Tag: Allowances

Ever wondered who’s behind the magic at Roomex? In our new blog series, we’re turning the spotlight on our amazing team! We’re asking our staff a series of fun and insightful questions to help you get to know them better – from their favourite travel destinations to their most memorable moments. Stay tuned for great stories, unique perspectives, and a closer look at the people who keep Roomex running smoothly. Join us as we dive into the world of our talented team members and share the personalities behind the Roomex brand. Barry Marketing Communications Manager 1) Tell us about your role at Roomex – what does a typical day look like for you? Within Roomex my primary focus is on how we best present our extensive product offerings to our loyal customers, ensuring our account management team have everything they need for their respective clients, and supporting our customer onboarding teams. No two days are ever truly the same, but a huge portion of my time on the creation and rollout of email campaigns, marketing collateral, and framing our messaging to ensure the customer is at the heart of everything we do. 2) How do you think Roomex is changing the game in travel management? The ease-of-us is a real difference maker in my opinion. We’re all a bit time-poor these days, so being able to cut out having to browse multiple websites or spend hours ringing around hotels in order to secure the best rate is crucial. 3) What are some key challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them? Balancing business priorities and the needs of our customers – which at varying points may not always align 100%. For example, the business might have a desire to prioritise one product at a specific time and might feel there’s no harm in having multiple mass-communications promoting the product running in tandem, but the concern with these campaigns is always that you risk annoying people, crowding their inboxes, and worst-case scenario that they begin to stop even reading your emails. It’s important tohave a balance here between what the business needs and the customers’ expectation – that we do our job quietly without bombarding them – and often I have to be the one to argue for a “less is more” approach. 4) Can you share a memorable or funny story about your time at Roomex? Those who work most closely with me will know of my elite level skills when it comes to pulling an Irish goodbye. Unfortunately, as a result, I’m usually half-way home when the funny stories happen. I will give a shout-out to the fact that my first face-to-face meeting with an unnamed member of our Senior Management Team happened while he was dressed as a nun at a Roomex Christmas party. 5) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I’ll give two answers here, as Roomex primarily deals with domestic travel within the UK and Ireland, the first option would be Edinburgh – it’s a city I’m had the pleasure of visiting a few times now and the scenery is breathtaking Further afield, I would say Hawaii – as an Irish man I’d love to see this thing called the sun once in my lifetime. 6) What makes Roomex a unique place to work compared to other companies? Hands down, the people are the business’ greatest asset. Everyone is willing to help wherever needed so that we can provide the best service possible to our customers. 7) Three words your colleagues would use to describe you? Handsome, charming… deluded. 8) If you could give recognition to a colleague for going the extra mile, who would it be and why? I work most closely with our Account Management team and Roomex as a business is very fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people who work incredibly hard to best serve our customer base and to demonstrate how Roomex best supports them. It would be impossible for me to pick between them, so I’m just going to shout out that entire team.   9) Who do you nominate for the next as part of our Meet The Team series? Having given them a carrot in the previous question, it’s now time for one of our account managers to take a little punishment! Let’s give Alex Norman an opportunity to talk about her shiny new role within the team.

How Does Working From Home Affect Mental Health? {Image} Working from home was never considered the norm until the last few years. Before the Coronavirus outbreak, only one quarter of people who had the possibility of working remotely did. Now, many of us have had to adapt to new ways of working – with some even entering the workforce for the first time in a fully remote role. While working from home is wonderful for a lot of workers, there are questions around how it affects our mental health. Not only can it cause stress, lack of motivation, anxiety, and uncertainty – it can also be harder to create boundaries with our personal lives. In this article, we’ll break down some of the information about the impact of homeworking on mental health, and look at ways of making your WFH setup work for you. The Positive Effects of  Working From Home on Mental Health While there are some downsides to working from home, the benefits for our mental wellbeing are clear: Better work-life balance Working from home can give you the freedom to work on your terms and improve your work-life balance. Because you’re no longer spending hours commuting each day, you have the flexibility to use that time however you see fit – whether that’s exercising, spending more time with your family, or popping out for coffee and cake when you fancy it. All these things are conducive to feeling happier and generally more “you”. More autonomy and control One great thing about home working? You get to design your own workspace! No more fluorescent lights or stuffy, beige offices. Now you can turn your home office into a cosy space filled with soft furnishings that speak to your unique style, or bring nature indoors by filling your space with plants and setting up by a window. When your workspace feels good, you feel good, and that can make a huge difference to your mood and productivity. Having control over your daily schedule is another positive – you’re free to put in the hours when you’re most productive and take breaks when it suits you. This level of control can improve your overall job satisfaction and empower you to make the right decisions for you as an individual, which is vital for maintaining a good level of mental health.  Improved mental and physical health Working from home can help you to feel more in control of your life, enabling you to maintain better levels of mental health. For example, if you’re a parent and your child needs to go to the doctor, you can take them when your schedule allows and make the time back when it’s convenient. Home working can improve your physical health too, since you’re more likely to exercise, cook healthier meals, and practise better self care habits while at home. This can be beneficial for your employer since it helps to increase productivity and decrease absences. Reduced workplace stress Working from home can massively reduce workplace stress. Imagine ditching the daily commute, a major source of stress for most people. No more sitting in traffic, squeezing onto crowded trains or feeling rushed to get to the office. Instead you can wake up at your leisure, go to the gym, grab a cup of coffee then start your day in a relaxed fashion. Distractions will be at a minimum, too – working from home means a quieter environment. No more noisy coworkers on Teams calls and no more open-plan office chaos. The Negative Effects of Working From Home on Mental Health  Working from home can be appealing for many – no dress code, no commute, and the freedom to decide where and when you work. But almost four years on from the start of the pandemic, some are starting to realise it’s not as great as they first thought. Working from home can affect employees in many ways, including: Feelings of isolation Working from home can make life easier in a lot of ways, but it can also make it feel like you’re living in your own world. No more office banter and no more chats over coffee in the break room can mean it starts to feel lonely at times. A study from 2023 found that over 20% of remote workers struggled with loneliness because they needed the energy and enthusiasm of their colleagues to keep them motivated and productive. Temptation to overwork The flexibility of remote work can be a double-edged sword. While it offers the freedom and flexibility to set your own schedule, it can also lead to overworking and burnout. In the office, you’ll take a break when you’re feeling overwhelmed, while at home you might take a break to do household chores – which is hardly relaxing! This lack of boundary setting, as well as juggling work and home life, can contribute to low periods of mental health as well as stress, anger and frustration. Decreased productivity While many people are more productive when they WFH, for some, the opposite is true. The temptation to take breaks and the sheer number of distractions in your home can have a detrimental effect on your daily schedule, leading to a decrease in output and contribution. Ways to Make Working From Home Better for Mental Health Set a daily routine – and stick to it Whether you set your own schedule, or need to work set hours, setting – and sticking to – a routine can help you balance your work and personal time and focus better on your work. Create a morning routine: this might include going to the gym before you start work, or enjoying a healthy breakfast with family to start your day feeling relaxed. Have a regular lunch time: taking a lunch break at the same or similar time each day can give you a well-earned break to look forward to. Make sure you use your lunch break to refuel and fully disconnect from work, so you can go..

With more companies expanding their footprints globally, the ability to manage business trips efficiently has become crucial for any corporate traveller. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just starting out, this article has you covered. We’ll share seven key tips to help you make your travels smooth, keep expenses in check and handle any unexpected situations for a successful trip. {Image: wavebreakmedia_micro via Freepik}   1. Pick the right corporate travel management tool Say goodbye to the days of juggling multiple booking sites and spreadsheets. A trusty travel management tool can be your ultimate sidekick, saving you precious time and keeping those travel costs in check. When picking your perfect match, keep an eye out for these features: Make sure it plays well with others  Find a tool that integrates seamlessly with your other systems, like expense management software or customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. This means less manual work and fewer chances for those “oops” moments. Tech for everyone A user-friendly interface is a must. Even if you’re not a tech whizz, booking and managing trips should be a piece of cake. Your budget’s best friend  Your ideal tool will keep an eye on your spending, track expenses automatically and even warn you when you’re getting close to blowing your budget. Safety first  Travel can be notoriously unpredictable, so choose a tool that prioritises safety. Think real-time alerts, easy access to support and location tracking for added peace of mind. 2. Create a smooth itinerary Keeping your travel plans organised is key to stress-free business trips. Here are some ways to make your itinerary work for you: Grab those early-bird deals Book your flights, hotels and transportation early to snag the best offers and avoid those dreaded last-minute fees. Opt for centralised booking  Use a single platform to handle all your travel bookings. It’s so much easier than juggling multiple websites or apps and it keeps all your travel details in one place. Mobile apps  Make sure your travel management tool has a mobile app. It’s a lifesaver when you’re on the go, giving you instant access to travel documents, itineraries and updates about any changes in your plans. Sync with your calendar  Linking your travel itinerary to your digital calendar is a game-changer. It gives you reminders and updates so you’re always on top of your schedule and meetings. A plan B is key  Always, always have a backup plan. Whether it’s a flight delay or a fully booked hotel, knowing your options in advance can save you a lot of stress. Tools that offer real-time updates and alternative suggestions are especially helpful.   3. Master the art of travelling light Not everyone’s a natural when it comes to packing for a business trip and it’s not just about remembering everything you think you might need. It’s about packing efficiently so you have all the essentials and none of the clutter. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re prepared, no matter where your work takes you: Tech essentials  Don’t forget your lightweight laptop, universal chargers and portable power banks to stay connected and juiced up. It’s also worth bringing along a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones for those long flights or noisy environments. Important documents  It should go without saying, but never leave home without your passport, any required visas and any travel and health insurance documents. Keep physical copies safe and accessible, and for extra peace of mind, store digital backups on your phone or in a secure cloud storage service. It’s a simple precaution that can save you a lot of hassle if anything gets lost or misplaced. Dress for success When packing your work clothes, consider your destination and the types of meetings you’ll have. A versatile blazer or suit is always a good bet, as are comfy yet professional shoes. First impressions matter, so aim to look polished and put-together, even after a long flight. Prepare for a healthy trip Colds and allergies can really be a downer during your trip. Pack a mini wellness kit with masks, hand sanitiser, basic meds and any prescriptions you need. If you don’t already take one, it’s also not a bad idea to pop a multivitamin or two to help your immune system cope better with any invasion attempts. Keep it organised  A well-chosen carry-on bag with lots of compartments will make your life a lot easier when trying to stay organised on the go. You should also consider purchasing some packing cubes – small fabric containers that help you separate and compress your clothes, maximising space and minimising wrinkles.   {Image: wavebreakmedia_micro via Freepik} 4. Spending smart on the road It’s easy for costs to creep up on you when you’re travelling for work, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here are some tips to keep your travel expenses in check, making it easier for you and your company: Set out a clear budget Before you pack your bags, set a clear spending limit for meals, accommodation and transportation. Use a handy app to track your expenses as you go, so you’re always in control. Embrace the perks of corporate credit cards Corporate cards help to simplify expense reports and ensure you’re playing by the company’s rules. Plus, the rewards you earn can offset travel costs. Go digital with receipts Ditch the crumpled paper and go digital. Use a receipt-scanning app to categorise your spending and make expense reports a breeze. Pay attention to the little things  It’s easy to overlook small expenses like tips and taxi rides, but they can add up. Keep a daily log to make sure these don’t slip through the cracks. 5. Tech tools for keeping in touch on the go When travelling for any purpose, staying connected is more than a convenience for most people – it’s a necessity. Here are some tech tips to keep communication seamless while travelling: Portable Wi-Fi devices  Investing in a portable Wi-Fi device guarantees you’ll have internet access without relying on..

When it comes to managing corporate travel, juggling the logistics can feel like a never-ending struggle. Booking flights, finding hotels, tracking expenses – it can all get pretty hectic, pretty fast. But that’s where business travel management steps in, turning the chaos into a smooth operation that saves you both time and money. So, let’s explore why smart travel management is the secret weapon for companies that want to make the most of every business trip while keeping things safe and productive.   {Image: freepik via Freepik} The drawbacks of manual travel management For growing companies, there comes a time when manually managing employee travel just doesn’t cut it anymore. Imagine trying to juggle flights and hotels for a whole team of 20 or more people, not to mention the mountain of expense reports that follow. It can easily turn into a full-time gig for office managers. And it’s not just about the time it takes – doing everything by hand opens the door to mistakes and inconsistencies, which can end up costing the company more money and causing a lot of unnecessary hassle. Business travel management platforms can be the solution to all these problems. These systems give travel and office managers a much-needed helping hand by putting all the booking and expense information in one easy-to-access place. The platforms allow employees to book their own travel and accommodation while staying within the company’s budget. Managers have all the tools they need to keep track of everything, plus, these systems often have automated travel expense management features that save a ton of time and resources. Take Roomex, for example. We offer a great option for companies with a lot of employees who travel regularly. Everything from hotel bookings to payments is handled on one platform, making the whole process a lot smoother. With things like reservation checks and filters, we not only simplify the logistics but also make sure each booking fits the company’s rules and budget. How effective travel management improves your bottom line Investing in a reliable management system can be one of the most effective corporate travel solutions, offering significant operational benefits as well. The most notable advantage is the opportunity for substantial savings. These systems help businesses negotiate better deals with accommodation providers and other travel vendors, which often translates to lower travel costs and a healthier bottom line. Cost-saving and operational efficiency Negotiated rates  Travel management systems negotiate with hotels and other suppliers, securing exclusive discounts that can really make a difference. For instance, Roomex users often get special rates that can save companies a bundle – sometimes up to 12% on accommodation alone! Streamlined booking process  Bringing all your travel bookings onto one platform makes life so much easier. It reduces mistakes, simplifies the admin workload and gives you back valuable time to focus on what really matters. Employees can book flights, accommodation and transportation all from one place. Keeping everyone on the same page Effective travel management systems do more than just simplify processes and cut costs. They play a vital role in making sure everyone sticks to travel policies and keeping employees safe while travelling. These systems are packed with features designed to help companies consistently enforce travel rules and offer essential support to their employees on the go. Improving policy compliance Integrated travel policies  Travel management systems like Roomex embed company travel rules directly into the booking system, automatically aligning all bookings with company guidelines. This keeps everyone on the same page, preventing any surprise expenses and keeping all bookings within the budget. Approval workflows  With customisable approval processes, no booking slips through the cracks. This extra layer of oversight helps guarantee that everyone is following the rules, giving management peace of mind that all travel plans meet company standards. Improving employee safety Real-time tracking and alerts Some systems have built-in tracking, so companies can keep tabs on where their employees are while they’re travelling. This is super helpful for responding quickly in emergencies. And with real-time alerts for flight delays, cancellations and other travel hiccups, employees can adjust their plans on the fly and stay safe. Emergency support features As well as proactive monitoring, these platforms give employees and their companies a direct line of communication in case of emergencies. This means that help is always just a click away, no matter where you are in the world, making for a much safer and more secure travel experience. Roomex goes a step further with its live duty of care map, allowing companies to see a snapshot of their employees’ travel history, contact info and upcoming trips all in one place. This tool helps to keep everyone safe and manages the complex logistics of business travel, like booking details, itineraries and real-time updates.   {Image: wavebreakmedia_micro via Freepik } Using smart tech for effortless business travel Travel management systems provide the insights you need to make informed decisions about travel, which can save your company money and make your operations run more smoothly. Data-driven insights Comprehensive analytics  Tools like Roomex Analytics give you a deep dive into how your company spends money on travel and what your employees’ travel habits are like. This information helps you spot trends, figure out where you can save some cash and make your travel policy even better. By getting a clear picture of where the money’s going and how travel patterns are changing, you can fine-tune your policies to fit your company’s specific needs and budget. Predictive analytics  Advanced algorithms can do some pretty cool stuff, like digging into past travel data to spot patterns and predict what might happen down the road. For instance, they can pinpoint when certain routes tend to get more expensive or if there are frequent disruptions at specific airports. Armed with this info, companies can make proactive changes to their travel plans, avoiding unnecessary costs and headaches. AI-enhanced automation Automated booking and management  AI-powered tools act as a helpful guide, steering you towards the most cost-effective and..

Booking a business trip? Choosing the right business hotel with a 24-hour check-in option can be the difference between successful and stressful. It’s not just about having a bed to crash in after a long day; you need somewhere that actually helps you get your work done and be your most productive during your stay. From the convenience of checking in whenever you arrive to having the business hotel facilities you need right at your fingertips, the right accommodation should feel like a home away from home. In this guide, we’ll share our best tips for finding the best hotels for business travellers that fits your specific needs. We’ll help you head into your next business trip feeling confident and prepared, knowing exactly what to expect from your hotel. Go for a flexible check-in service Let’s be real, when you’re travelling for work, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your hotel room will be ready when you get there. That’s why 24/7 check-in is a real lifesaver, especially if you’re dealing with flight delays, late meetings or jet lag. It means you can always walk in and have a place to unwind, regardless of what time it is. What does 24-hour check-in really do for you? It takes the edge off  Knowing your room’s waiting, no matter when you land, just takes the edge off travel stress. You can relax knowing you have a guaranteed place to rest and recharge, even if your flight gets in late or your schedule changes unexpectedly. It gives you options  You’re not tied to the hotel’s schedule anymore. You’re free to book the flights and meetings that work best for you, whether it’s an early morning presentation or a red-eye flight back home. It saves you time  Even if you get in late, there’s no need to waste precious time. You can head straight to your room, quickly freshen up or get some much-needed rest. You’re not stuck waiting around or scrambling to find a place to stay last minute. Must-have amenities for business travel success When you’re on a work trip, it’s the little things that can really make a difference. That’s why the amenities offered by a hotel should play a huge role in where you choose to use as your base. Here’s what you should be looking for: Connectivity and work essentials Wi-Fi that won’t let you down It’s pretty much the lifeblood of modern business. You need a strong, steady internet connection to communicate with clients and colleagues, access cloud services and manage your work without any issues. Desks and workspace A comfy, well-lit workspace can be a huge boost to productivity. Find hotels that offer ergonomic chairs and enough desk space to spread out. Business centres  These are essential when you need to print something, scan documents or even find a meeting room on short notice. Wellness and relaxation Fitness centres  It’s tough to stay on top of your workouts when you’re travelling, but it’s important for both your physical and mental health. Luckily, many hotels now offer full gyms or even passes to local fitness centres so you can squeeze in a workout. Spas and lounges Stress is a normal part of travel and work. Hotels that have spas, saunas or even simply a comfortable lounge area are great for de-stressing after a busy day. Finding the right combination of these amenities can transform an ordinary hotel stay into a productive and enjoyable one. When you’re booking, think about how these features match up with your own needs to make sure your business travel is both effective and pleasant. Location matters The location of your hotel is a major factor in the success of your business trip – not simply a matter of convenience. Being close to your meetings, the local business district or major transportation hubs can save you time and hassle in a new city. Here’s what to think about when you’re choosing a hotel’s location: Stay close to where the action is Easy access Staying near your key destinations means less time commuting and more time to prepare for meetings or unwind. Networking potential Hotels in or near major business centres present opportunities to connect with local professionals or other people staying at the same hotel – you never know who you might meet!   {Image: Drazen Zigic via Freepik} Transport links Airports and train stations  If you’re flying or taking a train, look for hotels that are easy to get to from those places – especially if you’re on a tight schedule or have early departures. Public transportation  Take a look at the local bus, subway or tram routes. Getting around by public transportation can save you a lot of money compared to taxis or rental cars. It’s often faster than having to navigate through busy traffic, too. Safety and convenience Safe surroundings  Research the safest areas to stay ahead of your trip. You want to feel comfortable walking around, even at night – whether you’re heading out to grab dinner or just want to stretch your legs and explore the neighbourhood after a long day of meetings. Nearby essentials  It’s super convenient when there are restaurants, cafes and shops just a short walk from your hotel. You can pop in for last-minute snacks and will have more choices for meals. Also, if you forget that essential item from home (which always happens, right?), you can hopefully pick up a replacement.   Meeting the needs of busy professionals Hotels that really get what business travellers need often go above and beyond, offering services tailored to make your trip smoother. From delicious on-site meals to well-equipped meeting spaces, these conveniences are designed with busy professionals in mind. Here’s what you’ll want to look for: Dining options On-site restaurants  Hungry? Having a good restaurant in the hotel saves you time and gives you a handy spot for casual meetings or dinners with colleagues. If you can find one that offers a..

With a growing awareness of our impact on the planet, the focus on travel sustainability has evolved beyond a trend – it’s a conscious choice that’s shaping how we explore the world in 2024. This guide is your go-to resource for understanding the ins and outs of sustainable travel. We’ll share actionable advice and expert tips to make your trips greener, covering everything from finding eco-conscious accommodation to shrinking your carbon footprint. Ready to make a difference? Join us as we unpack how to travel in a way that’s kind to both you and the planet. {Image: Victor Lucas via Pexels} What is travel sustainability? Sustainable travel means minimising the negative environmental impact of tourism while giving back to the local communities and cultures you visit. It means making thoughtful choices that protect the environment, respect local traditions and contribute to the local economy. Understanding sustainable travel is the first step towards more responsible travel decisions. It goes beyond simply offsetting carbon emissions; it’s about being a conscious traveller who selects options that align with sustainability principles. Whether jetting off to an international conference or taking a short train trip to a nearby city, every choice you make has an impact. Here are a few examples of what can happen when we don’t prioritise sustainable travel: Environmental damage Travelling without regard for the environment can lead to pollution, harm to wildlife and the deterioration of natural areas. A prime example is Maya Bay in Thailand, once a pristine paradise featured in the film “The Beach”. The influx of tourists overwhelmed the ecosystem, leading to significant coral reef damage and environmental degradation. This ultimately forced authorities to temporarily close the beach to allow for recovery. Unequal wealth distribution When the profits from tourism don’t reach the local communities, it can create economic inequality and leave residents feeling left out. This often occurs when big international hotels hold back most of the revenue instead of supporting local businesses and workers. Loss of cultural identity When a location gets flooded with tourists, it can sometimes feel like the local culture gets lost in the shuffle. Unique customs and traditions can start to fade as the focus shifts towards catering to visitors. In Venice, for instance, the sheer number of tourists has sparked worries that the city’s unique character and traditions are slowly fading away. Developing a sustainable travel policy A sustainable travel policy is becoming a vital strategy for forward-thinking businesses. This approach tackles environmental concerns and resonates with consumers who increasingly value responsible travel. The rise of regenerative tourism Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report shows that people are really into the idea of regenerative tourism, with 69% of travellers wanting their spending to directly benefit local communities. This demonstrates a real shift towards travel experiences that actually make places better, not just try to avoid causing damage. It’s not just about taking; it’s about giving back!   However, the report also reveals some challenges: 74% of travellers are calling for more sustainable options from travel companies. 51% feel there need to be more sustainable choices available. 40% are unsure where to find tours and experiences that positively impact local communities.   These findings are proof of a real demand for sustainable and regenerative travel, highlighting a gap in the market that businesses can fill. Companies committed to sustainability have a chance to lead the way by incorporating traveller feedback into their policies. How to build an effective sustainable travel policy  A solid sustainable travel policy should focus on: Funding local and regenerative projects that improve destinations’ environment and social fabric. Supporting local economies, ensuring tourism benefits communities directly. Providing transparent and trustworthy information so travellers can make informed choices about sustainable options. Budgeting for better travel Let’s face it, cost is a big deal when it comes to planning a trip. While many travellers want to make sustainable choices, these aren’t always easy on the wallet. The report highlights this struggle, showing that a lot of people feel held back by their budget when it comes to choosing greener options. It’s clear that there’s a need for sustainable travel that doesn’t break the bank. In response, businesses should consider: Developing accessible sustainable options that don’t break the bank. Encouraging sustainable choices by offering rewards or discounts.   Addressing these needs can boost a company’s image and help create a more sustainable and equitable global travel industry. Crafting a policy that genuinely supports travel sustainability requires a deep understanding of these trends, ensuring that efforts are practical and meet the needs of modern travellers.   {Image: freepik via Freepik – Ditch the traffic and embrace the ride with sustainable commutes for the eco-conscious business traveller.} Practical steps towards greener travel Making your travels more eco-friendly goes beyond sweeping policy changes; it’s also about the small, everyday choices you make. Here’s your practical guide to sustainable travel, whether you’re travelling for work or for pleasure: Choosing where to stay Look for the green seal of approval: Choose hotels and other accommodation certified by reputable environmental organisations. This means they’ve met certain standards for energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation. Support the locals: Staying in locally owned hotels or bed and breakfasts helps keep your money in the community, strengthening the local economy and reducing the environmental impact of big hotel chains. Ask about their green practices: Before booking, inquire about the hotel’s sustainability efforts, like renewable energy use, recycling programmes and water-saving measures. Getting around Hop on public transportation: Whenever you can, use buses, trains or trams. They’re a far greener option than moving around in individual cars. Take a stroll or hop on a bike: For shorter distances, walking or cycling is not only better for the planet – it’s a great way to really experience a new place and discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Go electric (or hybrid): If you do need to rent a car, opt for an electric or hybrid vehicle to minimise pollution. It’s a..

As we move further into 2024, business finance tools continue to evolve, placing more emphasis on efficiency and security. One of the standout innovations is the increasing use of virtual payment cards. These digital cards are essentially online versions of our traditional plastic cards but without the physical counterpart. They’re designed to be used for online purchases and over-the-phone transactions, providing businesses with a versatile tool for managing employee expenses. Virtual payment cards also combine the convenience of digital payments with enhanced control over spending, allowing for immediate issues, specific spending controls and complete transaction visibility. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, the right virtual card can streamline your financial operations and safeguard against unauthorised transactions.     Why your business needs virtual cards With digital agility playing a big part in business success, virtual cards represent a pivotal shift in managing corporate finances. Here are a few ways adopting virtual cards can elevate your financial operations to new levels of efficiency and security: Empowering real-time financial management  Virtual cards offer a live view of expenditures as they happen, so that managers can make informed decisions instantly. This real-time oversight helps tighten budget controls and improve cash flow management, which is essential for fast-paced businesses. Simplifying the expense reporting process  Integrating virtual cards with financial software automates expense reconciliation, cutting down on mistakes and admin work. Employees can focus more on their main tasks instead of dealing with complicated expense claims. Ensuring spending policies are followed With configurable spending limits and vendor-specific usage, transactions automatically follow company policies. This setup helps prevent unauthorised spending and makes audits easier. Securing online purchases Advanced security features mean that virtual cards protect your payment info by using tokens instead of actual card numbers. This extra layer of security significantly reduces the chances of fraud and data theft. Reducing operational costs Unlike traditional banking, which comes with various fees, virtual cards are usually more budget-friendly. They eliminate the need for multiple physical cards and can lower transaction and processing costs. Facilitating global transactions With multi-currency support, virtual cards are perfect for businesses working with international suppliers or clients. They make foreign transactions easier by cutting down on exchange rate fees and speeding up the process. Using virtual cards in your business isn’t just about keeping up with trends it’s a smart move to improve financial control, boost security and increase efficiency in all your spending. From small startups to large companies, virtual cards offer flexible solutions for today’s financial challenges and help you prepare for the future.   Let’s review our top picks for the best virtual cards of 2024, with a rundown of their key features, pricing and the unique advantages they offer to different types of businesses. 1. Revolut Business Revolut Business is tried, tested and trusted by hundreds of thousands of businesses globally. The platform offers physical and virtual company cards you can link directly to your main business account, providing secure financial control with minimal effort. Key features: Real-time spending notifications, budgeting tools, unlimited virtual card issuance and support for Apple Pay and Google Pay. Pricing: Starts from £0 per month with basic features, with more comprehensive plans offering additional features. Advantages: Supports payments in over 100 countries and 25+ currencies. Each employee can have up to 3 physical cards and 200 active virtual cards. Expenses tool allows for real-time tracking and categorisation of spending directly in-app. Challenges: With multiple plans available, selecting the optimal plan might be tricky without thorough analysis and understanding of business needs. Customer service response times may vary. 2. Soldo Soldo is one of Europe’s leading virtual prepaid card platforms, known for simplifying complex expense management needs. With features that support separate budgets for departments and projects, Soldo allows businesses to give controlled access to company money while safeguarding against overspending. Key features: Custom spending limits, real-time expense tracking, automated finance tracking and instant receipt capture. Pricing: Plans start at £21 per month. Offers flexible plans tailored to various business needs, with no hidden fees or fixed contracts. Plans include free unlimited domestic transactions and a fixed 1% foreign exchange fee. Advantages: Set custom rules and limits for each card to prevent overspending without micromanaging every transaction. Integrates directly with major accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks, enabling single-click reconciliation and speeding up the month-end process. Soldo’s web console and mobile app provide live data on expenses, so that companies maintain complete control over their finances. Soldo Mastercard® is accepted by millions of merchants worldwide, providing flexibility for employee spending anywhere. Challenges: You still need a regular business bank account for most of your financial needs. Although domestic transactions are free, international spending incurs a flat 1% fee, which might add up for businesses with significant foreign transactions. 3. Pleo With features like adjustable spending limits and real-time spending analytics, Pleo ensures that businesses have all the tools they need to prevent overspending, avoid lost receipts and keep expense details accurate. Key features: Prepaid virtual debit cards with individual spending limits, real-time notifications and the ability to freeze or disable cards. Pricing: Offers a flexible pricing model starting at £0, making it accessible for startups and small businesses. Advantages: Allows for easy adjustment of card limits and quick disabling of cards to manage spending effectively. All expenses are visible in real-time within the Pleo app, helping admins stay on top of the numbers throughout the duration of any project. Automatically syncs with accounting software, reducing the need for manual entry and making sure all expenses are captured and categorised correctly. Challenges: Pleo doesn’t support cash withdrawals, which could be an issue for businesses that still require cash for certain expenditures. May not suit businesses looking for advanced budgeting tools.     4. Curve Curve simplifies payments by consolidating multiple bank cards into one and provides real-time spending insights, helping businesses manage finances efficiently. You can also earn Curve Cash Points with every purchase, boosting the value of every pound, euro or..