Business trips are back in full force, but many of us need a hand navigating the surprises that come with the new world of corporate travel.

While we were baking sourdough and unmuting colleagues on Zoom, the world of travel changed. Airfares became more expensive, travel rules became more stringent and last-minute trips have been replaced with planned itineraries. Not to mention the changing requirements for different airlines regarding COVID tests – especially with international flights.

Still, we can’t wait to stow away that tray table and enjoy a business trip, especially if there are ways to make it more enjoyable and affordable.

Here are some handy things we can do to switch our travel mindsets back on to make business trips smoother:

1. Maximise those corporate travel booking perks

If your company travels a lot, you deserve to enjoy some perks and the Malaysia Airlines MHbiz Plus program offers a lot of them. Designed for businesses that work with a travel management company, the program enhances every stage of your journey. You’ll get upfront discounts, free seat selection and upgrades,  priority check-in and boarding plus early bag collection upon arrival.

Once your application is approved, you can get up to 19 per cent off Economy fares and 15 per cent off Business fares. The discounts also apply to spouses making it more affordable for you and your colleagues to share travel experiences with your plus ones.

It’s free to sign up with three tiers available depending on your corporate travel spend. The more you travel, the more you save and the more benefits you unlock.

2. Get a travel-friendly mobile phone plan

Gone are the days of travelling overseas and coming home to an exorbitant phone bill. Most phone providers now offer global roaming for a nominal daily or upfront  fee. You just have to make sure you’re signed up for the right plan.

You also need to read the list of countries included in the deal. I found this out the hard way while accessing data during a long layover in Dubai. Let’s just say it cost a fair bit more than the $5 I thought I was paying. If you read the fine print and get organised in advance, you’ll be able to turn aeroplane mode off with confidence. And for those managing the work travel budget, it’ll be much less of a sting when you’re approving expenses.

3. Check your credit card rules to avoid sneaky surcharges

Using your corporate credit card overseas takes the hassle out of paying for and tracking expenses but you might pay for the convenience with extra fees. Take some time to check the fees that apply to your credit card so you know what to expect.

All those 2 per cent to 4 per cent surcharges can add up, especially if you’re travelling for an extended period of time. Before you get your carry-on out of storage, you might want to opt for a card with no or low(er) fees.

Hot tip: always keep a physical version of your credit card with you. Some hotels won’t accept a digital credit card when you’re checking in (which one of my friends found out on a work trip just last night).

4. Plan ahead for hassle-free ridesharing

Rideshare services are extremely handy when travelling overseas. They’re usually cheaper than local taxis and you don’t have to negotiate fares or exchange unfamiliar currency with the driver. If you plan to use a rideshare service while travelling, take the time to research the pick-up location at the airport.

It can get tricky for the most experienced travellers, particularly when the airport has multiple levels and zones. When you’re ready for pick-up, send your driver a photo of your location. This can be particularly helpful if there’s a language barrier.

And always make sure any staff that need to travel a lot have the updated Business account details within the rideshare app.

5. Invest in comprehensive travel insurance

Premium credit cards often come with complimentary travel insurance. While this can be a great way to save money, the insurance might not cover all scenarios. A lot of credit card travel insurance policies exclude or offer limited cover for COVID-19 and pre-existing conditions. They can also have limits based on your age and the duration of your trip.

Whether you’re securing travel insurance through your credit card or independently, make sure the policy meets your specific needs. Your travel management company will be experts in mitigating risks for both you and your company.

The world may have changed since the pandemic but you can still travel domestically and internationally with confidence and some pre-planning.

Start by taking advantage of the corporate travel perks offered by MHbiz Plus and you’ll be back to peak travel fitness in no time. For more information on MHbiz Plus for your business, get in touch with [email protected].

This article is brought to you by Kochie’s Business Builders in partnership with Malaysia Airlines.