Traveling for business can often be a drag, but if you plan it right you can really utilize your free time to turn into a fun trip. I recently went to Chicago for business. I was there for a conference, but I wanted to make sure to check off some things on my Chicago bucket list. Hampton Social being at the top of the list of course!
It could have been very easy for me to go to the room and order room service and head to bed early after a long day of work, but I pushed through, so I could explore a new city. Below are a few tips to help you make the most of your business travel.
How To Make The Most Of Your Business Travel
Planning is Key
Once you have all the details for business settled, starting planning your leisure time. My go-to place when finding cool places in a new city is Pinterest and Instagram. This will help you find the most Instagrammable places in the city which are often where the locals go to. The second thing is to Google what is around your hotel. This makes it easy for when you’ve had a long day to still be able to find somewhere fun, but close to the hotel to go to at night.
Prep Your Work Ahead of Time
Of course, you are there for business, so work should be your number one priority. Since you know you are going to be out of the office for a few days, make sure to prep your work ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute to get those reports done or let your emails pile up. Make sure your work is all good to go while you are out. Also, make sure to utilize your time at the airport, on the plane or in Ubers to catch up on emails or tend to any last minute fires.
Make Reservations
Especially if you are in a big city, making reservations will be your best friend. You can’t expect to go to a restaurant around dinner time and get in right away. Hop on OpenTable to reserve a table that way you can squeeze in as much as possible at night.
Make The Most Of Your Down Time
As I said, evenings are probably the most time you’ll have to yourself, so don’t spend it waiting at a restaurant or trying to decide what you want to do. Evenings are your best friend so don’t waste them! This goes back to planning. Find our when places close or get there early in the morning before your workday starts.
Don’t Be Afraid to Explore On Your Own
If you have a co-worker that would rather stay in the room, don’t be afraid to go to dinner alone or wake up early to hit the tourist attractions before your day starts for business (chances are they will be less crowded too).
Our Leisure Itinerary
Wednesday
Flamingo Wall Before Dinner
Hampton Social for Drinks and Dinner
Thursday
Shake Shack for Lunch
Before Dinner:
The Bean/Cloud Gate
Business Happy Hour/Dinner
Friday
Homeslice for Pizza
Saturday
Navy Pier that evening for exploring
Sunday
Wrigley Field
How do you plan your trips? Do you travel more for work or for fun? Let me know in the comments below!
I have such a hard time getting out of the hotel room when I travel for work, but it really does make for some great experiences and a much more memorable trip! So glad you enjoyed your trip to Chicago; it’s one of my favorite cities!