[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]Paris – a vibrant, bustling city where elegance meets modernity, art and culture combine, and millions of people come each year for business and pleasure. Paris is known as one of the largest business hubs in Europe, and with an increasing number of startups and established businesses now calling the City of Lights home, business travellers are now finding themselves visiting the city more frequently to close deals, attend conferences and establish offices in this bustling space. Primary Language: French and English Currency: Euros Travel Time from Australia: Approximately 20 hours Visa Requirements: No requirements for a Visa when staying for up to 90 days. A Visa may be required to stay longer than 90 days.[/vc_column_text][nd_options_image nd_options_image="29000" nd_options_width="100%"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Paris Business Travel: Things To Know Outside of its fashion roots, Paris is becoming increasingly well-known for its advanced technology and modernity. Home to the 4th largest business district in the world, La Défense, the city is welcoming an increasing number of SME's from Europe as they move to take advantage of the many startup incubators, accelerators and coworking spaces cropping up around the city. For those looking to visit the city for business purposes, there are a wide range of accommodation options to choose from while in the area, with plenty of upper-class restaurants and coworking spaces available for those hosting events in the region.   Transport & Accommodation Getting Around the City Paris has two primary airports – the Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. Conveniently located just outside of the CBD, both airports serve as international business hubs for the region and are equipped with businesses lounges and transport connectivity to ensure the city is easily accessible once you land. Once you've landed, you'll find a range of transport options to choose from to help you get around the city while staying – taxis, shuttle buses, Uber and the RER B train are all viable options to help you get around if you don't have a car while staying, and are a particularly cost-effective way to navigate. However, there are also a range of hire car options available to give you more freedom and flexibility to move about the city as you wish, and your Travel Agent can organise this for you.   Best Places To Stay In Paris La Défense is currently the largest Business District in Paris, so it makes sense to stay here when conducting business – and there are over 3000 hotel rooms to choose from, so travellers have plenty of options to suit all budgets and Travel Policy requirements. A few of the most popular options when staying in the region are: Pullman Paris La Défense Centrally located with easy access to transport and shopping. The hotel also offers a range of meeting rooms and an in-house restaurant, alongside valet parking, laundry service and baggage storage with 24-hour express check-in and check-out. Hotel 37 Bis An Art Deco hotel connected to the convention centre in Neuilly-sur-Seine, offering High-Speed WiFi, baggage storage and laundry service. Hotel Mercure Paris Suresnes Longchamp An upmarket and eco-friendly property in the centre of the La Défense Business District. The property offers a full laundry service, buffet breakfast and access to meeting rooms with High-Speed WiFi suitable for corporate events. The Social Hub Paris La Défense Just a short walk from the La Défense Business Centre, this property is ideal for those looking for comfortable and more affordable accommodation. The property features a gym, laundry service and parking available. ibis Styles Puteaux Paris La Défense A comfortable, eco-certified hotel under 10 minutes' walk from La Défense, with a bar, free Wi-Fi and accessible access throughout the property.   Dining & Business Best Restaurants to Visit For Meetings If Paris is known for anything outside of fashion and culture, its food, wine and exceptional coffee. While the chances are the majority of restaurants will be suitable for hosting businesses meals or meetings, there are a few that come highly recommended: Lóuseau Blanc at the Peninsula Hotel – 16th Arrondissement Located on the roof of the hotel, diners can enjoy a majestic view of the Eiffel Tower will dining here. As a Michelin-Starred restaurant, it's recommended to visit during dinner. Ensure you wear black tie. L'Ambroisie, Place Des Vosges – 4th Arrondissement The very best of French gastronomy in terms of cuisine, creation and execution, this 3-star restaurant can only be described as 'remarkable'. Having been awarded 3 Michelin Stars since 1988, it's a must-visit while in the area. Le Jules Verne, The Eiffel Tower – 7th Arrondissement This restaurant is known for its privacy and unique setting, set within the Eiffel Tower and offering both incredible food and incredible views of the inner workings of the Iron Lady. Guests are also only likely to have 4 - 8 fellow diners around at any one time, making it the perfect place for smaller, more private dinners. Le Restaurant Guy Savoy, Quai De Conti – 6th Arrondissement Voted the world's best restaurant for the 6th year running last year, a trip to Paris isn't complete without a visit to this restaurant. Boasting views over the Siene and the Institut de France, alongside the opportunity to hire out the dining spaces privately, Le Restaurant Guy Savoy is the perfect place to visit when needing to impress and close a deal. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_image nd_options_image="28967" nd_options_width="100%"][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height="10px"][vc_column_text css=""] Tourism Best Things To Do While Visiting Known as one of the world's best tourism locations, Paris is home to a huge number of world-class tourism locations that are must-sees while visiting for business. If you find yourself visiting the city for 'Bleisure' purposes, we recommend visiting the below:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][nd_options_image nd_options_image="28971" nd_options_width="100%"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]The Latin Quarter A bohemian hotspot and one of the oldest districts in Paris, a trip to the Latin Quarter is a must-do for those who have a few spare hours in the region. Made up of crooked streets and leafy pathways, enjoy an afternoon stroll and pick up coffee or a pastry from one of the many cafes, or walk all the way to Place Saint-Michel and the Jardin des Plantes botanical garden.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]Sacré-Cœur Basilica One of the many incredible historical structures that Paris is known for, a trip to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is essential if you're a fan of architecture, history and incredible culture. An awe-inspiring Roman Church, step inside and explore the basilica itself, or take a Dome Tour to see the roof up close and marvel at the architecture. We recommend visiting at sunset, when you can see the Eiffel Tower and Paris painted gold and red from the sun.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][nd_options_image nd_options_image="28973" nd_options_width="100%"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][nd_options_image nd_options_image="28972" nd_options_width="100%"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]The Louvre The national Art Museum in Paris, and one of the most famous museums in the world, a visit to The Louvre is highly recommended if you have a spare day in between meetings. Located on the Right Bank of the Siene and home to some of the world's most famous works of Western art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory, take a walk through this sprawling piece of architectural art.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is arguably one of the most famous tourist attractions in Paris, if not the whole of Europe, so no trip to Paris is complete without carving some time out of your trip to visit. Open right up until late, take a wander around the base and marvel at the sheer size of the structure, or climb to the top and take in views of the whole of Paris. There are also several restaurants around the Eiffel Tower, so you could pair a visit with a business lunch to enjoy the best of both worlds.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][nd_options_image nd_options_image="28970" nd_options_width="100%"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][nd_options_image nd_options_image="28974" nd_options_width="100%"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]The Siene The Siene has recently gained world interest after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony was hosted on it, and it's simple to take time in between meetings to get some fresh air and walk along the Siene, taking in the sights and the culture. Depending on how long you're out for and where you start, you're also likely to walk past several other world-famous locations on your travels.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Culture Culture & Etiquette When visiting somewhere international for business, the success of a meeting can often hinge on a traveller's understanding and adherence to local customs and etiquette. While Paris is similar to Australia in many ways, there are a few important pieces of etiquette to remember: Prioritise Punctuality Parisians hold punctuality in high importance, so it's important that travellers are on-time, if not early, to any meetings and events planned. If they're going to be running late, let the other party know. Establish the First Language French business meetings are often held in French, so unless there is a particular reason for the meeting to be in English, travellers may be caught out being unable to understand what's going on. When organising a meeting, ensure the Primary Language is established, or request an interpreter. Respect meal customs The French commonly conduct business meetings over lunch or dinner, and travellers will commonly find themselves out at casual lunches or dinner events to network and discuss business. When out at a business event, it's customary for the host to pay – it is also frowned upon to discuss work during mealtimes, unless it is established to be a business event.   Booking Your Next Paris Trip One of the world's largest economies and now home to a wide range of startup and established businesses, business travel to Paris is becoming more common than ever as businesses look to close deals, develop ties and open new office spaces in the region. Pulse Travel has over 35 years of experience in the Corporate Travel Industry, and regularly supports travellers in booking business travel to Paris and around the world. If you're looking for a Corporate Travel Agent or want to learn more about our offerings, get in touch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A new era of luxury will soon be arriving for Qatar Airways travellers, with Qatar Airways unveiling the latest iteration of of their world-class Qsuite product. Dubbed the 'Qsuite Next Gen', this latest iteration of the award-winning Qatar Airways Qsuite product brings the World’s Best Business Class in commercial aviation to new heights. Unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 late last week, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are excited to have finally revealed the long-awaited Qsuite Next Gen at the Farnborough International Airshow. Qatar Airways has once again raised the bar for its award-winning product, the Qsuite. We look forward to welcoming media and partners to our stand throughout the week to experience the future of business class travel with the World’s Best Business Class onboard the World’s Best Airline.”   About QSuite Next Gen The game-changing Qsuite Next Gen aims to facilitate a mindful work-life balance with its revolutionary attributes for all professionals, friends, and families. The redesigned Quad Suite is now equipped with movable 4K OLED Panasonic Astrova IFE screens – a first for any airline in the world. The screens can be repositioned to the side to create the largest social and productivity space in the sky for up to four passengers in the Quad Suite, and up to two passengers in the Companion Suite. [caption id="attachment_28873" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Qsuite Next Gen offers customisable Quad seating for families to enjoy flights together.[/caption]   Rest and relaxation on-board the Quad Suite has also been enhanced with increased space for dining together – a hallmark of Qatari heritage, as well added privacy with taller, digitally controlled dividers. With larger lie-flat and double beds, the new Quad Suite will also offer the 5-star Qatar Airways turn-down service with a dedicated ‘Make My Bed’ feature. The new Companion Suite has similar characteristics to the Quad Suite, now with the noteworthy revamp of offering the same shared space in window aisles. [caption id="attachment_28874" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The new Qsuite Next Gen will offer ambient suite lighting for individual travellers to adjust according to their needs throughout the flight.[/caption] Adopting new technologies for increased passenger convenience and connectivity, the Qsuite Next Gen delivers a vast array of customisation options, ranging from ambient lighting to privacy controls, through its upgraded touchscreen Passenger Control Units. Qatar Airways currently expects the new Qsuite product to be featured on-board Qatar Airways Boeing B777-9 aircraft by 2025.   About Qatar Airways A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for the unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways has been the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home, ‘World's Best Business Class’, ‘World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways was also recently voted the 'World’s Best Airline Website' by World Travel Tech Awards. Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation. Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘World’s Best Airport’, as voted by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. In 2024, Hamad International Airport also received the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for 10 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second year in a row. To find our more about Qatar Airways and their Qsuite offerings, speak with our Corporate Travel team.

With the Tour de France officially en route and not long to go until the 2024 Paris Olympics, it’s all happening in France this year. If it’s your first time travelling through Paris for the Tour de France, doing your research is a must. Paris is crowded on a regular day, and with the recent news on the French government’s strategy to tackle overtourism, you can only imagine just how busy the city is going to be while hosting some of the world’s major sporting events – in the same month. So to help you get around Paris during what could be their busiest month on record, we’ve done the research for you. Here’s your guide to the Tour de France, featuring all the tips and tricks you need to know before starting your journey.   Book your flights and accommodation early. because the early bird gets the worm! If you can be organised and get in a year in advance, you’ll be able to find some reasonable early bird deals on flights. These deals are always subject to availability of course, so knowing when to keep your eye out is essential. And the same goes for accommodation. If you’re finding the search for the best rate overwhelming, our experienced team of leisure consultants at Pulse Travel can help you find best fare to suits your needs – just in get in touch here.  Know the timetable. Knowing when to be where is obviously a no brainer. Once your international flights are sorted, you can start planning your internal flights and car or bike hire around France and Italy. The timetable gets released on the official Tour de France website usually a few weeks prior to each stage and will feature the expected arrival time in each town.  Bike hire. If you’re planning to zoom around on two wheels to tail the pros, make sure you also get in early for bike hire. Plan your ride routes ahead of time and download maps to your cycling computer before you start your journey to avoid losing connection in those smaller towns.   Plan your route and arrive early. Pro tip: avoid the tourist hotspots if you’d like to see some cycling. Often the crowds can get in your way of catching a glimpse and it can be surprisingly difficult to get from one side of the road to the other. Thankfully this year the Tour have partnered with Waze to launch a new functionality that will be able to provide you with all the road closures, detours and also even send alerts on closure based on where you are! Roads tend to close around 3 hours before the race comes through so plan to get into position early to not miss out – especially for those of us who are a little vertically challenged.  Check the weather forecast. Yes, it may still be summer in Europe, but don’t overestimate the weather forecast. France can be sunny one day and rainy the next, so it’s best to be overprepared with everything ranging from sunscreen to umbrellas, jumpers and of course, snacks. When you’ve secured a prime spectating position, the last thing you want to do is give up your spot because someone’s hungry or cold.  Travel in small groups. Obviously don’t leave your mates behind, but where possible, keep your travel companions to a minimum. Whether it’s trying to weave your way through the spectators, or even just getting a last-minute dinner reservation, travelling in a smaller group will make things just that little bit easier.  Don’t try to move with the tour every day. As experienced travellers ourselves, the best piece of advice we can give you is - don’t try to replicate the Tour de France timetable in your travel itinerary. The worst mistake you can make while travelling is making every day a travel day. You’ll end up wasting most of the time in your car and end your holiday feeling more exhausted than when you began. Station yourself in a town that you’re interested in exploring so that you can make the most of both worlds.  Book restaurants in advance. It may seem like overkill, but especially if you’re a foodie not wanting to waste a good meal while abroad, book your dinners in advance as the quaint bistrots fill up quick and some kitchens close earlier than expected. Especially in the smaller towns, calling is usually the best way to make a reservation. Don't forget to attempt some French while you’re at it and they’ll love you even more!  Good coffee? Don’t be silly. Unfortunately for us Australian coffee snobs, finding a good coffee in France is shockingly more challenging than you’d expect. Especially in the rural towns, don’t even try asking for a flat white or long black. Either pack your own Nespresso machine or maybe even challenge yourself to a coffee detox.    That may be a long list to take in, but taking these handy Tour de France travel tips on board now will help make your trip a breeze. If you’d like someone to take care of your travel plans so that you can sit back and spectate the Tour de France stress-free, Pulse Travel has you covered. Get in touch with one of our experienced travel managers here and we’ll make sure you have a bon voyage!

Most of us are probably all-too-familiar with the dreaded feeling of arriving at a destination with a kinked neck after spending 14 hours trying to get comfortable in economy class. Not to mention the added days it takes to recover from such injuries, coupled with a good bout of jetlag. That is why when travelling for business, flying in comfort is essential so that you can arrive at your destination feeling recharged and ready to go. Premium economy offers that sweet spot for businesses who prioritise the comfort of their employees while also managing travel expenses effectively. Although premium economy provides a more elevated experience for business travellers, it is important to be mindful that the offering can differ greatly from airline to airline. Our team of experienced travel managers are regularly asked the question, “is premium economy really worth the cost?", so let’s explore the premium economy cabins of some of our most flown airlines.    But First, Why Fly Premium Economy?  Now almost every major airline has a premium economy offering, but it wasn’t that long ago when the new class was first introduced by Taiwanese airline, EVA Air, in 1992. Bridging the gap between economy and business class, there’s a reason why premium economy has quickly gained traction over the past two decades. Offering an elevated experience for usually a fraction of the cost of business class, premium economy is the cost-effective solution for your business to travel in comfort. Here's some features you can expect to find when flying premium economy:  More Space: The main drawcard for premium economy is most certainly the extra legroom and wider seats, providing passengers with an added level of comfort to optimise rest.   Priority Boarding: Skip the queues with dedicated premium economy check-in counters and priority boarding to allow for a more seamless, stress-free travel experience.  Dining Experience: Kick back and enjoy an upgraded dining experience with airlines like Qantas even offering a glass of sparkling wine upon boarding.   Elevated Service: Seated in a smaller private cabin, you can expect to receive more attentive service from a dedicated premium economy cabin crew.  While all these features sound well and good, it is important to review an airline’s premium economy offering as not all offer the same perks. Our experienced team of corporate travel managers at Pulse Travel can help you find a tailor-made solution that suits your team’s needs, but here’s a summary to get you started:    World’s Best Premium Economy: Japan Airlines  In the recently announced Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards, Japan Airlines was voted to have the World’s Best Premium Economy Class, followed by Emirates in second place and EVA Air in third place. Japan Airlines came out on top due to their roomy seats; boasting a 42-inch seat, compared to the standard 38-inch seat most airlines have. To add to this, their seats have fold-out privacy dividers and premium economy passengers are granted access to the Japan Airlines lounge prior to departure. In line with most other airlines, the checked baggage allowance for premium economy is 2x 23kg pieces.    Qantas Premium Economy  When travelling premium economy with Qantas, you can expect a dedicated check-in counter, a generous 40kg baggage allowance, along with priority boarding and disembarkation. Their ergonomically designed seats provide a class-leading level of comfort – all sweetened with a glass of sparkling wine upon boarding, followed by a multi-course dining experience and award-winning selection of wines.    Credit: www.qantas.com     Emirates Premium Economy  Voted the second Best Premium Economy Class in the 2024 World Airline Awards, Emirates Premium Economy cabins feature 40-inch-wide cream leather seats with a deeper recline for added comfort. Their dining experience includes regional menus that are refreshed monthly, elevated with Royal Doulton tableware and a wider selection of beverages. Differing from Qantas, there is no dedicated premium economy check-in counter and the checked baggage allowance for these passengers is 35kg.     Singapore Airlines Premium Economy  Flying premium economy with Singapore, you will have a calf rest and footrest built into your seat, an enhanced in-flight meal served with porcelain silverware, and a baggage allowance of 35kg or 2x 23kg pieces depending on your destination. To provide a seamless travel experience, passengers will also have priority check-in boarding and baggage handling.  Credit: www.singaporeair.com   United Airlines Premium Economy  United Airlines premium economy class, Premium Plus, offers the standard extra space, checked baggage allowance of 2x 23kg pieces, as well as priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and security lanes. The difference between United’s offering is that their premium economy cabin is only semi-private and the dining experience is not as elevated as you may expect on Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.  Credit: www.united.com   Is Premium Economy Worth the Cost?  With fares ranging between 30% to double the cost of an economy ticket, it begs the question - is premium economy really worth it? In short, yes! Particularly for day-time or short-haul flights, you can relax with more space and comfort while travelling for business – without the price tag of a business class fare.   While premium economy certainly is an upgrade from economy class, it doesn’t offer the same luxury of the lie-flat beds you’ll find in business class. So if you’re flying overnight, it’s important to consider the features that will help you arrive at your destination feeling well-rested and ready to tackle the day ahead after a long-haul international flight.   If you’re looking to review your corporate travel policy or identify opportunities to reduce travel costs, our dedicated team of corporate travel managers at Pulse Travel are always happy to help. 

The recently announced 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards has us interested to know which airline really tops all when it comes comfort, price, reliability and travel perks? According to the Awards, which are based off a customer satisfaction survey covering a range of topics, Qatar Airways topped the list of best airlines, followed by Singapore Airlines and then Emirates. But what this survey doesn’t take into account are some non-negotiables for corporate travellers, such as reliability, flexibility and travel perks. We know that travelling for business is much more than just getting from A to B, so we’re delving deeper to provide you with a more comprehensive guide on the best airlines to suit your travel needs.     Best Domestic Availability: Qantas Airways  The World Airline Awards split the Best Airlines by region so that we can see how our domestic airlines rank against each other in these global awards. In the Australia/Pacific region, Qantas Airways was the top Australian airline, ranking 3rd place behind Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand. Qantas was followed by Rex Airlines in 4th place and Virgin Australia in 5th place. While Qantas may be up there in price to reflect their premium services, the availability and frequency of flights between all major cities in Australia is second to none. As Australia’s national carrier, it’s no surprise that no matter which major city you’re in or what time it is, you can be rest assured that a Qantas flight will be able to get you there.   Credit: www.qantas.com   Most Flexible Domestic Airline: Virgin Australia  We all know that business doesn’t always go according to plan. Try as we might, but meetings go overtime, business gets delayed or trips get postponed altogether. No experienced travel manager can foresee these kinds of circumstances, which is why it’s important to seek out flexible fares for corporate travellers. But having the opportunity to make stress-free changes, of course, comes at a cost. It all depends on the type of fare you purchase but in essence, the more you pay, the more flexibility you’ll have. So it’s not necessarily whether the airline is the ‘most flexible’, but more so, which airline allows you to make the most changes when purchasing a flex fare.  A flex fare with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex all allow you to make changes at no fee (plus the fare difference), but the difference is the timing of when you can make those changes. Rex allows you to make changes to your flight within 60 minutes of your scheduled departure, Qantas within 30 minutes, and Virgin Australia states “prior to scheduled departure”, assuming that you can do so right up until your scheduled departure time.     Most Reliable Domestic Airline: Qantas Airways  Nothing is worse than a long day of interstate travel and work, than getting to the airport and finding out that your flight is either delayed or cancelled. We know that unforeseen circumstances like weather or resourcing issues can come into play, but if we look to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research’s ‘Domestic airline on time performance report’ for 2023, Qantas achieved the highest level of on time departures among the major domestic airlines. As for cancellations, Rex recorded the lowest cancellation rate of 1.9%, followed closely by Qantas at 3.4%. Qantas may have fallen out of the top 20 global airline rankings announced at the 2024 World Airline Awards, but according to the Bureau’s report, it remains the trustiest airline here in Australia if you’re looking to arrive somewhere on time.    World’s Best Business Class: Qatar Airways  Flying in comfort so you can arrive at your destination feeling recharged and ready to go after a long-haul flight is essential. Qatar Airways was recently recognised by the 2024 World Airlines Awards for the World’s Best Business Class – and for good reason. A trailblazer in the industry, they are widely regarded for their unparalleled service offering, which goes beyond just their world-class hospitality. Inside their renowned Qsuite business class cabins, you’ll find fully lie-flat beds, sliding doors for pure privacy, and we can’t forget their exclusive amenity kit developed in partnership with Diptyque. In the World’s Best Business Class Award for 2024, Qatar Airways was closely followed by Singapore Airlines in 2nd place.  Credit: www.qatarairways.com    World’s Best Economy Class: Cathay Pacific Airways  Cathay Pacific Airways ranked 5th place in the overall World’s Best Airline of 2024, but managed to top all airlines winning the World’s Best Economy Class for 2024. If you’re travelling economy class internationally, Cathay Pacific’s economy class cabins have been designed with comfort and convenience front of mind. One of our favourite features is their award-winning entertainment system which allows you to connect your personal headphones via Bluetooth. And on certain planes, there’s even a dedicated shelf designed to keep your mobile device at eye level so that you can comfortably watch your own content – if you’re not already immersed in their state-of-the-art entertainment system.    Best Perks: Emirates Airlines  A few added perks can make international business travel much more comfortable and convenient, which is where Emirates Airlines shines. Their elevated business class goes beyond just the in-flight offerings. Whether it’s the complimentary chauffeur-drive service to and from the airport, or the exceptional lounge access and fast-track passes for pre-check and immigration, you can fly relaxed knowing that your international travel will be seamless thanks to the perks Emirates provides.    Your Corporate Travel Professionals  Just like life, we know that business travel doesn’t always go according to plan. If you need expert help managing your corporate travel, enquire at Pulse Travel to speak with one of our dedicated corporate travel managers. Whether you need help developing a corporate travel policy that’s consistent with your business objectives or identifying areas to save on travel expenses, we’ve got you covered.  

  From the vast outback to the ever-lasting coastline, Australia boasts a long list of adventures for those on the hunt for an adrenaline rush. If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure, here’s Pulse Travel’s top ten hotspots to tick off your bucket list when travelling around Australia:      Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef - Western Australia  Up in the north-west corner of Western Australia sits the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. This crystal-clear reef is home to the world’s biggest fish - the whale shark - who you could have the chance to swim alongside. These gentle friendly giants congregate in the Ningaloo Reef between late April to early July if you’re up for this exhilarating yet tranquil once-in-a-lifetime experience.     Cruise through Jumping Crocodiles in the Adelaide River - Northern Territory  There’s nothing quite like a crocodile to get your heart racing. Or better yet, a jumping crocodile. Up in the heart of the Nothern Territory, you can get up-close and personal with these predators as you cruise along the Adelaide River – just a short drive from Darwin. Led by expert guides of course, watch the crocodiles put on a jaw-dropping show as they fly out of the water to hunt their pray just metres away from you.     Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge - New South Wales  If turning your legs to jelly is the thrill you seek, then soaring to new heights while climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the adventure for you. Especially if it’s your first time in Australia, the famous bridge climb is a must-do experience to soak in breathtaking 360-degree views of the iconic Sydney Harbour.       White Water Raft down the Franklin River - Tasmania  Embark on a true expedition while white water rafting through the Franklin River. Winding its way through Tasmania’s untouched World Heritage Area, the Franklin River offers a challenging yet rewarding rafting experience through impressive gorges and wild rapids that you wouldn’t get to witness any other way. If you're lucky, you may even spot a platypus or two as you go!    4WD through the Flinders Ranges - South Australia   The Flinders Ranges in South Australia’s outback is renowned for its diverse and rugged landscape. From ancient gorges to impressive rock formations and abundant wildlife, the track that runs through the Flingers Ranges is a must for all the 4WD enthusiasts out there.     Sand Toboggan Down the Dunes on Moreton Island – Queensland If you’ve got a need for speed, you’re guaranteed to have a good time when sand tobogganing down the sand dunes on Moreton Island. Just over an hour ferry ride from Brisbane, Moreton Island is arguably one of the best places to experience all outdoor activities. From camping, to diving around shipwrecks, feeding dolphins and of course sandboarding, you can really pick your adventure here. Climbing up the steep sand dunes is sure to get your heart racing, but then you reap the rewards as you zoom down, reaching speeds of up to 40km per hour!    Skydive Over the Gold Coast - Queensland   The Gold Coast city skyline is impressive, but what’s even more impressive is seeing it from 12,000 feet high - as you jump out of a plane. Pushing yourself (quite literally) out of your comfort zone and skydiving over the Gold Coast is definitely a bucket list experience for the real adrenaline junkies. This one is bound to leave you buzzing and on top of the world after facing your fears, then getting to take in some of the best views of Australia’s magnificent east coastline.    Abseil down Waterfalls in the Blue Mountains – New South Wales The Blue Mountains are World Heritage-listed for a reason. Both nature and wildlife are in abundance here, and the same goes for adventures. Just a 1.5 hour drive from Sydney, you can hike over 47 trails in the Blue Mountains and abseil down these picturesque waterfalls.    Surf along the Great Ocean Road – Victoria   If you’re a seasoned surfer, paying a visit to the beaches along the Great Ocean Road should be near the top of your bucket list. Known as the Surf Coast, the beaches that hug this scenic coastal road are home to some of the most gnarly swells. You’ve probably heard of Bells Beach from the world-famous surf competition, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which is why this hotspot is a mecca for all surfers.    Hike the World’s Edge in the Three Capes – Tasmania  How about walking along the world’s edge in Tasmania? Witness some of the most dramatic cliffs you’ll ever see as you venture through Tasmania’s Three Capes Track. Untouched, remote and rugged, this four-day trail is challenging, yet incredibly serene as you hug the cliffs along Australia’s far south-east. Next stop? Antarctica.    Planning your next travel adventure?  If this bucket list has you buzzing, get in touch with Pulse Travel’s experienced travel professionals to help you plan your next dream adventure.

It’s the age-old question in travel – how do you balance comfortable business travel accommodation with cost-effectiveness? In an age where employee health and wellbeing is more important than ever, it’s important for businesses to ensure they’re choosing the right business travel accommodation when sending staff on trips. However, how do you balance comfort against cost, and ensure staff are satisfied with their treatment during travel while also looking after the company books?   The Importance of Comfortable Business Travel Accommodation: Utilising comfortable business travel accommodation is about more than just plush pillows, large beds and rooms with block-out curtains. Employee wellbeing, health and overall satisfaction are all important parts of business that can be impacted by business trips, and balancing cost with ensuring your staff get comfortable accommodation can go a long way towards managing these aspects. Furthermore, business trips are typically utilised to close a deal, cement a relationship or expand business offerings, and it’s important that the person on the trip is operating at their best to achieve the best results – cost-cutting on accommodation can jeopardise this. While no business wants to spend huge sums of money on accommodation, it is important to factor in a level of comfort for your staff when travelling to ensure they achieve the best results for the business – here are our top tips below.   Perfecting Your Business Travel Accommodation Agreement: Define what your staff want VS what the company can afford A great way to understand your staff’s wants and needs when travelling interstate or overseas is to ask them. While not all requests will be realistic or manageable, asking your staff directly will help you gain an understanding of what is and isn’t important and where you should invest money (and where you can save). From here, this also gives you the opportunity to open the floor for negotiations to help you come to an agreement with staff on what level of accommodation can be expected. Write down the final agreement in your Company Travel Policy Once you’ve decided on what level of accommodation and what comforts you’ll provide for your staff, it’s vital you note these down in detail in your Company Travel Policy. A Company Travel Policy is effectively your company’s travel bible, providing in-depth information on agreed accommodation, preferred suppliers, what costs are and are not approved and any other pieces of information that your staff may need to know about when booking or embarking on travel. Your Pulse Corporate Travel Arranger can support you in finalising the details of your agreement and noting this information down in detail so there is no confusion or disagreements in the future. Speak to your Travel Arranger regarding deals and discounts When initially deciding on what level of business travel accommodation you’re willing to provide, you don’t have to go based on the prices you see online. Corporate Travel Agents often have access to deals, discounts and exclusive business travel rates, and may be able to provide these rates for you to help achieve a more cost-effective solution. For businesses only travelling irregularly, your Travel Agent may be able to inform you of deals and discounts to take advantage of – for businesses who regularly use the same hotels, your Travel Agent may be able to negotiate cheaper long-term offerings for you, ensuring you can provide the level of accommodation that your staff require while also looking after company costs. Pulse Travel has extensive knowledge in negotiating these costs, and can assist you if you’re navigating the world of supplier partnerships for the first time. Proactively manage any special exceptions Due to age, injury or illness, some staff members may require special exceptions when travelling for business, and it’s important these are addressed and acknowledged at the beginning of your negotiations.For the purposes of employee satisfaction and retention, alongside Workplace Health and Safety, it’s important you take any injuries or illness into consideration and don’t just entirely sweep it under the rug – this could lead to losing high-performing staff or Workplace issues if your choice of accommodation causes further injury. However, your Pulse Corporate Travel Arranger will be able to find accommodation that suits these requirements, while still also ensuring that the accommodation is within the businesses budget. Regularly review your accommodation options Accommodation prices and deals are constantly changing, so what may have been the best option twelve months ago may not be the best option now – When you’re reviewing your companies Travel Policy, also take the time to review your suppliers and the options available to see if there are any ways you can further manage your costs while retaining employee satisfaction.   Managing Your Corporate Travel A big part of embarking on Corporate Travel is ensuring the travel is  managed appropriately – from the initial Travel policy creation to last-minute changes if a flight, hotel or car is no longer available. The team at Pulse Travel have over 30 years of experience managing Corporate Travel for their partners, and can assist in balancing your business costs against employee requirements to ensure satisfaction for both parties. To learn more about how they can assist, get in touch today.