This week we offer ways to make your business travel more rewarding and productive with a guide from productivity experts about the best ways to spend your business trip downtime; where to find and how to spot the world’s elite concierges; and business travel survey results that prove if you want to be left alone while you travel, you’re in good company.
LOUNGING AMEX STYLE
If you use an American Express Platinum or Centurion card on your travels, your pre-flight airport time could look calm, luxurious and already included in your membership benefits. From manicures to chef-inspired menus, the 9 Centurion lounges allow you and your guests to board feeling pampered and peaceful.
FLY FOR LESS
If you’re lucky enough to have the words first class and 5 star in your work travel plans – kudos. But if you’re part of a growing career population that is self-employed, you likely watch your expenses like a hawk. This article from Boston Herald offers a few tips for navigating the volatile landscape of airfares.
DOWNTIME
A perk of business travel is having some time to yourself, at the end of the day. Is answering email the best way to spend it? This guide from Huffington Post UK has advice from productivity experts about how you really should use your downtime on the road.
KEYS TO THE CITY
Elite travelers know that a crossed keys lapel pin on a hotel staff member identifies a Clefs d’Or concierge. These members of the Golden Keys are highly trained and well-connected hotel staffers whose local knowledge, network – and sometimes even budget – make them super fixers for their VIP clients. Read about them in this BBC Capital story.
FLYING SOLO
You’re not alone if you want to be left alone when you travel for business, reports The Economist. Half of business travelers do, and they prefer technology over human interaction when managing travel. This interesting read highlights survey results from frequent business travelers about travel and tech, including why Americans need it more than Europeans.