Tips to Make Worldwide Business Travel Easier

Business trips can be exhausting; not only do you have to prep before your travel plans, travel to the airport, catch a flight and deal with delays and cancellations, but you also have to stay focused on your work the entire trip.

When you travel for business, whether it’s to meet with high-profile clientele, or if it’s to attend a roadshow or conference, there really isn’t any time for a breather, especially if your employer has jam-packed your trip.

While business travel can be hectic, it can also be wonderful and a productive time spent out of the office. At Philadelphia Limousine Service, we work closely with many corporations to provide corporate transportation services and have learned a thing or two about how to make business travel more enjoyable. To alleviate your business travel stress, keep reading for tips to make worldwide business travel easier.

 Stay at the Same Hotel

There are a plethora of options when it comes to places to stay during a business trip; hotels, motels, Airbnb—the list goes on. Whether you’re the one traveling for work or you’ve been tasked with coordinating travel plans for coworkers, one of the easiest ways to make worldwide business travel easier is to stay at the same hotel for each trip if possible.

With many hotel chains that plant hotels in countries other than the U.S., there are great options when it comes to deciding which one you should book. Whether you choose Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, or Best Western, staying at the same hotel for business trips can result in reward points that add up and result in free rooms, meals, discounts, etc. Be sure to check with your preferred hotel company and asking about their corporate accounts and deals.

Not only does staying at the same hotel for frequent business trips save your company money in the long run, but it can also make business travel more comfortable. Traveling to unfamiliar places can be uncomfortable and cause stress, especially with the pressure of it being a work trip. When employees stay at the same hotel time after time they develop a familiarity with that particular hotel chain and learn what to expect each time they stay. Therefore, more comfortable employees can result in more productive employees – a win-win!

Double-check All Travel Documentation

Everyone knows that when you travel out of the country you need your passport. However, did you know that a visa is required to travel to China or that proof of vaccinations are required to travel to Russia? Wherever you’re traveling to, make sure that you are well prepared months in advance before your trip. Gather everything you need and make sure nothing expires before your trip. In the chance that your documents or vaccinations are out-of-date you’ll have time to get everything ready before you travel.

Use Local Currency

You’ll probably have access to a company credit card when you travel, or you’ll be reimbursed for money spent on your trip. However you and your company work out paying for your trip, using local currency is always a great idea. Credit cards can charge fees when used abroad which can add up overtime, especially for a week-long business trip. To avoid fees, use local currency or a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Sight-see When Possible

Harvard Business Review reported that employees who travel for business have symptoms of anxiety and get no physical activity during work trips. We all know that being active leads to an overall healthier lifestyle, but when you’re traveling for work and have meetings after meetings to attend, it can be difficult to fit in exercise. The next time you travel for work, even if you can only fit in an hour in between meetings, make sure you sight-see when you can. Getting out and experiencing new scenery and a new culture all while getting some exercise will help you feel better overall.

  

We hope you will find our tips to make worldwide business travel easier helpful! By following the tips above, your next business trip should be a lot smoother and more enjoyable.

If your travel takes to the Greater Philadelphia Area and you need corporate transportation services such as airport limo service or any other business travel arrangements, please contact Philadelphia Limousine Service. Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia limousine services has everything to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from.

When your company selects Philadelphia Limo as your preferred corporate transportation provider, we become a part of your support team. To setup a corporate account with Philadelphia Limousine, call (215) 485-7265. From the moment that we answer your call all the way through reaching your final destination, Philadelphia Limousine is luxury travel done right.

Four Reasons Business Travelers Need a Corporate Car Service

Investing in a corporate car service for business travel is just that: an investment. It saves you valuable time and resources while paving the way for corporate success. All business travelers should consider these four reasons when hiring limousine for their corporate travel needs.

Good First Impression

It only takes seven seconds to make a good first impression. Luckily, that is exactly how long it takes for you to arrive and step out of one of our luxury vehicles. Imagine the great first impression you will make on potential clients or partners. A luxury corporate car service demands an air of respect and professionalism. It shows that you mean business and are serious about your potential relationship. Plus, with the Philadelphia Limo, you will always arrive on time and in style.

Privacy 

All of our drivers have passed intensive background checks and are trained to provide the upmost level of professional courtesy and confidentiality. If you should need to discuss sensitive information with colleague or hop on a business call, you can rest assured knowing your conversation will never leave the confines of the vehicle. Or, if you would feel more comfortable, you can request a privacy partition to ensure all private business matters will remain private. By utilizing a partition, you can easily turn any vehicle into a luxury mobile office. Allow your chauffeur to get you where you need to go, while you focus on finalizing reports or practicing a sales pitch one last time before a big meeting.

Transparency

In the business world, it is expected for companies to be upfront about pricing and fees. No well-respected car service tries to confuse clients with pricing or sneakily charge for hidden fees after the service is completed. With Philadelphia Limousine Service, you can rest assured knowing we operate with complete transparency. If you have any questions or concerns about services and pricing, we urge you to contact us.

Comfort

As a business traveler, there are many important things you need to worry about, but comfort is not one of them. Whether that is comfort in the vehicle itself, comfort in knowing your driver is knowledgeable of the area, or comfort in being on time, The Philly Limo takes pride in providing our clients with a stress-free transportation service. One of the main benefits of investing in a corporate car service is so that business travelers can focus on what is important: their work. Our staff is trained to match you with the specific vehicle and service that best fits your travel needs. If the entire team is headed to an event, we would suggest an SUV or limo, while a sedan might better suit one or two employees headed to a meeting.

Contact Philadelphia Limousine Today for All Your Corporate Travel Needs! For more information, please visit our web page, fill out our reservation form or call us at 215-485-7265!

Air travel tips for older passengers

Flying across the country can be exhausting for anyone, but for seniors with health issues or physical limitations it can be extremely challenging. Here are a few flying tips and a number of resources that can help.

Booking: When you go to book your parent’s flight, this is the time to make special requests that can help make the trip easier for your parents. You’ll likely need to make these requests over the phone.
For example, you may want to book preferred aisle seats in the front of the plane for easier access or bulkhead seats that provide extra leg room, and you should probably request a wheelchair or two with attendant(s) to maneuver your parents through the airports they will be departing from and arriving to, and if there’s a connecting flight in between.
If your parents don’t want a wheelchair, but want some help, ask about electric carts.
You also need to check with the airline regarding their policy for oxygen units for your dad. While the Federal Aviation Administration prohibits the use of personal oxygen tanks during flights because they contain compressed gas or liquid oxygen, they do permit certain portable oxygen concentrators.

Getting to the airport: If your parents need help getting to the airport there are various senior transportation options, depending on your parent’s location. Philadelphia Limousine Service is one stop shop for all your ground transportation needs in the Greater Philadelphia Area. As one of the leading ground transportation companies in the Greater Philadelphia Area, we strive to provide the best service possible, with the highest regards to quality, passenger safety and customer satisfaction. Philadelphia Limo would be delighted to provide you and your loved ones with the service tailored to your exact needs.

Airport assistance: If your parents are flying on their own, most airports allow elderly fliers to be escorted to and from the gate by a non-traveling companion as long as they get a gate/escort pass, which he or she can get at the airline check-in counter by showing a government-issued photo ID. But if no one is available to help your parents, find out if the airline can assist them when you call to book their flight. Some airlines offer special check-in and escort assistance to passengers that request it. Or, consider hiring an independent company like Royal Airport Concierge Services, which will meet your parents at the curb, check their bags, expedite all check-in and security processes and escort them to a VIP lounge and the aircraft gate when they are ready to board. Costs typically range between $200 and $400. If you parents need even more help, there are also a number of traveling companion services you can call on like FlyingCompanions.com and FirstLightHomeCare.com. These services will do everything including making the travel arrangements, accompanying your parents on the trip, and facilitating their needs along the way. Fees for these services will vary depending on what’s needed and travel costs.

Security and boarding: To help you parents get through security screening a little easier, the Transportation Security Administration offers special expedited screening to passengers 75 and older, as well as those with disabilities and medical conditions. This allows them to move through security without removing their shoes or jacket, and some airports may have a special line. Call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 or visit https://www.TSA.gov/travel/special-procedures to learn more. When it’s time to board, your parents can also take advantage of the airlines pre-boarding option for elderly passengers who need some extra time to get on the plane and get settled. And for getting off the plane, they can wait for the other passengers to disembark so attendants can assist them with carry-on luggage and escort them from the plane.

Philadelphia Parking Authority Shares Tips On What You Should Know Before Renting Limo

A limousine crash that killed 20 people in upstate New York is now raising questions about how to be sure what you’re renting through a limo or driving service, is safe.

There are 30 safety regulators here in Philadelphia in charge of inspecting about 100 limo companies. Experts say on average, limo services are good but as a consumer, you still need to be on guard.In the state of New York, seat belts are not mandatory for passengers riding in the back of a limo but here in Pennsylvania, all passengers are required to wear them.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) checks the inspections and safety regulations of all 2,000 limos within the city. The Public Utility Commission, or PUC, checks for the rest of the state.

“First of all, whether you get into a taxi limo or an Uber-Lyft vehicle, if you see a complaint and you’re in Philadelphia, report it,” says Scott Petri, executive director of the PPA.
Petri says to also make sure the limo driver is licensed, had a background check and regularly trained.

Look around for possible damage to the vehicle and one clear sign is looking for that inspection sticker, how much of their vehicles are insured and when do they expire.
The Ford Excursion in Saturday’s deadly accident was changed or modified by the limo company before the crash. “It is legal to modify them but you are altering the manufacturer’s specifications. They should be certified and inspected by an engineer,” said Petri.

There is currently no state law in Pennsylvania requiring limo companies to show proof of an inspection on modified vehicles by an engineer. Background checks and certifications are also required for limousine drivers in both New Jersey and Delaware.



Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia Limousine  has everything
to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from. No matter if you are a party of one or twenty,  Philadelphia Limousine Service (http://www.philly-limo.com) offers the ultimate luxurious travel experience available.Our quality service and exclusive vehicles aside, what makes Philadelphia Limousine distinctive is the care and attention we give each and every customer. From the moment that we answer your call all the way through reaching your
final destination, Philly Limo Service is luxury travel done right.

Here’s What Food You Should NEVER Buy at an Airport

Few people seek out airport dining. But long flights and mad dashes through a terminal sometimes necessitate grabbing what you can to sustain yourself.
Inflight food options, which used to be elaborate, have dwindled over the years. Yet many international airports have made a concerted effort to bring in reputable restaurants, from quick-service chains like Shake Shack to higher-end fare like Chicago’s meat-and-beer-centric The Publican, which recently opened an outpost in the city’s O’Hare airport.
Still, there’s reason to be wary about the quality of food in airports, not least of all because of a 2015 FDA report citing poor sanitation practices in Los Angeles’ LAX kitchens. There’s even more reason to expect sticker shock, as there’s little competition once you’re planted at your gate. Here are rules to make sure you get the tastiest, most dependable, and affordable bites the next time you’re at an airport.

1. Skip fresh produce and salads

It may seem counter intuitive if you’re trying to be health-conscious, but raw fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk of carrying bacteria that will make you ill. Given the hasty nature of many airport kitchens and uncertainties about transportation into terminals and how long some ingredients sit out in the frequently labyrinthine structures, it’s much safer to stick to cooked items. And no one wants a sad $12 salad with nutrient-deprived iceberg lettuce.

2. Also rare meats

A little pink in a burger is not cause for alarm. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground meats, 165 for poultry, and 145 for whole cuts of non-poultry meats. So a medium or even medium-rare steak, for instance, should be fine. Burgers, meanwhile, are a great value when eating out. But avoid anything clearly on the bloody-red side if you’re concerned about an airport vendor’s meat sourcing.

3. Order simple, comforting items like fries and eggs

The airport is generally not the place to taste-test a chef’s culinary innovations. Many airport restaurants, even when they’re branded differently, operate using the same kitchens and teams, so the familiar and popular are much more likely to come out as they should. Fries are nearly impossible to screw up and come straight from the fryer. Same for eggs, toast, and melted cheese off the griddle. At La Vie, a French brasserie in New York City’s JFK airport, you can get a delicious, extremely filling croque-madame (essentially, a fancy name for a grilled cheese with egg) for about $10 dollars. Add a Bloody Mary with a nice kick to wash it down.

4. Avoid anything that’s clearly been sitting out a while

Buffet food is cheap for a reason: It’s made in bulk, not to order, and sits in heated pans sometimes for hours on end. The same is true of any airport quick-service restaurant that’s serving wan-looking pizzas, pastas, and the like from large, warmed trays and plates. A few bucks for a slice of cheese pizza might seem like a deal, but not if it’s lukewarm and dried out. If the place you’re passing looks popular and employees are racing to replace dishes, it’s a good sign the food is tasty, rather than overcooked and soggy. If that’s not the case, keep walking.

5. Stay away from inflight food

Sure, on a nonstop, 11-hour flight to, say, Hawaii or London, you’re liable to get hungry. Longer flights tend to stock better snacks and even meals, but be wary of flights that require paying usually exorbitant upcharges on chips. (JetBlue is a welcome exception, with its very laissez-faire as-many-snacks-as-you-want-for-free policy even on domestic flights. Grab the Terra chips.) Heavily touted meal “boxes” can cost $12 and generally come with tiny portions. Cooked food on flights often starts out frozen, so it tends to come out bland and mushy, and something about the environment of a flight doesn’t suit itself to a full meal. That might be why chef and Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain says he never eats plane food. If you know you’re going to be on a long flight, just fill up your carry on with items from your grocery store — save a few bucks and get full.

6. Watch those “express” food stations

It gets tempting when you’re crunched for time at the airport to hit Starbucks or a Cibo Express for a sandwich. But places like that charge a lot and the food is typically prepared well in advance. If you’re feeling starved, a cheese plate is a safe way to go at one of these venues. Anything more advanced than that is going to be a disappointment.

7. Embrace the chains

Well-known, successful restaurants are desperate to keep their customers happy and their brand image in good standing. Beloved chains like Shake Shack, even when they partner with third-party travel-dining companies, make agreements to insure certain standards in ingredients and preparation. Spots like Potbelly, Chili’s, and other fast-casual places you might see at a strip mall deliver dependable favorites in airports that are basically exactly what you would get in their normal locations. It’s hard to beat $5.20 for a hulking Potbelly smoked ham sandwich oozing with swiss cheese when that flight gets delayed.




Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia Limousine Services has everything
to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from. No matter if you are a party of one or twenty, Philadelphia Limousine offers the ultimate luxurious travel experience available.Our quality service and exclusive vehicles aside, what makes Philadelphia Limo distinctive is the care and attention we give each and every customer. From the moment that we answer your call all the way through reaching your final destination, Philly Limo Service is luxury travel done right.

New Year’s Resolutions for Professionals

Can you believe that 2018 is here? 2017 seemed to fly by, didn’t it? All of us at Philadelphia Limousine Service wishing you happy, health and prosperous year!
We would like to share some New Year’s resolutions for professionals that can help you succeed at work and make 2018 your best year yet. Adopt the following resolutions to make the next 12 months the best of your career!

Learn something new each day
You’re most likely an expert at your day-to-day profession; after all, you do hold your current position for a reason. Doing the same things at work each and every day can lead to boredom and a lack of feeling challenged, which is when most of us tend to zone out and lose focus.
Broaden your horizons and seek out knowledge and skills that will enhance your career and value.  The business world is ever evolving and you want to be ready.  Spending at least 10 minutes a day staying on top of trends and new technologies is a start.

Network
How many other professionals do you keep in contact with? If you only know a few professionals in and outside your office, it’s time to branch out and network! Connect with previous colleagues with whom you’ve lost touch and form relationships with more people in your office in different departments. Are you on LinkedIn?  Meet even more professionals in your area by attending networking events at least a few times a year.  Or consider joining a professional organization, local chamber or doing some volunteer charity work.

Take more breaks
Most of us have more work than we can handle and find ourselves consumed in it, barely leaving our desks for more than a quick bathroom break. Sitting for 8 plus hours a day can lead to health complications and can actually hinder your work performance. Make it a point each day to take more breaks! In a recent study that was published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, it was recommended to get up and move five minutes per hour spent at a desk. Get up and take a short walk around the office, get a cup of coffee or simply pace around your office to get your blood flowing!  And check out this link for 9 Office Stretches You Can Do At Your Desk.

Don’t take business matters personally
If you’re one to take business matters personally, make a resolution to do the opposite in 2018. Try to remember that things that happen in the office should be left at the office, not taken home to distract from your personal time. We know that sometimes that’s easier said than done, but we promise you’ll feel much better and more relaxed at home if you learn to leave your worries at the office.

Clean your desk regularly
Ever feel cluttered and can’t see your actual desk because it’s covered in papers, to-do lists, meeting notes, etc.? Clean your desk weekly to stay more organized. Having a clean and organized workspace will boost productivity and can help reduce stress. Maybe you’ll even find your favorite pen you haven’t seen in weeks (and can stop blaming that coworker of yours for stealing it)!

Use your vacation time
Do you use all of your vacation time each year? If not, make sure to do so in 2018. Your employer has given you paid vacation time for a reason. It’s a time to get away from the office so you can come back feeling refreshed and productive. Did you know that there are several benefits to taking time off of work, including a reduction in stress? Go ahead – start planning your next vacation now!

Choose Philadelphia Limousine as your corporate transportation provider
Are you a business owner, office manager or have a say in which providers your company partners with? If so, start 2018 off right by making the switch to Philly Limo as your Philadelphia corporate transportation provider. Whether your company needs transportation for local airport service, business meetings, corporate events or business travel, we’ll make your transportation needs effortless and stress-free.  Our corporate services are second to no one and reflect the skills and expertise expected and demanded by the discriminating travelers. We are known for our personalized partnerships, flexible approach to corporate travel management, and our ability to tailor programs to our clients’ needs. Become a Corporate Account holder today!
A new year is the perfect time to hit refresh and swap old habits for new ones. By adopting the professional resolutions above, you’re bound to make 2018 your year for professional success! We wish you a very happy and successful New Year!

Business Travel Tips to Help You Stay Productive when Away from the Office

 


As humans, we’re creatures of habit and take our daily routines seriously. Your weekly morning routine probably starts out something like this: wake up to your early alarm, get ready for work, grab a cup of coffee and you’re out the door.
When you travel for business, your entire routine is thrown off track; you’re in a different place adhering to a set schedule, not your own. To get the most out of your business trip, follow the tips below to help you stay productive when away from the office!

1. Create a checklist of everything you need to bring
Everyone knows how hard it can be to live out of a suitcase; you have limited space to pack everything you need for the duration of your business trip. Create a checklist of items you need to pack to ensure you don’t forget anything — business attire, cosmetics, electronics — whatever you’ll need, carefully plan it out to make sure you’re prepared. By packing everything you need, you’re more likely to stay productive and focused on work without worrying about items you forgot to bring with you.

2. Pack electronics in carry-on luggage
As annoying as it can be, accidents happen and airlines occasionally lose checked luggage. By packing your laptop, cell phone charger and tablet in your carry on, you’ll be prepared for business meetings regardless if your checked luggage gets lost. There’s no worse feeling than being unprepared for a business meeting! Another tip? Pack an extra suit/dress in your carry on so you have a fresh change of business attire just in case the airline does lose your luggage.

3. Stay connected to the office
Checking in with the office — even a quick five minute phone call — while on a business trip can help keep your focus while out the office. Staying connected to the office can help make sure you haven’t missed any projects and allow your coworkers to communicate with you regarding project approvals and deliverables. It can be hard for team members to contact you when you’re in business meetings, so checking in with them on a regular basis is an ideal situation for everyone.

4. Adhere to your usual schedule as much as possible
Daily routines are important for our overall health and well-being. Try sticking to the same schedules for everyday activities like sleeping, eating and exercising. Our bodies are like clockwork; by waking up and going to sleep around the same time as your usual schedule, you’re more likely to be well-rested during the duration of your business trip, allowing you to stay focused and productive. Schedule exercise and social activities around your normal schedule on your business trip to make sure you’re not thrown off track.

5. Organize your transportation service ahead of time
Are you renting a car yourself or relying on transportation services to get you to your business meetings? Planning your rides in advance will give you peace-of-mind knowing it’s one less thing to stress about and will allow you to focus solely on work. There’s nothing worse than calling a taxi or an Uber/Lyft and having them show up late, getting you to your meeting late. We cringe at the thought!
Whatever your travel requirements, Philadelphia Limousine Services has everything to meet and exceed them. We offer a wide selection of the newest models of luxury sedans, SUVs and mini coach bus rentals, for you to choose from. Enjoy the convenience of online ordering and a one call/one bill service for corporate transportation. We’ll get you to your destination in a timely manner so you can focus on one thing and one thing only — the business you need to handle on your trip. Your clients are precious, and we understand you can’t be late for an important meeting.

6. Find a temporary work space
In-between meetings and need to respond to emails or finalize a presentation? Find a space where you can focus on work and be productive. Whether that’s the lobby of your hotel, a coffee shop or local restaurant, finding a temporary work space can help boost your productivity levels, helping you stay focused.  
Philadelphia Limousine is one stop shop for all your ground transportation needs in the Greater Philadelphia Area. As one of the leading ground transportation companies in the Greater Philadelphia Area, we strive to provide the best service possible, with the highest regards to quality, passenger safety and customer satisfaction. Philadelphia Limo would be delighted to provide you with the service tailored to your exact requirements.