While walking around my neighborhood, I enjoy looking at plants. I enjoy taking photos of them because of how beautiful they are. I have frequently observed this plant and eventually captured a photo of it, which I then decided to share. The name of this plant is Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolia). I would describe it as a tall, beautiful plant with its vivid magenta-pink flowers that bloom. In fall, the foliage turns into a rich burgundy crimson, making it more visually appealing.
The perennial is valuable for pollinators; it serves as a host for moth larvae and attracts a variety of insects. It is beneficial to wildlife but extremely poisonous to horses, cattle, and other livestock. Consumption can lead to stunted growth, liver issues, and even death in severe cases.
People have historically used fireweed for food and medicine. You can eat the young stems and make syrup and jam from the flowers. Also, people have used it medicinally as a salve and for digestive issues. Before using this plant, make sure you consult a verified botanist. Bushcrafters have also used the silky seed hairs as tinder and stuffing.
Fireweed grows in damp soils from calcareous to mildly acidic environments and spreads quickly, especially in fire-cleared areas. It is known as bombweed, rosebay willowherb, and fireweed. It is a resilient plant that enhances natural landscapes. You cannot walk past it without noticing it.
41 comments
Here are 12 cyber security tips for business travel that you should be aware of before your next trip to ensure the digital security of your business.
Cybersecurity for business travelers is an important topic because traveling for work might expose your company's and clients' data to significant risk. While on the go, your devices may be more vulnerable to scammers or burglars.
With cyber security risks continually growing and rising, it's critical to understand crucial cyber security advice for business travel and how to respond in the event of a cyberattack.
What are the best approaches to achieving digital security for business travel, and what aspects of cyber security should you consider?
What is cyber security?
Cybersecurity refers to the techniques that protect companies and individuals against internet dangers. Cyber dangers include social engineering, phishing, and malware. Cybercriminals may target businesses and attempt to gain unauthorized access to their systems, networks, and devices in order to steal private information or client data for financial benefit.
Cyber security in corporate travel is a major topic. As a business traveler, you are more vulnerable to cyber threats because you work outside of a secure office environment. You have a responsibility to safeguard your devices against cyber threats and ensure the security of your company's and clients' data.
During business travel, the chance of devices becoming infected with malicious software is substantial. This can occur if you connect to an insecure wireless network or use public computers or charging stations.
12 Key Points to Ensure Cybersecurity for Business Travel
Achieving cyber security for corporate travel is not an easy task, but following these 11 pieces of cyber security advice will ensure that you cover the most crucial components.
1. Lock down your devices.
When you are not using your device—whether a laptop, smartphone, or any other type of electronics for work—ensure that an identifying mechanism such as a password, PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition is required to unlock and access the system.
This can enhance your computer security when traveling and safeguard your devices from theft.
2. Update your passwords.
Are your devices password protected? Good. However, make sure to update your passwords on a frequent basis, especially before and after business trips. Using various passwords during work trips reduces the chance of compromised accounts. Thus, anyone who gains access to your credentials while you're away can't use them afterward.
Avoid reusing passwords across applications, accounts, and devices, and use strong passwords of at least 12 characters, including lowercase, uppercase, digits, and symbols. Using a password generator is a simple method for creating secure passwords that hackers cannot guess. To be particularly secure, use a password manager—a tool that uses powerful encryption—to keep all of your passwords in one place. You'll just need to remember your master password to access the rest.
If you are staying at a property with a safe and wish to utilize it, create a strong code to ensure information security.
3. Enable two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your accounts, providing improved protection against fraudsters.
Two-factor authentication is a security solution that asks you to provide two pieces of identity when logging into your account. First, enter your user credentials, followed by a second piece of authentication information, such as a PIN, token, facial ID, or fingerprint.
Using 2FA improves the security of your online accounts. Even if someone succeeds in obtaining your credentials, they will be unable to gain access without the second factor of authentication. This can help lessen the severity of phishing attempts. If you submit your credentials on a phishing site, the extra layer of security will prevent hackers from accessing your account.
4. Use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth carefully.
WiFi is essential when traveling for work, but it carries the risk of stealing valuable company or client information. A typical cyber security suggestion is to avoid utilizing public networks, particularly ones that lack password protection. If you need to connect to a public network, contact the personnel for the official name and password.
A vital piece of smartphone security advice is to turn off the Wi-Fi capability when not in use, as well as the automatic connection to available Wi-Fi networks. The same goes with Bluetooth. Turn off the feature when not using it to prevent data theft from device connections.
5. Use a VPN.
When working remotely or traveling for business, connect to WiFi via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN decreases the risk of hackers monitoring your online activities and gaining access to your data and passwords by establishing a more secure connection through encryption. This is especially true—but not exclusively—if you are unable to avoid connecting to a public WiFi network.
You can perform sensitive tasks, like handling bank details and client information, with a VPN, ensuring that no one can intercept the data. It will also allow you to connect to your company's network and continue conducting your regular responsibilities while on the go.
6. Install the antivirus program.
Install and update antivirus software on all your devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Email attachments or URLs can send malware such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and Trojans, which an antivirus detects, stops, and defends against.
Regular updates will keep your system up to date with the most modern virus safeguards, protecting you from attacks. However, be aware that antivirus alone will not protect you from all cyber threats.
7. Backup your files to the cloud.
Before going on a business trip, it's a beneficial idea to back up your devices' data to the cloud.
This will keep your data safe and accessible in case you lose any of your devices or run into any technical difficulties during your vacation. You can view your data from any device and location and interact with colleagues via file sharing, thanks to its remote server storage.
It’s been a while since I posted a travel update—or has it really been that long? I’m not so sure. Either way, on October 10, 2024, I found myself ready to explore a part of the city I’d overlooked for too long: the Glasgow City Chambers, right in the heart of George Square.
The building had always intrigued me, so I decided to step inside. A friendly receptionist greeted me and, sensing my curiosity, mentioned that a tour was about to begin. He handed me a pass and invited me to join, a golden opportunity to see the inner workings of this historic building.
Each space showcased architectural splendor that seemed timeless yet perfectly in the bustling city center.
The City Chambers, or the Municipal Buildings, as they’re also known, have been at the heart of Glasgow's government since 1889. Designed to reflect the city’s civic pride, this Category A listed building has served as the headquarters of Glasgow City Council since 1996, standing proudly on George Square’s eastern side, a landmark to locals and visitors alike.
The tour itself was a delight. Our guide had a wonderful sense of humor, mixing fun facts with a genuine passion for Glasgow’s history. It was clear he enjoyed sharing these stories, and his enthusiasm pulled us all in.
As we explored further, I learned how the need for a grand city chamber had been growing for over a century. By the 18th century, the old Glasgow Tolbooth at Glasgow Cross was struggling to keep up with the city’s expanding governance needs. In 1814, the council moved to public buildings near Saltmarket and later, in 1844, to the City and County Buildings between Wilson Street and Ingram Street.
However, City Architect John Carrick didn't find a suitable, purpose-built location for Glasgow's civic operations until the early 1880s. Carrick ultimately chose George Square’s east side, and the rest is history—one that lives on vividly in the intricate details of this building.
The tour left me with a renewed appreciation for the city and its layered past. The Glasgow City Chambers isn’t just a building; it’s a storyteller, keeping the legacy of Glasgow’s transformation from a bustling town to a proud metropolis alive.
An app for trip planning can help you book business travel quickly; we're all looking for productivity hacks to help us get organized and minimize stress. A business travel software may help you with every aspect of your trip, from keeping track of spending to making a more effective packing list and even planning your itinerary.
Finding a useful corporate travel app among the many options available might be a challenge. Have no fear; we have compiled a list of the eight best apps (with some extra advice for business trips) to get you started.
How can I use an app for business travel?
What exactly does it mean to have a corporate travel app, and what can these apps do? Travel applications, accessible on desktop computers or mobile devices, simplify the process of vacation planning. Discover and reserve flights, hotels, and car rentals, as well as arrange your schedule, with the help of common travel applications. You can also locate meeting spaces and keep tabs on spending with apps designed specifically for businesses.
Best 8 tools for business trips
These apps make it simple to implement all of our business travel advice, making planning hassle-free.
1. Hopper: The most accurate price-matching forecasting tool
Nothing is more frustrating than making a flight reservation and then seeing that the price has lowered a week later. Get the most out of your appointments by timing them with Hopper. In order to foretell how much flights and hotels will cost in the near future, the app's algorithm daily analyzes billions of prices. Afterwards, the app will inform you about the optimal time to book, based on the projected lowest prices. It is also a reliable choice because of its remarkable 95% accuracy rate.
2. Splitwise: The Most Effective Method for Handling Joint Expenses
Deciding who will pay for what on a group business trip can be a real pain, especially if everyone is working off of a set per diem. Splitwise makes it easy to calculate and distribute group spending. In real time, all app users can input expenses by specifying the nature of the expenditure (e.g., food, lodging, and transportation) and the people involved. Splitwise breaks down your business travel costs per person so you can submit your receipts and get your money back faster.
3. TripIt: This platform is highly rated for trips that involve multiple locations
There is more to corporate travel planning than just going from A to B. Planning a trip that includes more than one location can be a hassle; an app can help you keep track of all your details. To the rescue comes TripIt, an all-in-one solution for trip confirmations and itineraries. You can access and edit your online calendar without leaving your phone or tablet because it syncs automatically. You won't miss a beat on any part of your trip thanks to TripIt's alerts.
As with larger companies, smaller ones need business travel. Being able to meet customers, partners, suppliers, investors, and other stakeholders in person at events and trade fairs is a fantastic way to network and exchange ideas. Particularly in the aftermath of months of shutdowns and economic turmoil, this is crucial for SMEs.
While online meeting spaces and video conferencing were adequate substitutes during the pandemic, nothing beats face-to-face communication. This was especially true for small enterprises. As a result, business travel is an essential component of the recovery and operation plans of SMEs.
When we talk about "small business travel," what do we actually mean?
SMEs may need to travel for a variety of reasons. As an example of small business travel, consider the following:
While online meeting spaces and video conferencing were adequate substitutes during the pandemic, nothing beats face-to-face communication. This was especially true for small enterprises. As a result, business travel is an essential component of the recovery and operation plans of SMEs.
When we talk about "small business travel," what do we actually mean?
SMEs may need to travel for a variety of reasons. As an example of small business travel, consider the following:
- During conventions and other gatherings
- Conduct interviews for jobs or the press
- In order to participate in gatherings
- Setting up shop at wholesale markets is necessary.
- Delivering speeches or presentations face-to-face
- In order to search for suppliers and purchase goods
- Participation in educational initiatives is necessary.
- The workforce organizes outings and getaways for participants.
What are the difference between corporate travel for large corporations and smaller ones.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often send out a single or double representative on business trips, in contrast to larger multinational corporations. Companies with larger expenditures, greater emphasis on risk management, and the use of a specialized travel manager or corporate travel agency to arrange work trips are more common.
Despite lesser budgets, SMEs frequently spend more in relation to earnings on business travel compared to larger enterprises. Consequently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must take charge of their small business travel planning, establish a policy for business travel expenses and a duty of care, and utilize a specialized tool for business travel management to cut costs and increase profits.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) encounter various challenges when it comes to small business travel, such as managing their budget and understanding the various safety implications and health regulations specific to each location where their employees work. Workers' health and safety must be ensured at all times, regardless of work hours. All companies, no matter how big or small, are required to follow this.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must be prepared to respond swiftly and assist their employees in the event of an emergency or travel disruption that occurs while they are away from the office. This may be difficult if they do not know their location or schedule. Businesses, especially smaller ones, run the risk of endangering their employees' safety and well-being when they don't have a centralized system in place to track all the relevant business travel data.
Is there anything else that can go wrong for small businesses when they don't use a specialized travel management system?
It takes a lot of time and money to plan a business vacation. A whole business trip booking, including researching and selecting affordable flights and lodging, can take an employee up to 45 minutes on average.
In addition to the risk that SMEs may fail in their duty of care to their employees when traveling, there is also the possibility that employees may spend too much on things like hotels, car rentals, and flights, or may be unsure of what counts as a travel expense and is eligible for reimbursement. In rare cases, employees may submit receipts for work travels that end up costing more than anticipated because they booked their vacations anyway they wanted.
A company may have to allocate administrative resources, time, and money to deal with all of this. Organizations of all sizes use a wide range of business travel solutions to facilitate the organization of company travels. There are paid options like travel agencies and management firms, and there are also free options like Booking.com for Business.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often send out a single or double representative on business trips, in contrast to larger multinational corporations. Companies with larger expenditures, greater emphasis on risk management, and the use of a specialized travel manager or corporate travel agency to arrange work trips are more common.
Despite lesser budgets, SMEs frequently spend more in relation to earnings on business travel compared to larger enterprises. Consequently, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must take charge of their small business travel planning, establish a policy for business travel expenses and a duty of care, and utilize a specialized tool for business travel management to cut costs and increase profits.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) encounter various challenges when it comes to small business travel, such as managing their budget and understanding the various safety implications and health regulations specific to each location where their employees work. Workers' health and safety must be ensured at all times, regardless of work hours. All companies, no matter how big or small, are required to follow this.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must be prepared to respond swiftly and assist their employees in the event of an emergency or travel disruption that occurs while they are away from the office. This may be difficult if they do not know their location or schedule. Businesses, especially smaller ones, run the risk of endangering their employees' safety and well-being when they don't have a centralized system in place to track all the relevant business travel data.
Is there anything else that can go wrong for small businesses when they don't use a specialized travel management system?
It takes a lot of time and money to plan a business vacation. A whole business trip booking, including researching and selecting affordable flights and lodging, can take an employee up to 45 minutes on average.
In addition to the risk that SMEs may fail in their duty of care to their employees when traveling, there is also the possibility that employees may spend too much on things like hotels, car rentals, and flights, or may be unsure of what counts as a travel expense and is eligible for reimbursement. In rare cases, employees may submit receipts for work travels that end up costing more than anticipated because they booked their vacations anyway they wanted.
A company may have to allocate administrative resources, time, and money to deal with all of this. Organizations of all sizes use a wide range of business travel solutions to facilitate the organization of company travels. There are paid options like travel agencies and management firms, and there are also free options like Booking.com for Business.
When booking business flights for your team, deciding between economy and a more premium option can be a bit of a challenge, just like the first class versus business class discussion. Absolutely, it's important for your team to travel comfortably so they can perform their best during business trips, and the cramped legroom in economy seating can be a challenge for long-haul flights.
Is it time to consider a minor upgrade? Business class and first class really stand out when it comes to dining, comfort, and in-flight services. There are a few subtle differences to keep in mind, like priority check-in and private butlers. No need to stress! We’ve explored the differences between first class and business class to assist you in making the best choice.
What’s the difference between first class and business class?
Before we dive into the comparison of business class and first class regarding price, experience, amenities, and more, it’s a beneficial idea to quickly outline the different types of flight classes.
What are the four kinds of flight classes?
Many airlines offer four service classes: economy, premium economy, business, and first class. As you move up the list, you'll find that both the price and service level get better and better!
The economy is the simplest choice you have. It’s really just a seat that helps you get from Destination A to Destination B. There are some notable differences between business and economy class, such as multi-course meals, access to airport lounges, and the option for reclining or lie-flat seats. Business class clearly outperforms economy when it comes to business travel. Simply put, the creation of business class aimed to meet the needs of individuals traveling for work.
Premium economy is a beneficial upgrade from economy, providing passengers with more comfortable seating, extra legroom, a wider selection of food or complimentary items, and access to the premium economy lounge at the airport. Premium economy is really just a nicer take on economical class. Business class is definitely a beneficial upgrade!
First class and business class offer a noticeable upgrade in luxury and services, both during the flight and on the ground. It's worth mentioning that the travel experience in both classes can differ depending on the airline, route, and aircraft. Domestic first class differs significantly from international first class. A first-class experience on a domestic flight is likely to be quite different from the luxurious feel of a first-class cabin on an international flight.
In this article, we’re excited to explore the differences between first class and business class on long-haul international flights!
We are comparing the first-class and business-class experiences.
Business class is on the middle ground between first and premium economy; however, it shares more features with first class. If you're flying with Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Delta, or American, you may splurge on amenities like lie-flat beds and premium toiletries in the business and first class cabins.
In general, nevertheless, first-class flights provide better service than business-class ones. There is a lower ratio of flight attendants to guests in first-class cabins, allowing for tailored, personal service. Look at this comparison of business class and first class flights in further detail.
1. Time spent at the airport
Distinctions start even before you get on the plane.
Passengers flying business class have a few extra perks, such as being able to check in and board the plane faster, having access to a lounge with free buffet meals and drinks, and fast Wi-Fi. Some airlines even offer shower cubicles for passengers to freshen up during flight delays.
A separate check-in counter, quicker security, and a VIP door-to-door driver service are common amenities for first-class customers. With restaurant-quality meals, spa services, showers, and nap rooms, first-class lounges surpass business-class. First-class passengers receive escorts from private security and immigration areas to the ground.
2. Traveling in a cabin
Once you're on an airplane bound for another country, the distinction between first and business class becomes immediately apparent. Because first-class cabins are smaller and more exclusive, passengers in them have more room and privacy than in business class.
Seats in business class are inclined, and some of them even recline all the way to a bed-like position. The class caters to business travelers; thus, amenities like spacious desks and in-seat power outlets are standard.
Although all classes of seats in First Class are lie-flat, the amount of premium privacy is significantly higher. In-flight showers are a feature for some, while individual rooms with their own lounging areas, luxurious linen-dressed beds, and more are available for many. Instead of receiving standardized services, travelers can make meal and service orders to an on-call attendant.
3. Beverages and meals
The in-flight food is one major differentiator between business and first class. In business class, diners can select from a tailored wine list that complements chef-designed multicourse meals. Travelers have the option to sit and converse at the onboard bar.
In first class, guests dine on dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs and sip on champagne, premium spirits, and fine wines. Some airlines, like Singapore Airlines, even provide a trained sommelier to enhance the dining experience. Airlines serve meals using fine china and silverware, and some even allow customers to order from an on-demand chef.
A red-eye flight may allow you to eat before takeoff in certain situations. For instance, first-class flyers on British Airways' New York-London route have the option to dine at the airport before takeoff so they can get a good night's sleep.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)