Business Travel

A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET

BUSINESS TRAVELcanadianbusinesstravel.ca

TAKING YOUR BUSINESS TO NEW HEIGHTS

The two newest stars of CBCs Dragons Den, Michael Wekerle and Vikram Vij, o er exclusive insight on how to travel like a pro.

Featuring

INSURANCE MATTERSMake the most of

your coverage

AIR TRAVEL INNOVATIONS Comfort and convenience

like never before

LIGHTER LUGGAGE The latest in

carry-on baggagePHOTO

: CB

C-T

V

A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET2 CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA

CHALLENGES

Onward and upward: The rise in corporate travel and where it can take you

Business travel plays a signifi cant 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 operationsTravel 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 fi 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 controlWith 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 benefi t to business travellers. With travel poli-cies, companies are more fi 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 fi scal re-sponsibility that cannot be ignored.

Keeping up with demandTravel 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, e ciency, and social responsibility have all played in-to the new wave of business trav-el o erings. 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 TRAVELSECOND EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2014

Publisher: Alexis PatchBusiness Developer: Brandon Cleary

Managing Director: Joshua NagelEditorial Manager: Laura ShawLead 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 [email protected]

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 TudoracheDIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, GLOBAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

Today, companies realize that for continued growth, they must keep their employees mobile while focusing on fi scal and corporate responsibilities.

THE SKY IS THE LIMITMobile 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 [email protected]

Earning on expenses has never been easierBusiness 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 o erings 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 necessaryGreeley 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 benefi t to taking business on the road, stay put.

Minimize the number of suppliersKoch says when it comes to paying for business travel from fl 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 di erent 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 e 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 benefi ts such as upgrades and late check-out some of these other benefi ts 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 cardRichard 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 benefi t 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; a ording 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

[email protected]

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 KochEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE TRAVEL EXECUTIVES

Richard ThomasVICE 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 MEDIAPLANETA SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET CANADIANBUSINESSTRAVEL.CA 3

1/210.375 x 10.1in

FULL WIDTH

1/210.375 x 10.1in

FULL WIDTH

INSPIRATION


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 fi nd char-ter more e cient its just a cost variation. I fl 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 signifi cant 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

I am always focused on I am always focused on growing the company and growing the company and challenging myself.

For me, its about making sure that I optimize my time.

[email protected]

NEW SEASONDragons Den Season 9

premieres October 15 on CBC.

A SPONSORED FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANETA 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 servicesThe beds are getting fl atter. The TV screens are getting bigger. In-fl ight pods are becoming more o ce-like. For example, some airlines are now o ering 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 o er smartphone apps that allow you to monitor your travel details, pro-vide live fl 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 bundlingGreater customization and individualized ser-vices begin when you are booking fl ights.

Booking bundling is the buzzword Ko-konis uses. When you book your fl ight youre able to buy a number of ancillary services which previously you had to buy on la carte basis. The one-size-fi 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 fi rst class travel to meals, lounge access, hotels, car rental and more.

Premium economy classIn the 2008 global recession, companies looking for cheap fl ights fl ew their busi-ness travellers in economy class. Now, more airlines are o ering 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-FiWhile common on international airlines, in-fl ight Wi-Fi came to the Canadian airspace

earlier this year when it began to be o ered on-board using Gogo Infl ight 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 flightAlso at work is the behind-the-scenes innova-tion you dont see, but that makes your fl 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 tra c control centres, the Delft University of Technology, Boeing, and the Netherlands National Aero-space Laboratory on a pilot project to assess sustainable e ciency improvements (fuel, weight, and CO2 reduction) for the entire fl ight process, says Jean-Noel Rault, Vice President and General Manager for Air France-KLM Can-ada. This goes for various phases of the fl ight process, including shorter taxiing, e cient take-o , fl ying at an optimum altitude and speed, e cient descent approach, and by run-ning ground power units via an electricity feed from the airport.

Airport security advancementsCanadian business travellers who are tired of taking o their shoes and belts, and removing their laptops from their cases, might be inter-ested in the TSA Pre program o ered 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

[email protected]

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 fi rm. But even he was pleasantly surprised on a recent 13-hour fl 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 STYLEAirports and airlines are paying attention to your needs, and responding accordingly.

[email protected]

INSIGHT


Minimize airport hassles and wait timesUse 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 woesWhen travelling to a di erent 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 tellyou 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 benefi ts 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 benefi ts 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 signifi cant and the cost of the coverage is likely tax deductible.

It starts from homeTravel insurance provides coverage for before and during the business trip. Lets explore some of the benefi ts of travel insurance before the fl ight even takes o . 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 fl ight and hotel costs!

In addition, what if your passport or your travel visa was not issued in time. If the Department of Foreign A airs, 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 specifi c rules around claiming for these benefi ts, travel insurance is designed to cover you for unforeseen and unexpected circumstances. Note though that not all polices have the same benefi ts so you need to dis-cuss your needs with your travel in-surance professional.

Help when it countsFor 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 di erence. 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 fi -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 benefitsSome other benefi ts to look for in travel insurance that are great for the business traveller include some cost-e ective benefi ts 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 BITTNERPRESIDENT, TRAVEL HEALTH

INSURANCE ASSOCIATION

[email protected]

SOURCE:GBTA CANADA

ADVISORY BOARD

[email protected]

SAMSONITEBACKPACKS.

WHAT YOU USE IT FORIS YOUR BUSINESS.

www.samsonite.ca

The 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 spinSpinners 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 distinctionWho 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 perfectionAt last, bags that are designed to fi t into those overhead compartments! Brands like Samsonite are coming out with wide-body bags made to fi t into the overhead bins but allow for the same capacity.

Hands-free, hassle-freeBusiness 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-lastingWeve 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

[email protected]

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THIA

REFINED STYLEWith light and brighter carry-on, convenience is at your fingertips.

Documents

Business Travel