The routine of business travel leaves a door open to adventure.
Business travel is still conventional and uninspiring for many professionals, especially if they fall into a monotonous, rushed routine: pack a bag, rush to the airport, attend one meeting after another, eat and sleep in uninspiring places and return home. However, there are little things you can do outside of the routine, even if it's just for a couple of hours…
.
Business travelers may feel that they don't know the destination well enough to turn a business trip into a short but unforgettable experience, worry about time constraints or believe that a business trip can't include a dose of adventure.
Since both the younger and older generations often lament that their travels are unadventurous, it's time to do something about it. After all, business travelers say what they like most about traveling is the opportunity to experience a new culture (50%) or a new city (46%).
DOWN THE GUARD, LOOK AROUND
When traveling on business, it's easy to opt for the quickest or most familiar route between meeting locations and accommodation, with the idea of getting back to the latter as soon as possible after the meetings are over. To enjoy your destination, forget the rush and get moving. Look for information about the different neighborhoods beforehand to identify places of interest and choose a longer way back, taking some unexpected detours. Plan the basics, leave room for improvisation and stay off the beaten path.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS
Gather information about the destination by asking locals. Where is the best place to sample the local cuisine after a business meeting? Which is the most elegant bar in town? Is there a place with a good view? It's easy to forget that often the hotel staff is local and knows the area inside out.Take advantage of this opportunity. Ask them, for example, to recommend a nearby restaurant for lunch. While other travelers probably don't have more information than you do, they can be good company to dine and unwind after work.
OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE
Most business travelers are used to eating alone, in the hotel restaurant or in their room. However, traveling alone does not necessarily mean dining alone. Instead, why not let go of your shyness and dare to seek out a unique experience?Sit at the bar instead of at a table by yourself: this way you can mingle with the locals or other customers, listen to the waiter's advice and take the opportunity to sample some of the city's most popular restaurants.
THE TIME TO RELAX
After a long day of meetings, having time to yourself to relax or exercise can be a necessity. While many accommodations have a gym or spa (or at the very least, a yoga mat), looking for a more adventurous option that is only available at your destination can make for a more interesting experience and help you feel “one more”. Yoga classes in New York City's Bryant Park or a session at London's Arch Climbing Wall, with its nearly 3,000 m² of rock climbing, can sate your adventurous appetite and help you approach the next day's meetings with more energy.