Business travel is an essential part of many careers, but it can often feel like a costly, exhausting, and impersonal experience. While credit card perks can certainly sweeten the deal, you don’t need to rely on them to make your work trips more enjoyable and beneficial. With a bit of strategy and loyalty, you can maximize your travel experience, save money, and even enjoy some perks along the way. Here’s how to do it.

1. Stick to One or Two Airlines

Loyalty to a single airline—or a small handful—can work wonders, even without credit card perks. When I first started traveling for business, I didn’t have the status to benefit from the major credit card rewards programs. So, I turned to the airlines’ own loyalty programs, which often offer free perks, upgrades, and miles for frequent travelers.

It might seem counterintuitive at first, especially when other airlines offer lower fare rates or cheaper flights. But in the long run, your loyalty to one or two airlines will reward you with miles that lead to free upgrades and special treatment down the line.

Personally, I have a budget-friendly airline I choose when I’m covering my own travel expenses and accommodations. If my client is handling the travel costs, I choose a different airline, depending on where I’m traveling. It’s a small adjustment that makes a huge difference in terms of comfort and cost savings.

Sure, in the beginning, it might feel like your loyalty isn’t being rewarded right away, but stick with it. The more you fly with the same airline, the better your benefits will become over time.

2. Book Directly with the Airline and Hotel Chains

Avoid Third-Party Bookings:

When booking flights or hotels, always, always book directly through the airline or hotel’s official website or app. Most of the time, you’ll find that the prices are competitive enough that you don’t need to rely on third-party booking sites. Plus, by booking directly, you’ll have more leverage if something goes wrong with your booking, such as delays, cancellations, or issues with your accommodations.

For example, if something goes wrong with your flight, you’re much more likely to get better service and options if you book directly with the airline rather than through a third-party site. The same goes for hotels—if you’re a loyal customer of a specific brand, booking directly will often grant you more flexibility, better customer service, and the potential for upgrades or special perks.

Hotel Loyalty:

When it comes to hotels, I’m a huge fan of Marriott. It’s the world’s largest hotel chain, and their portfolio spans everything from affordable brands like Four Points by Sheraton to luxury offerings like Ritz-Carlton. Marriott’s extensive list of more than 30 brands, and nearly 8,900 properties worldwide gives you plenty of options for different types of trips, whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or more upscale.

Booking directly through Marriott’s website or app also ensures you get the most competitive rates, along with the added bonus of access to exclusive perks, such as room upgrades or early check-in when available. Plus, Marriott has properties like Residence Inn, Townplace Suites, and The Element Hotel, which feature kitchenettes—perfect for longer stays or if you want to cook some of your own meals while on the road.

3. Use Grocery Delivery to Stay Stocked on Essentials

One of my favorite hacks for business travel is to use grocery delivery services like Instacart. It’s a game-changer when I arrive at a hotel and need snacks, water, or even a light meal before I dive into work. Sometimes, I’m immediately on the client’s time and won’t have a chance to go out and shop. In these cases, I’ll place an order through Instacart while I’m flying, and by the time I check into my hotel, the groceries are delivered.

I typically order healthy snacks, salad bowls, and items I can easily take with me during the day—like granola bars or fruit for quick breaks between meetings. It’s also incredibly convenient late at night and I don’t want to rely on overpriced hotel mini-bars. Plus, when I’m headed back to the airport, I’ll often order a few airport-friendly snacks to take with me.

Even if I’m traveling overseas and can’t use Instacart, I’ll make a point to visit a local grocery store. Not only does it save me money, but it’s also a great way to experience the local culture through food too.

4. Create a “Home Away from Home”

Some of the best business trips are the ones where you treat your hotel room like your own home. Marriott’s Residence Inns or Townplace Suites are perfect for this because they feature kitchenettes, allowing me to cook my own meals if I need a break from restaurant food or conference catering.

I’ve had many instances where I’ve hosted clients, mentees, or friends for a cozy dinner night in. Whether it’s an impromptu dinner with colleagues after a long conference day or just a quiet evening of cooking and unwinding, the kitchen setup makes a huge difference. If I’ve had enough of the crowds or need a break from socializing, cooking dinner or ordering takeout to eat in my hotel room is always a refreshing escape.

To make the space feel even more like home, I always bring along a few extra touches: travel candles or diffusers to set the atmosphere and fill the room with a calming fragrance. I also pack a small cleaning kit with essentials—things like disinfecting wipes, a microfiber cloth, and air freshener—to ensure the space is clean and comfortable to my preference. These little details create a more relaxing and enjoyable environment, making your hotel room feel like your own personal retreat amidst the busyness of work travel.

5. Network and Collaborate in Every City You Visit

One of the most rewarding aspects of business travel is the opportunity to meet new people and expand your network. I always make a point of reaching out to people I don’t know in the cities I visit. Whether it’s a quick coffee with a local contact, an impromptu photoshoot for content, or a brainstorming session at my hotel, meeting up with someone new adds a personal touch to an otherwise work-focused trip.

These connections can often turn into long-term professional relationships, collaborations, or even just meaningful friendships that bring an extra layer of fulfillment to your travels. Plus, you never know what ideas, opportunities, or creative partnerships might come from simply being open to connecting with new people in a new city.

Traveling for work doesn’t have to be an exhausting, expensive, or thankless experience. By being strategic with your loyalty to airlines and hotels, using resources like grocery delivery to stay stocked, making your hotel feel like home and making time to connect with others, you can turn your work trips into something that benefits both your professional life and personal well-being.

With a little planning and a few smart moves, business travel can become more enjoyable, cost-effective, and even enriching—without the need for credit card perks. Just remember to be consistent with your travel choices and make the most of the opportunities that come your way!

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