We’ve all been there—cornered in the hotel room after a long day of meetings or business-related events, wondering if this is all business travel has to offer. But what if I told you your next business trip could be the adventure you’ve been waiting for?
It’s time to rise above the ordinary and embrace these opportunities for more adventures!
From walking up early for coffee at a local shop to walking the extra mile during lunch break to escape from flavorless hotel sandwiches and visiting historic sites around the area.
I can never stand still on business trips (or any trip for that matter) and I’m always making the most of my time.
Even when that means less time to sleep!
‘Cause at the end of the day, knowing I did so much in so little time is indeed, what fuels my adventurous spirit.
So with me knowing more than a thing or two on how to achieve this, here’s how to transform those ‘boring’ business trips into mini adventures to continue checking off experiences from your travel bucket list.
How to Pack Like a Pro: Prepare for Mini Adventures
So, what’s the secret to spontaneous adventures? For starters, being ready for anything!
But furthermore, being up to the challenge of packing light when traveling is also key.
With that in mind, I usually go by the same packing principle—less means more!
You can use this business trip packing list as a starting point on what to bring with you to be prepared to explore some more.
- Business attire and casual clothes
- Comfortable shoes your feet will thank you for
- Laptop and chargers—because work still has to get done
- Daypack for unplanned explorations
- Quick-dry clothes in case you join a surprise kayaking tour
- Portable phone charger—nothing kills an adventure like a dead battery!
- Collapsible water bottle to stay hydrated
- Lightweight rain jacket in case of weather surprises
- A book or travel guide about your destination
- Offline maps downloaded for data-free navigation
Completely side-tracked….but isn’t it funny how these avatar makers got rid of my curls? Also…is my forehead THAT big? LOL!
From Business to Adventure: The How-To Guide
1. Rise and Shine, Explorer!
Set your alarm at least 2 hours earlier and hit the streets. Cities at dawn are magical—quiet streets, perfect lighting for photos, and iconic spots all to yourself.
If you ask me, I’m already looking forward to sipping a Latte at the Trevi Fountain without the crowds when we go to Rome for our honeymoon! Having a place all to yourself is the most spectacular way to start your day!
2. Lunch Break Adventures
Ditch the soggy hotel sandwiches! Your lunch hour is prime exploration time. Search for hidden gem restaurants within a 15-minute radius of your business meeting location. You’ll enjoy local food and a new area to explore.
🍜 Pro tip: Ask your waiter for their favorite nearby spot—it could be one of the highlights of your trip!
3. Commute Like a Legend
Turn your Uber rides into mini-sightseeing tours. and engage with your driver in conversations about their favorite places in the city.
During my trip to Kansas City, Kansas, I had the most incredible convo with Willie, my Uber driver. He pointed out some interesting spots on the ride to my hotel from Kansas City International Airport and shared some fascinating stories which I’ll share later on.
4. After-Hours Adventures
Once the workday is done, things get even better. Skip the hotel bar and head to a local pub or quirky café. You’ll meet locals, possibly other travelers, and who knows? You might just discover your next big business idea over a craft beer!
5. The Extended Stay Hack
If your schedule allows, arrive a day early or leave a day later. This is something that I ALWAYS do on all my travels.
Allowing that extra day for exploring makes all the difference. Stroll through local markets, join a walking tour, or simply wander the streets of your destination. Your future self will thank you for these extra experiences.
6. Embracing the “Workation” Concept
If your job allows, why not extend your stay for a few extra days and work remotely? Imagine answering emails from a quaint café or making calls while enjoying an ocean view!
Just ensure you have a good Wi-Fi connection—nothing ruins the remote work vibe like weak internet or connectivity issues.
7. Opting for Micro-Adventures
A half-hour break between meetings? Don’t waste it scrolling on your phone! Get outside, take a breath of fresh air, and explore.
Maybe you’ll stumble upon a hidden courtyard, a quirky statue or the best gelato you’ve ever had. These small moments of exploring often become the stories you’ll remember the most from your trip.
8. Spontaneity is Your Secret Weapon
See something interesting, like a museum or a store with a cool window display? Go inside! Unplanned stops often result in some of the most interesting finds. Keep your schedule flexible to make room for these unexpected must-sees.
The Art of Micro-Adventures
Not every adventure has to be grand. On a business trip, micro-adventures are your key to making the most of limited free time. Here are a few ideas:
9. The Coffee Connoisseur Challenge
Your mission? Find the best coffee in town! I don’t know if it’s just me but even at the airports I’m on the hunt for local coffee shops—sorry, not a Starbucks fan.
Also, most local coffee shops sell really cool merch which is a great way to further support these small businesses and bring home a souvenir.
By the end of your trip, you’ll have a personal ‘coffee map‘ of the city and maybe even a new favorite brew!
10. Explore Green Spaces
Challenge yourself to find and explore a new park or green space daily during your trip. Find the oldest or weirdest trees, the prettiest flowers, or the best view of the city skyline.
Not only will you be getting in a daily dose of nature, but you may find some of those hidden gems that most business travelers do not necessarily get to see.
🌳Pro tip: Many cities have pocket parks or rooftop gardens; perfect for a quick green escape between meetings.
11. Don’t Miss the Architecture
Turn your walk into an architectural treasure hunt! Research one or two significant historic buildings or architectural styles in your destination before you arrive.
Snap photos of interesting facades, unique doorways, or quirky architectural details. Who knows? You might discover a hidden gem or a historic structure that becomes the highlight of your trip!
12. Explore an “Open Air” Gallery: Street Art Murals
Exploring street art is like an open-air gallery experience that gets you up close and personal with the brightest, most colorful journey through the city.
Many cities across the globe serve as canvases for magical street art murals. For example, here in Central Florida, cities like Orlando, Melbourne and St Pete are epic destinations for some of the most fascinating street art murals.
Do a quick search beforehand for famous murals or street art districts in your destination. Then fill your downtime with a quest to find as many murals as possible.
Take photos and look up the artists for the stories behind these large works of art. Be sure you post your findings on social media; it’s a great way to support the artists (find their names in the murals and tag them) and share the city’s culture as well as a bit of your adventurous spirit.
13. Explore Local Markets
Even if you’re not buying, visiting a local market is an amazing way to see some of the local delicacies and sample some street food if you can.
This is a great opportunity for a quick dive into the local culture and immerse in the destination’s unique culinary experiences.
14. Escape into the Sunrise or Sunset
Find a great location to watch either the sunrise or sunset. It’s an effortless close or beginning to the day, and these are always fantastic photo opportunities.
Check out rooftop bars, parks and waterfronts for the most epic viewing opportunities.
Before you leave home for your business trip, research the best places to see the sunset or sunrise in your destination to optimize the experience by getting to a spot that’s already known for its sunrise and sunset views.
15. Enjoy Local Music
If you have an evening free, seek out a venue with live music. Whether it’s jazz, a street performer, or even a bar performance, this is a great way to tap into the local music scene which also ties in beautifully with the destination’s culture.
16. Historic Landmark Sprint
You already know this is a must for me! I can’t leave a destination without visiting at least 2 (or unlimited) historic sites. Check out a nearby historic landmark and take a quick tour if available, or at least walk by and explore on your own.
Landmarks are key to interacting with the city’s history. If the city has unique transportation, like a cable car or river taxi, make sure to experience it at least once.
Best Tour Options for City Adventures
Whether it be to turn your business trip into a weekend getaway or just taking this time for a mini adventure, city tours are often a great way to sneak in some fun.
From historic landmarks to local foodie bites, these tours are tailor-made for travelers who want to plunge into the heart of a destination without needing a whole extra week of travel time.
Here are some of our favorite tour options that I love to recommend to immerse in a city’s culture and history and discover some of its hidden gems.
1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: See It All in One Day
These bus tours offer flexibility, allowing you to hop off at must-see attractions and hop back on when you’re ready to continue. This is one of the favorite tours in St Augustine and is definitely a must during the Nights of Lights holiday display.
Best Cities:
- New York City, NY: Explore iconic spots like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.
- Washington, D.C.: See the National Monuments, Smithsonian Museums, and the Capitol.
- St. Augustine, FL: Discover historic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and Flagler College.
Duration: Flexible
Perfect For: Quick city overviews, first-time visitors
2. Walking Tour of Historic Landmarks
Take a guided walking tour to experience the culture, history, and hidden gems of your destination. These tours typically focus on downtown areas and iconic landmarks.
Best Cities:
- Philadelphia, PA: Dive into American history with visits to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
- Williamsburg, VA: Step back in time and explore Colonial Williamsburg, complete with reenactments and historical sites.
- Washington, D.C.: Walk among the monuments and memorials while learning about the nation’s founding and political history.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Perfect For: History lovers and those wanting an immersive experience
3. Ghost Tours: Explore the Dark Side of the City
Discover the spooky side of your destination with an exciting ghost tour. Perfect for evenings any day of the week, these tours dive into local legends, haunted places, and eerie stories.
Best Cities:
- Savannah, GA: Explore one of the nation’s most haunted cities. Discover its haunted squares and hear stories of ghostly apparitions.
- St. Augustine, FL: Discover the paranormal at Castillo de San Marcos and historic buildings.
- New Orleans, LA: Experience ghost stories, haunted mansions, and voodoo history in the French Quarter.
- Salem, MA: Dig into the infamous witch trials and explore the haunted locations that tell the story of Salem’s dark past.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Perfect For: Fans of the paranormal and thrill-seekers
4. Skip-the-Line Museum Tours
Make the most of your time by skipping the long lines at popular museums with a guided museum tour.
Best Cities:
- New York City, NY: Gain fast access to world-renowned museums like the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET).
- Washington, D.C.: Skip the wait at the National Archives and the U.S. Capitol.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Perfect For: Art lovers and those who want to avoid crowds
5. City Boat Tours
Take in the most iconic city sights with a scenic boat tour. This one is an absolute must in Chicago! Sail past major attractions while learning about the city’s history and culture.
Best Cities:
- New York City, NY: Cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan.
- Chicago, IL: Experience the famous Chicago architecture river cruise along the city’s skyline.
- Boston, MA: Sail through Boston Harbor, catching views of historical landmarks and lighthouses.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Perfect For: Scenic views and a relaxing tour experience
6. Food Tour: Taste Your Way Through the City
Because we all love food! Guided food tours are a great opportunity to discover a city’s culinary gems. These tours let you sample local flavors while visiting iconic local eateries.
Best Cities:
- New Orleans, LA: Treat your foodie self to Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, po’boys, and delicious beignets in the French Quarter.
- Miami, FL: Experience a fusion of flavors with Cuban sandwiches, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits in this bustling culinary scene.
- Savannah, GA: Enjoy sweet pralines, fresh seafood, and other Southern treats as you explore historic squares.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Perfect For: Foodies, culture seekers, and anyone curious about a city’s food scene
Bringing It All Together: Your Business Trip Adventure Plan
Adding mini adventures to your business is not about exhausting yourself with non-stop sightseeing.
On the contrary!
This is more about finding small ways to connect with the essence of the places you visit, even when work is the main focus or purpose of your trip.
Sample Itinerary for a Micro-Adventure During Your Business Trip
Final Thoughts
Phew! I’ve said enough! Now it’s your turn to become a business trip adventurer!
Just remember that every business trip can also be an opportunity to experience new things and visit new places.
Make it a goal to try at least one of these travel hacks on your next business trip, and who knows, maybe your next adventure is just around the block from your meeting destination!
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Yanitza Ninett
Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she's also passionate about ocean conservation. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.