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    Month: March 2024

    -Brief Business Travel Insights

    25 Mar 2024
    Article

    How to travel safely in high-risk areas

    We live in a big and wonderful world with many amazing destinations to travel to. Unfortunately, many of these destinations are potentially dangerous.

    However, just because a place is seen as being dangerous doesn’t mean you have to totally avoid it. Rather you need to be aware of what you’re getting yourself into and make sure you prepare adequately.

    Here’s our guide to travelling safely in a high-risk area.

    Access the Risk

    If you’re taking a trip to an area with a history of conflict, violence or criminal activity, only you can know what your comfort levels and appetite for risk are.

    Determine whether or not it will be worth it to travel to a place if you’re going to spend much of your time feeling anxious and not really enjoying yourself.

    Be Prepared

    Before your trip:

    • Do some research to determine the political situation of the place you’re travelling to
    • Read the local papers online to understand what’s currently happening at that destination
    • Ask questions of people who have travelled there before to gain further insight into what the problems actually are.

    Plan Your Trip and Leave a Trail

    Before travelling:

    • Notify your embassy that you’ll be travelling to a high-risk area
    • Make copies of your passport, as a lost passport is an expensive inconvenience and there’s a high possibility you may not be able to replace it in a high-risk area
    • Give a family member or friend a copy of your itinerary. This will help them determine roughly where you should be if they need to find you
    • Make sure you have the contact details of the people you’ll travelling with, the number of your embassy and those of a trusted driver or guide.

    Travel with a Company Experienced in High-Risk Areas

    Travelling with a company with extensive knowledge of working in high-risk areas can help put your mind at ease. Here at Driven Worldwide, we have an extensive network of trusted partners across Central and South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

    To find out more about travelling in a high-risk area or to book your travel, contact Driven Worldwide.

    -Brief Business Travel Insights

    18 Mar 2024
    Article

    The impact of business travel on mental wellbeing

    Business travel can have serious implications for people’s health and mental wellbeing. It is now firmly on the agenda as a workplace mental health issue.

    A study conducted by the International SOS Foundation has revealed that business trips contribute to behavioural changes in people in the workplace. These include depression, stress and anxiety.

    Some of this is down to how technology has actually extended people’s working hours while travelling, because of its accessibility.

    However, there is also considerable stress involved in the process of travelling and being on the road a lot of the time.

    The research indicates that many organisations do not have sufficient mental health resources in place, or a workplace wellness programme.

    International Business Travel and Mental Health

    The research interviewed 200 business travellers. 45% said they felt more stressed on business trips, while 31% felt emotionally exhausted. Over a quarter of respondents said they experienced more prevalent mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

    There are also a physical health implications, with people travelling for business less likely to have a balanced diet or to get much exercise, or even much good quality sleep.

    The problem is that while international business travel opens up opportunities, it also comes at a cost to wellbeing.

    Safeguarding Health and Business Continuity

    What measures can organisations and companies take to try and safeguard employees who are travelling on their behalf?

    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear about the measures for tackling stress, and about the impact stress can have, with over 11 million days a year lost through stress in the workplace.

    But how does stress risk management translate to business travel?

    There are various stress factors associated with business travel.

    Some of these are common to other work situations, including sudden, unexpected workloads, unclear reporting lines and responsibilities, and rapidly changing circumstances.

    However, they may also suffer from specific, travel-related stress factors, including: a lack of peer support, or other support network; isolation from family and friends; and jet lag.

    These factors also include lack of sleep, lack of exercise and poor diet, as mentioned above.

    Symptoms of poor mental health can appear as impaired performance, poor concentration and erratic emotional behaviour.

    Better Support for Business Travellers

    More organisations must consider implementing procedures aimed at reducing the mental health risks of business travellers.

    Just as mental wellbeing within the workplace has become much more widely recognised, so the impact of business-related travel on employees, along with remote working, needs careful consideration.

    There are internal measures businesses and organisations can take to support employees, such as wellness programmes and resilience training, counselling and regular employee surveys.

    However, they should also consider the conditions and quality of business travel, and what practical support there is to improve the business travel experience.

    One such area of dedicated support is Executive car services, providing expert business and chauffeur class transfers.

    Here, the focus is on ensuring passengers get all the support they need to reduce any stress and remove the uncertainties and inconvenience associated with business travel.

    For more information about our specialist services, please complete our online contact form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

    -Brief Business Travel Insights

    18 Mar 2024
    Article

    Taxis or Chauffeurs: the right choice for the job

    Taxis or chauffeurs: the right choice for the job Knowing the key differences between booking a taxi and hiring a chauffeur can help you to make the right choice for your next trip.

    By choosing the most suitable mode of transport for your journey, you can keep travel arrangements cost-effective and running smoothly. This blog explains the key differences between a taxi and a chauffeur, to help you decide which mode of transport is best suited to your journey.

    When to choose a taxi

    For short distance travel between 1-3 miles, calling a taxi company to arrange a journey at the drop of a hat might be the most affordable and convenient solution for you.

    Advantages:

    • Convenience of being able to arrange transport last minute.
    • Affordable for short distance travel (1-3 miles).

    Disadvantages:

    • Paying by the meter is not cost-effective.
    • If you’re only popping around the corner to the pub or the shops, then cheap and cheerful may be all that you require. If you’re travelling further afield though beware that the cost can really add up on when you’re paying by the meter.

    When to choose a chauffeur

    If you’re pre-arranging transport for a journey of 3 miles or more, for a special occasion or event, or for a whole day of travelling, you’ll want to ensure that your ride is comfortable.

    Advantages:

    • High level of service.
    • Comfortable and relaxing travel.
    • Stylish arrival.
    • Receive an upfront price for the journey.
    • Travel in a vehicle of your choice.

    Disadvantages:

    • Travel usually needs to be arranged in advance.
    • Usually more expensive than a taxi.

    To book executive or chauffeur travel that you can trust, get in touch with our team here at Driven Worldwide by calling us on 020 3848 5100 or using our online contact form to request assistance.