Saturday, November 12, 2011

5 Burning Questions When You're Traveling On Business



Another nice hotel room. This one is at the Dorint in Frankfurt.

1. Do you speak English?
I am always relieved, yet sadly dismayed, that nearly everyone in the world says 'yes.'

2. Do you take American Express?
I am always relieved when the answer is 'yes,' which is not that often. I've learned to carry a lot of cash, which seems unwise, but necessary.

3. Are you supposed to tip the taxi driver?
I'm such an American. No wonder the world thinks we're rich! I am thrusting money at everyone who so much as looks at me. Not everyone tips taxi drivers and restaurant servers. It seems like they should be thrilled to see me coming.

4. Can you call me a taxi?
It's easy to get from the hotel to wherever you're going, but getting back may not be so easy. And taxi drivers rarely speak English.

5. When can I go home?
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE to travel, but sometimes it gets a little too George Clooney Up in the Air-ish. I'm a little too familiar with airports, airlines and hotel rooms right now. I miss my my family. This weekend I'm missing my daughter's state soccer tournament, her school carnival, her awards assembly, and too many other small moments that I just won't get back. Business travel is fine, but I'd rather be seeing the world with my family.

2 comments:

  1. I've never been on a business trip, so I don't really know what that's like. And I'm single right now, so I guess it would be different for me. Being away from your family has to be rough.

    Oh, and prepaid visa cards sound like they might help. They're easy to get, you can report them if they're lost or stolen.

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  2. Prepaid visa cards - not a bad idea. Thanks, Stephanie!

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