Stick with an airline. Maximize all their benefits for booking optimal routes for mileage. Make sure you book the best class ticket for upgrades one you get status. If you can, book with your personal card and get reimbursed. Get a mileage credit card (not airline specific). Same goes for hotels.

I hate to run when home but found bringing running gear and running outside (even in light rain) was a great way to feel more connected to an area when traveling, even if it’s only a night or two.

Eater is a great website to explore a city’s food scene. Always cool to find a local gem and take colleagues / clients / customers while you’re the out of towner.

I also follow a few small bands that tour and have a local sports franchise (Go Blazers!). Checking your destination for some of those things is always fun too!

Make the best of it!