12 ways to make your work trip feel more like a holiday

Let’s face it, as exciting as they may sound, business trips can be hectic, tiring, stressful and anything but relaxing. But there are plenty of ways to get the most out of your destination, and enjoy a little ‘bleisure’ – business mixed with leisure – to make your trip feel more like a getaway.

Do your homework
Who says researching a destination needs to be reserved for holidays? Plan ahead – especially if you will have a limited amount of free time – and look up all the fun things to see and do in your destination. I’m talking cool restaurants and bars, spas, museums, and historical sites. Put the word out to your friends and colleagues for tips too.
Choose a hotel with a great location
It’s your home away from home so you may as well make it a great one. It’s easier to get in some downtime if your hotel is well situated. Nobody has time for long taxi rides or public transport trips. Go for either a hotel within close proximity to your work obligations or near sights or activities you plan to enjoy in your free time. I’m always pretty partial to positioning myself near the shopping action 😉
And great amenities
A great fitness centre, a spa or massage services, an amazing pool, and room service are just a few amenities which will enhance your chances of R&R when you’re not working. Make use of them and don’t feel guilty! Everything tastes better when delivered as room service and enjoyed wearing a robe in bed.
If you don’t ask you don’t get
Request a room with a balcony or a view so you can benefit from fresh air or enjoy the scenery. Also request a bathtub so you can enjoy a long soak after a busy day, or a room with access to a club lounge with perks. I’m looking at you, complimentary drinks and canapes.
Be smart with your work schedule
Work trip days can be super long but where possible, schedule meetings so that you have a decent window of free time in the morning, afternoon or evening. This will give you time to explore, go for dinner or even enjoy a massage.
Organise meetings at fun locations
Suggest meeting away from the office at unusual or casual places such as a local coffee shop for the atmosphere, a picturesque park, a museum, or a restaurant where you can also sample the local cuisine.
Stick to close sightseeing spots
Another tip is to organise meetings near places you explore and enjoy afterwards, such as a particular district, or local historic sights and exhibitions.
Get out and about
While it’s always tempting to stay in your hotel room after a long work day and opt for room service (totally do it, just not every night), instead transform meal times into an opportunity for exploration, and the chance to meet new people or get to know some of your colleagues or business contacts away from the office.
Get up early
If you’re off the hook with early meetings – well played you – use the first part of the day to do something for yourself. Watch the sunrise, try a local fitness class or do something completely touristy like a hop-on, hop-off bus ride or market tour. These make for great conversation-starters during your work day too.
Pack for “bleisure”
Don’t limit yourself to only work clothes; pack things you’d take on holiday including your swimmers, sunscreen, workout gear, good walking shoes, casual clothes and a good book. Nobody wants to hang at the hotel bar after a long day in a power suit.
Stay an extra day or two
Consider adding extra days to the start or end of your trip. This takes some of the pressure off ‘making the most’ of your trip if you have a particularly hectic work schedule. And don’t be limited to your work destination, you can always head somewhere else nearby, or if you’re flying internationally, make the most of a stopover and kick back and see the sights.
Manage your own expectations
Avoid stressing yourself out trying to do all the things by thinking of any leisure time you get as a bonus. If nothing else, you’re sussing out a destination for future holiday potential!