KissMyCountry’s interview with Bridget Brennan about women and travel inspired me to write my own thoughts about travel for business. A Traveler by nature, I’m always challenged to get more ‘travel’ into a business trip – while taking care of business, of course. Bit by bit, I’ve developed guidelines I’m glad to share. Some are obvious, some take planning, some are left to fate. But if you push yourself a little you’ll travel more and get more out of the trips you take. Try these and you’ll see:
1. To enjoy business travel you have to go on business travel – be willing. Be the person on your team who says ‘I can handle that’ whenever your boss needs to send someone on a trip. It might not always be the most glamorous, but there will be gems that make it all worthwhile. Don’t think those chances to volunteer come up? Listen harder and be ready to raise your hand.
2. Business trips can materialize at a moment’s notice – be ready. You come to work, go to a meeting and you’re on a plane the next day. Keep one or two business outfits – the entire outfit – cleaned and ready, and a suitcase close at hand – be able to grab it, not hunt for it. Keep a bag of essentials together – toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, whatever you need every morning and every night. Your packing will take minutes, not the whole evening. Because when you’re traveling on business, you’ve got more important things to do.
3. The pros tell you to research a place before you vacation. It’s no different for business travel – research your destination. The Internet makes this a breeze, and your research will give you restaurants to suggest to clients when it’s time for dinner, as well as events, shops and spots to visit when you have down time. For restaurants, search Food Network’ Rachel Ray’s $40 a Day, and Giada’s Weekend Getaways. Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown is another source – look at her Travel Guides for Europe, South America and the US. Daily Candy covers 11 US cities and London with news about new shops, restaurants and events. Use it for a quick look at recent ‘picks’ for a city or sign up to receive emails before traveling there. You’ll be glad you made the effort.
4. Most business travel has down time – usually early morning or late afternoon. Use that time for yourself, and get ‘out and about’. Try to use client dinners for restaurants you’ve earmarked, and get to shops, attractions or famous locations when you have time for yourself. Pick two or three places in advance and when you have time, see what’s possible to achieve. Have a favorite store? See what they have to offer in another city. Like the outdoors? Head to a local park, rent a bicycle or take a ferry ride. Art or architecture lover? Local museums always have something special in their collections, and seeing buildings designed by a famous architect will be a dream come true.
5. Pick one hotel chain you like and stick with it on travel to different cities. Hotels recognize a repeat customer and you’ll be rewarded with upgrades and special perks over time. Someone else making your arrangements? They might do what you suggest as long as it’s within budget, and you’ll add points within one system, not many. Using the same hotel chain in different cities will make you feel at home everywhere – you’ll know the layout, the amenities, the food they serve – and the hotel will know you. You can use the hotel as a jumping off point, and the concierge will be glad to help you figure out how to get to those shops, parks or museums on your list.
These are just a few ways to keep the ‘travel’ in business travel and we know if you try them you’ll get much more from your business trips. Travelers – if you have a tip I haven’t mentioned, please share – we’d like to learn from you! Otherwise, try these tips and let us know how it turns out! Happy travels!
