Who doesn’t love traveling? Exploring new places, soaking up different cultures, and experiencing different foods are just a small part of what makes traveling so much fun. But when it comes to business travel, things can often be a grind. Between the early morning flights, the endless meetings, and the late nights working in your hotel room, it’s easy to forget why you’re doing it all in the first place.
But business travel doesn’t have to be all work and no play. There are plenty of ways to make business travel more enjoyable, from planning to take advantage of your downtime. Below are some practical tips to enhance your experience.
Treat Yourself Now and Then:
Things can start feeling mundane when you’re always on the road. So why not treat yourself when you can? If you’re going to be in town for a few days, book a nicer hotel room than you usually would. Or, if you have some downtime between meetings, explore the city you’re in instead of just sitting in your hotel room. You can also ditch the usual ride for a splendid black car service. It offers the feel of business class without the business class price.
Nothing is set in stone when you’re traveling for business, so if you can mix things up and make them more enjoyable, why not do it?
Take Part in Native Customs:
When you travel for business, you’re often so focused on getting from point A to point B that you don’t get a chance to experience the place you’re in. But if you can, take some time to participate in the local customs wherever you are. It will make your trip more enjoyable and give you a better understanding and appreciation for the culture you’re experiencing. For instance, if you’re in Japan on business, take some time to visit a shrine or go see a traditional tea ceremony. Or, if you’re in Mexico, take a cooking class to learn how to make some of the country’s signature dishes.
Always Put Comfort First:
We have all felt the pain of cramming into a tiny airplane seat or dealing with less-than-ideal working conditions. But when traveling for business, it’s essential to always put your comfort first. If you’re uncomfortable, getting work done (and enjoying yourself in the process) can be daunting. So, if you can, splurge on a better seat on the plane or upgrade to a business class hotel room. Use an airport limo service to avoid the hassle of public transportation, or take advantage of business lounges if your airport has them. Your safety and comfort must always be your top priority when you’re on the road.
Get out of the City:
Most of the time, business travelers have limited time to explore the places they’re visiting. But if you can, try to get out of the city and see some surrounding areas. You might have to add a few days to your trip (maybe even at your expense), but it will be worth it. Not only will you experience a different side of the country, but you’ll also get some much-needed fresh air. You can rent a luxury SUV in the US to see all that the country has to offer, especially if you’re traveling with a group. And if you want to take it a notch higher, a stretch limo is also an option.
Rack Up Travel Rewards:
Don’t deny it. The highlight of frequent business traveling is racking up those reward points. And the points aren’t limited to airlines and hotels – you can get them for a high-class car service, business expenses, and dining out. So, if you’re not already doing it, start collecting those points so you can use them for your next vacation. You should keep a few things in mind to make the most out of your business travel rewards:
- Use a credit card that offers travel rewards, such as points or cash back.
- Use the same airline and hotel chain whenever possible to earn loyalty points.
- Redeem your points for business-related expenses, such as business class flights or upgrades.
- Use points to book travel for your family and friends so you can all enjoy the benefits.
Break Through the Language Barrier:
Conversations with taxi drivers, waiters, and other locals are often one of the highlights of airport business travel. But they can also be a cause of frustration when there’s a language barrier. If you’re not fluent in the local language, carrying a pocket dictionary or phrasebook can help you break through the barrier and have more enjoyable conversations. You can also learn a few key phrases before your trip, so you’re not entirely lost when you arrive. And if all else fails, hand gestures and a warm smile can go a long way. You will also impress your business associates if you can converse with them in their native language, even if it’s just a few phrases.
Don’t Let the Carbs Build:
Some business travelers constantly turn down invitations to go out to dinner because they’re worried about packing on the pounds. But if you make smart choices, you can enjoy some local cuisines without risking your health. First, avoid business lunches as they’re usually heavier meals high in calories and fat. And when you do go out for dinner, order something light and healthy, such as a salad or a fish dish. Just be sure to avoid business dinners that involve drinking alcohol, leading to overeating. And if you’ve paid attention, your hotel has a fully-equipped gym. So, before or after your business meetings, get a workout to offset all those business lunches and dinners.
Conclusion:
So, you see, business travel doesn’t have to be dull. With some planning and effort, you can make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Start right at using the airport limo service to and from the airport. It’ll set the tone for the remaining trip. And don’t forget to use those business travel rewards – they can come in handy for your next vacation.
