Those of us who travel for business on a regular basis know that it can be a double-edged sword, a blessing and a burden. The idea of getting away so often, being able to see new places, experience different cultures, be a tourist for even five minutes, can be exciting. However, often times it comes with a lot of headaches. You can get bogged down with all the details and planning, the constant running around, the lack of knowledge about a place and being out of your comfort zone for extended periods of time. There is always some kind of work involved if it is a business trip, and that often takes priority over whatever sightseeing or exploring you had in mind. Sometimes, you only have the opportunity to see inside of a hotel and an office building with a quick stream of scenery when driving to and from the airport. This seems like no way to travel, even if it is for business. As someone who has done a fair bit of traveling on their own as well as for work, I have learned a few tips along the way to help make the experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Keep reading to hear a few pieces of advice that have helped me enjoy each trip a little more.
Always Have a Bag Ready
This is the best advice I was ever given. No matter where you are traveling to, it is likely that you will usually need the same things, give or take a warm jacket or a bathing suit. If you always have a bag ready with your essentials, it is much easier to enjoy the trip when there is less prep involved. You can always add or remove a few things depending on the location of the trip but you will thank yourself later. The bag you use is just as important as the contents inside. Make sure to have a bag that is the maximum legal carry on size. That way you will be able to fit as much as you need inside, but avoid dealing with baggage check or pick up when departing and arriving. This will save you time and maybe even give you an opportunity to do some exploring before the first meeting.
Make Your Accommodations a Priority
As I mentioned above, there are often times where your business trip only allows you the time to sleep and get from point A to point B. If this is the case, you should be very particular about where you book your accommodations. You may not always have control over this aspect of the trip, but if you do it is important to treat yourself right and book somewhere like Crown Plaza Hotels. When booking a hotel of this kind you know what to expect and can rest assured you will be comfortable and have a pleasurable experience. The amenities will make you feel like you are at home and allow you a great night’s sleep before the next big meeting. It is worth it if this is where you will spend all your down time.