It’s no secret that global business travelers crave efficiency. And while the broad business goal is still paramount, employee experience preferences are shifting.
Mobile apps put a spectrum of information, support, and functions literally at your fingertips. They also increasingly present an array of custom choices, from options for low-carbon travel and sustainable hotels to vegan restaurants and leisure diversions. Platforms increasingly harness AI to quickly deliver tailored results.
What needs can an assignee or business traveler address using apps?
Planning ahead
Language: One of the first things a long-term assignee needs to tackle when living abroad is the language. Given some lead time, apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Pimsleur are a few of the options for flexible longer-term language training. For shorter-term needs, real-time translation apps like DeepL or Google Translate can help with communication in the moment.
Sustainability: There are plenty of real estate search platforms and booking apps for shorter stays. Responsible living has become more important to many travelers, who are looking for green buildings and eco-certified lodgings. Booking.com, for example, offers a ‘sustainability certification’ filter when searching for properties. EcoHotels is a platform that books only eco-certified hotels in a variety of locations and price ranges. Also see Green Key Global’s Traveller’s Checklist for making sustainable travel choices.
Greater emphasis on sustainability means that business travelers want to minimize their carbon footprint. Apps like Klima and Commons allow individuals to track their carbon use, highlighting sustainable aspects of daily life.
Practical matters: Other apps to consider during the planning stages include mass transit or ride share services you may require upon arrival, and any local apps that can acclimate you to your destination: residential services and utilities, parks, events, and the like.
During your stayDaily living and safety: After arrival, you may find apps for currency conversion, public holidays, and weather useful. In places prone to extreme weather, sign up for alerts in the event of a natural disaster; this is usually available through the local department of emergency preparedness.
Health: If your host-country health insurance provider has an app, install it to facilitate finding care, office check-in, and possibly payment. Consider telehealth sessions, which are often enabled via app. Beyond your insurance carrier, apps like mPassport can connect you to a doctor or emergency help and translate medical terms.
If you prefer – or want to avoid – certain foods, there are apps to help you identify products and gauge nutritional ingredients. Two examples are Gluten Free Scannerand Yuka.
Leisure: For any dedicated interests you want to pursue, look for local apps – such as for hiking trails or bike routes around the country that may map out walks or rides and track your mileage.
Well beyond common transactions like banking and mobile payments, apps can simplify life in a foreign country. This makes it much easier to achieve your business goals even while living on your own terms.
Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group
