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Traveling for business can often be much less of an adventure than it may sound, as when you’re spending so much time working you don’t get to focus on the fun aspects of a trip. For many business travelers, after a few journeys, the process starts to become tedious or even boring. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can make the most of your business trips by looking for ways to have fun, even if you don’t have much time for things like sightseeing. There are also several things you can do to prevent stress on these trips, which can go a long way toward boosting your enjoyment of them. Use this guide to plan your next business trip and throw in some fun:
Look for business opportunities in ideal vacation spots
If you own a business or are free to find opportunities on your own, make it a priority to seek them out in ideal vacation spots. This way, you can travel to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, and a good portion of the trip will be free since you can write off the full cost of your hotel room and transportation. You may also be able to deduct half of the cost of meals and entertainment; do some research first to make sure you’ll be able to utilize those deductions and plan on keeping every receipt so you can quantify them come tax time.
Keep your important documents safe
No matter where you’re traveling to, it’s essential to take some safety precautions. The last thing you want to do on a business trip is deal with a stressful job-related issue that could have been prevented, such as lost paperwork, so it’s a good idea to utilize digital tools that will help you keep everything safe and accessible. Instead of keeping track of multiple files, which can be time-consuming, consider combining files so you have everything together in one place. Use a PDF merger tool to make this an easy task so you have your most important documents in one place and can access them within a few seconds.
It’s also a good idea to use tech tools to your advantage when it comes to maintaining communication with friends, family, and coworkers. Traveling comes with a lot of perks, but it can also be isolating if you spend most of your trips alone. Look for the latest gadgets and digital resources to help you keep in touch no matter where you are.
Make the most of your schedule
Digitizing your documents is a great way to keep them safe, but it also frees up some time so you can make the most of your schedule during the trip. Many business travelers have a quick turnaround, staying in one place for only a day or two, so anything you can do to make your work more efficient will help you enjoy your stay in the long run. Stick to a routine that will allow you to get things done without distractions. You can also do some research ahead of time to find out when local events will be happening; this is an easy way to squeeze in a concert or a quick side trip once you’re done working for the day.
Book a hotel that’s close to the action
When setting up your trip, don’t limit your research to local events; take a look at your accommodation options and book a spot that’s within walking distance of some places you’d like to visit. You might check out museums, pubs, art galleries, or local shops. Even if there are no events happening during your trip, you can still get out and about and enjoy the culture of the area before heading home. You can also take a look at your options for public transportation if there’s nothing to see that’s within walking distance.
Enjoy the perks included with your accommodation
If possible, choose a hotel or rental that offers a few perks, such as a pool, gym, kitchen, or hot tub. These days, there are plenty of options available for travelers who want a few amenities during their downtime so they can relax or stick to their routines. You may even be able to get some work done by the poolside! Often, these extras don’t add much to the cost of your stay, and they offer small ways to make a big impact while you travel.
Make rest a priority
Whether you’re snoozing by the pool or just heading to bed at a decent hour, it’s a good idea to make rest a priority when you’re traveling for business. Not only does this help with your stress and anxiety levels, it makes the trip much more tolerable if you’re well-rested. Have trouble sleeping during a trip? Try meditation along with a few yoga stretches before you go to bed. You can also cut down on caffeine throughout the day, eat foods that are beneficial for good rest, and stick to a routine as much as possible so that your body knows when it’s time to rest. If you’re traveling between time zones, it can be helpful to stay hydrated, exercise when possible, and get outside when you can. Combining a workout with some time outdoors can help significantly when you’re feeling jet-lagged.
Treat yourself
Whether you need to relax during your business trip or just want to make the most of it, treating yourself can go a long way toward helping you enjoy your time at a given destination. You can go big with a trip to a local spa or a day of shopping, or you can find small ways to pamper yourself, such as ordering room service after a full day of work and relaxing in bed with a good movie. These treats–whether big or small–can help the trip feel more like a vacation, even for a little while, and allow you to enjoy yourself even more.
Spending time on business trips can quickly become a tedious routine, but there are many things you can do to turn them into fun excursions. Remember to make your health and safety a priority, and use digital tools to make keeping up with documents and communicating with coworkers and family as easy as possible.
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