Making Business Trips Work for You: Finding Time for Fun

If you agree that travel broadens the mind AND you believe in working hard and playing hard, you’ve come to the right place for some of our tried and tested tips to make business trips work for you. 

Our Business Travel Tips for More Fun

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1. Day 2 kit in your carry-on 

Always pack a complete change of clothes, toiletries and essentials like adaptors and phone chargers in your carry-on, so that you’re ready to go. Lost or delayed luggage becomes a minor inconvenience rather than a disaster.

View our CarryOK app to check the size of your carry-on luggage.

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2. Carve out a little tourist time 

Early morning runs through new neighbourhoods, lunch meetings at local favourites or late afternoon coffee breaks allow you to experience a new destination more authentically, outside of meeting rooms. Ask your local contacts or business partners for their recommendations as a great way to connect.

If you’re struggling to find activities you can also use websites such as Culture Trip and Atlas Obscura.

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3. Microtreats

Skip the hotel breakfast – find a great coffee shop or bakery nearby for your caffeine fix. Check out the local convenience store or supermarket for snacks and souvenirs.

Find potential food options with Eater and you can also find shops and supermarkets with Google Maps and Yelp.

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4. Max those loyalty and credit card points schemes 

How great would it be for your company to ‘pay’ for your next adventure? Investigate cards with air miles schemes which you can use for your business expenses – and sign up for loyalty programmes with airlines and hotel chains. Many premium cards offer access to airport and hotel lounges, co-working spaces and even restaurant credits, sometimes.

Forbes have a good article for those looking for a good travel credit card.

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5. Use Expense Apps That Learn Your Patterns

Apps like Expensify automatically categorise expenses and can even predict your usual spending patterns. Some integrate with corporate cards to eliminate receipt hunting entirely.

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6. Strategic layovers 

Instead of rushing for the shortest connection, book slightly longer layovers in cities you want to explore. Many airports now offer day rooms, city tours, or are close enough to downtown for a quick adventure. Some of our favourite layover destinations include Singapore, Istanbul, Amsterdam and Munich – balancing local interest with speedy airport to city connections.

View Netflights’ best layover destinations.

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7. Extended stays 

When possible, extend weekend trips or arrive early. The marginal cost of extra nights is often minimal compared to booking separate personal travel and you’ll already be accustomed to the time zone and location.

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Conclusion

Business trips don’t have to be all work and no play. With a little planning and some strategic thinking, you can turn even the most hectic itinerary into a rewarding blend of productivity and pleasure. Whether it’s packing smart, sneaking in a sightseeing session, or earning perks while you spend, these tips make every business trip work harder for you—professionally and personally. So next time you travel for work, make sure you schedule a little fun, too.

Frequently Asked Business Travel Questions

How can I make the most of my business trip?

Plan ahead by packing essentials in your carry-on, carving out free time for local experiences, and leveraging loyalty or rewards programs to earn perks as you go.

What are ‘microtreats’ on business travel?

Microtreats are small but meaningful indulgences—like grabbing local coffee, trying regional snacks, or browsing nearby markets—that make business trips more enjoyable.

Are loyalty programs worth it for business travelers?

Yes. Signing up for airline, hotel, and credit card loyalty programs can earn you free flights, upgrades, lounge access, and other travel perks that enhance both work and leisure travel.

How can I explore a city during a short layover?

Choose layovers in cities with efficient airport-city transport. Use airport tours, day rooms, or short excursions to enjoy local culture even in a few hours.

Is it okay to extend a business trip for leisure?

Absolutely—if your company allows it. You can often save money by piggybacking personal days onto a work trip, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy new places.