Getting Around

The airline seat capacity explosion that we are witnessing globally today, spurred on mainly by the launch of a slew of low cost carriers and no-frills airlines, has completely altered the dimension and scope of travel today. Having just returned from a European sojourn, partly business and partly pleasure, I can vouch for the fact that the available choices and cost effectiveness of air travel today has absolutely no parallel or precedent whether you travel on business or leisure. However, having been spoilt of choice in the sky, the biggest casualty has probably been that the avid traveller who wants to take in the sights, sounds and culture of the place that he is travelling to, be it on business or leisure. Being one of them myself, I can vouch for the fact that there is no better way to absorb a destination than by road or rail.

So how does one do it? The silver lining in this day and age for the voyeuristic traveller is the fact that car rentals have come of age now and self drives is the new trend today. I certainly wouldn't recommend a self drive to any one of the major business cities or metros of the world, be it, Mumbai, Delhi, London, Paris, New York, Milan etc where public transport or a driver are the recommended options. However, before and after any business trip, a weekend getaway or a self drive into the far-flung countryside is a real winner. While car rentals have now become an integral part of any business journey, the options that these rental companies offer make it both convenient and cost effective to almost all categories of travellers. This issue of feBusiness Traveller provides an overview of the car rental scenario in India and traces its impact on business travel within the country. Definitely a concept whose time has arrived…

Sheldon Santwan
EDITOR, feBusiness Traveller
Sheldon can be reached at editor@businesstravellerindia.com