Dear Business Traveler: Step Off Your Balcony To Enjoy The Real Perks Of Business Travel

Business travel can be both a privilege and a burden. Heavy demands often overshadow the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. The lack of routine and the pressure to perform at their best can leave business travelers feeling disconnected from their work and families and, ultimately, from themselves.

Burnout is exceedingly common among frequent business travelers, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

I think back on my time as an auditor for the National Cancer Institute, particularly the trips I took to Duluth, Minnesota. People told me that it was going to be a drag, but I was excited to go. And you know what? I loved the town so much that I continued volunteering for audits there over the next decade. People would specifically request to be on my team to travel with me because they knew I always made the best of the experience.

This taught me that personal exploration makes business travel a more fulfilling experience.

Understanding The Burnout Mindset

Business travel is up. According to a recent survey by World Travel Protection (WTO), 54% of business travelers are taking more trips for work than in previous years, with the same 54% saying they have more meetings per trip than before.

However, this increase in travel presents unique challenges for women, particularly those traveling alone. Women often face safety concerns without adequate support, and the lack of representation in many industries can intensify feelings of isolation. Sixty-one percent of respondents in the WTO survey agreed that their employer could do more for their safety. The result of all this is clear: another night in the hotel room, blinds drawn.

It’s easy to view business travel as a series of hotel rooms and meeting rooms, but this mindset is the exact recipe for burnout.

Finding sights to see, places to eat and even environments to interact with others can feel precarious at best for those stuck in the burnout mindset. My advice? Start small. Look for simple activities close to or in your hotel.

Even in small towns like Duluth, there’s always something interesting to discover—a local restaurant, a historic site or simply the surrounding environment and public spaces. Exploring new experiences not only makes your trip more enjoyable but also helps prevent burnout and keeps you motivated and engaged in your work.

Learning To Love Business Travel

One of the best and most unexpected ways I navigated safety was to build brand loyalty for my accommodations. This allowed me to accumulate points and get access to private lounges which really helped break up the routine of travel. I did the same thing with airlines, earning points so my children could come along for free. This not only allowed me to bring my children and other guests on vacations but also made it possible for them to join me on some of my business trips. By using points, I could turn work travel into family time, making the most of every trip and creating cherished memories along the way.

Beyond the upgrades, what I found most valuable was the safety and comfort that came with staying at a familiar brand. Knowing what to expect—from the layout of the rooms to the quality of their concierge services—took a lot of the stress out of travel for me.

Before each trip, take the time to plan ahead and make the most of your journey. Research cultural sites, local events, or natural attractions you’d like to visit. I usually save these spots in Google Maps so they’re just a tap away. Then, with your work commitments blocked out, start to carve out time for personal adventures. Evenings and weekends? Those are prime opportunities—I’ve spent countless post-work hours wandering through local markets, seeing performances and savoring a meal at a highly recommended restaurant. If possible, I like to extend my stay by a day or two. This extra time allows me to fully explore and enjoy the destination, making me feel much more in control of my travel itinerary.

Strategies For The Business Traveler

Merging work and leisure can be a great strategy. Take your laptop to a scenic café or attend local events that offer you a place to work in public. I’m not a morning person, but even I know there’s a simple charm in taking an early walk through a park or a stroll for a coffee at a local café. It sets a positive tone for your day.

If you feel comfortable doing so, try getting to know the locals. Chat with the staff at the café, your taxi driver or someone you just met in the hotel lounge. Try to pick up a few phrases in the local language or learn about local customs—small gestures can make a short visit feel a lot more personal.

But don’t overcomplicate things. It’s okay to miss some sights and experiences—you’ll likely have another chance to visit. Instead of cramming your schedule full, focus on what truly interests you and adds something to your day. A brief stop to unwind or to try local cuisine during lunch can be a great break from work without causing you to feel overwhelmed. Journaling or photography are great ways to stay focused on your personal exploration.

And don’t forget the value of sharing your experiences. Whether you’re Face Timing family to show them the sights, sending postcards or bringing back a local gift, involving loved ones in your travels makes everything more memorable. Whenever possible, bring them along—it’s a wonderful way to turn work trips into lasting memories.