We always get excited when we’re about to see a new place, but is that the same feeling when we’re about to go to a friend’s out-of-state wedding or a convention for business or work? Do you imagine yourself walking around Paris when in reality, you’ll be in a nice hotel being served with unlimited coffee and tea while listening to resource speakers? And by the time the program has ended, all interesting places are closed. You’re left in a local pub drinking wine and mojito.
But hey, at least you will still be in a new place. That’s more than what anyone can say in the past year. If you’re planning to attend an out-of-town event, do make time to experience the sights of this new place. There’s nothing more frustrating than being in Rome but not seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Colosseum. Can you imagine the rich history of these places? So, how do you make the most out of your out-of-town travels despite it not being meant to be a leisurely one?
Extend Your Leave
Of course, the first thing you need to do is carve the time out of your busy schedule to travel to see more of this new place you are visiting. If it’s for business, ask your company if you can extend your leave so you can travel around for a couple of days before you go back home. If it’s to attend a personal event such as a friend’s wedding, then the same rule applies. You should still ask the company if you can take some time off or work around the schedule of this event.
Bring What’s Only Essential
If you plan to see more sights, then you should probably pack only what’s essential. This will make it easier for you to travel. Pack a light bag and bring only what you need. But how can you do that if you’re attending a formal event that will require you to bring a different set of clothes and accessories? Before going, check out a tux rental company. Give them your measurements so that they can find the right tuxedo and even shoes for you. This way, you won’t need to travel with a whole suitcase of your formal wear and accessories.
Draft a Plan
You need to have a plan—where you’re going, what activities you will do, what food you will try, and how much you are going to spend. Make a detailed plan and follow it as much as you can. Don’t waste a minute of this trip since you’re basically just stealing a few hours from your official and formal event.
How can you make a detailed travel plan? First, allot the time for the event you are supposed to attend. Then, list down the places you want to visit and research their locations. What are the spots nearest to your hotel? Those are the places you can visit easily. For farther places, you have to work out how you’re going to get there, as well as the time it will take to go around the place and go back to your hotel.
Is going back to your hotel even an option, or do you have to check in to a new hotel? This is another factor that you have to consider. If you want to visit the countryside, for example, it might be better to pack your bags and stay there for a day or two. This will give you more time to learn about the sites you want to visit.
Offer to Work
If your employer doesn’t want to extend your leave, then offer to work wherever you are. Bring your laptop with you and finish what you can in the morning when you’re grabbing your breakfast. Of course, offer to finish everything you can before you leave, so you’ll only need to be online when it’s essential. Delegate the tasks to your subordinates and trust them to do their jobs well. You won’t be able to enjoy your vacation if you take too much work with you.
There’s no reason not to enjoy these formal events you kept on needing to attend for business or personal matters. Little side trips will make the pain of the past year bearable. Now that some countries and cities are welcoming tourists back again, it’s time to schedule your trips once more. The past year should have taught everyone to seize the moment, treasure what matters the most, and spend time on things that truly make them happy.
