To an outsider, working travel might seem like a glamorous and thrilling opportunity to explore the globe and be paid for the privilege – but the unfortunate fact remains that when you’re rushing around between meetings and conferences and trying your best to keep on top of work, there’s often little time left to explore or see the local sights.
In fact, after a long and busy day, you might find that you have little energy left to do anything other than stay tucked up in your hotel bed come the evening, favouring winding down with some light entertainment over rushing around with a suitcase on your heels and attempting to catch a fleeting glimpse of all the local landmarks.
If this scenario sounds familiar, then you might well be wondering what hotel room entertainment to take with you to ensure that you’re next trip is that little bit more enjoyable. You might be staying in, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored while doing so – and a few extra additions to your carry-ons can make all the difference when it comes to keeping you occupied.
And if you can muster the energy to head outside, but can’t face the fast-paced itineraries that come with getting to know the city? Then there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without venturing far from your accommodation, too.
Here, we take a look at five simple ways to keep boredom at bay during your next business trip, with something to suit every type of corporate traveller.
1. Watch on the go
Streaming services allow you to watch what you want, when you want, and for the business traveller on the go, they can be a real lifesaver – but even our favourite viewing can get monotonous from time to time.
For broadcasting that offers something out of the ordinary, GINX Esports TV is a unique subscription service that grants access to esports television around the clock. If you’re a gaming enthusiast who often finds themselves missing the chance to kick back with FIFA while travelling, this is a great way to get your fix on the road.
2. Reading
You don’t have to carry around tonnes of mind-expanding literature with you every time you travel, and a relaxing fiction book or some simple magazine entertainment are great ways to relax and unwind when your headspace is limited.
To save space, invest in a Kindle or another kind of e-reader so that you can always have multiple options at your fingertips – great for indecisive types, or those who read fast.
3. Get organised
If you feel you absolutely cannot unwind on your work trip, or simply want to make the most of the heightened feelings of motivation they can often inspire, then why not use the free time you have to do something a little more productive, and plan your week or month ahead?
If you really want to get ahead of the game, you might be surprised to learn that paper organisers are actually proven to be far more efficient than digitised planners, so treating yourself to a sophisticated, leather-bound diary to take with you could be all you need to set yourself up for success.
4. Treat yourself
On the subject of treating yourself, why not indulge in a little retail therapy during your downtime? You might not have the energy required to see all the local sights, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay holed up in your hotel room entirely – and a spot of shopping or splurging on a Michelin-starred dinner in a nearby fine dining restaurant could be just the boost you need after a long and stressful day.
For these kinds of outings, and where time is limited, it’s a great idea to plan ahead of time. Where possible, check online in advance to find the best places to go and spare yourself the aimless wandering that often comes with unknown locations and that can quickly eat up your precious spare time.
5. Make connections
The less sociable amongst us might go to great lengths to avoid any unnecessary social get-togethers, as long days of important business meetings can deplete your energy quickly, but if you can muster a little motivation, then pushing yourself to approach social situations can often yield surprising results. You never know who you might meet, and taking advantage of networking opportunities where possible can lead to great personal and business connections.
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