If your job requires you to do it then the least you can do is make the most of the time. Here are some tips for the next time you travel for business.
Explore the local area and cuisine
If you are travelling to somewhere that you have never been to before, use the opportunity to go and see some of the area. Before you travel, do a little bit of research to see what the top tourist attractions are. You can use Tripadvisor to find the top 10 things to do and see if there is anything takes your fancy. If you are going to a place where there is a different type of cuisine, you should also try sampling it. If you have any meals with clients, it is generally regarded as polite to try the local cuisine.
There could be some famous landmarks not too far away, so if you have the time it could be worth hiring a car to do some sightseeing. There are hire car companies at most airports. For example, you can hire cars from Malaga airport to make it easier to get to and from the airport, instead of using taxis or public transport, and then to go on exploring in your free time. So take your driving license with you when you travel.
Learn some of the language
When you travel somewhere that has a different language, it is always a good idea to learn some of the key phrases to help you out in restaurants, shops and so on. As well as being useful, you might find it is really enjoyable to pick up some new language skills and with the great language apps and resources there are available, you can use your travelling time to develop some basic language.
Apps such as Duolingo, Babbel and Mondly are hugely popular with language learners and they are a lot more fun than the traditional language lessons at school! When you are away, you can always use Google Translate or something similar to find the phrases that you need to use.
Use of hotel facilities
Lots of people go on business and don't take advantage of the hotel facilities, such as a gym and jacuzzi, for example. When you're travelling, you spend a lot of time sitting, either on a plane or in meetings, and eating at networking meals. There isn't much time for exercise, so if you have the chance it can be a good way to relax and de-stress after the hectic nature of travelling.
Onsite gyms make it much easier to do a quick bit of exercise, so make sure you take your gym clothes, swimming gear or any other kit you're likely to need. If you don't fancy the gym, even just getting out for a walk around the local area will help you to get a bit of fresh air and stretch your legs, while experiencing something new.
If you are a regular business traveller, then these tips should help you to turn your trips into opportunities, rather than just work commitments.
