On an episode of The Office last week, Jim had a business meeting in Philadelphia with Julius Erving (Dr. J) while his wife, Pam, was home dealing with their daughter’s head lice. There was a scene where he takes a call from her while shooting hoops with Dr. J, and you see him struggling to be empathetic while trying to contain his own excitement.

As I watched the scene, I couldn’t help but think of our Global Traveler readers. How often while traveling on business do we find ourselves in a place that evokes giddiness for just being there? 

I had this experience when traveling to the Global Traveler GT Tested Awards in Los Angeles. I arrived at the Hotel Wilshire about four hours early for check-in, and not surprisingly, they needed a little time to prepare my room. I asked if there was a place I could wait and was directed to their rooftop restaurant, The Roof on Wilshire.

It was one of the clearest days I can recall in Los Angeles. I set up my laptop on a tall table facing views of the Hollywood sign. With a lemonade and a chicken club sandwich, I was in heaven (and quite productive, I might add).   

There are many long days, time adjustments and missed milestones at home that come hand in hand with business travel. But there are also days like this day, when you pinch yourself that your work blesses you with these experiences. 

— Danielle Hudena, executive vice president