Monday, 14 January 2019

GUEST BLOG: Always alert – the importance of having the right information at your fingertips


If you are a certain age you might find the sight of commuters with their noses glued to their phones on the Tube every morning, of people walking in the street like pinballs or your kids treating their smartphones like a precious limb, annoying.

Like it or not, mobile technology has changed our lives immensely but when it comes to travel, I believe it’s for the best.

If you are a Millennial, you might not know what I am talking about but, not so long ago, we used to travel with a set of printed documents like air tickets and hotel reservations. We needed to ask for directions and couldn’t use Google Translate to read signs and menus.

Nowadays, we can download our itinerary to our phone, check-in, book flights and hotels, and so much more. The advantages of mobile technology are clear. As well as getting updates and alerts on travel itineraries or changing plans, they can also offer safety, security and medical advice based on booked itineraries. According to research that CWT published last year, 46% of travellers were concerned about their safety and security while travelling, so this is a critical offering. 

We live in uncertain times and, in the past few years, we have witnessed some horrible attacks in places we thought were safe. Now, our phone can be our guardian angel and make us aware of key events that might affect our trip, pose health threats, or increase our safety and security risks.

It can also help us to monitor relevant situations, such as severe weather, transportation strikes and epidemics. All this information will help us to be better prepared to manage or avoid potential trip disruptions.

With all of this, you might be converted and even fall in love with your phone like Joaquin Phoenix with Samantha in Her.

Blog author: Narelle Smythe, Senior Manager, Global Services Marketing, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, who will be exhibiting at Business Travel Show on 20-21 February at Olympia London. Secure your free ticket now at www.businesstravelshow.com.



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