Business trips can be tough for many travelers and not everyone takes it lightly. Homesickness, stale croissants and Jetlag leaves the most experienced business travelers wilting over their laptops and tablets at the airport lounge. But the new generations of business travelers have been evolving and bringing a new concept of business travel. Being a traveler myself I have to frequently fly to the UAE for my business meetings, but I don’t only spend my time in the hotel staring at the PowerPoint slides. I try to brainstorm when I’m walking on the beach or out for coffee at some comfy café. Here are my five tips on how to make your business travel, interesting rather than boring.
Don’t Sleep As Soon As You Land
When you land at your destination don’t just go to the hotel and sleep. Yes, I know you must be going through Jetlag but there are other better ways to deal with it. I prefer going out for a nice meal and then a walk around the park near to my lodging place. Plus try not to stay at a hotel, I recommend that you book a comfortable house in a friendly neighborhood, this way you remain in a lively environment rather than the high-rise hotel areas which usually get deserted by night hours.
Make It Fun For Yourself
Being a frequent traveler for business trips I have discovered that there are many people who travel for their work dealings but don’t restrict themselves to work only. Like I always explore the city or the local neighborhoods by the end of the day or once my business meetings are over I spend two more extra days only for leisure.
Go For The Local Good Food
When you are going on a business travel the good part is that all your expenses are covered so why not eat at a good restaurant. My first official work trip to Asia was overall good except for the part that I tried the strategy of booking my hotel near the airport. So I had to eat at the restaurants located near to my hotel, but that was my worst mistake as there is no food culture there if you want to eat good food, then you must try the restaurants near the local neighborhoods and eat what the locals eat.
Get Some Fresh Perspective
When you reach a new destination you need to get some fresh air and fresh perspective. Sitting in your hotel room won’t get you a fresh perspective. I try to approach new people at the coffee shops, mostly; I’m the kind of person who would rather like to sit in a café then a club. So when you spend time outdoors you meet new people and get to know their opinions which help in getting a fresh perspective yourself.
Surround Yourself With Creativity
Creativity brings inspiration, my business trip checklist doesn’t only includes tasks to be done, it also includes beaches, parks and art galleries. I like to go to places where I can get inspired. For me visiting an art gallery or museums is good as it refreshes my mind and I can think better about work and other things.
