Finding a City’s Voice Amidst Business Travel
The prospect of business travel can be both exciting yet overwhelming – some find challenges in either understanding a company’s etiquette outside of the office, adjusting to a different time zone, or maintaining the day-to-day workload while immersed in a new environment. Nonetheless, leaving the daily ‘9-5 grind’ can be attractive — and exploring a new location can provide fresh opportunities and instill confidence.
It’s important to maintain a positive and flexible attitude while on a work trip, and find a balance between obligations and free time. Traveling to another city is exciting, and it’s always fun to soak in local culture between work priorities. Read below for some great tips about doing just that:
- Pick up a community newspaper. What’s going on in the area? Read about local politics, the 5-day weather forecast, the scores from last night’s sports games, or how the city’s residents are making news. Gain a better understanding of local news to feel more like a local.
- Attend a free event. Do some research and find a calendar of upcoming events to see if any opportunities line up with your schedule. A city’s culture is often best taken in through attending a live music or comedy performance, movie screening, or author signing.
- Go for a jog or stroll around the neighborhood. If you have 15-20 minutes to spare, spend some time outside exploring the streets around your hotel. You’ve heard it again and again, but staying fit and well is key to any successful work trip.
- There’s an app for that. Before your trip, download a few mobile apps that have been developed and published by locals. Be on the lookout for free audio tours of the area, apps that will recommend eateries based on your location, or an app that promotes neighborhood happenings.
- Shop local. Check out some of the resident stores. Who knows — maybe you’ll find a great cafe for tomorrow morning’s coffee or a cute boutique – a terrific opportunity to bring home a small souvenir for friends or family!
- Visit with an old friend. Between all of the social media tools as resources these days, it isn’t difficult to find out if any former business colleagues or old college friends live in the area. There isn’t anything much better than an area tour from a local and catching up with someone you haven’t seen in a while!
- Snap photos of your favorite moments. While in a cab from the airport to your hotel, or even while wondering around a tradeshow or conference center, pay attention to your surroundings. If you see a particular building or landscape that strikes you differently than at home, take a photo and keep an album of your favorite business travel experiences.
- Check out the local fare. A city’s identity is often dictated by its cuisine, and a delicacy reflects the local area’s available spices and ingredients. What better way to soak in a culture than by eating what the locals eat? Try a new restaurant at least once a day. Ask what the chef would recommend, or order one of the most popular dishes off of the menu.
- Extend your trip to enjoy the location without business responsibilities. If your schedule permits, arrive to the location a couple days earlier than work requires or stay a couple days later. Better yet, invite family or friends to join you and explore together!
- Request a room with a view. Observe and soak in the local spirit as much and whenever you can! When you check in to your hotel, ask for a room that will look out on a popular or crowded street, or request a room with a stellar view of the great outdoors. Watch what’s going on as you’re getting ready in the morning, and check again what’s changing as you are settling in for the night.
Use take business travel as an opportunity to soak in the local culture, find inspiration, and have fun!