From Hiking to Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks in Utah! [A Travel Checklist]

BY  Ankita Feb 5, 2024

Sustainable travel practices are becoming increasingly vital for corporate travel agencies as they navigate the complexities of modern business needs and environmental responsibilities. By integrating sustainability into their policies and offerings, these agencies not only support eco-friendly initiatives but also address the burgeoning demand for responsible travel options. A corporate travel agency can play a pivotal role in reducing a company's carbon footprint through various strategies, such as offering flights with lower emissions, eco-friendly accommodations, and ground transportation options that minimize environmental impact. With the rise of sustainability, corporate travel agencies have an opportunity to lead the change towards more responsible business travel. These agencies are instrumental in educating clients about the environmental impact of their travel choices and providing them with sustainable alternatives that align with their corporate social responsibility goals. By leveraging their expertise and industry connections, travel agencies can help businesses implement sustainable travel practices that contribute to a greener future without compromising on efficiency and convenience. Key Takeaways Corporate travel agencies are essential for promoting sustainability in business travel. Agencies aid in reducing travel-related carbon footprints through eco-friendly options. Expertise from agencies assists companies in adopting sustainable travel practices. The Impact and Importance of Sustainable Business Travel Your understanding of sustainable business travel is crucial not only for reducing your company's carbon footprint but also for contributing positively to the environment. With a rise in awareness about climate change, corporate travel agencies are key players in helping businesses travel smarter. Understanding the Environmental Impact of Business Travel When you consider business travel, it's important to recognize the substantial environmental impact it can have. Flights, for instance, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with aviation accounting for about 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Since transportation is a critical component of corporate travel, the energy used in business trips directly correlates to increased carbon emissions, thus accelerating climate change. Integrating Sustainable Travel Options into Corporate Travel To address these issues, your corporate travel policies must integrate sustainable travel options. This could involve: Choosing flights that use sustainable aviation fuel Partnering with vendors prioritizing sustainability Utilizing a carbon calculator to track and manage carbon emissions By doing so, you actively participate in reducing the carbon footprint of your business travels. Additionally, corporate travel managers are now sourcing sustainable vendors and incorporating these practices as a standard in travel programs, which increasingly reflects your company's commitment to social responsibility. Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Travel Practices Transitioning to sustainable business travel isn't simply a trend; it's an essential evolution in response to global environmental challenges and consumer expectations. As a corporate travel agency, your strategic implementation of sustainable practices is imperative. The Role of Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Travel Technology and innovation serve as the backbone for advancing sustainable travel. Travel policies can be greatly enhanced by integrating software that tracks and reports on carbon emissions, encouraging customers to opt for greener options. For instance, using platforms that offer carbon-neutral travel options provides travelers with transparent and impactful choices. You can further foster responsible travel by investing in technology that simplifies the booking of eco-friendly accommodations and transportation. Examples of technology aiding sustainable travel: Carbon emission tracking tools: Helps in monitoring and reducing the traveler's carbon footprint. Eco-rating systems: Assists customers in choosing services with lower environmental impacts. Building Connections with Local Communities and Tourism Developing connections with local communities and encouraging sustainable tourism are also vital. Strong relationships lead to more authentic travel experiences and ensure that the benefits of tourism extend to the local economy. As a travel agency, advocate for travel experiences that respect local regulations and customs and promote sustainability. Ways to connect with local communities include: Local sourcing: Advocate for using local guides and services. Supporting local ventures: Encourage travelers to engage with businesses that give back to the community. By prioritizing these strategies, your agency plays a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future for the travel industry. Sustainable Business Travel Tips Here are some of the best sustainable travel practices that corporations can implement in order to decrease their carbon footprint without having to give up business travel.  Book Your Business Trips Selectively Getting a change of air and venue to get out of the daily grind in the office is something every corporate likes. However, the organizations of these individuals must question their need for such extravagant in-person travel. As it happens, this can greatly affect the ecological footprint of the organization.  Businesses can help discourage such short trips and encourage a string of numerous trips together. Companies must consider if virtual alternatives could also be a possibility. Many corporate conferences offer virtual options through video conferencing tools that help workers attend a session and listen to the speakers without having to travel. ‘ Eco-Friendly Transportation If the traveling distance is not too far away, then businesses must ask their employees to take a train instead of a flight. According to the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, railways have lesser carbon emissions than air travel. Trains also have a higher comfort quotient with better views and increased legroom.  It may be that taking a train is not an option in certain cases. If travelers must get on a plane, businesses must encourage them to take a direct flight. Takeoff and landing cycles influence carbon emissions. The fuel combustion at takeoff and cruising to higher altitudes is very high. Flights with layovers could be more economical but it does not help the environment get any better.  Choose Green Hotels Many hospitality chains around the world have reduced their carbon footprint. While booking hotels, ask them about the steps they have taken to go green and if they have a LEED certification. It is a certification program that acknowledges sustainably built systems. Hotels now provide just new sheets and towels on arrival, which helps conserve water and energy in the process. In some hotels, single-use toiletries are no longer in use. Now, they offer bulk items such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the shower. This eliminates the production of excess waste in the landfill.  Conclusion Corporate travel agencies have a critical role in shaping sustainable business travel practices. Through their expertise, they guide you in adopting green travel policies, ensuring that your business's travel footprint aligns with broader sustainability goals. By choosing suppliers with sustainable credentials and continuously monitoring travel impacts, your travel program can contribute to protecting the environment while also promoting social responsibility within your organization. In partnership with these agencies, you have the power to make each business trip an opportunity for positive change. Learn More About: How To Save Money On A Trip To Abu Dhabi? 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg How To Use Videos To Drive Conversions In Travel Business?

BY  Arnab Apr 11, 2023

The Vatican Museums was recently in the news for unveiling one of its restored masterpieces. Further, the unveiling on 15th August 2024 showcased the restored form of a stunning marble sculpture of the Greek God Apollo in the Pio Clementino Museum of the Museums.  Now, the sculpture known as the “Apollo Belvedere” has inspired poets and artists across generations. Further, the statue had damage to the legs and knees. Along with repairing these damages, the restoration work also increased the stability of the statue.  This type of restoration... is the expression of what we want the Vatican Museums to be. "A balance of tradition, linguistics and study, with a gaze that looks to the future."Barbara Jatta, Director, The Vatican Museums  Furthermore, this Apollo Belvedere was one of the first masterpieces in the museum, and the way it depicts the curled hair and musculature is impeccable.  Above all, along with the Apollo Statue, the Vatican Museums is home to some of the world’s most famous and historic museums, making it a must-see destination for visitors from around the globe.  So, with its impressive collections spanning art, history, and culture, there are countless opportunities for exploration at the Vatican Museums. It has the best artifacts of ancient Egypt and Rome.  Moreover, from guided tours to self-guided visits, here is a flavor of what you need to know about taking a tour of the region’s museums and what you might see. Did You Know?Pope Julius II brought the Apollo statue to the Vatican in the early 16th century.Further, the Apollo Belvedere statue in the Vatican Museums is an emulation of a Greek bronze statue.Moreover, The Vatican Museums is the most consistent source of income for the Holy See's. Every year, the museum has around 7 million visitors and it generates a yearly revenue of $100 million.  The Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums  One of the most popular ways to tour The Vatican's Museums is by taking a guided Vatican tour. These can provide visitors with an expert guide who can take them through the galleries and explain the art, history, and culture in each room. Tour guides will typically provide details about the artwork, architecture, and artifacts throughout the museum. If you want the information in addition to taking in all the magnificent sights, then this is a good way to get it into your head and have something of interest to take to the dinner party table back home. Guided tours typically cost a few extra Euros, but they are well worth the money. You cannot beat having some direction when visiting museums that are full of interest. Self-Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums If you would rather explore The Vatican's Museums yourself, you can also opt for a self-guided tour. Self-guided visits allow tourists to explore their surroundings individually and at their own pace, as well as focus on what interests them most. Of course, you will need to purchase any tickets in advance, and all visitors must adhere to the museum’s dress code if they have one. If you have elderly family members who may struggle to keep up with the pace of the younger tourist, or you have children with particular educational interests, then it is good to be able to stroll around at your leisure. It does provide the opportunity to only explore what you are most interested in as a smaller group or perhaps a couple. Main Attractions These museums are home to some of the most iconic and historic collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel, for example, is an exquisite chapel decorated with artwork by Michelangelo that is sure to take your breath away. Other attractions include ancient sculptures and frescoes, galleries featuring European masterpieces, and more. Different Vatican Museums The Vatican Museums are composed of several different museums, each with its unique collection. The Pio-Clementino Museum, for example, is focused on antiquities and sculptures from Ancient Rome and Greece. Other museums include the Pinacoteca, which features European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries; and the Etruscan Museum, which is devoted to the art of the ancient Etruscans. Regardless of how you choose to explore, it is sure to be a memorable experience. With its stunning artwork and historic artifacts, visitors are able to gain insight into some of the world's most renowned collections. Gregorian Egyptian Museum Gregorian Etruscan Museum Pio Clementino Museum Chiaramonti Museum Lapidary Gallery New Wing Gregoriano Profano Museum Lapidario Profano ex Lateranense Pius-Christian Museum Christian Lapidarium Jewish Lapidarium Pinacoteca Ethnological Museum Anima Mundi Carriage Pavilion Christian Museum Profane Museum Room of the Aldobrandini Wedding Chapel of St. Peter Martyr Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art Sistine Chapel Raphael's Rooms Borgia Apartment Niccoline Chapel Chapel of Urban VIII Room of the Immaculate Conception Room of the Chiaroscuri Before you visit the Vatican Museums in person, you can also take a virtual tour by visiting its official website. Further, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the different museums and their masterpieces.  Moreover, the site has an online catalog that you can go through for an easy, self-guided tour. Also, there are so many things to see that you will need at least 4 to 5 hours to complete a tour of the museum.  Main Attractions Of The Vatican Museums These museums are home to some of the most iconic and historic collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel, for example, is an exquisite chapel decorated with artwork by Michelangelo that is sure to take your breath away. In many ways the ceiling is a compendium, of Michelangelo’s art, of the Renaissance, of Christian theology. Like Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony or Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the ceiling is a transcendent work of genius that can never be exhausted through looking or describing. In the words of Goethe: “Until you have seen the Sistine Chapel, you can have no adequate conception of what man is capable of accomplishing.William E. Wallace, Michelangelo: The Complete Sculpture, Painting, Architecture Moreover, other attractions include ancient sculptures and frescoes, galleries featuring European masterpieces, and more. Collections To Remember At The Vatican Museums  With its incredible collections and fascinating history, a visit to the Vatican Museums should definitely be on the bucket list of every avid traveler. After all, it is one of the world’s greatest cultural sites!  So, most sections of the Vatican Museums have several masterpieces.  Vatican Museums MasterpiecesGregorian Egyptian MuseumVatican NaophorousShroud of the “Lady of the Vatican”Sarcophagus of DjedmutGregorian Etruscan MuseumLarge Wall FibulaCalabresi AmpouleMars of TodiPio Clementino MuseumApoxyomenosApollo BelvedereRiver God ArnoGregoriano Profano MuseumAthena and MarsyasMarble from the ParthenonJulius CaesarPinacotecaMelozzo da Forli, An Angel Playing the LuteLeonardo Da Vinci, St. JeromeEthnological MuseumPukumani Grave PostsPhoenix Crown Throughout the centuries, the Catholic Church and the papacy have curated and preserved artwork from the world in the Vatican Museums. Moreover, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vatican City, this museum is a wonderful fusion of archaeology, art, and history.  Read Also: Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade LoraNocarter+Absecon: 10 Best Things To Do There Six Things To Do If You’re In Pigeon Forge

BY  Nabamita Oct 13, 2022

Well, who didn’t memorize each and every drink from the Starbucks menu? There are people who know even the unpopular items on the menu. But have you seen any Boba tea on their menu?  The simple answer is Yes.  Although Starbucks boba tea collection is a bit bleak, that doesn’t mean they don’t have other boba drink options. Keep on scrolling to find them out.  Does Starbucks Have Boba? No, technically, they still don’t have boba, but as of recently, Starbucks has introduced two new boba iced coffee drinks. Since Starbucks is a retail coffee chain, it primarily sells hot and cold variations of coffee. And from it opened, people loved Starbucks for its variety of novelty and regular hot and cold coffees.  Even though being a coffee shop, Starbucks has a lot of tea options and other non-caffeinated drinks as well. Although a few months back, if you asked me the question, “does Starbucks have boba,” my answer would still be, No. They never thought of Boba until recently.   Starbucks has introduced two new boba drinks that they are testing, whether they are well received or not. So all the boba lovers head to Starbucks to taste their newest boba drinks and vote whether it’s a Yay or a Nay! You May Like To Know About Cafe Creme What Are The Starbucks Boba Drinks Being Tested?  Starbucks has confirmed that they are testing out two boba coffee drinks in their US stores, but they have not yet reported on the type of drinks they are serving. But recently, a Tik Tok went viral that showed the two drinks in detail.  1. Iced Chai Tea Latte With Coffee Pearls This is the first drink that they are serving, it is primarily iced tea, but on top of the ice, there are boba pearls.  This drink seems a bit odd and can be difficult to drink for some people. The cost of an Iced Chai Tea Latte with coffee pearls is priced at $5.45. At times, you might feel as if the drink is too awkward to drink if you do not like anything solid in your liquid drink! The traditional boba is tapioca flavored along with being chewy! This might be the texture a lot of people do not like! Instead, the drink has incorporated a salty and sweet taste in the boba and the size is very similar to coffee beans. 2. In The Dark It is possible that the name is something you may have heard of, “A shot in the dark” drink. The drink seems to be inspired by this phrase. Unlike floating on top of ice like the other one, the pearls sink into the bottom for this drink. This particular drink costs $5.25. According to the Tik Tok video, the drink is “really small and awkward to drink”, and it also tastes “oddly salty-sweet.” But now, if you ask me the question, does Starbucks have boba tea, then the answer is neither Yes nor No. Though they are testing out an Iced chai tea latte with boba pearls, they don’t have the traditional types of boba tea. This drink is similar to the concept of “A Shot in the Dark '' and it is avaiable in “Grande '' size. A lot of people are already waiting for it as per reports on TikTok! The look of the drink is so beautiful and based on the drink being available in Palm Desert, you gotta try it out! Understanding What Is Boba? And It’s Popularity It is a mystery how the sudden craze for boba tea began in western countries. Boba, which is also known as bubble tea, first originated in Taiwan. It was first invented in the 1980s in Taiwan as a type of tea. Then in the 90s, boba tea became popular in some South-Eastern and Eastern countries. But it wasn’t till the mid of 2000s that boba found its way to Western countries, and there it became more hyped. This was when a lot of novelty variations of boba started to originate from the original recipe.  Different forms of boba started happening, like tapioca boba pearls, popping boba pearls, and even crystal boba pearls. Even boba ice cream became a huge invention. It might be stretching a bit, but boba cocktails and boba beer are also a thing, apparently. Boba tea has integrated itself in our regular routine so how can Starbuck stay behind! The reason why they are experimenting on two of their drinks with boba so that they can have complete exclusivity of the product. It is important to understand that their own rendition of the boba tea or drink will help in more social media popularity. Apart from the drink, the concept of ‘Coffee Pearl’ will make the drink more noteworthy among people. How To Make Your Own Boba Tea? If you can’t find a Starbucks boba tea, why not make one for yourself?  Making your own boba is not a big deal; there are a lot f make your own boba tea kit available online, so you can easily make one for yourself.  There are two ways you can buy your own starter kit. The first is to buy the regular boba starter kit that includes loose or powdered lead tea, tapioca pearls, and boba straws, along with reusable boba cups.  These homemade kits also feature flavors like classic milk tea, taro milk, raspberry milk tea, pearl milk tea, and also jasmine milk tea.  The other way is to make boba tea from scratch at home. Though it might sound a bit complicated, in reality, it's not.  By making boba at home, the number one advantage is that you can control the flavor of the whole thing. And you can also decide on the type of milk you wanna use and also how much.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): If you wanna know more about Starbucks boba tea, then here are a few questions that others have asked that might help you to get more clarity. Q1. Is Starbucks Testing Boba? Yes, Starbucks is currently testing two boba flavors in their US stores. The two features flavors are In the dark and Iced chai tea latte with coffee pearls. Q2. Does Starbucks Actually Have Boba? No, at the moment, Starbucks doesn’t carry any boba tea, but two Starbucks boba tea are still in the testing phase. And after the test is over, it might be available. Q3. What Is The Cheapest Thing At Starbucks? There are definitely cheap options at Starbucks. Among them are the cheapest options on Starbucks, Teavana hot tea, and short hot brewed coffee. Wrapping Up! Boba tea has huge popularity worldwide, and Starbucks is well aware of that, so it won’t be late when they also try to profit from this trend of boba tea. So if Starbucks boba tea is not available at this particular moment, be assured that soon boba will be available here in Starbucks. Read Also: Top 5 Best Coffee Shops Of India The Speciality Of Barnaby’s Cafe Cafe Creme – Best Review By Users