UBCTravelSmart, the University of British Columbia travel program, provides UBC faculty, staff and researchers with guidelines for making travel reservations and reimbursement process for university-related travel.
Book Travel
The preferred and most convenient way to book University-related travel is with Concur, UBC's self-serve, customized online booking tool or UBC's contracted full-service travel agency, North South Travel.
When booking with UBC's preferred travel partners, travellers receive University negotiated discounts and pricing. Should an emergency or unexpected event occur, travellers receive 24/7/365 service.
When booking with UBC's preferred travel vendors and utilizing the UBC American Express Travel & Entertainment card for travel and travel-related expenses, travellers ensure that departmental funds are spent prudently and that all available savings are leveraged. Only UBC's contracted travel services have access to UBC negotiated rates for:
There are numerous public and airline sites that may be perceived as providing the best fares. While this may be occasionally true it is not in the best interest of the traveller and/or the University as a whole.
As the travel industry is deregulated, fares change from time to time based on demand, and no single source (agency, on-line or airline direct) can claim ownership of the lowest fares 100% of the time. Consideration should be taken to the amount of time that is spent searching multiple sites versus utilizing UBC’s self serve or full service programs.
When booking through Concur or North South Travel, travellers ensure their safety should an emergency arise while travelling on university-related business.
The information provided is for reference only, it is not intended as a replacement for UBC Policy #83 - Travel and Related Expenses and Administrative Directive, and Policy #84 - Entertainment Expenses.
Travel supported by research grants or contracts must comply with University regulations and policies, unless otherwise indicated by the granting agency.
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