This year, it was predicted that business travel would return to pre-pandemic levels. While leisure travel rebounded quickly, the business travel comeback is taking more time—thanks in part to increased use of virtual meetings. If your organization is involved in the more than 1.3 million business trips taken every day in the United States, travel promotional products make excellent gifts or rewards for jet-setting employees.
Employee rewards and other forms of recognition can boost loyalty and contribute to a strong workplace culture. Let’s take a trip through some travel promotional items that can show off your brand and set employees up for success.
Help them prepare with travel promo products
With business travel budgets zooming back to 2019 numbers, more employees nationwide are packing their bags—a trend expected to continue in the new year. In fact, 58% of corporate travel managers anticipate continued growth in travel budgets next year.
Packing cubes and toiletry bags are smart picks for year-end employee gifts, especially if your staff is frequently on the road. These items help organize and optimize packing space, so employees spend less time stuffing their suitcase and more time prepping for their work event.
Check out the weather forecast for your employees’ destination. If there’s wind or rain on the horizon, a packable jacket might save the day. If there’s sunshine ahead, swap the jacket for a pair of branded sunglasses.
Ensure a smooth start to the trip
The average business trip is 3.8 days. Give on-the-road employees one or all of these travel basics to ensure they have everything they need.
A manicure set will come in handy for those longer excursions. Just make sure recipients place it in a checked bag to avoid it getting flagged by security. Speaking of airline travel regulations, make employees’ flying experiences easier by equipping them with carry-on sets. Distribute luggage tags and avoid potential confusion at the airport.
For shorter trips, a backpack might be all an employee needs to take along. Providing a branded bag gets eyes on your logo from here to there and back again. Add a tracker holder to the bag. Compatible with the popular Apple® AirTags, trackers can prove vital in the event of a misplaced backpack.
Give a tech organizer to keep chargers and other items neatly in place throughout their journey. It’s a practical gift for business travel that is bound to be used daily at home too.
Set them up for success at their destination
Six in 10 business travelers attend at least one conference, trade show or exhibition per year.
Supply your staff with travel promotional products so they’re ready the moment the event doors open. Tech supplies, like charging cables and power banks, can ensure their phones, tablets and other equipment can go the distance. A crossbody bag or fanny pack can be a helpful companion throughout a multi-day event. And don’t forget the sanitizer!
Offer employees a garment bag if dress clothes are required during their travel. When suited up for an important meeting or presentation, a messenger bag looks sharp and promotes your brand. With your logo literally at their side, a sleek bag can provide a confidence boost.
Give travel promo items for a comfortable trip home
Remember that while 83% of people find business travel enjoyable, leaving home for work does come with challenges. Employees who regularly travel say general fatigue, time away from their loved ones and catching up after returning to the office are pain points. With your employees’ mission accomplished—whether it’s a deal sealed, leads generated or some other goal reached—give travel promotional products that provide some much-needed R&R.
Surprise employees at their hotel with a delivered gift bag. (It takes advance planning but will be a meaningful gesture.) Include a travel blanket, eye mask and travel neck pillow for the trip home. Add a pair of headphones and round out the gift with a refillable water bottle to help them stay hydrated—an important and often overlooked part of feeling good while on the go.
Have their back every step of the way
While presenting employees with travel opportunities is a form of recognition, providing travel promotional items can be the cherry on top of the dessert served on a cross-country flight. Equip them with helpful, brand-boosting products for every part of their journey. Powered by your appreciation and confidence, they’ll be well-suited to find success wherever business takes them.
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