Research by the travel website Booking.com has revealed that 97 per cent of global travellers believe technology has made it easier to book travel and for 18 per cent of business travellers, free Wi-Fi is their number one must-have while on the road.

The website has compiled a list of the top five essential tech offerings transforming the way professionals travel – from booking tools to integrated expense management solutions, travel stress relievers and AI-infused high-tech hotels.

Mobile-enabled business travel

Like leisure travellers, business travellers are increasingly reliant on mobile technology to facilitate and guide their trips, turning to their smartphones to alert them to traffic conditions and potential flight disruptions and for booking taxis and locating key services like cash points with the swipe of a finger. Having instant access to information and the ability to make changes on the go streamlines travel, alleviates unnecessary stress, and most importantly, saves time when it’s most precious.

The rapid introduction of new mobile-first tools is also simplifying the way business travellers book and manage their trips. As long as you have a mobile connection, sites like Booking.com give you the flexibility to browse, book, change or cancel travel or accommodation plans on the move and at the push of a button.

Portable gadgets for every need

Travelling light is crucial on a business trip, where you may be restricted to hand luggage. Here are the top three portable must-have gadgets for when you’re on the go:

>> A high-capacity portable battery pack, so you’re never stranded with a dead battery

>> A lightweight GPS tracker to ease worries of lost luggage for those times when you do need to check a bag

>> Portable Wi-Fi router to create your own secure wireless connection and stay connected at all times – ideal while you’re on the go.

High-tech accommodation

Increasingly, accommodation providers are innovating to embed the latest technology into all aspects of your stay. Check out The Yotel in New York City for example, where upon entry you’ll be assisted by its onsite luggage-storing robot, the Yobot.

Many high-tech hotels are centring the hospitality experience around smart phones, putting power back in the hands of guests. At City Hub in Amsterdam, for example, guests use a mobile app to control amenities in their room and interact with other travellers, and at CitizenM hotels (with locations in Amsterdam, New York City and London), they take personalisation one step further, equipping all rooms with a tablet to control the TV, window blinds, temperature, lighting, and even the morning alarm call.

Managing business travel receipts and expenses

Tracking your business travel expenses can be tiresome and inaccurate. But with apps like Expensify all you have to do is create a report, and use your phone’s camera to scan your receipts – then sit back and let the app do the rest of the work. Once your trip is complete, you can email the full report with expense breakdowns to your finance manager. Advanced budget control tools from Booking.com for Business also mean that you can keep a close eye on spending at any time to easily ensure you are not exceeding corporate budgets.

Wind down and de-stress with tech

Down time is crucial on a hectic business trip to help you be at your most productive, and nail that pitch or meeting.