For many people, a business trip necessary for their work or business. They work on-site, attend a number of meetings, possibly close a few deals, stay at their hotel, and fly back home quickly once their tasks are done. For example, make a reservation at a good restaurant with good reviews in advance, or plan a fun activity for yourself like a bike or boat tour. Then you'll have something to look forward to! You can get much more out of a business trip than just completing your work. In fact, you can make a business trip much more enjoyable with the tips below!
Tip 1: Ensure your work is well-prepared
Proper preparation is half the work. Make sure you do the most important preparations in the Netherlands, so you don't have to meet any major deadlines once you've arrived there.
Tip 2: Work with a to-do list
Make sure you work with a to-do list. This way, you can rank tasks by priority and work in a structured manner. Only put items on your to-do list that are truly important at that moment; the rest can wait until later.
Tip 3: Add a few extra days to your trip.
Staying longer at a destination always brings more peace. Therefore, don't plan your business trip too tightly, but also schedule a few days for yourself. Enjoy the beautiful country, the cultures, and the surroundings on location. Research has shown that you are more productive and can close better deals if you relax during your business trip.
Tip 4: No work emails and no phone calls
It's possible to work from any location, and you can read and reply to your emails throughout the day. However, your connectivity is limited when you're in the air. Many airlines offer Wi-Fi on their planes nowadays, but mobile reception is still very difficult. Don't stress about it and just enjoy this moment and the journey. Enjoy a book, a movie, a drink, and your flight, so you arrive at your destination relaxed.
Tip 5: Take the time to travel
Business travelers often opt for a tight schedule. You might just make your flight, immediately have to take a taxi to your first appointment upon arrival, and that's how you really increase the pressure. Next time, just take the time to travel. For example, leave a day earlier and arrive at your first appointment well-rested.
Tip 6: Go exercise
Exercising is good for everyone, even on a business trip. Clear your head completely with a great workout session. For example, go for a run in the city (this is a great way to discover the city in a different way) or opt for an hour of exercise in the hotel's gym or swimming pool. Many hotels also have a sauna or offer the option to book a massage. Just do it! Enjoy and relax; this will ultimately lead to the best business results.
Tip 7: Create a feeling of home
Feeling at home at your location is very important. Therefore, upon arrival at the hotel, take some time to unpack your suitcases and perhaps place some personal belongings in your hotel room. Create a feeling of being at home in your hotel room.
Tip 8: Involve your family/loved ones in your travels
A business trip always brings a sense of missing someone, your husband, your wife, your children, or other loved ones. It's important to involve the people who matter to you in your business trip. Take some time each day to call or Skype with them.
Tip 9: Make it a pleasant break
Change your mindset, that's where it starts. Don't leave with the idea that you just have to work and are allowed to stay overnight, but leave with the idea that you are temporarily staying at another location and should and may make your life pleasant there for a while. So don't just schedule work, but also schedule free time right away!
Tip 10: Meet famous people
This tip probably won't apply everywhere and is certainly not for everyone. But if you know people in the area, this is a great time to visit them again. Maybe it's that old friend who emigrated? The people from your last vacation, or that old classmate. It doesn't matter who you visit, but get out among people.