How to Make the Most of Business Travel

To desk-bound colleagues, life on the road might sound exciting. But if frequent travel is required for your business, then delayed flights, hectic schedules and restless nights probably have you yearning for home.

Fortunately, you can make your trips more bearable with these tips:

Pamper yourself. If you're traveling over a weekend, use Saturday or Sunday to get a little rest and relaxation. Schedule a massage or a body wrap at your hotel spa. Visit a museum or play golf. Catch up on your sleep, read a book or watch a movie in your room.

Eat right. When you book your airline ticket, request a special meal. Airlines' vegetarian and low-fat meals are more healthful and often taste better than the standard fare.

Once you're on the ground, skip the fast food and take yourself out to a decent restaurant. You'll be pleased to discover that dining out alone isn't what it used to be. Some restaurants in metropolitan areas cater to solo diners by offering communal seating. Ask your hotel's concierge for suggestions.

Exercise. Working out is a great stress buster. Today hotels make it easy to maintain your fitness routine: Some provide exercise equipment for your room, and others have fitness centers or offer temporary memberships at local gyms.

Get your ZZZs. Lost sleep can affect a business traveler's stamina. Take your sleep seriously: Always pack earplugs and eyeshades to help you sleep on the plane or in your hotel room.

Ask if your hotel has a floor reserved for business travelers. Not only will you find an abundance of faxes and telephone lines, but these floors are also quieter than those filled with vacationers and families. Some hotels, including Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Hotels, have special sleep rooms designed to keep out light and noise.

Stay at B&Bs. Traditionally, bed and breakfasts have been the favorite of leisure travelers, but an increasing number cater to business travelers, offering corporate rates, in-room Internet access and meeting areas. B&Bs are quaint and comfortable, making them a refreshing alternative to standard hotels.

Use a travel agent. Travel agents can eliminate reservation frustrations. With one phone call you can book your flight, hotel and rental car, as well as make changes to your existing reservations. Plus, an agent will learn your travel preferences and book through the appropriate channels to get frequent-flyer credit, discounts, and membership benefits.

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