2023 marks an impressive 40 years of Traveltrust, the premier travel management provider based out of San Diego, so to celebrate, we wanted to share some of group President Richard Meyerson’s top travel tips. We’re committed to helping you find the best business travel options and experiences around the world, and if anyone knows a thing or two about international travel, it’s Richard!
40 Years of Traveltrust!
Of course, the world has changed immeasurably in the last 40 years, and few industries have changed quite so much as travel, particularly in the business sector. So what does that really look like?
“Major world events such as 9/11, SARS, Ebola and COVID-19 have had a major impact on global travel, as they’ve all severely restricted airline travel in one way or another” according to Richard. “Airlines also removed the commissions paid to travel agents for booking clients on their planes, which has impacted the way many travel agencies operate.”
The Next 40 Years
“In 40 years, travel will look very different to how it does now. We’ve seen a slight decrease in business travel since COVID-19 in light of the Zoom meeting phenomenon, and the craziness of the world right now means that it might get worse before it gets better, making it tougher to encourage folks to leave the comfort of home for face-to-face meetings.”
But there’s also a new technology on the horizon – namely virtual reality (VR). As Richard says:
“In leisure travel, improvements in virtual reality could also impact the way we explore the world, as VR provides a cheap, convenient way to experience some of the most remote parts of the planet.”
If you can ‘travel’ to the Pyramids of Giza or into the heart of a penguin colony in Antarctica at the touch of a button, how will this impact the way people travel? And will this impact the demand for business travel in the way that online conferencing has slowly chipped away at demand in recent years? As an industry we’ve suffered many setbacks before and are braced for the next disruption but know that ultimately, quality of service will win out.
Top Business Travel Destination
Richard’s favourite city for business travel is Atlanta, Georgia.
The state capital is a popular choice for business meetings and conferences, with a wealth of large venues and hotels frequented by business travellers. It’s also the home of Coca-Cola (and the World of Coca-Cola Museum), Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, meaning there’s plenty to do between meetings or expo sessions.
Top Leisure Travel Destination
Richard is a fan of the desert cities near Palm Springs, California.
Palm Springs is a cosmopolitan desert oasis known for its thriving cultural scene, mid-century architecture and natural hot springs, making it a favourite of celebrities across the US. It’s also home to the world-famous Coachella music festival, which sees thousands of music lovers flock to the area each year to soak up the sun and be seen with the biggest names in music, fashion and showbiz.
Top Business Hotel
“The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was The Peninsula Suite at the Bangkok Peninsula,” Richard claims. “It has incredible views of the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline (with a telescope to get a better look at everything), boardroom seating and 24-hour butler service, making it a truly world-class hotel.”
If you’re heading to Bangkok, be sure to check out its many temples, giant Buddha statues and bustling street markets, and take a boat tour on Bangkok’s canals for a new perspective of the city.
Best Global Cuisine
Richard is a fan of Italian cuisine, saying it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with picky eaters or children – though of course there’s something for absolutely everyone in Italy. Whether it’s a giant bowl of pasta, a wood-fired pizza (no pineapple here!) or a refreshing scoop (or three) of gelato, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh flavours and crowd-pleasing plates.
And of course, don’t forget to try the Italian wine and coffee!
Best Airline for Business Class Travel
Richard recognizes Singapore Airlines’ business class experience as a cut above much of the competition, and it’s easy to see why.
Fully flat beds, over 1,000 entertainment options and truly premium food and drink choices ensure business class travellers fly in style, wherever they’re off to.
Best Airport
“Believe it or not, I’d have to say Heathrow,” said Richard. “I often travel business class with Virgin Atlantic out of Heathrow, which has always been a good experience for me.”
Heathrow is the UK’s largest airport and the busiest in Europe, located 14 miles west of Central London. It’s the main hub for British Airways, and opened its newest terminal, the grandiose Terminal 5, in 2008. You’ll find Virgin Atlantic and Delta (both Skyteam Alliance members) in Terminal 3.
San Diego Must Sees
Of course, as Traveltrust began in sunny San Diego, we had to find out Richard’s top recommendation for the laid-back southern Californian city! Here’s what he had to say about the top spots:
“I’d have to say the beach, and for the true San Diego experience, a hike along the bluffs in the Torrey Pines Reserve. This overlooks the Torrey Pines Beach in La Jolla, which makes it well worth the effort.”
Sounds great – sign us up! Thanks Richard!