When we were asked what we love about business travel, we started to laugh. Like “jumbo shrimp” and “government intelligence,” the words “love” and “business travel” at first seemed like opposites. But the more we pondered the question, the more we realized that travel is in many ways better than ever and sometimes a great joy. Here are a few of our favorite things:
Hotels have gotten so much nicer than when we first hit the road many years ago. No longer does one find the television chained to a cinderblock wall. Even affordable hostelries can be expected to offer amenities that once were available only to big spenders: quality cotton sheets, mountains of pillows of different degrees of firmness, sleek plasma TVs, in-room gourmet coffee and more cable and movies than some people have at home. Spa-level bathroom goodies include designer shampoo, bath gel and conditioner. Business travelers now needn’t spend a fortune to stay in a suite with high-speed internet and access to a business center for printing and faxing. Complimentary breakfast, no longer a glass of reconstituted juice and a sad donut, likely will be cooked to order - a great way to start the day and potentially a good place for a morning meeting. In better places, you can also expect an afternoon reception with hors d’oeuvres and libations.
Airports are unrecognizable from years past. Nowadays, you can indulge in a world-class shopping spree while waiting for a flight: browse through such high-end boutiques as Smythson, Hermes and Montblanc. The most gorgeous Cartier watch we ever drooled over was for sale at the airport in Rome. Many airports also have terrific food. You can enjoy some of the northeast’s best chowder at the legendary Legal Sea Foods in Boston’s Logan, slice into prime steak at Harry Caray’s in Chicago’s Midway and have great Cuban food at La Carreta in Miami International.
Indeed, savoring good food can be one of the most rewarding aspects of business travel, whether you have the opportunity to meet clients over a wonderful meal at a restaurant you’ve been yearning to try or simply have a few hours in a new city to seek out a local specialty unavailable back home. We guarantee you don’t have custard as good as that to be found at Leon’s* in Milwaukee, and you don’t know how good a tamale can be until you’ve been to the Tucson Tamale Company*. Likewise, if you are in Kansas City, you can have the barbecued ribs of your dreams at Arthur Bryant’s,* and in Charleston, Lowcountry Cuisine hits its peak at 82 Queen*.
When we find ourselves at home after a long trip, of course we are relieved and comfortable. On the other hand, business travel now offers so many pleasures that it is possible for life at home to seem very inconvenient. What, make your own supper? Shop for groceries? Where are the fluffy, fresh towels each morning, the on-site fitness center, the ready-to-brew in-room coffee and mini-bar with snacks and mixers that are constantly replenished? Business travel can make you spoiled!
Places Mentioned:
Leon’s: 3131 S. 27th, Milwaukee, WI. 414-383-1784.
Tucson Tamale Company: 2545 E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ. 520-305-4760.
Arthur Bryant’s: 1727 Brooklyn Ave., Kansas City, MO. 816-231-1123.
82 Queen: 82 Queen St., Charleston, SC. 843-723-7591.
