Tired of bumpy flights, insipid hotel meals, and rental cars that smell unsettlingly of lavender pine freshener? Grab your ergonomic under-seat roller, charge your whispers-in-your-ear sleep headphones and join me in this exquisitely crafted guide for the itinerant business traveler. Buckle up, because we’re about to transform your ordinary business travel into a first-rate experience!
The Grit and Grind of Air Travel
First and foremost, air travel. If you’re a frequent flyer, building a good rapport with one specific airline can pay dividends. Not only will you rack up miles like there’s no tomorrow, but you’ll also luxuriate in perks like priority boarding, first dibs on upgraded seats, and a coveted spot in the fast-track security line. May I suggest investing in a high-quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones? Because there’s nothing worse than being countless feet above the ground, trapped in confined quarters with a baby hell-bent on breaking the sound barrier.
Hotel Stays: Not Just a Place to Crash
Being away from home should not mean sacrificing comfort. Find a hotel that measures up to your needs; ideally, one with a workstation so you can burn the midnight oil comfortably. Yes, working from the plush hotel bed might seem enticing until you wake up with a crick in your neck. You also want a hotel with excellent WiFi because let’s face it, waiting for a PowerPoint presentation to load while on a deadline can test the patience of a saint.
Hotel loyalty programs are your ticket to a better stay. They’ll usher you out of the realm of the mediocre into the hallowed halls of free room upgrades, late check-outs, and even free stays.
Rent a Car, Save Time, Get Work Done
If you’re on a business trip and the thought of taking a taxi or Uber to every single meeting is more chilling than a polar vortex, you might want to consider renting a car. You might be worried about losing precious time navigating your way through unfamiliar roads, but fret not! Most rental cars come equipped with GPS, allowing you to maneuver your way around like a local. Plus, a car rental often ends up being cheaper than uber-ing everywhere.
Remember, loyalty pays here too! Join a rental company’s reward program and enjoy faster bookings, drop-offs, and a greater choice in the vehicles you can rent.
Eating Out: Turn Meals into Memorable Experiences
Jettison the sad hotel room service menu and venture out to savor the local cuisine. With a little bit of research and some healthy Yelp scrolling, you can experience meals that not only tantalize your palate but also offer a much-needed break from the grind. Hospitality apps like OpenTable can also be a boon when you’re in a new city. They let you browse menus, reviews, and make reservations all at the touch of a button.
But what if you’re stuck with work, and all you can think of is how nice it would be to have a piping hot pizza delivered right to your hotel doorstep? Enter DoorDash and Uber Eats, the heroes of your late-night cravings. And if the hotel has a problem with food delivery? Frankly, it’s time to find a different hotel. A business traveler’s gotta eat!
In conclusion, business travel doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right mix of savvy, luck, and experience, you can turn it into an experience you’ll relish. Remember, business travel is more than just getting from point A to B; it’s about enjoying the journey too.