5 point plan to mix business with leisure on a trip

If you are one of those frequent fliers who visit exotic places for business conventions but rarely venture beyond your hotel, it's time to change your ways.

There's a reason why seminars and conventions are organised in picturesque locales.

You are practically expected to make the most of it and ensure that you return with an interesting anecdote from every place you head to. Here's a simple five-point plan to get the most of your business trip and leisure time:

Surf the net or read up and make a list of the interesting things to do at the location. Once you are through with the day's itinerary, snatch the bits of time you get to pursue the list of activities to do or places to visit.

Resist the urge to check your e-mail or hang out with colleagues, instead take a break and check out the unknown aspects of your destination.

Don't take short cuts and dine at the in-house eatery.

Head out to savour the local cuisines available at the smaller eateries nearby. Make enquiries with the hotel or ask locals on the best cafes and small eateries to head to.

Focus on the work aspect till the work sessions come to an end but thereafter don't linger. Treat it like the end of any other working day and head out to do your own thing.

Don't opt for the tried and tested places. Instead look out for unfamiliar locations after making proper enquiries.

Make a detour and check out the street entertainment and the other forms of leisure activities available there, be it movies, plays or performances.

You may head out for one activity and stumble upon something else on the way there. Be open to the idea.

Social media also offers a wealth of information on places to visit and things to do. So, log on to the internet from your smart phone and find out what other business travellers recommend in a particular area.

Source: http://www.mid-day.com/