How to have fun when traveling for business

Wednesday, 8/24/2011  3:05:35 PM

Traveling for business can be stressful. Not only do you have to worry about important face-to-face meetings with clients, but there's also all the annoying minutiae that goes along with maneuvering through unfamiliar space. While you may have to struggle through your share of ancillary fees and expensive rent-a-car services, you should also make the effort to enjoy yourself on the road. After all - you may not get the chance to return to wherever it is you're visiting for some time.

Here are a few tips on how to have fun on your business travel trips, even with all of that other stuff going on:

1. Enjoy the local cuisine. Whether you plan to patronize the hotel restaurant or scour the city for the best eats, make sure you order something that represents the area. Traveling to New Orleans? Try the gumbo or the jambalaya. Chicago? Make room for a deep-dish pizza. And who could venture to Seattle without sampling some of the region's savory Olympic oysters?

2. Make the most of hotel facilities. Many hotels host fitness centers where you can get your daily workout (so you won't have to worry about enjoying all that local fare), and some even have recreation rooms where you can challenge colleagues to a friendly game of ping-pong. Also, make sure you bring along a bathing suit so you can make the most of an on-premises pool or hot tub.

3. Did someone say room service? If you're staying at a hotel, go ahead and live it up a little. Order your favorite dish or drink from the catering menu and relax to a great new release on pay-per-view. After a long day full of meet-and-greets and business meetings, you'll deserve it.

4. Take an extra day (or two). If possible, arrange to stay an extra day or two after your business is completed. You can even see if your family can join you for an extended weekend so you all have the chance to enjoy the trip together. Plus, you can impress them with all you've learned about the city since you arrived.

Traveling doesn't have to be all business. Make sure you get the most out of your experience - after you've completed the day's work, of course.