purchased a rental property last year. What closing costs can I deduct?
• If I don't have any rental income can I still claim a loss?
• If I move back into my rental, how does that work?
• If my employer provides a cell phone, is that income?
• Is depreciating my rental a good thing?
• My rental sale was a huge loss. What can I do?
• What are tax issues with an LLC owning a rental property?
• What are the exceptions to rental activities?
• What are the rules on a home office deduction?
• What is active participation versus material participation?
• What is considered rental income?
• What rental property expenses can I deduct?

Real Estate Pros

• Are rental activities always passive activities?
• Are there downsides to the real estate professional designation?
• Are there specific material participation tests for real estate professionals?
• Do I need to group my rental activities together?
• How do I record the hours spent as a real estate professional?
• If I meet the 750-hour test, do I also meet the 500-hour material participation test?
• What activities count and don't count?
• What are some of the IRS tricks to deny my real estate professional designation?
• What are some of the tax court cases for real estate professionals?
• What are the general tests for material participation?
• What is the definition of real estate professional?
• Why designate myself as a real estate professional?

Other Tax Information KB

• Can I ignore an IRS notice or claim I never received it?
• How can I pay my taxes or my notice of deficiency?
• How can I prepare for my face to face or interview field audit?
• How do I appeal the collections of unpaid taxes?
• How does a joint return get handled during an audit?
• How does bankruptcy affect my unpaid taxes?
• How much is interest and penalty on taxes owed?
• How should I respond to an IRS notice or letter?
• What are my chances of being audited?
• What are some of the types of IRS notices and letters?
• What can the IRS do if I don't pay my taxes- what is the collections process?
• What causes or triggers an IRS audit?
• What if I cannot pay my taxes?
• What IRS publications deal with audits?
• What is the appeals process?
• What is the period of limitations for an audit?
• What types of audits could I face?
• Who can be with me at my IRS audit or conference?

Charitable Contributions

• Are there ways to earmark money for an individual?
• Do I need receipts for my donations?
• Does deducting charitable contributions cause an audit?
• How do I determine the value of my donation?
• What are some of the donations I can deduct?
• What are some other charitable deductions?
• What are the limits of my donations?
• Who qualifies as a charity?
• Why give to charities?

Education, Tuition Deductions

• Are Educational Savings Accounts Worth It
• Are There Tax Breaks for Going to College
• Are There Tax Savings When My Employer Pays for My Education
• Can I deduct the cost of sports, games or hobbies while in college?
• IRAs and Savings Bonds To Help With Higher Education Costs
• What College Expenses Can I Deduct From My Income
• What constitutes a full-time student for tax purposes?

Homes and Real Estate FAQs

• Can I deduct the loss on my primary residence?
• Can I exclude the gain on my home sale?
• How does a Federal Disaster affect my casualty loss?
• My home was destroyed- what deduction can I take? How do casualty losses work?
• The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation
• What is Cancellation of Debt? Is it taxable income?

Medical, Health Insurance

• What are qualified medical expenses?
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• Are there specific records I need to keep?
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• Tax Brackets Misconceptions- Should I earn more money?
• What is the marriage penalty and how does it affect our tax returns?

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• Articles coming soon

Turn Your Vacation Into a Tax Write Off

By Jason Watson ( Google+ )

Can you deduct your vacation expenses? Yes, but there is one small catch; there must be a business connection. Specifically, the reason for the trip must be for business, but mixing business with pleasure is perfectly legal. It’s not unheard of for business travelers to incorporate some personal time into their business trips, so why not build an entire vacation around it?

Skeptical? Even the IRS rules state if your trip was primarily for business but you extended your stay for a vacation, made a pit stop, or had other non-business activities, your business related travel expenses are deductible. Cool! The IRS just gave you a hall pass.

Certainly, there are a few more conditions to maximize the business turned vacation deductions. For one, you must be self-employed or small business owner. This won’t work if your employer pays your travel when they send you on business trips. And, there are of course IRS rules that must be followed for this to work. The IRS can be demanding when it comes to rules. Here’s how to make it happen.

1. Establish a business purpose ahead of time. Your trip must have a prior set business purpose. A prior set business purpose means meetings and appointments are arranged before the business travel even begins. A business trip arranged for, or including, business seminars and conferences does count, but only if they are directly related to your trade or profession.

2. Travel far enough away for an overnight stay. The travel must be away from your regular place of business and must require substantial rest or have an overnight stay. The business days should exceed the personal days and travel days are considered “business days.” If you take into consideration that Monday thru Friday are counted as business days and weekends are not, building a weekend into your business trip is a good strategy to maximize the vacation deduction. If you do business on Friday and on the following Monday, travel related expenses in between are deductible.

3. Know what expenses you can deduct. When your primary reason for travel is for business, all of your transportation costs, whether by plane, train, or automobile, are fully deductible. If you drive to your destination, you can take the standard mileage rate of 56.5 cents per mile (2013 rate) plus any parking and toll expenses. All the lodging, tips, and car rentals for business travel are also fully deductible, with food and meals limited to 50%. The cost of laundry and dry cleaning typically count as well.

4. Make it a family vacation. Of course the family can come along, but you can only deduct the expenses you would ordinarily pay for yourself. If you travel by air, your family’s tickets are not deductible. But if you drive, your transportation is fully deductible no matter how many people tag along in your Fordosaurus. Lodging is still deductible, but any upgrades to fit the family are not. You can only deduct the business expenses you would pay as if you were traveling alone.

5. Keep it reasonable. The IRS likes to use words like “reasonable” and “ordinary” when referring to deductible expenses. Don’t travel like a rock star unless you actually are a rock star. All business related expenses should be “reasonable based on the facts and circumstances.”

6. Keep really good records! Use your log book to write down expenses or use widely available expense tracking apps on your smartphone. Even though strict substantiation for travel expenses, other than lodging, isn’t required for expenses under $75, including these in your record keeping lends a bit more credibility to your deduction. Other items such as schedules and itineraries are good to keep to support your deduction, especially to prove the trade related nature of conferences and seminars.

So, you could fly to Orlando on Wednesday and get there early enough to sunbathe on the beach. Tricked you- no beaches in Orlando. Rewind. You fly to South Beach on a Wednesday and hang out with King James. Thursday you have an early morning meeting with a client, then follow-up with a lunch meeting on Friday. Saturday and Sunday are spent snorkeling and sightseeing. Monday, you attend a trade related seminar and Tuesday night you fly home. Your deductible business expenses for the trip would be:

$800 for round trip ticket

$869 for 6 night hotel stay (Sat & Sun count only if between business days)

$275 for car rental

$140 for seminar

$150 for 50% of business meals

$2,234 Total

Yes, for everything else there’s Mastercard. That’s not a bad chunk of change! All you probably did differently was take an earlier flight there, take a later flight home, and planned your business meetings early. Adding a weekend in between is a bonus. Either way, the business travel expenses remain the same.

One last thing, these strategies are intended for travel within the United States. If you’re planning on watching the parade at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro and calling it business travel, don’t do it. If your main consideration for traveling outside of the U.S. was vacation oriented, no deduction can be taken. The IRS will expect a good reason for why your business couldn’t have been conducted within the United States. Even then, 75% of the trip must be for business as a good jumping off point. Anything less than that, starts looking like a vacation in disguise.

Information provided on this web site “Site” by WCG Inc. is intended for reference only. The information contained herein is designed solely to provide guidance to the user, and is not intended to be a substitute for the user seeking personalized professional advice based on specific factual situations. This Site may contain references to certain laws and regulations which may change over time and should be interpreted only in light of particular circumstances. As such, information on this Site does NOT constitute professional accounting, tax or legal advice and should not be interpreted as such.

Although WCG Inc. has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate, WCG Inc., and its partners, managers and staff, make no warranties, expressed or implied, on the information provided on this Site, or about any other website which you may access through this Site. The user accepts the information as is and assumes all responsibility for the use of such information. WCG Inc. also does not warrant that this Site, various services provided through this Site, and any information, software or other material downloaded from this Site, will be uninterrupted, error-free, omission-free or free of viruses or other harmful components.

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10 most popular girls' trips for summer 2024 announced: See these top travel destinations

United airlines said these 10 travel destinations were the most searched among women.

Families may save money traveling by RV this summer

FOX Business' Jeff Flock test drives a state-of-the-art RV and reports on the industry's travel demand surge.

Summer officially begins on June 20 this year, but millions of Americans are already enjoying or planning warm vacation getaways and fun destination trips. 

Whether you’re heading out soon on a road trip with the family or a girls' trip to the beach, many people are looking for their next opportunity to skip town. 

United Airlines announced the most popular destinations for a girls' trip this summer — and some are a bit surprising. 

TOP SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2024: THESE INTERNATIONAL SPOTS WERE THE MOST SEARCHED

After analyzing booking data to see which destinations had the highest number of women travelers, United said some warm vacation spots stood out as the most popular. 

A spokesperson for United Airlines told Fox News Digital the company's team of analysts compiled the list. 

United Airlines said some destinations were among the most popular among women travelers this summer.  (iStock / iStock)

"While beach and European getaways are popular for all travelers this summer, the most surprising thing in our data was the popularity of overseas destinations like Lisbon, Athens and Rome," they noted. 

10 MOST PATRIOTIC US STATES AHEAD OF JULY 4: SEE IF YOUR HOME STATE MADE THE LIST

Did your girls' trip spot make the most popular vacation destination list for summer 2024?

Or maybe this list will inspire some new getaway ideas.

Most popular girls' trip destinations of summer 2024, according to United Airlines

Counting down here …

10. Honolulu, Hawaii

The first official day of summer is June 20, 2024 — and plenty of folks are already taking off for warm-weather vacation spots. (iStock / iStock)

9. Paris, France

8. punta cana, dominican republic.

GOOGLE FLIGHTS SAYS THESE ARE THE TOP SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS OF 2024

7. Rome, Italy

6. cancun, mexico, 5. athens, greece.

The most popular spot on the list for girls' getaway trips may surprise some people.  (iStock / iStock)

4. Montego Bay, Jamaica

3. lisbon, portugal.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

1. Tulum, Mexico

United Airlines said Tulum, Mexico, was the most searched vacation spot among women looking to travel this summer. 

Tulum, Mexico, was the most searched destination among United Airlines females, according to the company. Nearly 45% more women booked a trip to Tulum than men did.  (iStock / iStock)

The company said that nearly 45% more women booked a trip to Tulum compared to men. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS  

The Tulum International Airport in Mexico opened to domestic flights on Dec. 1, 2023, and international flights on March 28, 2024, per the Tulum Airport. 

Prior to the opening, those looking to fly to the area had to travel to a nearby airport and then be transported to the city of Tulum. 

"Yes, Tulum may well be one of the most Instagrammed spots in Mexico, with plenty of smoothie stands and yoga retreats," said Tripadvisor about the location, "but this Riviera Maya beach town is so much more than a photo-op."

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxbusiness.com/lifestyle

Among the top attractions in Tulum, according to the same source, are the Mayan ruins "perched atop cliffs, providing dramatic vistas of the Caribbean Sea and historical insights into ancient trade."  

Delta Air Lines also noted that Cancun, Athens, Rome and Paris were among their most popular hotspots to visit this summer. 

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New travel, pcard and expense - office hours.

[email protected] | June 12, 2024

Mark your calendars and join us for monthly Travel, PCard and Expense Office Hours!  Starting July 9, 2024.

This is a great opportunity to stay connected to current news, updates and ongoing processing support.

WHEN?   Join us on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m.  

HOW TO JOIN?     Use this link to join the office hours in Microsoft Teams    ( <--- NEW LINK!!)

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM OFFICE HOURS? 

• News and Updates (system, policy or suppliers)
• Demonstrations of Workday Processes
• Chat with the Travel, PCard and Expense Team to ask questions or get guidance with policy/systems issues

WHO SHOULD JOIN OFFICE HOURS?

• Anyone who travels or is responsible for arranging travel on behalf of an employee or guest
• Anyone who is responsible for generating or approving Spend Authorizations and Expense Reports in Workday
• Cardholders, Card Managers, Card Users and individuals that support the transaction expense process
• Anyone who is responsible for generating or approving Miscellaneous Payments in Workday

WHERE DO I GET ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE OUTSIDE OF OFFICE HOURS?

• Travel Website     
• PCard Website
• Expense Website    
• Administrative Resource Center (ARC) (link is external)
• [email protected]  or 614.292.9290 (Option 1)
• [email protected]  or 614.292.9290 (Option 2)
• [email protected] or 614.292.9290 (Option 3)

• Best overall
• Best for expensive trips
• Best for older travelers
• Best for affordability
• Best for annual plans
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Reaching your golden years doesn't mean your adventures have to end. In fact, in this stage of life, you'll hopefully have more time and resources to travel. But as a senior citizen, you'll want to ensure you have travel insurance that covers any health-related issues arise while you travel.

Best Senior Travel Insurance Companies

• Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: John Hancock Travel Insurance
• Best for older travelers:  TravelSafe Insurance
• Best for affordability: GeoBlue Travel Insurance
• Best for annual plans: Travel Guard

Compare the Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Your health gets more unpredictable as you age, which makes travel insurance more important for seniors. Unfortunately, it's also more expensive. The best travel insurance for seniors won't have too steep of a price hike compared to rates for younger travelers. It will have high coverage limits for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellations, and and emergency medical evacuation. It's also important that your travel insurance offers pre-existing condition waivers , ideally at no extra cost to the traveler. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance coverage for seniors in 2024.

Best Senior Travel Insurance Overall

Allianz travel insurance.

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the most widely recognized names in travel insurance, and it stands out as one of the top travel insurance providers for seniors. It offers a wide range of policies covering medical treatments overseas and emergency medical transport.

Allianz also provides options for varying trip lengths. Its annual multi-trip policies , for example, cover any trip you make during your policy period, even if they aren't yet planned, making it an excellent option for seniors who vacation multiple times per year.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
• Single and multi-trip plans available
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
• Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips

John hancock.

John Hancock Travel Insurance plans for seniors offer some of the best coverage available. It provides generous maximum benefit amounts while still offering affordable prices.

Each plan includes coverages like trip cancellation, emergency accident, and emergency medical, with the option to add benefits like CFAR (cancel for any reason) . Plus, getting a free online quote is a quick and straightforward process.

Read our John Hancock Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3 travel insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason rider available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable travel insurance premiums
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews of claims process are mixed
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may not get specialty coverage for sports equipment and other high value items
• Trip cancellation for 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption insurance for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000 per person
• Medical evacuation coverage of up to $1,000,000

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Older Travelers

Travelsafe travel insurance.

TravelSafe Insurance is a great choice for older travelers, even among seniors, insuring travelers up to 100 years old. TravelSafe also offers pre-existing condition waivers for all its tiers when you purchase your policy within 21 days of your initial trip deposit. With a great deal of flexibility, travelers don't have to worry about eligibility when purchasing travel insurance with TravelSafe. TravelSafe even has two tiers of coverage devoted specifically to golfers. 

Read our TravelSafe travel insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to 120 days' coverage available for travelers ages 79 and under (30 days for 80+)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $2,500 per person for missed connections over three hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage of up to $150 per person per day kicks in after six hours or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy can be purchased by U.S. citizens living abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage ceiling of $100,000 may be low for some travelers' needs.
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims reviews from customers say performance is not always the best
• A well-rounded insurance plan for travelers who are concerned about missing connections for cruise-related travel
• Classic and Basic travel insurance plans
• GolfSafe travel insurance plans provide coverage for you and your equipment
• Travel medical insurance through partner Trawick International

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Affordability

Geoblue travel insurance.

GeoBlue Travel Insurance is a travel insurance provider that specializes in travel medical insurance . Because it doesn't offer much trip protection or travel inconvenience coverage, it can charge cheaper premiums than its competitors. 

GeoBlue's policies cover travelers who are under 95 years old, offering sizeable coverage for emergency medical treatments (up to $1 million) and medical evacuations (up to $500K). It's worth noting that while coverage for pre-existing conditions are available, it costs extra.

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms

Best Senior Travel Insurance for Annual Plans

Travel guard.

Travel Guard  offers comprehensive insurance plans for shorter and longer trips. One of its more unique offerings is its Travel Guard Annual Plan.

This annual travel insurance comes with standard coverage benefits (trip delay, baggage loss, etc.) and substantial coverage amounts, which is important for seniors who travel multiple times per year. Travel Guard also offers a pre-existing medical condition waiver, meaning those with certain medical issues can still gain coverage.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review .

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Understanding Travel Insurance for Seniors

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to understand what travel insurance is and why it's particularly important for senior travelers. The best travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events affecting your trip, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Types of coverage

• Medical Coverage: Ensures your medical expenses are covered in case of illness or injury.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: Provides reimbursement if your trip is canceled or cut short due to unforeseen events.
• Baggage Coverage: Covers loss, damage, or theft of personal items during your trip.

Benefits of travel insurance for seniors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing you're covered in case of emergencies can make your travel stress-free.
• Financial Protection: Shields you from potentially overwhelming medical costs and trip cancellations fees.
• Assistance Services: Many plans offer 24/7 assistance services, providing help whenever and wherever you need it.

Making the most of your plan

After choosing a plan, it's crucial to understand your policy fully and know what services are available to you in case of an emergency.

Understanding your policy

When you purchase a travel insurance policy, you'll be able to see a description of benefits, which is a long document that describes the exceptions and limitations to your coverage. You should carefully review this document so you're not blindsided by unexpected claim denials. 

For example, if you're canceling a trip because unexpected work, you may not be eligible for coverage if you haven't worked at your company for long enough. Additionally, you should review your policy to ensure that your pre-existing condition is covered, as companies often have very specific language around what qualifies as a covered pre-existing condition.

Emergency assistance services

Most companies offer a 24/7 concierge service that can help you navigate situations that arise during your trip, even issues beyond the scope of your policy. They can advise you on how to navigate these situations in accordance with your policy and make sure you acquire the necessary documentation when you need to file a claim down the line.

How to Pick Travel Insurance as a Senior Traveler

It's wise to compare several different travel insurance policies for the best coverage and pricing, as premiums vary widely between insurers and depend on factors like your age and travel destination.

That said, some of the more essential coverages to look for if you're a senior citizen include:

• Travel medical coverage - This coverage will pay for your medical bills outside the US.
• Medical evacuation coverage - If you're injured or become sick while traveling, this coverage will transport you to the nearest hospital or even back home if your condition necessitates it.
• Pre-existing conditions - Coverage for known health conditions. You'll need to purchase travel insurance within a certain time period from when you book your trip to qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver .
• Cancel for any reason (CFAR) - The name says it all! It'll cost extra and you'll need to purchase insurance early, but it's the most comprehensive trip cancellation coverage you can get. Note that CFAR insurance usually only covers up to 75% of your trip fees.
• Trip cancellation insurance - This coverage provides reimbursement for your prepaid and nonrefundable costs if you cannot make your trip due to an unforeseen event.
• Baggage delay insurance - This coverage will reimburse you for essentials like toiletries and clothes if your bags are delayed.
• Lost luggage insurance - This coverage will reimburse you up to a specified amount if your bags get lost en route.

Of these, the most critical to note are whether or not your policy covers pre-existing conditions and the limits for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation.

Some insurance companies offer a waiver that will cover pre-existing conditions. You'll have to follow the requirements for adding a waiver to your policy, like insuring the entire cost of your trip. Or purchase the policy within a specific time after making your first trip deposit payments.

You'll also want to find a policy with high maximum limits for travel medical and emergency medical evacuation coverage. These types of expenses can be substantial, so you want to have appropriate coverage.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Senior Travel Insurance

When comparing senior travel insurance options, we looked at the following factors to evaluate each travel insurance provider:

• Coverage limits: We looked at each travel insurance company's coverage amounts for benefits like medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
• Flexibility: We looked at how customizable a policy is, so you can choose what your travel insurance policy covers .
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Pre-existing conditions are one of the more critical factors for travel insurance for senior citizens, so we looked at travel insurance companies that offer the best coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• Price: We compared travel insurance providers offering reasonable basic and comprehensive coverage rates.
• Benefits geared towards seniors: We compared travel insurance companies that offer solid coverage for senior citizens, like medical evacuation, COVID-19 coverage, and trip cancellation.

You can read more about our insurance rating methodology here.

Best Senior Travel Insurance FAQs

Seniors should look for travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive medical coverage, including for pre-existing conditions and emergency medical evacuation. They should also consider policies with higher coverage limits to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, seniors should seek travel insurance plans that provide 24/7 assistance services, as well as coverage for trip cancellations, interruptions, and baggage protection.

The cost of senior travel insurance coverage can vary depending on your age, overall health, state of residence, travel destination, and length of your trip. While the average travel insurance policy costs 4% to 8% of your trip's nonrefundable cost, a 65-year-old's policy may cost 15% of their trip's cost.

All travel insurance companies, except World Nomads, included in this guide offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as long as you buy your policy within the qualifying period from when you placed your trip deposit.

Allianz is the best travel insurance for seniors due to its wide array of medical coverages and emergency medical transport. Allianz also offers multi-trip insurance policies , which could make sense for seniors who travel frequently.

In some instances, travel insurance companies will have age eligibility restrictions, often only insuring people 80 years old and younger.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

It’s been a record-setting year for global travel – here’s how we make tourism inclusive and sustainable

Inclusive and sustainable travel and tourism includes supporting micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses. Image:  Unsplash/Michael Barón

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.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved .chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

• The global travel sector is experiencing a robust recovery, with tourists increasingly spending more on travel.
• Despite the overall positive outlook, some destinations struggle with operational challenges, including workforce issues and resource management amid rising tourist numbers and environmental concerns.
• The travel and tourism sector’s potential for advancing socio-economic prosperity is particularly impactful through the support of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.

The global travel sector forecast is in and it's sunny skies ahead. Through March 2024, consumer spending on travel remains strong, and passenger traffic has soared. Empowered by a strong labour market worldwide, tourists will be on the roads, air and seas once again, with more of people’s budgets on travel.

The latest report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries , reveals that 2024 has already witnessed multiple record-setting days as consumer spending on leisure travel remains strong. The data shows that post-pandemic travellers continue to seek unique experiences rooted in local cultures while increasingly prioritizing spending on memorable events across sports, music and festivals.

The Mastercard Economics Institute’s analysis reveals that travellers also seek opportunities to extend their stays, prioritizing leisure for longer. For the first 12 months between March 2019 and February 2020, a trip’s average length of stay was about four days. As of March 2024, the average length of a leisure trip has edged closer to five days, which translates into an economic boost for the destinations and communities hosting them.

Have you read?

These are the top 10 countries for travel and tourism, what is travel and tourism’s role in future global prosperity, travel & tourism development index 2024, tackling tourism’s challenges.

Yet, while the overall outlook for travellers looks bright, that’s not the case for all destinations. Some tourism hotspots and lesser-known locales are facing growing challenges around operating conditions. The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 highlights the ongoing constraints facing the global travel and tourism sector – including the lack of investment in skilled and resilient workforces and issues around resource management – cultural and natural – as destinations grapple with higher tourist visitor numbers and rising environmental concerns.

The report offers travel and tourism decision-makers recommendations around how the sector can take a more active role in tackling social challenges across socio-economic prosperity, peace and cultural exchange. As the industry accounts for approximately one-tenth of global gross domestic product and employment , the public and private sectors must work together to ensure future tourism development is, first and foremost, inclusive and sustainable.

Supporting the backbone of travel and tourism

As the TTDI 2024 notes, one area where the sector’s potential in advancing socio-economic prosperity can be particularly impactful is in the economic empowerment of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, more than 80% of travel and tourism businesses fall under this category.

Policies and investments promoting the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing digital skills development while improving access to credit can provide a major boost to tourism-focused MSMEs.

In Costa Rica, the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo, a member of Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub , is championing such an approach to ensure increased tourist traffic results in better opportunities for MSMEs. Last year, the institute launched Tico Treasures , a platform facilitating tourist connections with Costa Rica’s Crafts with Identity programme, a group of 17 artisan collectives across the country. The platform allows visitors to discover local Costa Rican products, learn about artisan communities and then purchase and ship the goods back to their home country – all through one experience.

The programme is an example of public-private collaboration, including backing from Correos de Costa Rica, Banco de Costa Rica and the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo. Its objectives are multifold: delivering more authentic experiences for tourists, expanding citizens’ access to the digital economy and contributing to MSME resilience.

Protecting future environments

There are also novel approaches to solving destinations’ sustainability challenges underway. A key role of the Travel Foundation , a global non-government organization, is to facilitate innovative public-private collaborations in tourism that accelerate and scale sustainable solutions. One notable example is in Scotland, where the national tourism organization VisitScotland is partnering with the Travel Corporation, a global tour operator, to help decarbonize the destination supply chain. Both organizations are pooling their insights, data and expertise to support local businesses, develop new ideas for reducing carbon footprints and identify barriers to a green transition.

The learnings from this and other projects led by the Travel Foundation will be shared to influence future policy, investment and product development decisions at national and global levels. By combining public sector resources and capabilities with private sector technological expertise, travel and tourism decision-makers can enact policies and programmes that balance tourism growth with environmental protection, providing a nuanced approach that works for unique destinations.

It’s an important time for the sector – to leverage travel and tourism’s robust recovery and advance socio-economic prosperity, fuelling a more inclusive future for our treasured destinations. By accelerating collaboration between governments, destination management organizations and technology companies, we can ensure destinations, the communities that power them and the environments they inhabit are at the heart of all future tourism development.

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Are Planes Safe Right Now? Here’s What the Experts Say.

You should expect the unexpected while flying, but few disruptions should provoke serious concern, aviation experts say.

By Niraj Chokshi and Christine Chung

Smoke in the cabin. A tire blowout. A cracked windshield. No shortage of problems can affect a flight, fueling traveler anxiety and contributing to thousands of daily delays and cancellations around the world.

But for all of the frustration and alarm such events cause, it can be difficult to interpret and understand their severity. Here’s how aviation safety experts say travelers should think about disruptions when they occur.

Problems happen.

Several alarming air travel incidents have made headlines in recent weeks — a sharp plunge toward an ocean, an unnerving wobble that damaged the tail of a plane and an aborted departure after an apparent engine fire .

But the most common mishaps and malfunctions, even if hair-raising, are not typically severe, experts said.

A hydraulic leak, for example, is a familiar occurrence that pilots take seriously, but it is not as disruptive as it may sound. That’s because planes have backup hydraulic systems, which are used to power equipment like the landing gear, brakes, wing flaps and flight controls, allowing planes to take off, fly and land. A plane veering off a runway, in what is known as a runway excursion, makes for captivating video and a possibly terrifying experience for those on board. But it doesn’t necessarily cause significant damage to an airplane or threaten the safety of those on board.

The same is true of the wide range of mechanical or maintenance issues that can come up before takeoff, which might force a pilot to hold a plane at its gate or return to the gate from taxiing. Those incidents are important to understand and address, but they are often minor, experts said.

“The pilots are saying, ‘I’ve been highly trained, I’m highly educated in this airplane, and we have to return to the gate and get the experts involved out of an abundance of caution,’” said Shawn Pruchnicki, a former airline pilot and an assistant professor at the Center for Aviation Studies at Ohio State University. “That is the system working perfectly. That’s a good thing.”

Sometimes, such problems can derail a flight or take an airplane out of commission. But in other cases, they can be fixed quickly. And because airplanes are packed with fail-safes, there are times when a flight with a malfunctioning system can safely proceed simply by relying on one or more backups instead.

Flying is a complex, gravity-defying feat that’s repeated thousands of times each day in a wide range of conditions. So travelers should not be surprised when things go wrong, said Amy Pritchett, a pilot and professor of aerospace engineering at Pennsylvania State University.

“Little small components will always start to burn out or break,” she said. “There will always be potholes in the pavement in the taxiway that jostles something. There’s always questions of whether the weather is good enough to fly, whether you might hit turbulence or not. All these things are sources of variability that need to be actively managed.”

Flying is safe.

Another thing for travelers to keep in mind is that serious flight problems are extremely rare, experts said.

Flying is safer than driving or traveling by train in part because safety is built into the design of everything from air traffic control to the airplane itself. Important systems and procedures have backups, there are rarely single points of failure, pilots receive intensive and repeated training, and airlines prepare for a wide range of possible outcomes.

“It’s the safest form of transportation ever designed by humankind,” said John Cox, a former airline pilot who runs a safety consulting firm. “Be careful driving to the airport.”

Over the past several decades, commercial aviation safety in the United States has improved more than fortyfold, according to a 2022 analysis of commercial aviation safety conducted by the National Academies.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, typical causes of accidents include turbulence, hard landings, collisions on the ground with other planes or vehicles, and component failures, such as a malfunctioning wing flap or engine.

Flying is so safe in part because the industry generally responds to every problem, even those that pose little threat. In the United States, airlines, manufacturers and agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration and the N.T.S.B. are constantly monitoring and reviewing risks and hazards in air travel.

“The level of systems that are in place monitoring current-day commercial air transport are profound,” Ms. Pritchett said. But this doesn’t mean that anyone involved can lose vigilance in assessing the possibility of danger, she added.

And while trips are occasionally cut short, experts said, diverting a flight from its destination generally reflects due caution by pilots, airlines and air traffic controllers, not a life-threatening emergency. “Could we continue to our destination?” said Kenneth Byrnes, a pilot and an associate professor who leads the flight training department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “Yes, but is it the safest thing to do?”

Placing blame is complicated.

Because aviation is complex and defined by redundancy, problems rarely have a singular cause. Instead, most serious problems — even catastrophic ones — are a result of multiple factors.

“There’s never a smoking gun, so to speak,” Mr. Pruchnicki said. “There’s never this ‘aha’ moment, when we’re going through wreckage or we’re going through records and we say, ‘Ah, I found the single reason this plane crashed.’”

Take the episode early last year in which two planes nearly hit each other on a runway at Kennedy International Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board found that several factors had contributed to what could have otherwise been a disaster.

The pilots of one plane were distracted as they proceeded down the wrong taxiway, the agency found. At the same time, the air traffic controller who gave them instructions didn’t notice because his focus was elsewhere. And a runway status light activated too late to warn the pilots of the mistake, the agency concluded.

In investigating such incidents, placing blame is not only difficult, but also generally discouraged, experts said. Kyra Dempsey, who writes about aviation accidents in a blog, Admiral Cloudberg , said that “the blameless post-mortem is a cornerstone of modern aviation safety,” facilitating an open safety culture in which people are willing to report concerns .

Mr. Cox, the pilot turned consultant, said that “aviation accident investigators are really more interested in understanding cause than assigning blame because our job is to see that it doesn’t happen again.” Instead, “the lawyers get into blame,” he said.

Perspective is important.

When a mishap occurs, it’s important to keep some context in mind, experts said.

A casual observer might notice, for example, that many problems seem to affect two types of planes: Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. But those plane families make up more than half of the commercial jets in service, so they are naturally reflected most in news coverage.

Experts also warned against confirmation bias. When an airline or a manufacturer figures in a headline-generating episode, the media and the public tend to be on alert for other problems involving the company, even those that have little to do with the company or that might not even be significant enough to attract much attention from safety agencies.

“When something happens, you need time to discover and learn about exactly what happened, and why did it happen,” said Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigator for the F.A.A. and the N.T.S.B. “That’s something that you can’t do in a news cycle or even two news cycles.”

It can take the N.T.S.B. months, and sometimes more than a year, to conduct investigations, which culminate with safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

After a fuselage panel blew off a 737 Max during a flight in January, Boeing was intensely scrutinized, and rightly so, experts said. But several also said they received many calls from reporters in the months afterward seeking comment on problems involving Boeing planes in cases that had little to do with the company.

“Just because it’s a Boeing airplane that has a mechanical problem doesn’t necessarily mean that has anything to do with Boeing,” Mr. Pruchnicki said.

In the episode involving the fuselage panel, the plane was virtually new, focusing attention on the manufacturer. But a manufacturer is probably not at fault when a problem occurs with a plane that was delivered years earlier and has been flying safely since, experts said.

Niraj Chokshi writes about aviation, rail and other transportation industries. More about Niraj Chokshi

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

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