If you’ve ever traveled for work, or travel frequently for it, you may agree that it can be tiring. Commuting on a regular workday can be tiresome, but add in a new, far-off location and it can be even more exhausting. However busy, travel can inherently contain an element of excitement. With some strategic and mindful planning, you may just be able to unlock the opportunity to make time for both business and pleasure!

When you travel for work, consider taking time to step back and create a plan that can allow you to meet the expectations of your employer while still enjoying the world around you. This way of traveling can be known as “blesiure” and it literally and figuratively combines business and leisure in an approach to help create a better work-life balance.

Much of making “blesiure” work can have a lot to do with your itinerary and the flexibility that you have in your schedule at your destination. Try working with your schedule so you can create an awesome experience for yourself when you travel for work.

It can sometimes be a good idea to ask your employer questions concerning the business trip and to speak up if there is another accommodation that you prefer. Although it is not always possible that your requests be met, asking can be a great place to start. Let’s talk about a few tips that can help you transform your next business trip into an exciting mini vacation.

Dining for the experience

Although there may be business meetings over lunch or dinner, most business trips allow for free time during some meals. If you find yourself in this position, try taking advantage of it. Before traveling, consider researching some restaurants that you might want to try out. Instead of finding a quick bite or ordering room service, you can partake in a new dining experience. This may be a great way for you to decompress and wind down after a day full of working in a foreign city.

Going outside

It can be easy to jump from cab to cab and meeting to meeting when you travel for business. But, if the weather is on your side, we recommend getting outside to get some fresh air. If you’re able to walk to your meetings, try leaving a few minutes early from your hotel to walk those 5 blocks. Also consider looking for activities to do in your downtime, such as checking out local outdoor parks or finding activities that may interest you.

Planning meetings at fun locations

Sometimes you don’t plan the itinerary for your business trips, but if you do, try organizing meetings with the surrounding area in mind. There may be opportunities to take your meetings to places that you haven’t thought of before. Whether you end up in a boardroom, park or beachside restaurant, let the location be the star.

Staying an extra day

To help really bring your mini vacation to “vacation status” you can plan to tack on an extra day at the beginning or end of your trip. This can help you to take advantage of all that the location has to offer. By having more free time you can fit more activities into your day. On the flip side, it might also allow you to take things at a slightly slower pace. For some of us, a slower, more relaxed pace is what makes a vacation, vacation. Instead of running around nonstop in the three hours after your last meeting, you can focus more on one or two activities and save others for your extra day.

Asking for a room with a view

When booking a room at a hotel or lodging accommodation, you can try asking for a room with a view. Whether it be an ocean view or mountain view, it might make a big difference in your business trip. Going to sleep and waking up to a great view can help you to relax and decompress from your work while you're away. This may be especially true for places that have recognizable buildings and monuments, as well as great scenery or foliage. Let’s face it, many of us would rather wake up looking at the Sydney Opera House than a parking lot or the back of a building. If you end up not having a lot of free time or find yourself stuck in the hotel for most of your business trip, this could be just the remedy to help you enjoy your trip.

Waking up early/Going to sleep late

Now, this can be easier said than done, BUT if you can accomplish it, it might give you just enough extra free time for an additional dining experience or activity. It can be important to keep your routine as normal as possible when traveling, especially across time zones. However, adding an hour or two to the beginning or end of your day may be feasible depending on your location and business schedule.

Traveling protected

Traveling, whether for fun or for business, can be unpredictable at times and the unexpected can happen. Be sure to ask your employer if travel protection is provided for the trip, or if you can add your own. Being prepared in case of lost or stolen baggage, missed connections and more can help you travel more confidently. Visit our website today to learn more about how travel protection can help you.

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