
It was about that time that I became enrolled in the Samurai School of Discount Travel. I eventually went to grad school and got my Ph. D. from that esteemed program. It has served me well over the years. These days, apps and websites abound. We started traveling when the telephone (not the cell phone) was the only way to communicate with travel related companies.
Along the way, the business traveler adopts a few habits, some good, and some bad.
Business travel in general is enjoyed by 48% of those who do it. Another 35% can take or leave it. Only 9% say it is a necessary evil. But only 7% of us really considered ourselves true “road warriors”. Then the masochists, only 1%, would rather have root canal.
Can you believe that 71% of us snuck out of meetings and went sightseeing? When I had a meeting across from a Smithsonian, where would you expect me to go? Of course, back then, most of the female travelers went shopping.
I always tried to eat healthy, and keep up an exercise regime. A full 68% of us use the hotel gym, jog, play tennis, or workout in our room.
Some of us are quite sneaky. Have you ever left your liquids in your carry on bag at security? Business travelers purposely try to get by, to the extent that 23% of us are sneakers of liquids.
Then, there are the cheaters, those who cheat on their expensive reports. One company I worked for allowed a meal, up to $50, without a receipt. Rarely did I ever have three meals each day in the $49.99 range, but needless to say, most of us exercised a great deal of discretion for fear of “The Enforcer” asking why we were eating so much.
Flying is often the most stressful part of the trip. I always thought it was going to or from the airport in a strange city. Here are the perturbations that travelers encounter:
22% inefficient boarding processes
20% lack of carry on space
42% cancellations and delays
16% airport security/TSA
10% lost or delayed luggage
26% poor customer service
51% lack of legroom
11% restrictions on loyalty programs
19% annoying fellow passengers

So, what do we use in terms of apps to attack the business trip?
Some surprises here:
Google Maps 53%
Kayak 22%
Expedia 21%
Yelp 17%
Skype 15%
Seat Guru 14%
Orbitz 12%
8% Tripit
7% Uber
4% Gate Guru
And what are our favorite hotels?
1. Ritz Carlton
2. Luxury Collection
3. Kimpton
4. Waldorf Astoria Collection
5. Fairmont
Ritz had the best customer service rating, though Four Seasons had the best room design and amenities. Marriott wins for loyalty programs, followed by Starwood, then Hilton.

Happy trails to you!!!!