I have been in the IT / data processing business world for over twenty years and have to many, many company sites all over the world more times than I can remember. Most of these trips lasted from a few weeks to a few months depending upon the project and complexities of the solutions. Aside from piling up plenty of frequent flier points I also amassed a large number of various hotel bonus points. Yes, there were plenty of flight delays and cancellations I have had to endure and over the years, I grew to expect them and deal with them in a calm manner so as to preserve sanity while "on the road".
I do want to share one great modification I made to my business travels that totally changed business into more of a pleasure when it related to accommodations. I switched from the rigid confines of hotel stays to finding sublets or furnished corporate rentals when my business stay was going to be for two or more weeks. What a terrific change this was for me! Instead of having to pack up each weekend and make deals with the hotel's front desk to store my bags and suitcases over the weekend while I returned home I just got myself to the airport with no bags and traveled carefree knowing that my "home away from home" would be there just as I left it when I returned on a Sunday night and that I would be ready to go for the whole next week at the job site. What a major relief and change this made to my life. Oh yes there are many other benefits too like a lot more room, a full kitchen vs. a microwave, full sized washer and dryer vs. bagging my clothes and having them done by the hotel, and the peace and serenity like a real home.
By the way, finding these places was simple too. I used on line classified ads, Craig's List, or White Collar Rentals in the city I was headed to and for most of the available places checked out photos and videos making my expectations clear and easy.
That's what I have to say! Just passing along a great tip that made significant positive changes to way I travel for all of my corporate project adventures. Hey, life is tough enough and the business world is a jungle. Do yourself a favor once in a while. Enjoy.
