As an intrepid road warrior, there’s nothing quite like the buzzing excitement of jet engines below, the rainbow of city lights during a night landing, or the satisfaction of nailing your presentation on the other side of the continent. Business travel is where productivity honks its horn at adventure on the highway of life. And as a tenacious blogger, I’ve picked up a trick or two to transform your trip from tirade-inducing to treasure chest of tips and wisdom. Here are some nuggets of advice about air travel, hotel stays, car rentals, and dining out for the business traveler. Buckle up!
The Savvy-Flyers Guide to Air Travel
Before you even think about climbing aboard that aluminum bird, loyalty is key – both in life and air travel. Joining an airline’s frequent flyer program can act as a cushion for your bottom line while endowing you with perks like priority boarding or access to posh lounges where you have the undeniable pleasure of sipping complimentary espresso martinis in a quiet oasis of tranquility.
Airport security is no less than the fourth circle of Dante’s Inferno. However, programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry make the process less “Saw V” and more “Eat Pray Love”. They’ll save you precious time and give your shoes an undeserved reprieve from the cold airport floor.
Graduating from the School of Hotel Stays
Unless you’re embodying the role of a modern nomad, chances are you’re going to need a place to rest your weary head. Hotel loyalty programs will have you sleeping on roses, while earning points like a Pinball wizard for free nights or room upgrades. Android users, your smartphone is your best companion here (sorry Siri!): applications like HotelTonight offer last minute deals when you’re caught in a pinch.
Mastering the Art of Car Rentals
A strange city, a different rental car, and a GPS that thinks a lake is the next right turn? We’ve all been there. Making rental car reservations online can save you greenbacks and allow you to choose the make and model that you’re most comfortable driving (or the one that matches your tie, no judgement here).
And remember, there’s no need to pump up the rental company’s profit margins by paying a small ransom for insurance. Check out your own coverage first, and let your credit card companies join the fight – many of them cover rental damages too!
The Gentleman’s Guide to Dining Out
If there’s one thing I can offer sound advice about, it’s food. Clichéd as it may sound, think local when dining out. An exotic locale brings with it the promise of culinary delights waiting to explode on your palate. Skip the fast food joints and instead ask locals for restaurant recommendations. Finally, keep track of your expenses. There are plenty of mobile apps to help organize your receipts – saving you the three-hour rendezvous with crumpled papers at the end of your trip.
Business travel needn’t be a dreaded bullet on your schedule. With a little charm, a touch of preparation, and a dash of humor, each trip will transform into a treasured memory on your career’s memoirs. Make every meeting, every bite of exotic cuisine, every night in a far-off city, count. Safe travels, my friends!
