The Early Glamour
In the initial stages of a career, business travel often carries an alluring charm. For a writer who previously worked for a celebrity-backed fashion brand,
these trips to various cities for photoshoots, store launches, and brand events were initially fueled by the allure of accumulating airline miles and hotel points. The convenience of using a company credit card for airport Ubers and the excitement of early mornings and late nights were part of the perceived glamour. Even though these weren't the typical, intense journeys of a consultant, the initial thrill was undeniable, making the often packed schedule of meetings and tasks seem like a small price to pay for the adventure.
The Weight of Travel
As the frequency of business travel increased, the initial excitement began to wane, replaced by a growing sense of exhaustion and a struggle to balance work demands. The need to constantly respond to emails or finalize presentations, often requiring uninterrupted focus, meant waking earlier or staying up later. This significantly reduced precious sleep time, making the return to the office or the next day's meetings even more challenging. The practicalities, like fitting work-appropriate attire into a carry-on, also started to lose their appeal, highlighting the less glamorous reality beneath the surface of work-related journeys.
A Nashville Revelation
A particularly draining trip to Nashville in early 2019 marked a turning point. Amidst the weariness, the author received approval for what would become a cherished ritual: ordering room service. The vivid memory of a spaghetti meal arriving at the hotel room, enjoyed in the comfort of a bathrobe, offered an unexpected sense of delight and much-needed decompression after a day filled with constant interaction. This private meal, free from the social pressures of a restaurant and not adding to personal expenses, provided a profound mental relief that the author hadn't realized was so essential.
Room Service Ritual
This positive experience solidified room service as a go-to choice for subsequent work trips, even as the author's career evolved. The current professional life remains demanding, necessitating deliberate strategies to recharge while on the road. Countless room service breakfasts, and occasional dinners, have since reinforced the feeling of contentment derived from the anticipated knock on the hotel room door. Even a brief 15-minute meal in solitude, enjoying a coffee or juice from the comfort of the hotel bed, offers a valuable moment of peace and allows for a little extra sleep, making even mundane travel feel akin to a brief vacation.
Alternative Indulgences
Acknowledging that not all hotels offer room service, the author has developed alternative methods to capture that personal respite. When room service isn't an option, the strategy shifts to acquiring food elsewhere. This might involve picking up a meal on the way back to the hotel or ordering delivery. While these alternatives may lack the inherent luxury of in-room dining and might require a brief excursion from the room, they still serve as a welcome indulgence. These actions successfully carve out essential personal time, ensuring that even when the ideal scenario isn't available, a moment of self-care can still be achieved.
