From packing light to securing upgrades and unearthing hidden gems, frequent travelers learn a range of practical tips. We asked some of the most respected voices in the travel industry to share the insights they’ve collected over years on the road.
On the Road With…
NAME: Andrew Coney
OCCUPATION: General Manager, InterContinental London Westminster
INTRODUCTION:
Andrew Coney joined InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in February 2011, bringing more than 20 years of hotel management experience.
As general manager of InterContinental London Westminster, Coney led the opening of the brand’s first new London property in 36 years. Passionate about both hospitality and politics, he finds the hotel’s location—on the doorstep of Parliament—perfect. The property has quickly become a favored hub for political visitors and events.
Coney previously managed some of London’s leading hotels, including the Waldorf, the Cavendish and the Westbury. He is married and has two children.
NUMBER OF ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS PER YEAR:
FOR BUSINESS:
During the busy year of opening this landmark hotel, I balanced travel to promote the property with being present in London to consolidate our offerings. I completed 15 round-trip journeys and was delighted by the hotel’s warm reception around the world.
FOR LEISURE:
I feel a responsibility to share parts of the world I’ve seen on business with my family, turning those opportunities into family adventures. This past summer we traveled to Borneo to search for orangutans.
FAVORITE DESTINATION:
I visited South Africa last year, despite some concerns I’d heard about safety. I found those worries unfounded. South Africa is a magical country: welcoming people, striking scenery, impressive wildlife and outstanding vineyards.
FAVORITE AIRLINE BUSINESS CLASS:
A true patriot — British Airways. They have never disappointed me and consistently provide comfort. I appreciate the galley concept; it can be amusing, too, when fellow passengers explore the cupboards during a long flight.
FAVORITE HOTEL:
Aside from my own hotel, I would choose The Willard in Washington, D.C. It has been part of the Pennsylvania Avenue scene for generations and is full of characters proud to recount the many presidents and international leaders they have hosted.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
Blue Boar Smokehouse. I may be biased, but it has become a great addition to Westminster Village, blending inspiration from American pit masters with a distinctly British character.
MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE:
Spending five days at a gorilla orphanage in Cameroon alongside supermodel Rachel Hunter — an unforgettable experience.
MUST-HAVE TRAVEL GEAR:
My camera. My family would say I take too many photos and spend too long doing it, but I value capturing moments from our travels.
ON A LONG-HAUL FLIGHT, I SPEND MY TIME:
Reading. I follow politics closely and enjoy biographies and history. On a recent flight from Washington I became so absorbed in Andrew Marr’s History of Britain that I abandoned any hope of sleep.
BEST TRAVEL ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED:
A memorable note left by guest relations in a West African hotel room advising me not to draw the curtains or look out the window because it was “President’s Day” and there were snipers on adjacent buildings — practical and sobering advice.
MOST VALUABLE TRAVEL LESSON I’VE LEARNED:
Explore the world beyond the itinerary. Business travel doesn’t need to be only flights, taxis, hotel rooms and meetings. There is real value in experiencing the cultural richness of each destination.