How To Guides
The How to guides help travel program managers and business travelers navigate the ins and outs of traveling for work. From packing and preparing for trips to booking, budgeting and managing expenses, our guides cover a range of topics to help make business travel as seamless and successful as possible.
Latest guides
5 tips for better digital accessibility in your traveler communications
Use alternative text, color contrast, captioning, and multiple content formats to meet travelers’ various needs.
How to bring hotel bookings back into the travel program
Here's how you can stop your travelers from booking hotel rooms outside of the travel policy.
How to make business trips better for neurodivergent travelers
Under the best circumstances, traveling for work can be stressful. For neurodivergent business travelers, the added sights, sounds, crowds, delays, or routine changes can make trips even harder. Understanding and finding ways to support neurodivergent travelers helps build and strengthen inclusive environments. Below are some considerations for introducing awareness, education and accommodations into a managed travel program.
How to handle a lost passport: A step-by-step guide for business travelers
A lost passport can be a major disruption for business travelers, but having a clear action plan helps get the trip back on track.
How to move through airport security faster
Long lines. Stern-looking security agents. That 3-oz. liquid rule. Getting through security can feel like an obstacle course. This how-to guide is for seasoned and new travelers – because we can all use a few tips to help lessen the stress of passing through security.
How to write a sustainable travel policy
As the discussion on climate risk intensifies, so does the pressure on companies to incorporate sustainability initiatives into their travel policies. Greater demands for data, transparency in business travel and the need to change travelers’ behaviors are driving companies to formulate clear policies and procedures that will benefit travelers, businesses and the planet.
How to navigate winter business trips with TripSource®
Are you and your travelers prepared to navigate the busiest travel time of the year?
How to prepare your managed travel program for CSRD
New regulations regarding sustainability initiatives are often complex and confusing. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is no exception.
How to measure travel-related emissions
This essential guide on travel-related emissions covers the why and how of measurement, breaking down the steps companies need to take to stay compliant and reduce their carbon footprint.
How to introduce diversity, equity and inclusion into your business travel program
Integrating DE&I principles into considerations for corporate travel programs can enhance the experience for everyone, including clients, traveling employees, suppliers and travel arrangers. BCD Travel’s Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Yvette Bryant shares four actionable strategies to create more inclusive and supportive business travel programs.
How to manage cultural nuance on business trips
Business travelers who demonstrate a high level of cultural awareness may inspire greater confidence and rapport with the people they encounter on business trips.
How to safely evacuate from a plane
Knowing how to evacuate an aircraft safely can make all the difference in a risk situation. Based on insights from real incidents that happened this year, BCD’s Global Crisis Management team created this guide on how business travelers can safely evacuate from a plane during a disruption or emergency event.
How to incorporate sustainability into your hotel sourcing strategy
The days when hotel sourcing focused solely on rates, cancellation policies, and amenities are behind us. Today, the Request for Proposal (RFP) process is not just about finding the best deals. It's an opportunity to align with suppliers who can help drive value for your preferred travel program and support global initiatives, like sustainability.
How to handle Clear Air Turbulence
If you’ve traveled by plane, you’ve heard the warning: Keep your seatbelt fastened while seated. It may feel like an inconvenience, but it’s one way you can stay safer during Clear Air Turbulence (CAT).
How to make sure your hotel sourcing strategy works for you and your travelers
If your hotel program runs from January to December, the time to start preparing for 2025 is right now. Here are four key tactics you should include in your 2025 hotel sourcing plan to improve the overall traveler experience and add value to your organization.
How to pack a business travel capsule wardrobe
To pack for business trips without sacrificing style, try building a capsule wardrobe. It's a selection of clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
How to pick the right online booking tool (OBT) for your managed travel program
Picking the right OBT for your corporate travel program can seem a big task. But the key is understanding your program needs and requirements and working with a Travel Management Company (TMC) who understands you. The TMC should guide you in the process, helping drill down to what is needed for your travel program now and as it evolves.
How to make sure your travel program is better than it was last year
If your corporate travel program isn’t already bustling with flight, hotel, car and rail bookings, it’s likely to happen soon. Are you prepared?
How to pick a travel management company (TMC)
The Travel Management Company (TMC) partner you choose can significantly affect the success of your organization’s managed travel program, traveler satisfaction, and the company’s bottom line. Finding the best TMC match requires strategic planning, a methodical process and involvement from the right travel stakeholders. Here’s a guide to help pick the right TMC to manage your company’s travel needs.
How to take business trips with coworkers
Traveling with colleagues can be tricky. Should you sit together on the plane? How much should you talk about work? What about sharing cars? Who pays for team meals? Team travel can present some interesting challenges, but common sense and good manners can go a long way in making it work. Here are some ideas.
How to keep points, miles and rewards safe from scammers
Imagine getting ready to use the hotel points or airline miles you collected for years only to find they are gone. We’ve seen it happen.
How to build a robust hotel program
Start managing your company’s hotel bookings easier and better. It will help you save hotel costs and keep your travelers productive, safe and comfortable while on the road.
How to reduce burdens on patient travelers and caregivers
For someone living with acute or chronic illness, travel can seem daunting, especially if the person is taking a trip to address their health. The BCD Life Sciences Center of Excellence (LSCOE) partners with organizations to offer solutions that reduce burdens on patient travelers and their caregivers.
How to pack a carry on for business trips
Traveling with a single piece of luggage can save time and stress – and can even be good for the environment. Getting everything you need for business trips into a carry-on may take some practice, but will make your life easier.
See all our resources.
Visit our business travel management resources page. Here, you'll find a variety of tools and information to help you plan and manage your company's business travel.