How UK Companies Can Improve Business Travel Planning

18 August 2025 | Travel Blogs

Many UK companies still make the same costly mistakes when it comes to business travel planning, from ignoring traveller wellbeing to failing to track spending. These errors can drain budgets, frustrate employees, and reduce productivity. By identifying and fixing these issues, businesses can create a travel programme that delivers both cost savings and better results.

Focusing Only on Cost, Not Value

Choosing the cheapest flights and hotels might seem like a good idea but it can quickly backfire. Long layovers, inconvenient hotel locations, and uncomfortable seating all impact a traveller’s ability to perform at their best.

A more strategic approach weighs cost against the total value, including time saved, comfort, and productivity. This not only improves the traveller’s experience but can also result in better long-term ROI for the business.

Overlooking Traveller Wellbeing

Business travel can be exhausting. Back-to-back meetings with minimal downtime and low-quality sleep can lead to fatigue, stress, and burnout.

Forward-thinking UK companies are now recognising that traveller wellbeing is not a luxury, but a performance driver. Simple changes such as booking premium economy for long-haul flights, providing airport lounge access, or choosing hotels with wellness facilities can help employees arrive more refreshed feeling ready to perform.

Ignoring Data and Reporting

Without accurate data, it is impossible to see where money is being wasted. Many UK businesses still manage travel on an ad-hoc basis, relying on spreadsheets or multiple booking channels that don’t talk to each other.

A modern TMC, like echo.bravo, provides clear reporting on spending, traveller behaviour, and missed savings opportunities. This data enables smarter supplier negotiations, better policy enforcement, and long-term cost control.

Having a Rigid Travel Policy

Strict travel policies can backfire if they do not allow for flexibility. For example, a traveller might have to attend a meeting earlier than expected, but a rigid policy could prevent them from changing flights without heavy fees.

Flexible policies that allow for last-minute changes, traveller preferences, and exceptions in urgent cases improve compliance and reduce stress. The goal is to support productivity, not create unnecessary obstacles.

Neglecting Duty of Care

Duty of care means ensuring that travelling employees are safe, informed, and always supported. Some UK companies fail to track where their travellers are or provide 24/7 support in emergencies, which can damage employee trust and create legal liabilities.

Having a robust duty of care programme, including real-time traveller tracking and immediate assistance services, shows employees they are valued and protected.

Final Thoughts

Effective business travel planning goes beyond booking flights and hotels. By prioritising value over cost and supporting traveller wellbeing while using data-driven insights and flexible policies with strong duty of care, UK companies can save money, improve employee satisfaction, and boost productivity.

Travel smarter with echo.bravo, we turn every business trip into an opportunity for points, perks, upgrades, and elite benefits. If you are looking to upgrade your business travel system, contact our team today.

FAQs

Why is business travel planning so important?

It ensures that every trip is cost-effective, efficient, and safe while supporting employee wellbeing.

What is the biggest mistake UK companies make in business travel?

Focusing solely on upfront costs rather than the total value of each trip.

How can we improve traveller wellbeing without overspending?

Invest in small upgrades like lounge access or better seating on long-haul flights, which have a big impact on comfort and productivity.

Why do you need a travel management system?

It consolidates bookings, tracks spending, and provides valuable reporting that can identify cost savings and improve policy compliance.

What does duty of care involve?

Monitoring traveller safety, providing emergency support, and ensuring employees feel secure when travelling.