Friday, September 22, 2017, marks the official beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The kids have returned to school and everyone has returned from summer vacation. The weather may be cooling, but the business world is still as hot as ever, and you may find yourself needing to travel for work. Fall business travel can be an interesting challenge with the changing weather and holidays. That is why we have put together a quick list of our top fall business travel tips for the upcoming season.
Fall Business Travel Tip #1: Triple-Check the Weather
The fall is a season of change. As a result, the weather is not always predictable, nor is it the same every year. For example, a city like Montreal has been known to experience snowfall in October, but can also be warm enough to walk without a jacket on Halloween. This is not to say that you should pack a year’s worth of clothing when preparing for your trip. There are, however, a few things you can do to be prepared.
The first thing to do would be to check the weather in the days and weeks coming up to your trip. While the exact weather may not be predictable, you will have a better idea of the general weather that season. The Weather Network’s mobile application allows users to save multiple locations on their devices, allowing you to keep an eye on the weather from a distance.
As for what to pack, choose your outfits wisely. Versatile outfits that can be layered for additional warmth are both stylish and practical. So even if you do have a sudden change in temperature, you will always be dressed for the occasion.
Fall Business Travel Tip #2: Prepare for Hurricane Season
Atlantic Hurricane season officially runs until November 30. During that time, it is best to keep a close eye on news and weather reports. Even if you are not travelling to a destination within the Hurricane’s path, you can still expect major travel delays caused by weather patterns. Storms can cause a bit of a domino-effect with travel delays. You can sign up for updates from The Weather Channel, tracking any storms that may affect your travel time.
Another smart tip for fall business travel: keep in mind your airport connections. Miami may not be your final destination, but if you need to connect through there, you can run the risk of being caught in a storm delay. The connection at a more northern, or inland, airport, may seem longer but could save you some serious travel delays in the fall.
Fall Business Travel Tip #3: Take Advantage of Off-Peak Season
It may still be warm out, but the travel industry tends to cool down during the fall. The summer is over, and vacationers are not yet trying to escape winter’s wrath. This is great news for fall business travellers.
You will be able to take advantage of off-season rates while enjoying a less crowded travelling experience. With fewer travellers occupying flights, this is the time to request free upgrades. Keeping a friendly demeanour and asking politely asking can lead to better flight seats when there are still availabilities. The odds are in your favour.
If you find yourself with some spare time, you can also enjoy some of the cities’ local attractions. With the off-peak season, lineups will be shorter, and many places offer reduced fees in the off-season. Furthermore, some attractions are more enjoyable in the fall. If you find yourself in the northern United States or in Canada, now is the best time to enjoy the beautiful colours of nature as the leaves change.
If you are travelling for business this fall, let Corporate Stays help find you an ideal location to stay. Our fully-furnished apartments are located in key locations in major business hubs across the world. Stay at one of our Signature Collection apartments to take advantage of our superior concierge service and get recommendations for the best fall activities close to your apartment!