Business travel can be stressful, boring, and exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, for long or short periods, for domestic or international destinations, you can find ways to make your trips more enjoyable, productive, and rewarding.
In this article, we will share some tips from real travelers who have found ways to make their business travel more fun. From booking and preparation tips to travel rewards and entertainment options, these tips will help you reduce your travel stress, make a good impression, and enjoy your time away from home.
Choose your own hotel
Darren is in charge of quality control for a large multinational manufacturer. He travels at least once a month to different countries, mostly in Europe and Asia, to inspect the factories and ensure the standards are met. He used to stay at the company’s preferred hotels near the factories, but he found them dull and inconvenient.
“I felt like I was missing out on the experience of traveling to different places. I wanted to see more of the cities, the culture, the people, and the food. So I worked hard to convince my boss to let me choose my own hotel, as long as it was within the budget and close to the factory,” he says.
Now, Darren stays in the heart of the city, where he has more options for dining, entertainment, sightseeing, and culture. He says he feels more relaxed, energized, and inspired by staying in a different environment.
“One of my favorite trips was to Paris, where I stayed in a boutique hotel near the Eiffel Tower. I could walk to the tower, the Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées. I sampled the local cuisine, such as croissants, cheese, and wine. I even met some locals and learned some French. It was a great way to combine work and pleasure,” he says.
Explore the local culture
Lena is a marketing manager for a cosmetics company. She travels frequently to different countries, mostly in Latin America and Africa, to promote her products and conduct market research. She loves her job, but she also wants to learn more about the local culture of the places she visits.
“I always try to do some research before I travel, to find out about the history, traditions, customs, and etiquette of the country. I also try to learn some basic words and phrases in the local language, such as hello, thank you, and sorry. I think it shows respect and interest, and it helps me connect with the people,” she says.
Lena also tries to find some time to explore the local culture, either by joining a tour, taking a class, or visiting a museum. She says she gains insights, inspiration, and connections for her work, as well as enriching her personal experience.
“One of my favorite trips was to Tokyo, where I took a sushi-making class with a master chef. I learned how to prepare the rice, cut the fish, and roll the sushi. It was a lot of fun, and I also learned a lot about the Japanese culture and cuisine. I also visited a traditional temple, where I saw a beautiful ceremony and learned about the Buddhist beliefs. I also attended a karaoke night with my colleagues, where we sang our hearts out and had a blast,” she says.
Extend your trip for leisure
Raj is a software engineer for a tech company. He travels almost every week to different cities in the US and Canada, to work on projects and deliver presentations. He likes the variety and challenge of his work, but he also finds it tiring and stressful to travel so often.
“I used to fly in and out on the same day, or stay for one night at the most. I didn’t have time to see anything or do anything other than work. I felt like I was missing the point of traveling, which is to discover new places and have new experiences,” he says.
Raj decided to take advantage of his flexible schedule and travel budget, and extend his trips for leisure. He says he feels more relaxed, balanced, and happy by adding some days to his trips, and exploring the destinations he visits.
“One of my favorite trips was to Cape Town, where I added a few days to my trip to go on a safari, hike Table Mountain, and relax on the beach. I saw amazing wildlife, such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. I enjoyed the stunning views of the city and the ocean. I also soaked up the sun and the waves. It was a perfect way to unwind and recharge,” he says.
Connect with other travelers
Anna is a freelance writer and blogger. She travels frequently to cover stories and events around the world, often in remote or conflict-ridden areas. She enjoys the thrill and adventure of her job, but she also faces safety and security issues, as well as the uncertainty and instability of her income.
“I love traveling solo, but sometimes it can be lonely and scary. I don’t always have someone to talk to, to share my experiences with, or to help me out if I get into trouble. I also have to deal with the challenges of finding work, getting paid, and managing my finances,” she says.
Anna always looks for opportunities to connect with other travelers, especially fellow solo female travelers. She uses online platforms, such as Facebook groups, blogs, and apps, to find and meet other travelers who share her interests, passions, and goals. She says she makes friends, shares tips, and has fun by connecting with other travelers.
“One of my favorite trips was to Buenos Aires, where I joined a walking tour, a tango class, and a wine tasting event with other travelers I met online. I learned a lot about the city, the culture, and the history. I also had a great time dancing, drinking, and laughing with my new friends. I also got some leads and contacts for my work, and some recommendations for my next destination,” she says.
Treat yourself to something special
Sam is a sales manager for a sports equipment company. He travels regularly to different countries, mostly in Europe and Australia, to sell his products and negotiate deals. He likes his job, but he also finds it demanding and competitive. He has to work hard, meet deadlines, and achieve targets.
“I always put my best effort and energy into my work, but sometimes it can be exhausting and stressful. I don’t always get the results or the recognition I want. I also have to deal with the pressure and the expectations of my boss, my clients, and myself,” he says.
Sam always treats himself to something special on his business trips, such as a spa treatment, a fancy dinner, or a concert ticket. He says he boosts his mood, rewards his hard work, and creates memorable moments by treating himself to something special.
“One of my favorite trips was to New York, where I splurged on a Broadway show, a steakhouse meal, and a massage. I watched Hamilton, which was amazing and inspiring. I ate a delicious steak, which was juicy and tender. I also had a relaxing massage, which was soothing and invigorating. It was a great way to celebrate and pamper myself,” he says.
Conclusion
Business travel can be more than just work. By following these tips from real travelers, you can make your trips more fun, fulfilling, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie, you can travel like a boss and make the most of your business trips.
