How to Combine Business and Personal Travel at VCU
When you’re traveling on behalf of Virginia Commonwealth University, there’s a bit of planning required to keep your finances and the University’s separate. Mixed-purpose travel, often called “blended travel” refers to trips that combine business responsibilities with personal leisure time, requiring careful allocation and separation of personal and business expenses. Here is your quick guide […]
Amtrak launching express bus service between Metro Richmond and D.C.
New express bus service connecting Richmond and Washington, D.C. began on March 7. The buses are designed to supplement rail travel while construction continues on the Long Bridge Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding passenger rail capacity between Virginia and the nation’s capital. Amtrak will offer round-trip, nonstop bus service between Richmond’s Staples Mill […]
CTP Lightning Update: Improved Design, Same Reliable Tools
On March 16, 2026, the Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP) online booking tool, Lightning, got a fresh new look. The updated design uses lighter, brighter colors to make the platform easier to read and navigate. While the appearance has changed, everything else remains the same. All features and functions are still in their usual places, so […]
Winter Weather Travel Recommendations
Flight disruptions can occur unexpectedly due to factors such as weather conditions, airline scheduling issues, or government-related operations. These situations can develop rapidly and may impact both domestic and international travel. To help reduce inconvenience and minimize long wait times resulting from travel disruptions and delays, VCU’s Travel Services Team, through partnership with Collegiate Travel […]
Become an Emerald Club member today for rental car benefits!
Enterprise Mobility, which includes Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rentals, is a preferred vendor for vehicle rentals and offers substantial savings and benefits for both University related-business and personal travel. Through its Emerald Club Royalty Program, our travelers receive faster and more convenient rental privileges. Sign up to be an Emerald Club member to receive the […]
Guidance for Changing or Cancelling Airline Tickets
Delta Air Lines has recently updated its “No-Show” policy. To retain the full value of your ticket- either for a refund or future travel credit- you must cancel or make changes to an existing ticket prior to original flight departure time. Effective January 12, 2026, Delta will be implementing new technology that will automatically update […]
Winter Travel Disruption
The VCU Travel Services Team wants to remind all travelers that flight disruptions can occur due to factors like weather, airline scheduling challenges or government operations. These situations can lead to increased delays or cancellations for both domestic and international travel and can develop quickly. Key tips for a Smooth Journey Remember Collegiate Travel Planners […]
Know Before You Go! ATC – Air and Rail Reservations
Air and rail travel reservations with VCU’s Agency Travel Card can be made through Collegiate Travel Planners’ online booking tool or by contacting a CTP agent. Departments must provide the Chrome River Pre-Approval number and approved Banner index number for bookings. Pre-Approvals are mandatory for all air and rail bookings, even for guest travelers or […]
