For those who love adventure, business travel can be a great perk of the job. While you likely won’t have an endless amount of time to mosey around a new city to take in all the sights, there are some simple steps you can take to make the most of your time.
1. Plan Ahead
You wouldn’t wing the sales pitch you’re about to make on this trip, would you? Of course not. You’re smart and plan ahead. You have a detailed list of the points you want to make and have rehearsed your answers to likely questions. Treat your schedule the same.
Details are everything and Google Maps is a godsend. Be precise and efficient. Once you have created a list of the places you would like to see, map them out and cluster them together. The restaurant you want to try out is on the East side of town and the art museum is on the West? Well then maybe you can’t do both, or at least not in the same outing. Pick one and find something else to do in the same area instead.
It’s also imperative you map out how long it will take you to get to and from places by foot, cab, or public transportation. Always leave yourself some wiggle room. I like to include all three transportation options on my itineraries in case something goes awry!
2. Go Early/Stay Late
If your schedule allows, think about going a day early or staying a day late. This may require the use of vacation days and could get expensive fast, so make sure to think about all the costs before you choose to take an extra day (e.g. an extra night at the hotel, extra meals out, transportation, and the cost of experiences you’re planning such as museum entrance fees).
However, going early or staying late doesn’t necessarily require you to take an extra day. Conference doesn’t start until 5PM? Book a 5AM flight and spend the whole day exploring the city! While many your colleagues will try to book the latest flight possible in the hopes of sleeping in, you’ll be out on the town, taking in the sights .
3. Be an Early Bird
So your big pitch is at 9AM? You got all the time in the world, if you use it right. First of all, make sure to get a good night’s sleep. Don’t plan on getting up at 5AM if you were out until midnight the night before—you won’t be on your a-game the next day, which is the whole reason you’re on this trip in the first place. If you can plan to get a good night’s sleep, set that alarm for 5AM. Go for a run, a walk, or to the gym; get some coffee; or take your camera around and shoot some photos. Since you will have already packed for the trip, you’ll spend less time figuring out what to wear and have more time to spare. Make sure to lay out two outfits the night before: one for you early morning coffee run and one for your business meeting.
4. Grab Coffee
On business trips, coffee shops are your friends—not only because you may need that extra wake-up call when changing time zones, but because they are one of the few places guaranteed to open at the crack of dawn. Skip the Starbucks and find a local coffeehouse; there is no better way to experience the local character of the city quickly and on the cheap.
If you follow my previous advice and plan on getting up at 5AM when you don’t have to be anywhere until 9AM, you’ll have three hours to play with (#math). Let’s say one of those hours is wasted getting ready to leave, and then getting ready again once you’re back. That leaves you two hours to walk/taxi to and from the coffee shop and includes plenty of time to sit there and enjoy your cup of coffee while getting caught up on the news or going over some last-minute meeting notes. And really, 20 minutes in a coffee shop is really all you need to experience the place and get in some quality people-watching.
5. Go For a Run
The first business trip I ever went on was to Tampa, Florida. It was March at the time, and I couldn’t wait to escape the chilly air in Washington, DC for some warm sun in the sunshine state.
The first thing I did when I landed was ask the concierge for a local running route (many hotels are prepared for this question and are able to provide guest with 1-mile, 3-mile, and 5-mile loops!) When I got to my room, I put down my bag and put on my running shoes and was out exploring the city while everyone was still hanging their clothes.
The best part about running (or biking) in a new city is stumbling upon the unexpected. I started out on the route provide by the hotel, but was soon lured in by a beautiful side street (just make sure your phone is fully charged so you can GPS your way back.) The side street led to a strip of boutiques and 25 minutes into my run I found myself shopping local artisans.
6. Taste the Local Flavor
One of the easiest ways to experience a place is to taste the local flavor, literally. In Miami? Try a Cuban and mojito. In Boston? Get some clam chowder and Sam Adams Boston Lager. Texas? Tex-mex, duh. Kansas city? BBQ is the way to go.
Food and flavors are some of those things that can transport you in time and place.
7. Relax at the Hotel
Hotel lobbies are among the things authors write about and artists dream of. Sitting in a plush chair sipping a cocktail and watching folks come and go while writing stories in your head about their lives is a vacation unto itself. Being in a new environment evokes a sense of wonder and excitement and gives the imagination a chance to thrive, promoting creativity that will only benefit your career. Enjoying the comforts of a fancy hotel lobby takes no planning and almost no extra time, making it a perfect fit for any business trip. Plus, sitting in a comfy chair, you can sport those cute new heels you’ve been dying to wear, but are too uncomfortable to walk in all day.
