Many people jump at the chance to travel for business—it’s almost a free vacation, right? But how do you make time for fun while still devoting the necessary time to work? A combination of preparation and good resources can help you see the sights as well as get your work done.
Plan Ahead, Maximize Time
Making time for fun requires you that you organize your time ahead. Plan to arrive early in the day and stay until later in the evening—that way you can see the sights and still get your work done. To save more time and money, fly on red eye flights. Ask your company if there are any clients or partners that you could visit while you’re in the area. If you need help organizing your trip, try an online organizer like TripIt at www.tripit.com. Also, for more travel helps, see page 72.
Places to Go, Things to Do
As part of your before-travel research, check out the city’s website or look for travel guides Be sure to check the hours for each attraction because some locations may have different running hours during different seasons. You can also utilize your social media by asking friends on Facebook what you could do in a particular city; you’ll be at surprised the number of responses you get. Once you have some ideas, be sure to prioritize your options according to the free time you are likely to have while there.
When in Rome, Ask the Locals
It’s always best to get the inside scoop. The locals of any town are those who know the best places to eat, hang out, and explore. If you don’t know anyone in the city, consider asking your taxi driver, the hotel staff, or co-workers who’ve been there for options of things to do. Whatever you do, don’t let local gems fly under the radar simply because they are not well-known tourist locations—travel like a local.
Brace Yourself, Dive In
The most memorable adventures are often those that are unplanned. Even if you are unable to do the activities you planned, be willing to explore and get out of your comfort zone; feel the tempo of the city, meet new people, and make some friends.
Sometimes a simple walk around the neighborhood reveals activities that aren’t advertised online. One family traveling in Kyōto, Japan discovered that although most of the temples closed in the late afternoon, Nijō Castle was having a special night-time event for the next two days. Moral of the story: you never know what you will find when you explore the area. Just be sure to grab a map before you head out of your hotel so you don’t get lost.