Tips and Advice for the Harried Business Traveler: Air Travel, Hotel Stays, Car Rentals, and Restaurant Choices
Boarding the corporate jet to jet-set commerce may seem swanky and glamorous to those uninitiated in the treacherous trenches of business travel. However, as many well-heeled suits can attest, navigating the labyrinth of air travel, hotel stays, car rentals, and restaurant choices is more akin to scaling Everest than lounging in a posh resort. This comedic chaos forms the fodder for today’s blog post. Buckle your seatbelt and ready for takeoff as we dip into some tips and advice for the harried, hurried, and hungry business traveler.
First-Class Flying – Air Travel Tips for Business Megastars
We’ve all been there; the mad scramble to book that last-minute flight, the incessant need for punctuality coupled with the dreadfully inevitable flight delay. All these can seem as daunting as pulling yourself through quicksand. Fear not! Here are some high-flying hints to aid your airborne adventures:
- Join a frequent flyer program: Nothing soothes the scars of long-haul flights quite like accumulating air miles. They can be redeemed for future flights, premium services, or, for the more adventurous, a Mars mission.
- Pack light, pack smart: Unless you’re invited to a black-tie gala with the Queen, refrain from stuffing every piece of clothing into your suitcase. Pack versatile attire instead. Who says business blazers can’t morph into dinner jackets?
- Stay tech-savvy: Opt for e-boarding passes to save time and pack portable chargers to ensure that your gadgets never experience energy despair.
Hotel Sweet Hotel – Tips To Make The Most Of Your Hotel Stays
Between navigating foreign halls to arguing with room service about the meaning of ‘fully cooked,’ hotel stays can be more challenging than negotiating that coveted international contract. Here, we propose some wisdom for transforming your hotel stay into an oasis of calm:
- Loyalty pays: By signing up to hotel loyalty schemes, you can often bag yourself free nights and room upgrades. Now that’s checking in with style!
- Location, location, location: Monday morning meetings are stressful enough without getting lost en route. Choose a hotel close to your central business activities.
- No man is an island: Utilize the concierge service. They are the living, breathing Google maps and Yelp reviews of your neighborhood.
Rev Those Business Engines – Savvy Car Rentals
Retaining your sanity in the madness of multi-city commutes becomes significantly more manageable with the right rental car. If the thought of narrowing down your options gives you whiplash, consider these tips:
- Know your needs: Identify your specific needs: city driving or rural romping? Crew of one or an entire boardroom? This will influence the type of rental car you require.
- Consider insurance: Collision/Loss Damage Waiver insurance could well be your knight in shining armor amidst unfortunate mishaps. However, some credit cards offer similar coverage as a perk. Investigate before splurging.
- Fuel the debate: Fill up the tank yourself before returning your rental car. You’ll likely get a better rate than letting the rental agency do it.
Dine Like a Business Deity – Restaurant Tips
Whether schmoozing clients or simply looking for a divine dinner, one can’t underestimate the importance of choosing the right restaurant. To impress your tastebuds and potentially clinch that deal, consider these gourmet guidelines:
- Peruse online reviews: We live in a digital age, and as a business traveler, you should use this to your advantage. Read reviews to choose a delightful dining destination.
- Make a reservation: No one likes the awkward dance of uncertainty when you’re waiting for a table. Book a spot in advance to avoid a culinary faux pas.
- Don’t experiment when crucial: If you’re dining with a client or colleague, choose a restaurant where you’ve enjoyed a meal before. Risk-taking is for stock markets, not client dinners!
The world of business travel, while often chaotic, can be navigated with finesse and style. With these tips in your attache, you’re well on your way to becoming a business travel aficionado, conquering everything from airport turbulence to mercurial rental car clerks with the panache of an experienced globetrotter. Safe travels and bon appetit!
