Originally posted on December 23, 2015 @ 8:51 am
Sometimes business trips are serious perks of a job. That is, if you’re being sent to a place that you actually want to be. Other times, business trips can be a complete drag that just wear you out, put you in uncomfortable surroundings, and go on for way too long.
You may just want to get in and get out, but if you really plan it right, business trips can be a lot of fun and also give you the excuse to spend a couple extra days in a city because, why not? You’ll already be there.
Plan a Couple Extra Days
The first step in enjoying your business trip is to plan to arrive at your destination a couple of days early, or stay a couple of days late. Depending on the business meeting, you might only be busy for a couple hours each day, but before or after, you may have nothing to do but enjoy the city that you’re in.
Calculate how stressful this particular trip is going to be and plan accordingly. If you’d rather take a load off after the meeting is over, plan your extra days after the meeting. Either way, you’re already in the city and you might as well extend your trip when most of the logistics are already planned out by your company. It will make things easier for you, and you’ll be able to relax before, or once all the work related stuff is through.
Take Advantage of What the City Has to Offer
Every city is unique. Even if you’ve already been, there are surely many, many things you have yet to see or experience. Ask around, do some research and make a list of the number one things you want to do while you’re in town.
This might include going to an art gallery, going to the theatre, eating some really unique local cuisine, or visiting the most famous sites the city has to offer.
Take Advantage of Credit Rewards
Business trips are often paid for in part by your company, but what happens with all the little expenses that work doesn’t cover? It can get spendy, but that just means you need to get a little crafty with how your spend the money.
If you work requires you to pay for all the expenses and then plans to reimburse you once the trip or year is up, it will be most beneficial to you to put all of your expenses on a credit card that offers you convenient rewards.
Such cards could be airline cards, or even cards that give you rewards at a certain hotel chain. You could rack up free nights at a hotel, or receive complimentary breakfasts. It’s those expenses that rack up fast, so be one step ahead of the game and use the cards that will benefit you the most.