I love to travel. Whether it's business travel or for pleasure, I love it. (And that's a good thing, actually, since I'm on the road about as often as I'm home.)
But not everyone enjoys travel, particularly when it's for work. Long lines, the TSA, delayed flights, missing reservations…I get it. It can be stressful and difficult.
Luckily there's good news: There are a number of benefits to business travel. You just have to know how to get 'em. Here are some of my favorites.
1. Travel Rewards Programs
Did you know that there are companies and websites out there that offer travelers the ability to accumulate valuable rewards? Companies like Ebates, One Travel and even familiar names like AAA have rewards programs that can help you get more for your business travel dollar.
One of my personal favorites to use for booking traveling is Upside. There's no fee to join, and package rates for business airfare and hotel packages typically come in at or below the prices you'll find elsewhere. You can also get gift cards on top of any other rewards points you would normally accrue.
2. Free Wi-Fi
I firmly believe free wi-fi should be an inalienable human right, but there are plenty of hotels that disagree with me. It's common, though, for hotels to offer free wi-fi for business travelers who are members of their rewards program.
Bonus: If you're a member of their rewards program, you still get that free wi-fi, even if you're traveling for fun!
3. Flexible Travel Arrangements
Some airlines want your first-born child in exchange for switching to a different flight. Many airlines will waive change fees for members of their business rewards programs.
4. Lounges
No more sitting on the floor next to the only available outlet to charge your dying phone. Business lounges are the real deal, and can be accessed either through a membership or as a perk from some airlines' rewards programs.
You can relax in a quiet space, enjoy free wi-fi and—depending on the lounge—have a complimentary drink and snack. You can work in peace and arrive at the gate refreshed.
Corporate portals for many airline rewards programs give you the ability to look at big data in a user-friendly way, arming you with valuable information.
5. Bleisure
As icky as I find the word “bleisure," I love the concept. It's fusing business travel with leisure, and you do it by tacking on additional days to an existing business trip.
Going to Paris for a conference? Take your partner, add a few extra nights and you have a romantic getaway for a fraction of the price!
6. Business Travel Rewards
They're not just for airlines! Yes, you can rack up business miles and redeem them for personal travel, and everyone knows that. But there are rewards programs for practically everything—from hotels to rental cars to restaurant chains.
When you have to spend money for business travel, make sure you're getting every reward perk you can find. I'm talking free meals, free hotel stays or free car upgrades, just to name a few.
7. Drinks
I realize booze may not rank high on everyone's list (especially when you're on a work trip) but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this fun little perk.
Some airlines offer free drinks for members of their business rewards programs. That can make long flights much more palatable.
8. Business-Only Rewards
Anyone can sign up for an airline's loyalty rewards program. But a number of airlines heap additional rewards on especially for businesses.
With Delta, companies can enroll in SkyBonus, a loyalty program for businesses. When enrolled in SkyBonus, your company can earn SkyBonus points when your employee flies with Delta.
American Airlines also offers additional benefits for business travel with their Business Extra program that lets employees continue to accrue personal rewards points, while also racking up corporate rewards points. And PerksPlus is United's version of business-oriented rewards. PerksPlus is specifically designed to serve small and mid-sized companies, rather than catering exclusively to large corporations.
9. Analytics
Business travel can add up to a significant portion of your business expenses. That means you need to understand where the money is going and if it's being spent wisely.
Corporate portals for many airline rewards programs give you the ability to look at big data in a user-friendly way, arming you with valuable information.
10. A Broader Perspective
It's not all about the money. One of my favorite things about travel is that it opens my eyes every single time. I see new people, new places, new cultures and I'm constantly confronted with the opportunity to learn new things. Whether you're in Buffalo or Berlin, every place you visit is a chance to learn and grow.
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Photo: Getty Images
