The Top 3 Tips for First Time Travel Managers

Working as a travel manager is a rewarding but complicated role, as you are responsible for the travellers and journeys that could lead to the growth and success of your organizations.  Here are 3 tips that will help you excel in your new role:

Use a Travel Management Company

There should be no concern about your role being threatened by enlisting the services of a  Travel Management Company (TMC). Only you know the unique needs and desires of your team, and your business travel agent will work alongside you to research and source the best possible options available.  They will save you money and time in the long run and make sure your team has 24/7 support on the road. Your TMC can also help you build an internal travel policy that works for you and give you peace of mind for when emergencies happen abroad.

Review and Audit Existing Systems

Once you learn who your principle travellers are and what their schedule and preferences look like, you should arrange a meeting to discuss the current travel policy.  Ask what works and what needs improving from beginning to end of the current system, including everything from current spends to top locations and the invoicing process.  This way, you will not only gain all the knowledge you need to be effective in your role, you will likely discover new ways to save your company time and money in the future.

Keep Meticulous Records

Staying organized is the best way to ensure your successful in any role, especially when dealing with travel plans which can be complicated and change on the fly.  You can utilize your TMC here to create traveller profiles that include things like seat preferences, dietary needs, and special requirements. You can also stay personally organized by creating folder and templated emails with basic traveller information you know you will re-use in the future.