Business travel has a wide range of physiological, psychological and emotional consequences. Aging faster, a weakened immune system and obesity risk are just some of the concerns, according to research by the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey.
You may not be able to avoid business travel altogether, but you can make the most of it by adding some fun back into it. Avoid becoming one of the millions of business travelers who do nothing but run to meetings and crash with fast food before heading home. Instead, turn your business trip into a mini vacation and use the time in a new city to decompress and try new things.
Get cultured
Appreciating the city you’re in can go a long way in enjoying a business trip. See the local culture by taking in the sights whether a museum exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum or a Broadway show in New York. Enjoy an event totally unique to your location like booking advance tickets to “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway or visiting the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. No matter what city you’re in, there’s a theatrical event, concert or attraction with plenty to offer.
Take a tour bus
Sometimes business trips only leave a few hours for fun without a lot of options. Instead of wasting your time cabbing it from point A to B to fit in a quick visit to an attraction, hop on a tour bus instead. Most major cities from Vancouver to Chicago offer hop-on, hop-off buses and trolleys that make a circuit around all of the major attractions. Choose a few spots to visit on a whirlwind tour before heading back to the office.
Reconnect with nature
Not every business trip needs to be crammed with meetings and rushing from restaurants to shopping and galleries. Make time to reconnect with nature. In Oregon, head out to Portland’s Forest Park or a ride through wine country in Willamette Valley with a stop for a wine tasting. In New York, go on a stroll through the Cloisters for stunning views of the New Jersey Palisades across the Hudson.
Hang with the locals
Get acquainted with the locals by hitting a local bar or attending an outdoor concert. Strike up a conversation about the best spots to visit in the area and learn more about the town you’re in. Locals are usually proud to share their knowledge of the area and can clue you in on little known and underrated spots.
Stay the weekend
The best way to really make the most of a business trip is to stay the weekend before or after to soak up the local flavor. Make an itinerary with a list of attractions, bookstores, live entertainment and restaurants you want to hit. Remember to schedule in some much needed downtime for a run through a wooded park or a cold beer with a book in hand. Unwinding is the fastest way to feel like you’re on vacation.
Hit the airport lounge
If you truly have no time to enjoy your business trip before flying back, hit the airport lounge instead. Splurge for the best access to get complementary drinks, food and a spot to unwind. Some international lounges like the Qantas first lounges at Sydney and Melbourne offer tons of perks. Enjoy fine dining, shower facilities and private work areas. Check online to see if your airport offers elite spa services and splurge for a relaxing massage before your flight home.
