Maybe you aren’t dreading the time you’re about to spend in a different city, state or country — but you are most likely dreading the act of actually traveling to your intended destination. And, with cramped economy-class airplane seats, obnoxious cab drivers, less-than-stellar hotels and other hassles, this overwhelming sense of dread makes sense. However, there are some things you can do to improve your upcoming business travel experience.
Assuming that one or more of these tips fit within your budget, let’s examine seven luxury travel tips that will make your next business trip as enjoyable as possible.
1) Book a Car Service for When You Arrive
After a long flight it’s never fun waiting in the rental car line, finally obtaining the keys to your tiny, two-door sedan (of course, they just happened to run out of the spacious SUVs you reserved weeks ago), and then trying to navigate an unfamiliar city behind the wheel of a car you’re not comfortable driving. Instead, hire a car service to pick you up at the airport. This gets rid of all the stressors associated with either driving yourself or trying to find a shuttle or taxi. All you need to do is sit back and let your driver take you to your intended destination.
2) Sign Up for an Airline Credit Card
From points you can use toward first-class tickets to exclusive access to airport lounges, airline credit cards can help you make the most of your business trips. These cards earn frequent flyer miles every time you use them — usually one mile per dollar, with extra miles for purchases from the airline itself or with partners. Most major airlines offer their own credit card, with sign-up or spending bonuses that can make your money go even further.
3) Invest in Comfort Accessories for the Flight
Comfort accessories can transform your flying experience from a noisy, tiring one to a quiet, relaxing one. There are many items available to consumers, like sound-proof headphones, plush neck pillows and eye masks, foot hammocks, and portable armrests/dividers, among other things. These items will give you a sense of peace in what can be a stressful travel environment, while reducing sore muscle pain and cramps. In addition, you might want to skip wearing the suit or skirt (if you can) and opt for some fashionable yet breathable athletic wear that will keep you more comfortable while traveling to and from your destination.
4) Stay in Premier Accommodations
A comfortable bed, clean bathroom, quiet environment and even mini-bar options are essential components to staying comfortable throughout your entire business trip. When picking accommodations, choose a five-star hotel, private condo, luxury villa or relaxing bed and breakfast to ensure that you can unwind and get a full night’s sleep in private after a long day of meetings. Luxury accommodations also come with amenities like up-scale breakfast options, room service and wake-up assistance, helping to improve your experience even further.
5) Don’t Be Afraid to Plan a Special Activity
While you’re certainly traveling on business, that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in a special event that you can daydream about while you’re dozing off during a presentation or board meeting. This will give you a chance to take your mind off of the day-to-day corporate grind of your trip. Plus, if you’re able to plan the trip yourself, you can even extend it through the weekend for some extra sightseeing opportunities.
6) Hire a Business Travel Advisor
If you really want a hands-off business trip, the best option is to hire someone to do it for you. There are many companies and freelance agents out there that provide travel planning for companies, small businesses, CEOs and the like. So, instead of dealing with the hassle of planning the entire trip yourself, have professionals book the flight, hotel and car service, as well as plan the itinerary, day-to-day work schedule and anything else you may need.
7) Skip Commercial — Fly Private
The best way to fly is by renting or buying a private jet and hiring a flight crew. Of course, if you really want to control your comfort levels on a business trip, you can obtain a private pilot license and fly yourself! Obtaining your private pilot license is quicker and easier than you think, and gives you the opportunity to fly whenever and wherever you wish.
Are you interested in becoming a pilot?
Get in touch with Inflight Pilot Training today! We serve business professionals like yourself, helping them reach their goals when it comes to learning to fly.
Inflight is based in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. With a reputable training program and an extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, we can give you the skill set you need to take control of your business trips.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.