On track...

Rail travel for business often languishes towards the bottom of corporates' travel management priorities, yet many business travellers will spend considerably more hours on-board trains than on planes or in hotel rooms. Perhaps the lack of competition, the limited variation in product and the complexity of fares are a turn-off, or perhaps it is a perceived lack of scope for negotiating supplier deals. All these subjects are tackled in our first extended feature on rail travel (p61-80), where you can learn more about best booking practice and find out how to secure soft perks and corporate discounts.

Elsewhere in this issue are comprehensive features on the maturing serviced apartment sector (p38-44), the latest developments in online booking tools (p26-30) and, our front cover story, how to help business travellers make the right decisions and stay in policy (p16-17) for their benefit and that of their employer.

The acceleration of mergers and acquisitions among travel management companies was taken to a new level in February when American Express Global Business Travel announced plans to buy HRG, and we explore the development on p12-13.

Another trend gaining traction is traveller wellbeing, which will be the focus of our extended feature in our June/july issue. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject – or anything else travel-related – so drop us a line: editorial@thebusinesstravelmag.com.