introduction

What’s below is the introduction to a book I’m writing on a subject that I know quite well, and that is business travel. I’ll add more to my site over time, and eventually finish this book, but for now, here’s a brief tease...

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Of course as I begin to write this, I’m settled into seat 14C, “climbing through 33,000 feet” over the blue shades of Earth. I’m doing something that I have done more than a thousand times and that’s flying home after a week of business travel. You may legitimately question whether or not I’m good at my job, or just about anything else for that matter, but after roughly a million miles, I’m an expert at business travel.

Expertise is a funny thing. It kind of sneaked up on me. I certainly never set out to know so much about business travel. Then all of a sudden, I realized I was spending a portion of every day advising colleagues on things like where to stay, which flights to take, how to pack and where to eat at their destination. It was in fact, one of those colleagues who suggested that I write a book.

Having been on a thousand business trips though isn’t what has made me an expert. Starting with my first business trip in 1991, I have been actively working at “doing business travel well.” In the movie Men in Black, there’s a scene where Will Smith explains to Tommy Lee Jones as he puts on his sunglasses, “The difference between you and me is that I make these look good.” That’s the point of this book. To help you travel well, no matter your budget or schedule.

There are six elements to successful business travel. They are:

1.)Follow your company travel policy exactly.

2.)Travel comfortably.

3.)Work hard and accomplish all of the goals for the trip.

4.)Eat well.

5.)Capitalize on every affinity program.

6.)Do something fun on every trip.

I have a section in the book for each of these elements. In a seventh section at the end, I have included some location specific tips to help you navigate selected cities.

My business travel philosophy is to have as much fun along the way as you can, and I will try to make this book follow that same ideal.

I mention a lot of brand names in this book. No one paid me or gave me anything to be mentioned. These are only personal recommendations.

Happy travels.