Business travel can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you approach it. For some, it’s a chance to see new places, meet new people, and learn new things. For others, it’s a source of stress, boredom, and fatigue. But what if you could make your business trips more enjoyable, healthier, and productive? What if you could turn your work travel into a fun and rewarding experience, instead of a chore and a burden?
Here are some tips and tricks from savvy business travelers who have learned how to make the most of their trips, and who have adopted a positive and adventurous spirit and attitude.
Be flexible and open-minded.
One of the keys to enjoying business travel is to be flexible and open-minded. Don’t be too rigid or attached to your plans, expectations, or preferences. Be ready to adapt to changing situations, unexpected challenges, and new opportunities. You never know what you might encounter or discover on your trips, so be prepared to embrace the unknown and the unexpected.
“I always try to have a plan B, and sometimes a plan C, when I travel for work. You never know when your flight might get delayed, your meeting might get canceled, or your hotel might get overbooked. Instead of getting frustrated or angry, I try to see these as opportunities to explore something new or to do something different. For example, once I had to spend a night in Istanbul because of a missed connection, and I ended up having a great time visiting the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Hagia Sophia.” – Jake, a marketing consultant who travels to Europe and Asia.
Try the local food and culture.
One of the best ways to make your business trips more enjoyable and healthier is to try the local food and culture. Don’t limit yourself to the hotel buffet, the chain restaurant, or the room service. Venture out and explore the local cuisine, the street food, the markets, the festivals, the museums, the landmarks, and the people. You’ll discover new flavors, new stories, new perspectives, and new connections.
“I love to eat like a local when I travel for work. I think food is one of the best ways to experience a place and to connect with its people. I always ask for recommendations from my colleagues, clients, or hotel staff, and I try to avoid the tourist traps and the fast food joints. I also like to visit the local markets, where I can find fresh and seasonal produce, and to join the local festivals, where I can enjoy the music, the dance, and the atmosphere.” – Mia, a project manager who travels to Latin America and Africa.
Take care of yourself.
Business travel can take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially if you travel frequently, across different time zones, and under tight deadlines. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself, and to prioritize your well-being. Make sure you get enough sleep, drink enough water, eat well, exercise, meditate, relax, and have fun. Don’t neglect your personal needs, your hobbies, your passions, and your relationships.
“I always make sure to take care of myself when I travel for work. I try to stick to my regular sleep schedule, and I use earplugs, eye masks, and melatonin to help me sleep better. I also drink plenty of water, and I avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate me and mess up my circadian rhythm. I also eat well, and I avoid junk food and processed food, which can make me feel sluggish and bloated. I also exercise, and I use the hotel gym, the swimming pool, or the nearby park to stay fit and active. I also meditate, and I use an app to help me relax and focus. I also have fun, and I use my free time to do something that I enjoy, such as reading, watching a movie, or playing a game.” – Samantha, an accountant who travels to North America and Australia.
Learn something new.
Business travel can also be a great opportunity to learn something new, to expand your knowledge and skills, and to grow as a person and a professional. Don’t just stick to your work agenda, your routine, or your comfort zone. Seek out new experiences, new challenges, new information, and new insights. Read a book, take a class, watch a show, listen to a podcast, attend a seminar, join a club, or volunteer for a cause. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn, and how much you can improve yourself and your career.
“I always try to learn something new when I travel for work. I think travel is a great way to broaden your horizons and to enrich your mind. I always read a book about the place that I’m visiting, or I watch a show or a documentary that relates to it. I also take a class or a workshop that teaches me something new or useful, such as a language, a skill, or a hobby. I also attend a seminar or a conference that relates to my field or industry, or I join a club or a network that connects me with like-minded people. I also volunteer for a cause that I care about, or I donate to a charity that supports the local community.” – Lisa, a lawyer who travels to the Middle East and Asia.
Have fun.
Last but not least, have fun. Business travel doesn’t have to be boring, stressful, or tedious. It can be fun, exciting, and rewarding, if you make it so. Don’t take yourself or your work too seriously, don’t sweat the small stuff, don’t forget to laugh and smile. Enjoy the journey, the destination, and the people you meet along the way. Make memories, make friends, make a difference.
“I always have fun when I travel for work. I think travel is a great way to enjoy life and to appreciate what you have. I always look for the positive and the humorous side of things, and I don’t let the negative and the mundane get me down. I always laugh and smile, and I don’t let the stress and the pressure get to me. I enjoy the journey, the destination, and the people I meet along the way. I make memories, I make friends, I make a difference.” – Tom, a corporate recruiter who travels to Europe and Oceania.
