Adventure on a Work Trip: Smart Business Travel for a Stress-Free and Enjoyable Experience

Business travel often appears as a major job perk, though it can become a nightmare for many due to the stress of both travel and work. One-third of those who frequently travel for business purposes report feelings of anxiety, a survey by World Travel Protection unveiled. When considering the fact that many people don’t get to explore the location of the trip, the concept of business travel can become even more of a disappointment. For those who wish to incorporate a bit of leisure into an upcoming California business trip, however, there are plenty of good eats and attractions to explore — and strategies that can help you do it all.

Strategic planning for a memorable time

Careful planning is essential for those who wish to inject a bit of leisure into their next business trip. While this can be a bit difficult with a tight schedule, the exploration of a new location is still entirely possible. One great way to do this is through food — lunch  or coffee breaks, for instance, are a great way to get out and explore Californian cuisine. An article from Condé Nast Traveler highlights a variety of casual options that range from the modern deli Gjusta for smoked fish and pastries, to Leo’s Taco Truck for al pastor tacos. The fast-casual Pikunico is another restaurant highlighted by Condé Nast, which features Japanese style curry and fried chicken with a Japanese twist.

Whether you choose to dedicate your lunch break to a new restaurant or invite some colleagues for an after-work drink at a well-known bar like Seven Grand, an exploration of L.A. cuisine can even come before work, in the form of breakfast. Eater Los Angeles highlights several locations for breakfast, from the 75-year-old Nick’s Cafe (which features dishes that include brown sugar griddled ham) to CJ’s Cafe for Mexican American and soul food. Opened in 1949, Bobby’s Coffee Shop is another option highlighted by Eater — located in Woodland Hills, Bobby’s is the perfect choice for those in search of a classic, all-American breakfast.

The value in an extended stay

When a business trip takes you to a particularly attractive location, an extended stay can be a great way to explore more without the pressure of returning home right away. Whether you choose to take vacation time after the business portion of your trip is over or opt to request to work remotely for a little while, extra time spent in a dream location can be the perfect way to unwind and fully enjoy all that a place has to offer. For example, those who find themselves in the city and port of San Francisco may wish to spend more time there in order to explore attractions that otherwise wouldn’t be possible on a short lunch break.

With destinations that include Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, local farmers markets, and Pier 39 (near Fisherman’s Wharf), there is no shortage of places to explore in San Francisco. Located less than a half hour from San Francisco, Sausalito in Marin County provides a great escape for those looking for a calm and relaxed getaway. Sausalito hotels provide a variety of options that are perfect for a recharge, from the city’s first hotel, the charmed and cozy Gables Inn to the Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa for those in search of extra relaxation. In any case, a centrally located accommodation choice can often be the best way to explore the area to the fullest extent possible, whether you choose to stay the weekend or longer.

The role of self-care

A balance between work and leisure is a must for those who wish to incorporate leisure into a business trip, especially due to the stress involved with both work and travel. A University of Cambridge Human Resources article indicates the effects of work-related stress, which range from physical health consequences (like sleep disturbances) to emotional, intellectual, and even behavioral effects that can impact both wellness and work performance. When coupled with the stress associated with travel, self-care becomes a crucial aspect of an enjoyable business trip.

One LinkedIn article by Travel Brilliant highlights several mental health care practices that can be worked into travel plans, from realistic goals to the prioritization of rest. The application of this advice can take form in several key ways — for example, if your goal is to explore eateries in the area during a break, a centrally located option is a must. On the other hand, the prioritization of rest can go hand in hand with efforts such as a sleep schedule, or the creation of boundaries between work and leisure while on the trip. For instance, you may wish to turn on ‘do not disturb’ mode on your phone after a certain hour in order to guarantee a good night’s rest.

Business travel can seem like a major perk, though it typically isn’t all it’s cracked up to be — especially since many times, there isn’t even time to fully explore a location. For those headed to California in the near future, a balance between work and leisure can be found in unlikely places, whether you choose to book an extended stay or explore on your lunch break.