A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET

BUSINESS TRAVEL
canadianbusinesstravel.ca
TAKING YOUR BUSINESS
TO NEW HEIGHTS
The two newest stars of CBCs Dragons Den, Michael Wekerle and
Vikram Vij, ofer exclusive insight on how to travel like a pro.
Featuring
INSURANCE MATTERS
Make the most of
your coverage
AIR TRAVEL INNOVATIONS
Comfort and convenience
like never before
LIGHTER LUGGAGE
The latest in
carry-on baggage P
H
O
T
O
:

C
B
C
-
T
V
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
2 CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA
CHALLENGES
Onward and upward: The rise in
corporate travel and where it can take you
B
usiness travel plays
a signicant role in
the Canadian eco-
nomy. Managed tra-
vel is adopted as the
mainstream metho-
dology of mid- to lar-
ge-sized organizations, and is emer-
ging in recognition by smaller-mar-
ket companies as well.
Corporate policies and proced-
ures supporting a managed travel
program create a means to harness
business travel spending, while
maximizing travel supplier nego-
tiations. It also increases company
accountability by reinforcing duty
of care, safety and security, and en-
vironmental consciousness.
Integral to business
operations
Travel continues to be an essential
aspect of business.It allows compan-
ies to personally connect with their
clients, entice and expand partner-
ships, deliver services or products,
and ultimately enrich the bottom
line. In short, business travel drives
the economy.Today,companies real-
ize that for continued growth, they
must keep their employees mobile
while focusing on scal and corpor-
ate responsibilities.
Duty of care is something that
recent airline incidents and catas-
trophes have reinforced. It is the
companys responsibility to have
policies and procedures in place to
protect their travellers; knowing
their full itineraries and destina-
tions at all times. This is especially
important during times of emer-
gency.Duty of care is a critical com-
ponent behind any solidly managed
travel program.
The Global Business Travel Associ-
ation (GBTA) expects global business
travel spending to hit a record high
of $1.31 trillion in 2014, a 6.9 percent
growth over the previous year.These
numbers may be unsurprising to re-
cent business travellers, especially
those who have been caught in the
lengthy customs and security lines
at Toronto Pearson Airport or trying
to book a hotel room in downtown
Calgary for a Tuesday night, only to
be quoted rates of over $500.
Increased need for control
With escalating traveller traffic,
theres an increased need for com-
panies to maintain control over their
corporate travel.Ultimately,this con-
trol,known as a policy,is a benet to
business travellers. With travel poli-
cies, companies are more nancial-
ly responsible as they negotiate vol-
ume-usage discounts with preferred
airlines, hotels, car rental compan-
ies,and therefore travellers are more
likely to receive perks based on these
preferred partnerships.Additionally,
mobile technology provides instant
communication with their preferred
travel management companies,
streamlining travel arrangements,
itinerary changes, and connectivity
to expense reporting tools.
Not all company travellers com-
pletely comply with policy. A re-
cent Canadian study from the GBTA
Foundation, Out-of-Policy Busi-
ness Travellers and Their Impact on
the Bottom Line, shows that out-of-
policy travel decisions are common
among Canadian business travel-
lers; 52 percent deviating from their
companys stated policies. The in-
creased cost caused by Canadian
business travellers who go out-of-
policy on at least one major travel
expense equals 19 percent of total
hotel,air/train,and rental car spend-
ing.Evaluating current travel status,
tracking and enforcing travel policy,
and adopting strategies to engage
travelling employees is a scal re-
sponsibility that cannot be ignored.
Keeping up with demand
Travel suppliers have done a fantas-
tic job of attracting the savvy busi-
ness traveller, adapting products
and services to the needs and wants
of their target clientele. Ease of ac-
cess, comfort, ef ciency, and social
responsibility have all played in-
to the new wave of business trav-
el oferings.These services pave the
way for suppliers to gain market
share in a competitive environment,
simultaneously supporting corpor-
ate client agreements and boosting
traveller engagement and loyalty
while helping to relieve the stresses
of business travel.
There is no question that the
business travel industry will con-
tinue to grow, and that it is an es-
sential driver to not only the Can-
adian economy, but to that of the
global market.
BUSINESS TRAVEL
SECOND EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2014
Publisher: Alexis Patch
Business Developer: Brandon Cleary
Managing Director: Joshua Nagel
Editorial Manager: Laura Shaw
Lead Designer: Matthew Senra
Designer: Scott Dixon
Contributors: Alex Bittner, Kimberley
Fehr, Daniele Gadbois, Elianna Lev,
Shelly Lewchuk, Sherry Marshall,
James Moore, Ian Race,
Nancy Tudorache
Send all inquiries to
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Distributed within:
The Toronto Star, September 2014
This section was created by Mediaplanet
and did not involve the Toronto Star or its
Editorial Departments.
Photo Credit:
All images are from Thinkstock.com
unless otherwise accredited
Mediaplanets business is to create new
customers for our advertisers by providing
readers with high-quality editorial content
that motivates them to act.
Nancy Tudorache
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS,
GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL
ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
Today,
companies
realize that
for continued
growth, they
must keep their
employees
mobile while
focusing on scal
and corporate
responsibilities.
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
Mobile business is a practice
that is growing at a rapid rate
and proving to be a driving force
in both local and global markets.
NANCY TUDORACHE
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Earning on expenses has
never been easier
Business travel has the po-
tential to be as all-consum-
ing and demanding as con-
ducting business itself, but it
need not be such a strenuous
venture. Many smart busi-
ness people are navigating
life on the road seamlessly
and even finding the ex-
perience enjoyable. Its all
about knowing the avenues
for cutting costs and gaining
efficiencies in order to steer
a smooth course when en-
gaging in company travel.
Keep in mind that it is in the best in-
terest of the travel industry to cater
to the business jet set. Increasingly,
hotels and even tourism boards are
customizing packages for corpora-
tions and their respective business
travellers. These days, its not un-
common for a corporate traveller to
arrive early to a destination to mon-
opolize on the oferings of their host
city. Anthony Lau, Executive Direc-
tor,Hong Kong Tourism Board, notes
that business travellers in his region
spend twice as much as leisure trav-
ellers proving that business trav-
el is a lucrative and luxurious enter-
prise,when facilitated with ease.
Know whats necessary
Greeley Koch,Executive Director,As-
sociation of Corporate Travel Execu-
tives,says the simplest way to assess
business travel spending is to begin
by examining the motive for com-
pany travel to begin with. Internal
meetings, for example, produce no
revenue.Travelling for meetings be-
tween teams or team members isnt
smart business if its not optimizing
the companys bottom-line. Set up
conference calls or Skype and save
exponentially on travel costs if
there is no benet to taking business
on the road,stay put.
Minimize the number of
suppliers
Koch says when it comes to paying
for business travel from ights
to car rentals to rooms its essen-
tial for companies to understand
what theyre spending, and where
that money is going, to ensure a re-
turn on their travel investment. He
deems the smartest way to add value
to dollars spent is to minimize the
number of suppliers used in order to
isolate and leverage spending.
Rather than spend money on 100
diferent hotels, consolidate to one
so you get better rooms, he says.
By consolidating,youre also rack-
ing up more rewards points/miles,
which leads to more ef cacious and
comfortable travel experiences all
around.
Everyone thinks about loyalty
programs as getting free air miles,
which is important,but a lot of these
other benets such as upgrades and
late check-out some of these other
benets are important to the busi-
ness traveller because it keeps you
on the road, it keeps you productive
and it makes travelling that much
better, says Koch.
Use a travel business card
Richard Thomas, Vice President of
Business Credit Cards for RBC,agrees
that fusing business travel plans
is the smart way to go especially
when using a business travel card.
Its a great way to benet from
spending on your business, he
says. If you can consolidate all of
your business spending onto a busi-
ness card, youre going to see those
points rack up.
Using business travel cards
grants companies and their em-
ployees access to added bonuses
such as travel and trip cancellation
insurance; afording peace of mind
and ease of expenditures for all par-
ties involved.
Its valuable for clients, he says.
It gives them piece of mind when
they book the trip, but if plans
change or whatever it may be, they
already have that coverage.
ELIANNA LEV
editorial@mediaplanet.com
The hotel industry
introduces top
technologies
FOR MORE ON
BUSINESS
TRAVEL FROM
OUR PARTNERS
EXCLUSIVE
DIGITAL CONTENT
EDITORS
PICK
ALTERNA.CA
KLM.COM/NEWWBC
RBC.COM/
BUSINESSAVION
SAMSONITE.CA
VISIT US ONLINE FOR
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT
CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA
MEDIAPLANETCA
Greeley Koch
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE
TRAVEL EXECUTIVES
Richard Thomas
VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS
CREDIT CARDS, RBC
The best
technology in the
lodging industry
must provide
both a service
enhancement and
a positive return
on investment.
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA 3
1/2
10.375 x 10.1in
FULL WIDTH
I NSPI RATI ON
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
4 CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA
Mediaplanet Youve led two culinary
adventure tours to India: The Royal
Heritage Cuisine Tour of Rajasthan
and Turkish Delights. What inspired
these tours?
Vikram Vij People love to travel with someone
who knows the country they are visiting andI
have always wanted to show how great India
and Indian cuisine are, so it was only natural to
host a tour that showcased where I came from. It
combined my passion for food and my culinary
roots with my love of people and entertaining.
MP Tell us a bit about the planning
process. What steps did you take on
to plan this kind of trip?
VV It usually takes a year of planning; a tour or-
ganizer is dedicated to making all the travel ar-
rangements and ensuring the timing is right.
We meet once a month to discuss the progress
of the trip. It is a very painstaking process and
it takes a long time to get all the pieces together.
MP What was your favourite aspect of
the culinary tours?
VV To see how much love and care the home
cooks and chefs put into their dishes. They
pride themselves on their work, and it is
a priceless sight to witness. In these mo-
ments, I am humbled and honoured that
they are willing to share their dishes. I enjoy
learning from them and being their student.
MP What were some hurdles you
faced when planning group travel?
How did you overcome them?
VV Due to the diverse nature of the group,
some people love to shop more than others and
some like to eat more than the others, but we
make it work so everyone gets a taste of both.
MPWhat are important aspects of
obtaining travel insurance when
planning group travel?
VV We recommend every individual within
the group obtain travel insurance to prepare
for any emergencies or unforeseen circum-
stances, but we leave it up to each individual
traveller to make that decision for themselves.
MP With your specialized insight into
the dining experience, what do you
look for in a restaurant when plan-
ning a lunch or dinner meeting out
of town?
VV We look for a restaurant that specializes
in a particular dish within the area or region
we visit. We then ask if the chef or cook is able
to show us how to make it. Sometimes we are
lucky enough to go with the chef or cook to the
local market to purchase the ingredients for
the meal we will be preparing.
MP As an advocate for sustainable
food practices, how do you maintain
your preferred eating practices when
on the go?
VV We never go to a restaurant or try a
dish that does not follow sustainable food
practices. If we do come across a restau-
rant that does not practice sustainable food
practices, we try to bring it to the attention
of the chef.
MP Between owning three restau-
rants, a gourmet pre-packaged food
line, and your new role on Dragons
Den, how has your business travel
been affected?
VV I have a very solid management team,
supportive chefs, and committed administra-
tive and service team that enable me to travel
when I want and when I need to.
MP How has participation in Drag-
ons Den affected your business trav-
el practices?
VV Before Dragons Den my schedule was
very busy I travelled for work throughout
the year. I anticipate going on more trips both
for Dragons Den and as a result of my partici-
pation in Dragons Den.
MP You seem to always have a new
project on the go whats next?
VV I am always focused on growing the com-
pany and challenging myself. At the mo-
ment, I am working on opening a new Vijs
restaurant on Cambie Street in Vancouver
and converting the old Vijs space to some-
thing funky. I also have three other projects
on the go I want to keep what we have go-
ing and not lose sight of it.
Mediaplanet You have found suc-
cess investing in tech and media
companies. What are some top
technological tools that all business
travellers should be aware of?
Michael Wekerle House of Travel is the pre-
ferred place I use Valerie Cohen, shes the
best. If you dont have good people, the prob-
lem is that any technology can only take you
so far, then you have to have a back up. So Val-
erie Cohen is my backup. We also use Travel-
ocity or Hotels.com.
MP When planning a business trip,
what are the first three things you
make sure get done?
MW For me its about making sure that I opti-
mize my time. Ive been lucky enough to have
my own plane, so it saves a lot of time going
through airports, especially with six kids and
being a single father, the ability to do this is
very helpful. I also try to replicate my life in
Florida, thats our holiday spot.
MP Starting your career at the
young age of 18, you must have a lot
of miles under your belt what is
your favourite destination for busi-
ness travel?
MW New York City is still the best, or London
England they are the commerce centres.
MP What products or services do you
find essential for efficient and stress-
free business travel?
MW Music and a headset.
MP What are some key services that
you look for in a hotel when youre
staying for business?
MW For me, its having the ability to have
a decent menu thats available all night.
Room service is key, and room service
thats punctual. When youre in business
you always try to have breakfast, its a good
way to wake up and get the brain going.
Nothing is worse than ordering breakfast
and having it come late or cold, it throws
my day off.
MP When travelling as much as you
do, you must face some inevitable
frustrations. What is the most diffi-
cult part of business travel for you?
MW Time management.
MP Do you find flying commercial or
charter more efficient? What makes
you choose one over the other?
MW Thats easy, everyone would nd char-
ter more ef cient its just a cost variation. I
y commercial when Im by myself, but when
its more than six people or if I have to move
around quickly, then charter makes sense. My
schedule sometimes dictates it. Im very for-
tunate to be able to do this and that Gods put
me in the position Im in.
MP How has your new role on Drag-
ons Den affected your business trav-
el practices and expectations?
MW I havent really had to travel for the show.
Eventually Ill be doing a tour and giving
speeches Im doing one in Vancouver soon,
then one in the midwest, and then one on the
east coast, so Ill have some travel.
MP Between Dragons Den and your
latest start up, Wahlburgers, 2014
has been a big year whats coming
up in 2015?
MW I got a big opportunity with the Water-
loo Innovation Network as I call it. There are
great entrepreneurs in Waterloo, so I focus on
that as being the epicentre and am doing work
there. Im also on the tail end of a six-year in-
vestment in real estate in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida and the surrounding area. I bought a
signicant amount of commercial properties
that Im now selling a bit as the Canadian dol-
lar weakens to the U.S. dollar, so trying to cap-
italize on foreign exchange and then capital-
ize on the return Ive made so far.
ON THE MOVE:
BUSINESS
AS USUAL
Vikram Vij
and Michael
Wekerle of
Dragons Den
talk business
travel in this
exclusive
interview.
PHOTOS: CBC-TV
For me, its
about making
sure that I
optimize my
time.
editorial@mediaplanet.com
NEW SEASON
Dragons Den Season 9
premieres October 15
on CBC.
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
NEWS
PB CAMPAIGNURL.CA CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA 5
What was pretty cool about
that in addition to having this big
22-inch TV in front of me, he
says, was that during the mid-
dle of this very long voyage, I took
what looked like a large smart-
phone that was my controller for
in-flight entertainment and used
their on-demand ordering sys-
tem on the touchscreen to scroll
through the options and order
from their menu. Within seven
minutes, the flight attendant had
brought it to my seat.
Best in-flight services
The beds are getting atter. The TV screens are
getting bigger.In-ight pods are becoming more
of ce-like. For example, some airlines are now
ofering ergonomic seats that recline to a full
180-degrees, and a privacy canopy that enables
business travellers to work without worrying
about someone looking over their shoulder.
Services are also getting more personalized
and connected.On-demand technology is go-
ing to be the way of the future, says Kokonis.
Many airlines ofer smartphone apps that
allow you to monitor your travel details, pro-
vide live ight and baggage information,allow
check-in and retrieval of your boarding pass,
and even provides direct-access customer sup-
port in the event of a problem.
Booking bundling
Greater customization and individualized ser-
vices begin when you are booking ights.
Booking bundling is the buzzword Ko-
konis uses. When you book your ight youre
able to buy a number of ancillary services
which previously you had to buy on la carte
basis. The one-size-ts-all approach does not
necessarily satisfy every traveller.
Bundling services allows business trav-
ellers to preset their preferences for a more
streamlined experience and book every-
thing at once: from rst class travel to meals,
lounge access,hotels,car rental and more.
Premium economy class
In the 2008 global recession, companies
looking for cheap ights ew their busi-
ness travellers in economy class. Now, more
airlines are ofering an in-between option
to bridge the gap between business and
economy class. It creates a mid-range op-
tion for business travellers: one with more
knee-space, power ports for laptops and de-
vices, but more economically priced than
business-class.
In-flight Wi-Fi
While common on international airlines, in-
ight Wi-Fi came to the Canadian airspace
earlier this year when it began to be ofered on-
board using Gogo Inight Internet.
As a passenger you swipe your card and
activate the service and you can use internet
and send emails from 3,500 feet, says Kokonis.
Optimal flight
Also at work is the behind-the-scenes innova-
tion you dont see, but that makes your ight
faster and cuts down on wait time in the
gate and on the runway. In March 2013, KLM
began working with a number of partners
Schiphol and JFK airports, air traf c control
centres, the Delft University of Technology,
Boeing, and the Netherlands National Aero-
space Laboratory on a pilot project to assess
sustainable ef ciency improvements (fuel,
weight,and CO2 reduction) for the entire ight
process, says Jean-Noel Rault, Vice President
and General Manager for Air France-KLM Can-
ada. This goes for various phases of the ight
process, including shorter taxiing, ef cient
take-of, ying at an optimum altitude and
speed, ef cient descent approach, and by run-
ning ground power units via an electricity feed
from the airport.
Airport security advancements
Canadian business travellers who are tired of
taking of their shoes and belts,and removing
their laptops from their cases, might be inter-
ested in the TSA Pre program ofered by the
U.S. Transportation Security Administration.
Canadian travellers who hold NEXUS cards
can apply to this expedited airline-screening
program, and speed up their security process
at participating U.S.airports.
AIR TRAVEL GETS PERSONAL
KIMBERLEY FEHR
editorial@mediaplanet.com
THE EVOLUTION OF MOBILE BUSINESS
Canadas business landscape has wit-
nessed multiple advancements in re-
cent years. New technologies are ever-
circulating and boast revolutionary
means for company engagement and
interaction.The immediacy of access to
information is unparalleled.
However, a price cannot be placed on
the merits of tangibility and face-to-
face reassurance.In an age where digit-
al is the norm,and mobile apps have re-
placed the dominance of desktops and
even boardroom meetings, mobilizing
personnel has never been more crucial
in securing the corporate upper hand.
Point blank, putting a face to the com-
pany brand or corporate letterhead is
integral to business success, and busi-
ness travel is the medium for that back
to basics message.
Robert Kokonis logs more than his share of air time in business class as President and
Managing Director of AirTrav, an aviation consulting rm. But even he was pleasantly
surprised on a recent 13-hour ight from Chicago to Tokyo, when he experienced some
of the latest new features being offered.
Bundling
services allows
business travellers
to preset their
preferences for a
more streamlined
experience and
book everything
at once
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Airports and airlines are paying
attention to your needs, and
responding accordingly.
editorial@mediaplanet.com
I NSI GHT
A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET
6 CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA
Minimize airport hassles
and wait times
Use a TSA-approved laptop bag to
avoid removing it from the bag
during security screening. Carry-
on luggage versus checked lug-
gage saves so much time, especial-
ly at large airports. If you travel to
the United States frequently, get a
Nexus card a card from the Can-
adian government that speeds up
the border clearance process for
low-risk, pre-approved travellers
into Canada and the UnitedStates.
It helps avoid the lengthy customs
lines and expedites you through the
security priority lines.
- Sherry Marshall, CCTE , Sr.
Manager-Meetings, Travel & Card
Services, PwC Management
Services LP
Avoid the time-zone woes
When travelling to a diferent time
zone, always re-set your watch to
the new time zone as soon as you
sit in your seat to depart. This way
you will already be on the new time
and schedule when you arrive at
your destination.
- Ian Race, Senior Vice President,
Vision Travel Solutions
Always take your own
entertainment
It doesnt matter what is being of-
fered - have a movie or two preload-
ed on your tablet or laptop,as well as
your favourite music. Make sure the
battery is charged and then it doesnt
matter what systems go down.
- James Moore CPP GTP, Category
Manager G&A, Procurement &
Supplier Management,
Rogers Communications
Forgot a personal item
at home?
Before running out to purchase
something new, check with your
hotel. Most hotels have items like
toothpaste,single-use razors,sew-
ing kits, and other toiletries on
hand for guests who left home
without them.
- Daniele Gadbois, Director,
Business Development, Carlson
Wagonlit Travel
Tips to make your
business trip more
efficient from the
GBTA Canada
EXPERT ADVICE
Most executives will tell
you that after an initial
honeymoon period,
travelling on business turns
from exhilarating and fun
to exhausting and tedious.
Being away from family
and climbing in and out of
suitcases can take its toll.
Now throw in something
like a cancelled flight,
lost luggage, or yikes a
hospital visit, and travelling
can become stressful!
Most employer group plans dont
have the host of benets that in-
dividual travel insurance plans do.
Furthermore, some employer group
plans may cover you on your business
trip only, and may not cover you for
that well-deserved vacation you have
tacked on while you are at your des-
tination. Evaluate what travel insur-
ance you may have in place already
(including the benets on your cred-
it card) and pay special attention to
the exclusions and limitations. And,
for the self-employed who often dont
have a group plan, the need is even
more signicant and the cost of the
coverage is likely tax deductible.
It starts from home
Travel insurance provides coverage
for before and during the business
trip.Lets explore some of the benets
of travel insurance before the ight
even takes of.Imagine this scenario:
you have booked yourself to a confer-
ence or a business meeting and it gets
cancelled. If you had purchased trip
cancellation insurance, you may be
eligible to claim for the non-refund-
able ight and hotel costs!
In addition, what if your passport
or your travel visa was not issued in
time. If the Department of Foreign
Afairs,Trade and Development Can-
ada issues a written formal travel
warning before your departure date
advising to avoid all or non-essen-
tial travel to your destination, you
may also claim for the prepaid un-
used portion of the trip that is non-
refundable and non-transferable to
another travel date. While there are
specic rules around claiming for
these benets, travel insurance is
designed to cover you for unforeseen
and unexpected circumstances.
Note though that not all polices have
the same benets so you need to dis-
cuss your needs with your travel in-
surance professional.
Help when it counts
For all business travellers, having
travel insurance is crucial if they be-
come injured or sick. Our provincial
government plans (GHIP) cover us
for only about 9 percent in the event
that we need to be hospitalized while
away.Travel insurance companies as-
sist with those little things that could
make a diference.Calling the toll-free
24/7 emergency hotline will result in
an immediate triage process, where
they will help with referrals to a doctor
or other health care specialists,chiro-
practors, dentists, walk-in clinics, ur-
gent care centres or hospitals,all while
arranging for direct billing (where
possible) where the business traveller
should not need to worry about any -
nancial fallout. With more and more
business travel taking us to remote
places around the world,having prop-
er travel insurance provides comfort
in a moment of panic.The assistance
specialists will even keep the family
informed, and provide assistance in
obtaining legal help, obtaining pre-
scription drugs,and even lost or stolen
airline tickets.If medically necessary,
they will arrange for commercial re-
turn transportation home, including
air ambulance services if required.
Added benefits
Some other benets to look for in
travel insurance that are great for
the business traveller include some
cost-efective benets such as rent-
al car collision damage insurance.
The cost is typically a fraction of
what the car rental company would
charge at the counter.
For frequent travellers,look close-
ly at obtaining a multi-trip travel
insurance plan, a policy designed
to be purchased once a year and it
provides for an unlimited number
of trips. As a bonus, many of these
multi-trip plans will provide you
with unlimited trips within Can-
ada for free.
Travel insurance provides peace of
mind for a carefree business trip,and
if something unexpected happens,
you will be pleased to have trained
professionals to turn to for help.
DONT LEAVE IT TO CHANCE: THE
ESSENTIALS OF TRAVEL INSURANCE
ALEX BITTNER
PRESIDENT, TRAVEL HEALTH
INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
editorial@mediaplanet.com
SOURCE:GBTA CANADA
ADVISORY BOARD
editorial@mediaplanet.com
SAMSONITE
BACKPACKS.
WHAT YOU USE IT FOR
IS YOUR BUSINESS.
www.samsonite.ca
T
he latest innovations in carry-
on baggage can inspire lug-
gage lust in even the most sea-
soned traveller.
When Im at the airport and
see travellers toting four-wheeled
spinners or shiny polycarbon-
ates in a rainbow of colours, I get
luggage envy, says Chris McGin-
nis, blogger at Best Westerns You-
MustBeTrippin.com and Travel-
Skills.com.
Here are some of the latest trends
in travel baggage from McGinnis,
and Dave and Deb of The Planet D
travel blog.
A new spin
Spinners are the latest phenom-
enon in wheeled luggage. The four
multi-directional wheels rotate
on two axes, so business travellers
can turn their bag easily to pass
down airplane aisles. Unlike two-
wheeled bags, the spinners roll in
an upright position and dont re-
quire tilting. The downside is they
tend to be slower.
Bright distinction
Who said business baggage needs
to be dull? Black is still the num-
ber-one seller, but Im seeing a lot
of newer, brighter colors, which are
easier to ID in the overhead bin!
says McGinnis.
Sized to perfection
At last, bags that are designed to t
into those overhead compartments!
Brands like Samsonite are coming
out with wide-body bags made to t
into the overhead bins but allow for
the same capacity.
Hands-free, hassle-free
Business backpacks are catching on
as carry-on luggage. Backpack en-
thusiasts Dave and Deb note that
these bags tend to have places for
computers.They also say straps,div-
iders and packing cubes have im-
proved carry-on baggage, making
packing for a trip easier.
Light and long-lasting
Weve noticed more hard shell cases
to protect fragile gear like electronics
and cameras, says Dave and Deb.
Polycarbonate hard side luggage
is the hot new thing, says McGinnis,
because its lightweight and durable.
McGinnis recommends frequent
travellers choose from the best lug-
gage brands, so their baggage holds
up for the long haul.
The reinvention of carry-on luggage
KIMBERLEY FEHR
editorial@mediaplanet.com
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THIA
REFINED STYLE
With light and brighter
carry-on, convenience
is at your fingertips.