Turning Business Trips into a Fun Adventure

This post is sponsored by FatJoe Publishing. As always, all opinions and ideas are entirely my own.

"This is just a reminder that I'm going on vacation and you're not!”

I shout to my coworkers as I bust out the door for my business trip. Okay, kidding… I would never have the audacity to do something like that (especially with company funds), but it is time we start enjoying our business trips and not dreading them!

A business trip is a visit made to a place for work purposes. That is the boring definition of a work trip, but to me, I see it very differently. A business trip is a visit made to a place for work purposes where you can enjoy new cuisine, meet some locals in the area, learn something (or many things!), and escape your typical daily office scene.

I understand that travel can be strenuous in certain situations. If you have kids and a family, traveling away can be stressful for the entire household, but when duty calls, you to have to oblige. And, let’s be fair, you might as well make the most of it!

Here's how I turn a business trip into a business vacation without slacking off!

The Duration

A lot of business trips call for small travel windows, often only going somewhere for a day or two, getting things done, and then quickly jetting back home. Hello, they miss you in the office already! Of course, while this ensures that you don’t waste any time, it will make the journey very boring, and I know I would regret missing out on the chance to explore the areas visited for business. This makes it well worth giving yourself a day or two for non-business activities. Most business happens during the week, so fly in early on the weekend and do some exploring before getting down to business. Paying for extra travel is not something companies typically splurge on, but a day before or a day after can sometimes be an exception.

The Hotel

There are a lot of different types of hotels out there, and it can be easy to find yourself stuck somewhere boring when you go on a business trip. Is it just me or do you find yourself constantly going on a business trip to places like South Dakota or Kansas? A lot of the hotels which market themselves as being "specifically for business" often only have rooms, a place to eat, and maybe a bar or two, making them drab for those who want some adventure. It's not like there isn’t a hotel near Lansdale or wherever else your meeting might be, but is there a hotel that makes you excited about your work trip? I always opt for the hotel with the most amenities on the off chance I am stuck there for a majority of the time.

The Food

Probably my favorite part of any trip, but especially business trips. I say this because you have to eat. Maslow's hierarchy of needs says you need food, water, warmth, and rest. So take advantage of this opportunity to try some cuisine you wouldn't typically have in your own town. I live by my Yelp app when it comes to out of town spots. I typically choose a spot with the most ratings because it’s obviously popular for a reason. I'm hardly ever disappointed and you can try a new spot for each meal. Just remember to stay in your budget or prepare to make up the difference.

The People

I'm not talking about the people you meet, but the friends or colleagues you take along with you. A lot of people decide to take trips like this on their own, assuming that they will be able to get more done this way. In reality, though, this will often make it harder to explore the areas around you. By taking someone you like and who has a sense of adventure, you will feel more obligated to use the free time you have to do touristy things; get out and adventure. You can either rotate between team members or maybe bring along a significant other or social friend. Note that the business won't cover their expenses though!

The After-Hours Activities

Some business trips allow for a bit of free time, whereas some have you working 24/7 to make the most of the money being spent on the travel. Both make sense and both are workable. If you feel your job is done and completed to the standards of the company, maybe find a friend from the conference or the local office you're visiting, and explore a night on the town. There is always something to do or see in a foreign area. Even if it is a quick stroll through the park to get you out of your makeshift office or a drink at some snappy bar nearby.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of making your next business trip a mix of work and pleasure. There’s no reason to miss out on the chances which a corporate adventure can present, and this can be a great way to travel when you usually don’t have time for it. Just make sure you pack all of your essentials for the trip! 

What do you like to do on your business vacations? Let’s chat in the comments below!