The alternative business-travel guide
Business travel is a bit of a mixed blessing. Sure, it’s great to get away from the confines of the office and to see new places. But it’s also a pain to be away from loved ones, to wait in airports for what seems like eternity, to eat hotel and airline food (despite your best efforts) and to wake up at soul-destroying times in the morning to make it in time for a crappy hotel breakfast.
While not in the same league as many, I have been lucky enough to have done a fair share of business travel in my time – from business class, five star; to economy, two star. As a result I’ve built up a bit of an alternative survival guide.
Reject taxis
Unless utterly unavoidable, travel by trains, buses, tube, rickshaws, boat, or, failing all of those, walk. Except in Asia where they’re a law unto themselves, taxis are sanitized pods that transport you from A to B with no recognition of what’s in between. And, just for good measure, they might go via Z as well.
Go to a decent jazz club
Every city has one. New York and London offer the best. But, still, every city has one and they help to make sense of the world.
Take in a beer at the airport bar
And not the BA or Emirates business lounge. No, a proper airport bar. Like the Irish pub at Dubai International. Or the crappy Wetherspoons at Gatwick. Sit at the bar and drink large beers from a glass with a handle. Make friends with the barman. Strike up conversation with random travellers. Feel the love.
Buy trinkets
I have a friend who buys a fridge magnet from every place he visits. I buy a toy for my son. Whatever you decide on, make sure it can be achieved easily and at airports. And stick to it – otherwise you’re left with an incomplete collection to bore your friends with when you’re old and grey.
Get lost
Literally. If you’ve got time in the evening – not always the case – go and get lost. Despite being lost, I guarantee you’ll stumble across the most interesting places in town.
And that’s about it – stick by these few simple rules, and you won’t go far wrong.
You never know, you might even keep your sanity.
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