Or how to make the most of your business travel

Image by Andrew Currie

Oh, business travel, how I do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.  I love the free overseas flights (business class flights if you’re lucky); free accommodation; free sight-seeing; free meals and the added bonus of tacking on some of your accrued leave days, to extend your trip and really turn your business travel into a holiday adventure.

For many industries, business travel is simply part of the job.  But sometimes, for those business travellers who are regularly sent overseas, the initial excitement can sometimes morph into a feeling of dread and resentment, as there are also a few drawbacks to business travel.  Sharing a 24-hour flight with your less-than-favourite colleague isn’t always fun (particularly if its not a business class flight); and living out of a suitcase; suffering jetlag; leaving behind family and missing out on events back home can all prove tiresome for those who travel frequently for business.

A good way to counter all those negatives is to take advantage of the aforementioned positives.  Count your corporate travel blessings and make the most of the business travel freebies!  If you’re smart about it, you can turn each and every business trip into a memorable adventure.

Get online before you get onboard (so you can go go go).

A quick online search will bring up anything and everything you need to know about the city or region you’re travelling to, no matter how remote.  You’ll be able to search for public transport timetables and attraction opening hours, so you will know the best way to get to your destination, and when you can fit the sightseeing in around conference sessions.  If you’re keen to keep your hand out of your own pocket, then simply search for free activities and attractions.  You might be surprised at the amount of free adventuring that can be done in a new city.

Minimise Jetlag.

When trying to maximise your downtime on a business trip, you want to be able to hit the ground running and that means taking precautions to minimise jetlag.  On the flight over, by all means enjoy a drink or two to help you relax, but be sure to limit your alcohol to only a couple, and drink loads of water – it is important to stay hydrated to avoid a nasty case of jetlag that will eat into your free time for sightseeing.  Take your own blanket, pillow and earplugs to ensure a decent rest in transit.   And try to get your body-clock in tune with the time of your destination – so if your flight arrives in the morning, you’ll be far better off if you get out there and start exploring, rather than give in to the temptation of having a sleep (which will leave you wide awake at night and have your body-clock totally out of whack).

Bon Appétit Mon Ami.

Business travel perk number one, in my books, is the free meals… and I choose to eat well when abroad.  If you find yourself in Paris for business and you have the choice of eating at a McDonald’s outlet or enjoying a beautiful authentic French meal from a little restaurant nearby your hotel… which would you choose?  Shame on anyone who goes for the Macca’s option – I guarantee you, having Le Big Mac is nothing to email home about.  So make it your mission to seek out the local cafes and restaurants, and be brave – try something you’ve never had or never heard of before.  And hey, the boss is paying; so don’t even bother looking at the prices!  Why ask the waiter for their recommendation on an accompanying wine – if you’re travelling to a non-English speaking country then make a point of learning the phrase “which wine do you suggest?” beforehand.  It will open up a whole new world of food and cultural experiences and the locals will be very impressed.

Extend your stay and/or Make it a family affair

I have a friend who travels frequently for business.  She is away from her family a lot, however every year she turns one of her trips into a family holiday.  Her husband and kids come along with her and whilst she is attending to business, the family gets to sightsee.  When the business part of the trip is over, then the whole family stays on another week to enjoy an overseas holiday together.  The great part is they save on the cost of an adult fare and a few nights’ accommodation each time; and every year the family looks forward to a new holiday destination.  Win win!

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