Another day, another work trip. You’re up at the crack of dawn, fingers crossed for no delays this time or you’ll be in trouble. Once at the site, you spend the whole day dreaming about stepping outside, soaking up some sun, and seeing the attractions at this new location.
But, as luck would have it, there’s barely an hour’s gap between your business meetings and the evening engagements. Instead of exploring, it’s a mad rush to the hotel to spruce up. And so the saga of every business trip goes, leaving little room for adventure but plenty of miles to go around.
You’re not the only one who’s been to a bunch of places but didn’t really get to truly enjoy them. While work is the priority and your schedule may not be all your own, there’s always a way to squeeze in some exploration.
Whether it’s a quick business meeting, a 2-day conference, or a week or more away, traveling for business provides the opportunity for new experiences. From feasting on regional cuisine to visiting historic sites, immersing yourself in the local culture, and more are items to cross off your bucket list.
Work to Play: Make the Most of Your Business Trip
Check out these tips for making the most of your downtime during business trips. Whether you’re flying solo, with friends, or with a colleague, being intentional about how you spend your free time can lead to some amazing experiences. Taking a break from work can add a whole new dimension to your trip, energy and bucket list.
1. Prioritize Your Hotel Location
If your HR department books your trips for you, reach out before they book to discuss your ideal travel times. If you have the flexibility to book your own accommodations ensure it’s in a location that has things you enjoy within walking distance (good way to get in your steps), as well as for safety measures.
If not within walking distance, a short distance from what you want to do while you’re in town. That is unless you want to escape the hustle and bustle of things. If you’re down for a commute, book a hotel or vacation home near the ocean, on a lake, or somewhere that feels more like a getaway than a business trip.
2. Leave At Least The Night Before
Whether to relax or explore, give yourself the gift of more time. Leaving the night before allows you to enjoy an extra night out or time to adjust to the time difference. If traveling for business takes you somewhere on your bucket list, take a vacation day or two on either end of your trip. Or arrange your schedule so that you can work remotely a few days before or after.
3. Take Advantage of The Time Difference
You may have set meeting or conference times but use the time difference to your full advantage. For example, if you live in San Francisco and are traveling to New York, your internal clock is 3 hours behind New York. So, you might be up for a later-than-usual night.
Maybe book tickets to a Broadway or off-Broadway show. Or schedule your business meetings in New York early in the day so that you can wake up on San Francisco time, knock out your work—and enjoy the rest of the day.
Whether you’ll lose or gain hours during your business trip, leverage the time difference to your advantage.
4. Schedule Business Meetings on Monday or Friday
When traveling for business, try to schedule your meetings for Monday or Friday so you can stay for the weekend. This will provide you with at least a full day and a half to explore. Again, leverage remote days and a vacation day or two if you can’t schedule your business trip near the weekend.
Don’t forget 3-day weekends! If you don’t have family obligations or plans at home, enjoy your long weekend in your travel destination.
5. Schedule Business Meeting Locations Strategically
If possible, schedule meetings close to what you’ll be doing afterward. Or at a place you want to explore. The most obvious is a restaurant you want to try, but some meetings may present the opportunity for a non-traditional setting.
If the weather’s nice, and audio-visual equipment isn’t required, take the meeting outdoors. Be sure to have a backup plan in case the forecast changes.
6. Think Beyond the Top 10 Excursions
Make no mistake, the top 10 local tours, sites, and excursions are worthy of their rating. But as an avid and savvy traveler, you know that the best experiences are often a bit more off the beaten path.
- Prioritize your personal preferences, hobbies, and interests and plan your leisure time accordingly.
- If you know someone local or who’s traveled there before, ask them for their recommendations.
- Don’t forget to consider nearby towns, both small and large. You could even fly into one airport and fly out of another with a road trip in between.
- Consider the time of the year you’re visiting as there may be seasonal activities to enjoy.
- Check local community calendars for concerts, art exhibits, festivals, plays, musicals, and events.
- Explore Airbnb experiences for solo, small-group, and custom-tailored excursions.
7. Invite Your Coworkers and Conference Guests
In the day and age of Zoom meetings, traveling for business provides a powerful opportunity for face-to-face team building and networking with new people. So, don’t just think of what you might enjoy doing during your leisure time, but consider a group activity.
Even if it’s just with one other person you want to get to know better personally or professionally. It’s also more fun to explore new things with other travelers. Interests vary, so group activities may be more suited to more generic tours and activities. Or feasting on the local cuisine.
If the person joining you is a local, let them suggest where to go and what to do.
8. Research Restaurants Ahead of Time
From trendy restaurants to local hot spots, regional cuisine, and tasting your favorite foods in a new city. Maybe even check to see if any restaurants or chefs in the area have local, nationwide, or global culinary awards. Or there may be a restaurant or two that’s been featured on a cooking or culinary TV series. Popular restaurants may take months to get into, so make your reservation ahead of time.
Don’t forget to order in! The ambiance of a restaurant is part of the appeal, but if you don’t have the time to make it to all the restaurants on your list, order in. Have the restaurant cater your business meeting or deliver to your hotel.
9. Shopping
Shopping will be more of a priority in some locations than others. From unique apparel and accessories to art, home décor, and local spices. And, of course, gifts for friends, family, (and yourself) that are more elevated and personalized than traditional souvenirs.
Optimize your business trip with leisure time
We understand how much you’re juggling at work and home. We’re here to help you get from desk to destination with ease.
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