What You Need to Know About 12- and 15-Passenger Van Rentals
Planning a group trip for a department outing, club event, or research project often means using a 12- or 15-passenger van. Because these vehicles handle differently than standard cars, both university policies and rental vendor rules must be followed. Here’s a simplified guide to help you stay compliant and safe: 1. Driver Qualifications (University Requirements) […]
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 […]
Travel Tip: Tips and Gratuities Are Already Included
When traveling on behalf of VCU, it’s important to keep in mind that the university follows federal Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) per diem guidelines. What does that mean for you? Your daily per diem already includes a set amount to cover incidental expenses—like tips and gratuities. Because of this, these costs should not be […]
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 […]
International Travel Update: Emergency Support Resources
Recently, we shared guidance regarding international travel and Level 3 and 4 U.S. Department of State advisories, including ITAC petition requirements and STEP enrollment. You can review that full guidance here: Know Before You Go: International Travel Advisory Guidance. To support upcoming international travel, we’re highlighting emergency assistance resources available to VCU employees traveling abroad. […]
Using University Corporate Discount Codes the Right Way
We all love a good discount. And when you’re booking travel for University business, our contracted corporate codes are there to help you secure preferred rates and built-in protections. But here’s the important part: University corporate discount codes are for official VCU business travel only. Using a business code for personal or leisure travel may […]
Covered on the Road: Rental Car Insurance Made Simple
Renting a vehicle for university business? Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and fully protected. To ensure full coverage and alignment with university policy, please review the requirements below before booking your rental. 👩🏾💼 Employee Requirements All VCU employees must have Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) coverage for […]
🚧 Long Bridge Rail Project Underway: What University Travelers Need to Know
Major construction officially began on January 12, 2026, for the Long Bridge rail project over the Potomac River. This important infrastructure upgrade is expected to continue through 2030 — and it will temporarily impact Amtrak service along this busy corridor. 🕒 Daily Bridge Closures Throughout construction, all northbound and southbound Amtrak trains traveling across the […]
Limited-Time Southwest A-List Promotion (2/15/2026 – 3/15/2026)✈️
Great news! Southwest Airlines is offering a special promotion for employees who have a Rapid Rewards® number. If you’re not currently an A-List Member, this is your opportunity to receive complimentary promotional A-List status for 90 days when you enroll between February 15, 2026 and March 15, 2026. 🌟 What You’ll Enjoy with A-List Status […]
