Traveling on a business trip for corporate training or meetings isn’t always fun as it might seem. However, traveling to these events with your co-workers can add a dose of fun and make the trip worthwhile. You can spend every moment spent outside the business hours exploring the area and spend some time bonding. While you’re out there on your company’s behalf, why not exploit the chance to combine work and pleasure while at it.
Team Building is a big part of the atmosphere in your company, and bonding with your co-workers can improve your overall satisfaction and improve your performance as a team – something that most companies invest money to create. Here are a few tips on how you can plan ahead of your trip and grab the opportunity to combine work and pleasure while on a trip with your colleagues.
The great outdoors
After spending hours on corporate training or long meetings, the best way to relax your mind is by going out in nature and taking a breath of fresh air. The outdoors can heal our body and mind, and you should always grab the opportunity to go out as much as you can, even while on a business trip.
While preparing yourself for the upcoming trip, you can pack along some useful things that will come in handy while out. For example, having an ultra-compact camping chair packed with your luggage will allow you to take a rest anywhere you like.
Beside a chair you can sit on, you can pack things like a thermos, lunch bag, and hiking shoes. You never know where the adventure might take you, and you should be ready for anything.
Planning your itinerary
To have a successful business trip, you should always plan your itinerary in full detail and have a strict travel plan. While your free time might have an unexpected turn, and you might end up having fun with your colleagues outside, your trip there and back should always have a strict route.
Spend some time figuring out the best route to the place you’re visiting and if you’ll have any stops along the way to refresh yourself and recover. Some trips might take a long time, and you need some time to recover and have some snacks.
After getting an estimate, you may suggest to your colleagues your plan and work on it until you agree. Alternatively, if you’re traveling alone, it’s all up to your wishes where you would like to stop.
Contacting your hotel
In most cases, when going on a business trip, your company will arrange the hotel you’ll stay in, and you’ll be stuck with their decision. While you might not change the hotel, you can contact them ahead of your trip and arrange to enhance your experience while staying.
Many hotels offer extra services for their guests, and they gladly accept their requests. For example, if you want a room with a specific view, or you want it to be in a quiet part of the hotel, a customer service agent can make quick adjustments to your reservation – if they can accommodate your request. It’s easy to contact any hotel via email, and you should receive an answer promptly.
Dining options
A business trip without experiencing local cuisine can’t be a fulfilling one. While planning and preparing yourself for the upcoming departure, you can use Google to check out your dining options in the area.
If you find something you might like and have never tried before, you can even make reservations ahead of time to ensure they’ll have a table ready for you and your colleagues. However, before checking out local restaurants, you can ask the hotel about their dining options.
All branded hotels have exclusive dining options within the hotel, and in some cases, you don’t even need to search for a good place. If you’re going to a foreign country, this might be the perfect opportunity to taste something new.
Transportation
Transportation from the airport to the hotel and back is a big part of your business trip, and you should always know your options ahead of time.
If you want to make plans yourself, you should book a transport company to pick you up at a particular time and wait for you in arrivals. A driver will wait for you to transfer you wherever you need to be, and you don’t need to waste time looking for a taxi at a busy airport.
Alternatively, you can ask your hotel if they offer free shuttle services, as many of them do. All airports have shuttle pick-up and drop-off areas where hotels send their drivers to collect or drop guests.
Conclusion
A business trip might have elements of fun including Fried Chicken Breast with Asparagus if you prepare yourself accordingly. Plan ahead of such a trip, and you’ll have fewer chances of getting into unexpected situations you’re not ready for. With proper planning, you might have a trip of your life that will bond you with your colleagues and spark a connection to make you productive as a team.