They say you should be careful what you ask for and that has never rang truer for me than right now.
I used to envy friends who went on countless business trips, thinking that it must be one of the coolest things to do -Â Go on holiday on your company’s expense! Then after I did a painfully long trip to Africa a year ago, I started to think that maybe it wasn’t that great after all. Â Unfortunately this swiss-cheese memory is short and it wasn’t too long when the glamour of business travel started beckoning again. Well, after a whirlwind trip to the UK, I’m now on an overnighter trip in Beijing with another trip to Central Asia lined up after the weekend. And now, I’m beginning to see business travel in a new light. There’s no real glamour in being cramped economy class seats (Yes, I don’t go business 
Too little a kuchi rat!) and exhausting schedules where you work till the last minute before speeding off to the airport. Neither is losing my weekends because of travel and not being able to replace them and time with my loved ones.
I’m currently in one of the most luxurious hotel rooms I’ve stayed in but it’s pretty lonely at the end of the day when you come back after meetings with only enough time to tumble into bed to sleep and wake up early the next morning to catch the next meeting. The first thing I thought when I saw the room was how much sis would have loved it! She originally wanted to come with me on this trip but the tickets worked out too expensive. Her company would have made this trip a lot more fun, though. Perhaps, next time, huh PB? Â
Don’t get started on shopping either! I don’t even have time to see the sights what more visit any shopping centres! All I have to show for both my trips, so far are my passport chops! Oh…and probably those crisps! Hehe…Â
I’m starting to think that at the end of the day, to me, nothing beats traveling on your own holiday with your loved ones, even if it doesn’t mean staying in the best hotels in the world. Although, of course, luxurious hotels would always be welcome! 
With lots of positive chi and hard work, maybe someday I can afford my own luxurious hotel rooms! Till then, I’m crawling my way there!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh how I used to chalk up mileage points and luxury hotel nights all in the name of WORK
You go girl! When you come back, there are many loved ones waiting for you. Hugs galore 
p/s: Keep your passport within your sight all the time, ok?
PE says: Thanks Aurelia, finally made it back safe and sound
yup, totally agree! I was on a few business trips here and there as well, and though you get the fancy hotels and stuff, it’s still not as enjoyable ‘cos you have to worry about work all the time… eek!
happy weekend, Pinkelle!
PE says: Ah…business travel! Gotta take the good with the bad!
I’m still viewing business travel thru rose-tinted glasses. Heh.
PE says: Don’t burst that bubble!
*sings* One night in bangkok and the world’s your oyster… eh wrong city hor?
Damn should have coughed up the RM2100 for the ticket for 1 night bwahahhaah
PE says: Yeah should have man! Can eat and drink for free to your heart’s content!
I agree totally! The luxury of a hotel means nothing if you don’t get to share it with loved ones. SIGH…
PE says: Sometimes, we can’t have it all!
I think basically it all depends on how your company arranged your itinerary.
Some get sent to a place over a period of a week and they have time to explore and even meet up with friends if they have friends there.
Some may ask company for leave to extend their trip on their own expense seeing company already paid for the fare.
Perhaps you could look into this option in your next trip?
PE says: I’ll be sure to look into that option the next time I’m headed to UK!