(CNN) -- Anthony Lassman produces the Nota Bene guidebooks that offer traveling subscribers in 37 countries exclusive insights into cities and resorts worldwide.
CNN interviewed the seasoned traveler on his tips for business excursions, what makes a good hotel and coping with the rigors of the road.
Do you enjoy traveling for business?
Yes I do, firstly because long distance flying allows me to have time to myself -- no mobile phones, no e-mail, just the cabin crew to look after me. Then I love the change in environment and the buzz that is usually part of these trips, whether it is the excitement of discovery, or a new overseas project.
What advice would you give to people traveling through airports?
From day-to-day, week-to-week circumstances change. I try to avoid school holidays and peak flying times. I organize my seat numbers and request no hot food in advance so there is nothing to query on check in. I try to carry as little as possible and I go straight to the private lounge and relax until the flight is called.
What makes a great hotel?
People make a great hotel, as well as great staff who take care of your every need. When you are traveling for business and need efficiency this is most important. I recommend contacting the hotel directly stipulating exactly what you require. You should know where the best rooms are with the optimum view, as well as the best floor. An initial personal contact usually makes for better attention on arrival. Be sure to advise the hotel about your preferences and never accept what you are given if it falls short of what you have stipulated.
What makes a great airline?
A great airline again is based, to a large extent, on its staff -- both on the ground and in the air. But safety record, comfort and amenities play a very important part. Choose certain airlines for certain routes. Check specialist flight brokerages, Web sites, as well as with the airlines directly for offers. It is extraordinary how prices vary. By shopping around the difference in saving can be significant.
Any other tips on flying?
The best advice is decide which overall airline you prefer, earn miles, get a gold card so you receive priority, privileges and upgrades when relevant. Try to work out the optimum routes with the airlines you most prefer. For example I prefer seats 1A and 1K in first class or row 63 on the upper deck of business class in a Boeing 747. You also need to work out the best arrival time to avoid traffic and when flying back home the best time to get maximum sleep.
Another tip for UK-based travelers is try to purchase your tickets in Europe. It means you have to take another outbound flight first from London to the continent. You will find it much less expensive on certain routes to fly long distance by not starting your principle journey out of the UK.
How is travel evolving?
Travel is changing. People fly much more frequently; they take shorter trips; more people are requiring business and first class seats; more people are using private jet chartering or fractional ownership.
When it comes to packing, what do you advice?
This depends on the length of your stay. For a short business trip I recommend that a man travels with at least one but preferably two suits in either a special suit carrier or a weekend bag -- designed to accommodate suits. You need enough shirts for day and evening and a workout kit.
It is very important to stay fit and get the blood circulating while away and particularly when traveling long distances. You need socks, underwear, formal shoes, one pair of casual trousers, and then if there are going to be any hours "off duty" a pair of jeans, a sweater and casual shoes.
The clothing you take will depend on the length and purpose of the trip you take. Another idea is to travel in what you might wear again for the evening or afternoon off -- for example, a jacket or sweater, casual shirt and formal or casual shoes.
What is the most stressful part of traveling?
The most stressful elements are always delays, flight cancellations -- or Eurostar cancellations as I recently experienced; being bumped off a flight so you miss a meeting.
How do you cope?
This is all very difficult to deal with. I am not sure whether I have the answer as to how you cope. I am not necessarily the best at coping. But I guess I just end up having a glass of wine, open a good book and relax and try to remain positive. But this is easier said than done!
Make sure you travel comfortably, particularly in terms of clothing. Do not worry about having a glass or two of champagne but do try and drink lots of water, avoid heavy food -- try to stick to anything cold -- and get as much sleep as possible. And adjust your watch to the time it is at your destination.
