Corporate Explorer: The Synergy of Business Operations and Travel
by Jason Cammorata
Anyone who knows me knows I’m an expert in traveling well, often and on a budget. I have been planning my family’s travel since I was 10. I have also navigated the worlds of business operations in Marketing, Technology and Entertainment for almost as many years. Travel and business planning actually share many similarities. Agility, good communication and the necessity to spot and capture great opportunities are a few. Here’s a quick look at how I usually approach planning my personal travel ensuring luxury and value go hand in hand.
- Flexibility as Strategy: Hedging Your Vacation Plans
Flexibility can be the key to unlocking unexpected opportunities. This is a principle I apply directly to planning personal travel. I often book a few refundable places at once and keep a lookout for better deals or weather updates, kind of like watching the stock market. Airfare is mostly changeable without penalty now, just pick a major airline with many destination options from your starting point.
- Identifying Undervalued destinations: Choosing Off the Beaten Path
Traveling to less popular travel destinations allows me to uncover unique experiences at a fraction of the cost. It can save you a bundle and cut down on the crowds. It’s like finding a niche market in business—less competition and more unique experiences.
- The Best Travel Stories come from Plan B and sometimes plan C
The best learnings and outcomes often emerge from navigating through challenges. Once, 2 hours before departure my family’s Italy trip turned into an amazing Hawaiian getaway thanks to a booking error (I made the mistake). This incident underscores my belief in the value of having contingency plans—a common practice in business operations that proves equally valuable in personal travel. Just make sure you learn from mistakes.
- Team Dynamics: Communicating with Your Travel Buddies
In any successful business, selecting the right team and communicating with them effectively is crucial. You don’t always get to choose who you travel with though and sometimes travel brings out the best and the worst. I recommend several pre-trip conversations about travel styles before you depart together. Transparent communication can save a lot of headaches later. Being upfront and honest about what you’re like on the road can lead to a way better trip for everyone! For example in the morning I need strong coffee… immediately.
- Leveraging Technology: Tech to the Rescue
Tagging spots on Google Maps before your trip is a key pocket tool. Anytime someone recommends a place to me or if I go to a place I like I tag it immediately. When I’m actually at the destination it keeps me super organized and can save the day when you need a quick actionable plan particularly in times of “hanger.”
- Have Confidence and Say Something
If something’s off, whether you’re at a hotel or restaurant, speaking up can make all the difference. Just make sure you time it correctly. Be direct but respectful. You might get a bonus or at least sort out the issue. It usually feels good for all involved and is very productive to clear the air.
- Leadership: Set the Tone – be Nice
People can get grumpy and rude, particularly on flights. Maintaining a positive attitude during travel, especially in challenging situations like flights, parallels leadership in the workplace. Just as a good leader uplifts the team, showing kindness and empathy to fellow travelers will transform everyone’s travel experience and make you a much happier traveler too.
Integrating operational business strategies with travel planning not only leads to more efficient and enjoyable trips but also ensures that each journey is approached with the same level of thoughtfulness and expertise as any business venture. It’s about harnessing the power of strategic planning, effective communication, and quality investment to turn every trip into an unparalleled adventure.
