If you spend a lot of time on the road traveling for business trips, you know just how stale things can get. You are away from your home – with all of the conveniences that it brings – and you are in a new environment without the comfort of your social circle.
So what can you do to avoid getting bored out of your mind?
Here are five ways to entertain yourself:
1. Bring A Gaming Laptop For The Hotel Room
Try bringing along a gaming laptop. If you are into video games, a gaming laptop lets you dive into your favorite games from the comfort of your hotel room. Unlike a desktop, a gaming laptop is portable and can be easily packed into your luggage, so you can take your gaming setup wherever you go.
Imagine finishing a long day of meetings, heading back to your hotel, and kicking back with your favorite game. Whether you prefer strategy games, first-person shooters, or role-playing games, having a gaming laptop can keep you entertained for hours. Plus, many gaming laptops also double as powerful work machines, so you can use them for both productivity and play.
There are plenty of laptops for gamers, so if you don’t already have one, consider investing in one before your next trip. Look for models that are lightweight but powerful enough to handle your favorite games. (And be sure to bring your charging cable, a portable mouse, and some noise-canceling headphones.)
2. Download Podcasts Or Audiobooks
Long flights and car rides can make business trips feel even longer. Instead of letting that time go to waste, you can use it to catch up on your favorite podcasts or audiobooks.
Before you leave, download a series of podcasts or audiobooks to your phone or tablet. That way, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi or cellular service, you will still have plenty of content to enjoy. You can even switch up the genres depending on your mood – some days, you might be in the mood for a motivational business podcast, while other days, you might want to escape into a mystery novel.
3. Explore the Local Area in Your Free Time
Just because you are on a business trip doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up in your hotel the entire time. If you have some free time in between meetings, take the opportunity to explore the local area. Every city has something unique to offer, and you might be surprised at what you find.
Start by checking out nearby restaurants, coffee shops, or parks. If you are in a city with interesting landmarks or attractions, consider visiting a museum, historical site, or art gallery. Even a short walk around the neighborhood can give you a feel for the local culture and help you unwind after a long day.
If you are not sure where to start, ask the hotel staff for recommendations. They might know about hidden gems or popular spots that aren’t far from where you’re staying. Exploring a new city can be a great way to refresh your mind and break up the routine of business meetings.
4. Stay Active With Hotel Fitness Options
Staying active while on a business trip can help you feel more energized and focused throughout the day. Most hotels have fitness centers or pools that you can use, so why not take advantage of them during your stay? Even a quick workout in the morning or evening can help you relieve stress and keep up with your fitness routine.
If your hotel doesn’t have a gym, you can still get some exercise by doing a bodyweight workout in your room. There are plenty of apps and YouTube channels that offer free workout routines, from yoga to strength training. Bringing along a resistance band or jump rope can give you even more options for working out without taking up much space in your luggage.
Staying active doesn’t just help you physically—it also boosts your mood and makes you more productive during the day. Plus, it is a great way to pass the time and stay entertained when you are in between meetings or don’t have plans for the evening.
5. Catch Up On TV Shows Or Movies
A business trip can also be the perfect time to catch up on your favorite TV shows or movies. If you have been meaning to start a new series or finish a movie you missed in theaters, now is your chance to relax and enjoy some entertainment.
Before you leave, download shows or movies to your laptop, tablet, or phone. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime allow you to download content for offline viewing, so you don’t have to worry about unreliable Wi-Fi in your hotel room. Bring some headphones and a comfortable spot in your room, and you will have your own mini-movie night.
Enjoy Your Next Business Trip
A business trip can be taxing – physically and mentally. By bringing along some things you enjoy, you can stay entertained and relax a bit at the end of a long day. What – if anything – would you add to our list?