Combine Business Travel With Pleasure

Frequent business travelers have their routine down to an art. They know how to pack, when to arrive for short security lines, where to sit on the plane or train, and where to grab a snack before heading to a meeting.

But how many take the time to find out something about the city they’re visiting? And how many take advantage of the spare time in between appointments? Using your laptop, there are many ways to make the much dreaded business trip one that brings back great memories. Here are a few quick tips:

1. See a national monument or city treasure. How many times have you heard business travelers say they have been to a city but have never seen its sights? Don’t be one of these people! Before you book your flight or plan your trip, take some time to look up the city online. Is there a seasonal festival going on you’d like to see? A cool exhibit at the art museum? What plays are at the theater? If anything, you need to know if some big event is happening in the city that will affect travel or hotel reservations. At sites like TripAdvisor, travelers make suggestions and review things to do in various cities. Or check out the local newspaper’s Web site for the “Events” section. Don’t forget to bookmark the weather in that town so your plans aren’t thwarted by a snowstorm.
2. Read, read, read. Taking the time to read a Newsweek article can seem like a luxury for a busy businessperson on the run. Plan ahead to use extra time on the plane, in your hotel room or between appointments to read the articles you’ve been wanting to read. Email yourself the link or bookmark the Web page, and you’re set. Catch up on The New York Times or The Washington Post. Been wanting to do a little research on your family’s roots? Go to The National Archives Web site and check out the genealogy section. Or challenge your mind a bit and read a short story, poem or essay. Visit www.readbookonline.net and you’ll find about 1,000 different works from authors contemporary and classic.
3. Make a new friend. If you’re attending a conference or trade show, you’re most likely surrounded by people with your same interests and curiosities. Don’t miss this chance to network and make a new friend. If the person is also traveling from out of town, you could ask them to come along to eat at this great place you keep hearing about. Or ask them for advice on where to go, and invite them to come along with you. You never know: A new friend in the same industry could come in handy down the road. And you’ll have someone to visit the next time you’re in town.
4. Make contact with a long-lost family member or an old friend. From making a quick call or catching up on emails while waiting in the airport, to making a lunch or dinner date with someone who lives in the town you’re visiting, reconnecting is an easy way to give your business trip a personal touch. With your busy schedule, the downtime while waiting for the next shuttle or meeting can mean finally contacting your old college buddy or long-distance cousin for a quick “How are you?”
5. Get ideas. Keep your eyes open to the great business ideas that may be right in front of you. Are you a retailer? Check out store displays or innovative signage while you’re shopping for souvenirs. Did you witness some great customer service technique? Figure out how to implement it in your business. Did you eat or shop at a great mom-and-pop business? Go online and look up their story or check out the reviews. Entrepreneurial startup stories can be very inspirational.

When mixing business with pleasure, make sure you separate your business expenses from your non-business ones. Writing off travel costs is valid, but the IRS has very strict rules for what is allowed and what is not. Go to www.irs.ustreas.gov to make sure you’re on the up and up.