How to get the most out of your travel – wherever in the world it takes you
A business trip need not be all itinerary and no fun – and with some smart prep and handy support, you’re ready for take-off, writes Anna Tobin
Download a receipt-recording app to make keeping track of your business travel expenses easier. If you use one that syncs with your business accounting software, you will dodge all that time-consuming, tedious paperwork when you get back to the office. Taking pictures of all paper receipts is a good back-up in case any go astray.
Sign up to loyalty rewards schemes, including frequent flyer programmes, to enhance your trips – you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and take advantage of various offers, including fast-track services and lounge access at airports.
Frequent travellers will want to keep packing quick and easy – a handy hack is to have a ready-to-go toiletry bag on hand. Stash travel-size minis of your key toiletries in the bag, along with a toothbrush and comb and that’s one less thing to worry about.
Get chatting to the concierge at your hotel – they are a mine of information, from the best co-working spaces in the area to the hottest tables in town to impress clients, and fabulous day spas for a post-conference pamper. They’ll also know the little holes-in-the-walls to get delicious and cheap local cuisine.
Savvy travellers use their Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card to earn Marriott Bonvoy points to save money on mini-breaks all over the world
Do you find yourself travelling increasingly for business, as well as leisure? Being able to feel at home and to enjoy yourself on a productive work trip are the ultimate goals. What’s even better is knowing that while you’re away from home, you can reap tangible rewards for your future travels.
Travel with your Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card, and you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points when you book a stay at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
For more information and to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, search ‘Amex Marriott Bonvoy’
What do you never travel without?
My Apple Watch, laptop and Amex Cards – they ensure I’m always online and ready to do business, wherever in the world I might be. My Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is all about Marriott Bonvoy points. Because I’m travelling throughout the year on business, they’re easy to accumulate and great for putting towards family treats.
How do you combine business and pleasure?
I always try to land a day earlier than I need to, especially if my family are with me, so it feels like a proper holiday instead of just a business trip. As a sports fanatic, if there’s a game or match of some description taking place nearby, I can’t resist the temptation to go and watch.
One thing you always avoid?Early morning flights. I don’t want to drag myself out of bed at the crack of dawn, particularly if I’m travelling with my kids. Flying back on a Friday is also a big no, due to the crowds and inflated costs.
Remote, nomadic working and digital technology have made travel, for both work and pleasure, easier and more enjoyable. It’s blurred the boundaries between business and leisure travel too – now it’s common for people to join a conference call from an airport lounge, respond to emails while sitting by a pool, or to do an evening street food tour during a work trip.
An overseas sojourn can include exciting and unforgettable experiences, whatever its focus. Here we explore how you can travel smarter to make the most of every minute of your time away from home, whatever the reason behind it.
With a little careful planning, even a long-haul, multi-stop business trip can be relaxing and enjoyable. It’s worth checking if your passport has the required amount of time left on it for your destination(s) and whether you need a visa – especially if you’re travelling on business. Book your flights with any meetings (and the accompanying jetlag) in mind to avoid any super-tight transfer connections. If your budget allows, use a corporate travel agent with expertise in business travel to save yourself the admin and hassle.
If you don’t already have one, this is also the time to apply for a Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card, which comes with a host of benefits for Cardmembers and their travel companions, including accruing Marriott Bonvoy® points to spend on future trips.
travel for work,'
Mark Kempster, CEO of CT Business Travel
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Darran Garnham,
founder and CEO of toy and entertainment company Toikido
Travelling is one of life’s great joys. With a Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card in your wallet you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and unlock a range of benefits to elevate your travels…
Earn six Marriott Bonvoy points for every £1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
Earn two Marriott Bonvoy points for every £1 spent on other purchases
New Cardmembers enjoy automatic Silver Elite status
And receive one Free Night Award each year of renewal
You can redeem these Marriott Bonvoy points in a number of ways, including on future stays at participating hotels, car hire, or by transferring them to frequent flyer airline programs. Marriott Bonvoy American Express Cardmembers can also access other benefits, such as special rates at participating hotel brands.
You’ll also earn 15 Elite Night Credits – on approval and every following calendar year – which go towards taking you to the next Marriott Bonvoy Elite status level
Enjoy free Wi-Fi access and priority late check-out (subject to availability) on stays at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
For more information and to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, search ‘Amex Marriott Bonvoy’
Representative APR 54.8% APR variable. Annual Fee applies.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Work and play: Six global cities for mixing business and pleasure
One of the world’s major gateways for international trade, business leaders from around the globe regularly touch down in Singapore.Best for... its mouth-wateringly diverse food scene. Tuck in to takeaways from the renowned hawker stalls and treat yourself to fine dining at the hip Michelin Guide-recommended Cantonese restaurant Madame Fan at the JW Marriott Hotel, Singapore South Beach.
How to choose the best hotel wherever you go
For Amanda Teale, the founder and managing director of Minerva Private Travel & Lifestyle Management, location is everything. “You want an accessible location close to the main transport hubs and local attractions, in a safe and interesting area,” she says. “I also look for hotels in areas full of interesting places to walk so that I get to explore a the hidden gems and fully immerse myself in the local culture. It’s good for the mind and the body.”
Good connectivity is essential so be sure to book a hotel with super-fast and secure Wi-Fi.
Mark Kempster of CT Travel Group also recommends business travellers do their research to ensure their hotels have well-equipped meeting rooms. “It is always worth booking meeting spaces in advance – ideally within the hotel you’re staying in – to minimise travelling times for you, and to avoid having to organise the spaces when you arrive.”
As a Marriott Bonvoy Amex Cardmember you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points for all your purchases. Marriott Bonvoy points can be spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, which are designed for both business and pleasure.
Here are some of the top spots for enjoying the best of both on your next trip:
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, solo or with your work team or family, the best hotels are the ones that you want to go back to again and again. Here’s what to look out for when picking where to stay.
The Westin Grand Berlin
In Berlin’s city centre, within easy reach of the city’s historical landmarks, museums, parks and transport hubs, the Westin Grand Berlin is the perfect base from which to explore the city and arrange business meet-ups. With a range of accommodation options, a popular restaurant, a buzzy bar and a state-of-the-art gym and relaxing spa, it ticks all the boxes for work and leisure.
Le Méridien Barcelona
Located in the heart of the colourful city centre on Las Ramblas, Le Méridien Barcelona has everything you need for work and play. It also offers a range of suites designed for families or corporate entertaining, a selection of bars and a chic Mediterranean restaurant, a fitness centre, rooftop spa and a family programme.
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection Hotel, Dublin
Visitors have been checking into The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection for more than 200 years. Combining understated luxury and old-fashioned charm, this historic property makes everyone feel instantly at home. It comes with a selection of fine-dining
How do you best juggle a busy schedule with some fun?It’s all about being super-disciplined – block time for your business commitments but also for social and leisure activities. You don’t always get the chance to go back to these parts of the world so it’s a missed opportunity if you don’t enjoy the ‘journey’ along the way.
How can you make travel more rewarding?By engaging with the local teams and people that you meet as you travel so you experience different cultures and traditions
What do you look for in a hotel? One that makes me feel welcome, comfortable and at home. A good location is important too – central for city stays or close to the beach if I’m on the coast. For work trips, I need super-fast Wi-Fi and areas where I can work and hold meetings, so I’m not stuck in my room. When I have late meetings, 24-hour room service with healthy meal options is essential, as is a 24-hour gym.
My travels...
Jeanette Linfoot,
founder and CEO of Jeannette Linfoot Associates and host of the business podcast The Brave, Bold, Brilliant.
restaurants and more casual eateries and bars, a range of accommodation, a gym, spa and indoor pool, and it’s bang in the centre of the city’s attractions.
Moxy Brussels City Center
Within walking distance of many of the city’s top museums, restaurants and shops, and close to the EU institutions, the Moxy Brussels City Center is a hip base from which to explore the city and do business. The ‘Plug and Meet’ gathering areas offer writing walls and 56in televisions for work presentations, and there is a fun bar and restaurant as well as a 24/7 gym.
How the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card works
Dubai
Paris
Boston
Bangkok
Milan
Singapore
Milan
Bangkok
Boston
Paris
Dubai
Singapore
One of the world’s most popular transit hubs, Dubai is a natural meeting place for business execs, especially from EMEA countries, to meet in person.
Best for… its architectural wonders. Be amazed by man-made archipelago Palm Jumeirah, take in the views from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and enjoy drinks at sky-high Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, then explore its historic souks and hit the sands at Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort
With excellent rail connections to the UK and across Europe and a global airline hub, Paris is a popular and picturesque conference and exhibition destination.Best for… culture. Take a trip to the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay or the opera, or simply stroll around the city’s culture-soaked streets, from the Latin Quarter to Montmartre. Le Roch Hotel & Spa, A Member of Design Hotels is a stylish and central place to stay.
With two of the world’s most prestigious universities, Harvard and MIT, on its doorstep, Boston attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world.Best for… sports fans. Whether it’s baseball with the Boston Red Sox, basketball with the Boston Celtics or American football with the New England Patriots, be sure to catch a match while you’re in this city. Check in to The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, set in an old jail in the city’s Beacon Hill neighbourhood.
Roughly halfway between Europe and Australasia, bustling Bangkok is a good midpoint for travellers from across the globe.Best for… spiritual immersion. Take time out from your busy schedule to visit one of Bangkok’s incredible Buddhist temples, take part in a guided meditation session and treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at the Longevity Hub spa in The St Regis Bangkok hotel.
In the heart of Europe, Milan is where people come to talk ‘shop’ from all over the continent and beyond.Best for… style. Put on your best outfit and a pair of designer sunglasses and stroll around the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century shopping arcade that’s home to some of the world’s finest haute couture brands. Then relax in the rooftop pool at suitably stylish Hotel VIU Milan, A Member of Design Hotels.
How to make your overseastrips work harder for you
benefits to people who
can offer significant
incorporating downtime
remains on business,
'While the primary focus
as well as for a range of purchases you make. Cardmembers earn six Marriott Bonvoy points for every £1 spent at thousands of participating properties across the world, and two Marriott Bonvoy points for every £1 spent on a range of purchases made with their Card.
These Marriott Bonvoy points quickly build up. You can use them for free nights, at over 8,900 hotels within the program, whose brands include St Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, W, Sheraton, Westin and Marriott Hotels. Plus, as a Marriott Bonvoy member, you receive exclusive rates on stays, free Wi-Fi, room upgrades, and many more benefits to enhance your next holiday, whether a solo adventure or getaway with friends and family.
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You will receive 6 Points from American Express for each full £1 of eligible purchases made on your Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. You will be awarded 2 Points for every full £1 you spend on purchases. Points are not earned on balance transfers, cash withdrawals, American Express Travellers Cheques purchases, foreign exchange transactions, interest, any spending in excess of your credit limit, changes for returned payments, late payments, referral charges, or American Express Credit Card finance charges. Written details are available on request.
Redemption level at or under 25,000 Points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy . Certain hotels have resort fees. If you reach £25,000 in net purchases charged to your account in any Cardmembership year, you will earn a Free Night Awards, redeemable within one year for an available single-or double-occupancy standard room at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Account must be in good standing. On the annual reset date, the amount of annual net purchases resets to zero. Additional Terms and Conditions apply. Free Night Award and no blackouts apply to standard rooms only as defined by each participating property; contact the property before booking to check availability. To view the full Terms and Conditions, visit marriott.co.uk.
You will receive complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. This complimentary Silver Elite status benefit is only available to the Basic Cardmember. If your Card is cancelled for any reason, your complimentary Silver Elite status provided with the Card will be cancelled.
If you reach £15,000 in net purchases charged to your Account in any Cardmembership year, you (the Basic Cardmember) will be enrolled for at least 12 months in the Gold Elite tier of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme (unless you are already enrolled in an equivalent or higher level – Marriott Bonvoy associates excluded). Please allow 12-16 weeks after your eligible spending equals or exceeds such amount for the applicable year for enrolment to become effective. On the annual reset date, the amount of annual net purchases resets to zero. Additional Terms and Conditions apply.
Your upgrade to Gold elite Status is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it was earned and the subsequent calendar year. Your enrolment will expire after that subsequent calendar year unless your eligible purchases during the next calendar year again qualify you for enrolment, or you qualify for Gold Elite Status under Marriott Bonvoy terms. You cannot receive enrolment in Gold Elite Status through Marriott Bonvoy if you are already enrolled at Gold Elite Status or any higher status.
15 Elite Night Credits: Upon opening your Card account, a maximum or 15 Elite Night credits will be credited to your Marriott Bonvoy Member Account within 60 days. On or before 1 March of each subsequent calendar year, a maximum of 15 Elite Night Credits will be credited to your Marriott Bonvoy Member Account operated by Marriott International, Inc., in accordance with Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions To be eligible to receive the 15 Elite Night Credits with this Card, you must be the Basic Cardmember, your Card account must be in good standing at the time of the 15 Elite Night Credit deposit, and you must have an active Marriott Bonvoy programme Account. To receive the 15 Elite Night Credit deposit, your Card account must be linked to a Marriott Bonvoy programme Account in your name. You will receive a maximum of 15 Elite Night Credits per calendar year even if you have more than one Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card account or have more than one Marriott Bonvoy programme Account. American Express is not responsible for fulfilment of this benefit. It will take approximately eight weeks from the Card account approval date for the credits to be applied to your loyalty account.
American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. © 2024 American Express Company. All Rights Reserved.
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What do you never travel without?
I’ve travelled over 250,000 miles over oceans, docking at many countries on my yachting adventures. When I’m travelling for business, I never go without plug adapters, power cables and a battery power pack. When I’m away from my family, I like to keep in contact with them with daily phone or video calls.
How do you make the most of your free time?
I always make sure I get to really explore the area by befriending a local to get the best possible advice on where to go and what to do. I always try to make the best of any free time I might have by seeking out regional restaurants - I always look for the ones that are the most popular with the locals.
What are your hotel must-haves?
When choosing a hotel, I look for good security and fast Wi-Fi access. And I’ll always book a room with an ensuite.
My travels...
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For more information and to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card, search ‘Amex Marriott Bonvoy’
Representative APR 54.8% APR variable. 18+. Subject to Status.
Annual Fee applies. Terms and Conditions apply.
Produced by Telegraph Media Group
Writer: Anna Tobin | Project manager: Fanni Szentivanyi | Commissioning editor: Rachel Truman | Sub-editors: Tim Cumming and Neil Queen-Jones | Designer: Jonathan Clayton-Jones | Pictures: Shin Miura | Web editor: Jasmin Nahar
Photography: Getty, Marriott
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My travels...
Pete Stirling,
co-founder of yacht maintenance and management company PSA Prime Marine
The art of stress-free travel
If there are any must-see plays, sports matches or restaurants you want to experience while away, book them ahead of time. As a Marriott Bonvoy Amex® Cardmember, you accrue Marriott Bonvoy points to spend on future trips. The same goes for spa treatments and meals enjoyed at participating hotels – with more than 30 different hotel brands and more than 10,000 global locations, there is plenty of choice, whether you’re on a whistle-stop or long-stay trip.Carving out time to enjoy business travel is important. Mark Kempster, founder and CEO of CT Business Travel, an independent corporate travel management company, says he has seen a growing trend of business travellers integrating leisure time into their itineraries.
“While the primary focus remains on business, incorporating downtime can offer significant benefits to people who travel for work,” he says. “For instance, arriving a day or two early can help travellers recover from jetlag, acclimatise to their new environment and prepare for upcoming meetings. Extending the trip by a day or two afterwards provides time to gather one's thoughts, write up notes, and enjoy some rest and relaxation, allowing travellers to return to work refreshed.”
If you can, pack light and stick to hand luggage for a faster exit on arrival. Investing in a good-quality, lightweight wheeled suitcase is a must for frequent travellers. Always use the SmartGates if there is the option at border control. It also pays to download any relevant travel apps prior to departure, too, so that you can check the status of your transportation, and avoid queuing for taxis by booking a car service – check if your hotel arranges airport transfers. Translation apps can also be a godsend.If there are any must-see plays, sports matches or restaurants you want to experience while away, book them ahead of time. As a Marriott Bonvoy Amex® Cardmember, you accrue Marriott Bonvoy points to spend on future trips. The same goes for spa treatments and meals enjoyed at participating hotels – with over 30 different hotel brands and more than 10,000 global locations, there is plenty of choice, whether you’re on a whistle-stop or long-stay trip.
Carving out time to enjoy business travel is important. Mark Kempster, founder and CEO of CT Business Travel, an independent corporate travel management company, says he has seen a growing trend of business travellers integrating leisure time into their itineraries.
“While the primary focus remains on business, incorporating downtime can offer significant benefits to people who travel for work,” he says. “For instance, arriving a day or two early can help travellers recover from jetlag, acclimatise to their new environment and prepare for upcoming meetings. Extending the trip by a day or two afterwards provides time to gather one's thoughts, write up notes, and enjoy some rest and relaxation, allowing travellers to return to work refreshed.”
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Writer: Anna Tobin | Project manager: Fanni Szentivanyi
Commissioning editor: Rachel Truman
Sub-editors: Tim Cumming and Neil Queen-Jones
Designer: Jonathan Clayton-Jones | Pictures: Shin Miura
Web editor: Jasmin Nahar
Photography: Getty, Marriott
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection Hotel, Dublin
Visitors have been checking into The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection for more than 200 years. Combining understated luxury and old-fashioned charm, this historic property makes everyone feel instantly at home. It comes with a selection of fine-dining restaurants and more casual eateries and bars, a range of accommodation, a gym, spa and indoor pool, and it’s bang in the centre of the city’s attractions.
Moxy Brussels City Center
Within walking distance of many of the city’s top museums, restaurants and shops, and close to the EU institutions, the Moxy Brussels City Center is a hip base from which to explore the city and do business. The ‘Plug and Meet’ gathering areas offer writing walls and 56in televisions for work presentations, and there is a fun bar and restaurant as well as a 24/7 gym.
The Westin Grand Berlin
In Berlin’s city centre, within easy reach of the city’s historical landmarks, museums, parks and transport hubs, the Westin Grand Berlin is the perfect base from which to explore the city and arrange business meet-ups. With a range of accommodation options, a popular restaurant, a buzzy bar and a state-of-the-art gym and relaxing spa, it ticks all the boxes for work and leisure.
Le Méridien Barcelona
Located in the heart of the colourful city centre on Las Ramblas, Le Méridien Barcelona has everything you need for work and play. It also offers a range of suites designed for families or corporate entertaining, a selection of bars and a chic Mediterranean restaurant, a fitness centre, rooftop spa and a family programme.
Singapore
Dubai
Paris
Bangkok
Milan
Boston
Top tips