Travelling for business often feels more like a chore than an exciting opportunity. Tight schedules, long meetings, and performance pressure can make these trips exhausting. However, with some planning and tweaks to your routine, you can make business travel more pleasant and fun.
Exploring your destination and enjoying local activities can turn a business trip into a mini-vacation. Here are some creative ways to improve your business travel experience.
Consider including the weekend in your trip
If you can plan and book your business travel or give your input to the person in charge, optimize your itinerary to maximize your time at your destination.
If meetings and presentations are scheduled during the week, consider staying longer to include the weekend in your trip. You’ll have ample time to explore your surroundings and have fun.
Pick your favourite loyalty program and stick with it
If you’re a member of many loyalty programs for different airlines and hotel chains, pick your favourite one and stick with it.
You will accumulate points and miles much faster, and you’ll have access to exciting perks that will make your next business trip more enjoyable. Think about priority boarding and complimentary upgrades.
Book a limo service so you can ride in style
A good idea for business travel is to book a limo service, either to get you to the airport on time or to meet your transportation needs when you reach your destination.
A reliable and experienced chauffeur will take you wherever you want to go. You will always be on time for a meeting and won’t get lost in an unfamiliar city. Plus, you’ll ride in style.
Be sure to travel lightly
Unless you expect to travel for a week, do your best to travel lightly. If you’re travelling by plane, you’ll save some precious time by only packing a carry-on bag instead of checked luggage.
Invest in quality luggage that protects your clothes, laptop, and other belongings. Ideally, it should look as professional as you are.
Never travel without wrinkle-release spray
Even when your clothes are stored inside a sturdy bag or suitcase, they wrinkle. The solution is to only go on a business trip with a wrinkle-release spray.
It’s also a good idea to pack a stain remover pen. Because you never know when you might notice a fresh stain of ketchup or coffee on your clothes right before your meeting.
Add some casual clothes to your luggage
Another good business travel idea is adding casual clothes to your luggage. This is especially important if you want to explore your destination and use your hotel’s gym. You want to avoid doing this with your business clothes, even if you have what it takes to keep them smooth and stain-free.
Don’t forget to pack your portable charger
Remember to bring a portable charger for your phone and laptop. You should always get a spare charger and keep it in your business luggage. Please remember the one you usually use.
Explore your destination and have some fun
If your next business trip will take you to a city you’ve never visited, research it before you go. You can also ask your coworkers for recommendations of things you should do or see.
Whether you have a few hours or a full day ahead, explore your destination and add fun activities to your schedule. Travelling for business is more appealing when you travel for pleasure simultaneously.
Visit great local stores and restaurants
No matter where your business trip takes you, you can make the most of it. At the very least, you should visit a few local stores and eat in a local restaurant instead of staying in your hotel room. Feel free to talk to the people there and ask for recommendations.
Keep an eye out for local events
There might be a special event at the same time as the convention or seminar you must attend. Watch for local events such as farmer’s markets, festivals, or free concerts. They could be a great way to have an enjoyable time after a long day of meetings and networking.
Take a moment to unwind by watching the sunset
If, after a long day, you’re looking for peace instead of attending a dynamic concert, watch the sunset. Some destinations around the world are known for their stunning sunsets. Even if the city you’re in is not famous for its sunsets, it might still look different from your own. While you’re there, take a look.