Checking travel admin probably ranks somewhere between dental visits and updating your LinkedIn profile on your holiday to-do list. But this quick checklist could be the difference between smooth sailing and that stomach-dropping moment at check-in next year.
The Passport Check
Remember that feeling when you can’t find your phone? Now imagine that times ten at the check-in counter when your passport isn’t quite right. Before 2025’s deals start rolling in, take a quick peek and confirm:
- Expiry date (needs six months after your return)
- Two clear pages for stamps
Found yourself in the danger zone? Here’s a silver lining: You can now skip those legendary Home Affairs queues. Instead, pop into select branches of Absa, FNB, Nedbank, Discovery Bank, or Standard Bank – they’re doubling their service points.
“When a passport issue grounds a business traveller, it’s not just about a cancelled flight – it’s about missed opportunities, lost deals, and significant costs to the company,” says Rategang Moroke, Operations Manager at Corporate Traveller. “That’s precisely why we’ve made passport monitoring a key part of our service. While our clients focus on their business goals, we keep an eye on these crucial details, ensuring their travel plans stay on track.”
Loyalty Programme Sign-Ups
Those loyalty programmes you keep meaning to sign up for? They’re your ticket to smoother, more rewarding business travel in 2025.
Think beyond just collecting points. Your airline membership could mean breezing through priority check-in while others queue. Hotel status might land you that coveted late check-out after a morning meeting runs overtime. Car rental programmes can have your vehicle waiting while others are still filling out forms.
Moroke’s tip? “Make sure your loyalty programme numbers are loaded into your travel profile with your travel advisor or manager. You don’t want to see missed perks because membership numbers weren’t linked to your bookings. A quick profile update means every 2025 trip automatically works harder for you.”
Learn the Local Lingo
Regular trips to Lagos or Luanda on your 2025 calendar? While English might be the language of business, a few local phrases can transform a transaction into a relationship. You don’t need to become fluent – just familiar enough to show respect and build connections.
Modern language learning fits neatly into business life. Apps like Duolingo turn your morning coffee queue into a quick lesson, while Babbel specialises in business-relevant conversations. Focus on the essentials: greetings, thank yous, basic numbers, and those all-important phrases like “Where is the meeting room?” or “Could you recommend a restaurant?” And don’t forget to download Google Translate’s offline language packs – its camera translation feature can be a lifesaver when faced with unfamiliar menus or street signs.
Invest in Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If there’s one thing to add to your festive wish list this year, make it a pair of quality noise-cancelling headphones.
Think about it: the crying baby three rows back on your red-eye to Dubai, the construction outside your hotel window in Mumbai, or that enthusiastic sales team having their meeting right next to your workspace in the airport lounge. Business travel comes with its own soundtrack, and it’s rarely conducive to clear thinking or rest.
“The rise in noise-related travel stress is significant,” says Moroke. “We’re seeing more clients specifically requesting quiet rooms in hotels and seats away from high-traffic areas on planes. While we can help manage these preferences in your travel profile, noise-cancelling headphones give you control over your sound environment anywhere.”
Strategic Meeting Planning
Want to turn a Durban deal into a long weekend at the beach? 2025’s calendar offers some clever opportunities to blend business with leisure – if you plan strategically.
Mark these dates in your calendar:
- March 21 (Human Rights Day) creates a perfect long weekend. Schedule your Cape Town meetings for Thursday, and you’ve got a three-day coastal escape.
- April’s double holiday bonus (18th and 21st) means scheduling your Johannesburg meetings for the 17th could give you a five-day break – perfect for that Kruger safari you’ve been dreaming about.
“We’re seeing more clients maximising their business travel through strategic scheduling,” says Moroke. “Our team can help structure your business travel around these dates, often securing better rates for the leisure portion. We’ll ensure your travel insurance covers both segments while maintaining clear separation between corporate and personal expenses.”