8 Reasons Why I Love Business Travel

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Today’s post comes to you from the road. I’m in Texas on business. In the spirit of business travel, I thought I’d share with you some reasons why I love Business Travel.

1. Traveling for Free

In Swaziland at the Oshoek Border Crossing with South Africa

That’s the obvious one. Traveling for business enables you to see the country (or in some cases, the world), at someone else’s expense. Never in my life did I think I’d ever visit Africa, and through business travel, I’ve been there 6 times. If you truly want to travel more, landing a job with lots of travel is an easy way to do it.

2. Flying Business Class

I’m going to sound snooty for a moment, but anyone who has slept lying down in an aircraft over the Atlantic or Pacific can relate; Flying business class rocks. Endless booze, non-stop entertainment at your fingertips, hot towels and flight attendants thanking you by name are just some of the perks. I’d never pay for it by myself, but if the boss is buyin’, I’m sleeping at 180 degrees of pitch flat!

3. Frequent Flier Miles

Speaking of flying, those miles add up quick. It’s one of the perks of business class travel. Cashing in 120,000 airline miles enabled me to make a trip to Australia affordable. I’ve got about 130,000 on United still left that need to be spent going to some other country, and about 25,000 left on Delta to probably fly home. Flying business class adds bonus miles and elite status is amazing. Upgrades, boarding early and access to lounges. It’s like traveling like a Rock Star but not.

4. Eating at Fancy Restaurants

Let the wine flow, that’s what I always say. Private enterprise has plush accounts (sorry public servants, your expense accounts are usually not that high). Dining at fancy-schmancy places has taught me how to select wines, proper etiquette and other high society norms. But I’m still the same ‘ole adventurer.

5. Staying at Nice Hotels

Sometimes it’s the Holiday Inn, but sometimes it’s the 4 or 5-star palatial hotel. After you’re first visit, you’ll learn the art of tipping everyone who does something for you. Make no mistake, I’m always the most casually dressed guest at these hoity-toity residences.

6. The Clout that comes with Saying I’m a Business Traveler

Saying you’re a business traveler has an aura of sexiness to it. Images of jetting around the globe, closing deals and schmoozing with clients. Airlines like us, because we pay more for tickets. Cabbies do too. Maybe even you have wished you could travel as often as I do. See my point?

7. Client Gifts

At the conclusion of many engagements, clients thank you with tokens big and small. Here’s a partial list:

• Countless Coffee Mugs
• An Ostrich Egg
• Chocolates
• Thumb Drive
• Picture Frames
• A Lunch Box
• Playing Cards
• And a Fire Extinguisher!

I have many of them scattered throughout my office. Memories of people and places.

8. One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Part of the dance of business is building relationships. This is often done over dinner, but sometimes done on unique excursions. Game drives in South Africa, evening strolls in Kuala Lumpur, views of Singapore from the top of the Singapore Flyer, it’s all fun – but it’s all business.

Sounds great, huh? Well in tomorrow’s post I’ll explore what I hate about business travel. It’s not all glamour.

If you’re a business traveler, what do you love about it? Share by commenting.

I’ll see you out there…! But chances are, you’ll be at the back of the plane.

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