Traveling for business and traveling for pleasure are two totally separate things, but if business travel is a common thing for you, they don't have to be. Finding a routine and helpful tricks along the way will help you to stay sane even though you're hopping from city to city.
Keep Your Energy Up
Staying healthy is a key to enjoying your business travel. Make sure you don't forget to take care of your body like you would at home.
First, make sure to hit the gym or get lots of physical exercise. The trend on business trips is toward meetings and dinners, where there's not much chance to get around. Exercise can help beat jet-lag, keep your body feeling healthy and help you sleep better (not to mention deal with those big, fatty meals you're being served!)
Speaking of the meals, meals are a big part of traveling for business and it's important to watch your intake on the road to keep feeling your best. While cocktails after work are part of the culture in some workplaces (especially when traveling), limit yourself to something light like a gin and tonic or a club soda with lime. When ordering dinners, stick to lighter options like grilled fish or salad. Lay low on dessert, or try a lighter option like a fruit cobbler, and make sure to drink lots of water.
Take in the Town
Traveling on business can be lonely, but one way to spice it up is to get to know the town you're visiting. Whether you're in a small town or a huge one, find some kind of cultural activity to take in. Whether that means seeing a Broadway show in New York or visiting the local comedy club or jazz show in smaller towns, there's usually something you can do that will make it feel that you're traveling, and not just shuffling from meeting to meeting.
Keep Your Routine
If you've got a set routine for going to bed and waking up, stick to it (making allowances for time zone changes, of course). If you're used to drawing the curtains at night and you're in the room next to the football-field style lights, bring an eye mask along to keep it dark. If you like to watch a movie and have a cup of chamomile tea before nodding off, make sure you have everything you need in order to make things feel a little more like home. This also includes spending some time talking to loved ones back home each day.
Take Advantage of Transport Options
Depending on how you're traveling, take into account all your options. For instance, if you're not going far, you may have the choice between flying in coach (which can be like a sardine can) or for a fraction of the price, you may be able to take a train that will allow you a hot meal and maybe even a cushy seat or cabin to yourself. You'll save yourself the hassle and save your employer the money, which is sure to get you some smiles.
When flying's your only option, make sure you express to your employer how important it is to you to arrive refreshed and ready to represent your company the best way you can. That might mean flying during the day, or having a seat in business class. Especially if you're traveling frequently, your employer should be making sure that you are comfortable in your travels.
