Travel

I travel a lot for work. Here's how I maximize my time in each city to turn every trip into a mini vacation.

By Olivia Bardo
Olivia is standing in front of a painting at the Chicago Art Institute.
I've learned how to make the most of my work trips. Olivia Bardo
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When I started my new job, I was thrilled to discover the position would entail occasional travel.

I daydreamed about packing my bags and jetting off to new places, but quickly realized that most of my time would be spent in hotel ballrooms and windowless convention halls.

I struggled with the thought that I'd mostly get to see each city during the drive from the airport to the hotel. However, I realized it didn't have to be this way.

Here are a few strategies I've developed to maximize my time and create mini vacations on every work trip.

I arrive a day early and knock out some of the touristy activities.

A view of the Pittsburgh skyline as the sun shines on a body of water with a bridge over it.
I've grown to love exploring new cities on my own. Olivia Bardo

Traveling for work has taught me to feel comfortable exploring new places by myself. I like to arrive a day early to make sure I have time to see everything I want to.

Since I'm usually able to check into my hotel room early, I can drop off my bags and get right to exploring the area.

In Pittsburgh, I used this extra time to go on a self-guided walking tour of the city, stopping by the Andy Warhol Museum and Point State Park.

During my first day in Chicago, I made sure to hit all the biggest tourist attractions, including the Riverwalk, the Bean, and Lake Michigan.

I wake up early to make the most of my mornings.

A view of the Chicago skyline with clouds covering some of the buildings.
I take advantage of as much of the day as possible. Olivia Bardo

Waking up early is a great way to work some more time into the day. Even if I can only get a few hours to myself on a trip, I at least try to visit an art museum, a popular restaurant, and a local coffee shop, exploring the surrounding area along the way.

Having a limited amount of time can sometimes pose a challenge — but a fun one. My fiancé was able to join me in Chicago, where we embarked on a quest to try as many restaurants featured on "The Bear" as possible.

One morning, we visited Kasama, the first Filipino restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Another day, we opted for an early lunch and ate at Mr. Beef, the sandwich shop that inspired the TV show.

I dig into my evenings and experience the city by night.

A view of a Chicago Cubs baseball game from the stands.
The evenings are great for taking advantage of the city's various offerings. Olivia Bardo

While in Chicago, I caught a Cubs game in the evening and watched the sunset over Wrigley Field.

Another evening, I wandered around the Art Institute and enjoyed a view of the skyline at a rooftop bar and restaurant.

If I'm not feeling up to leaving my hotel, I'll do a quick internet search for some of the top restaurants in the area and order takeout. This way, I get to experience local flavors from the comfort of my bed.

I try to extend my visit and stay over the weekend.

An exhibit at Pittsburgh's Randyland, an eccentric outdoor art museum.
I didn't have too much time in Pittsburgh, but I still made sure to check out Randyland. Olivia Bardo

If possible, I try to stay in the city for an extra day or two to truly indulge in a mini vacation.

After a long week of conferences and networking, I like to relax during my remaining time and visit some places I didn't have time for earlier.

My Pittsburgh trip was short, but before I returned home, I stopped at a local coffee shop and walked through Randyland, an eccentric outdoor art museum.

Even though traveling for work can be tiring and time-consuming, there are plenty of opportunities to make the most out of each trip.

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Olivia Bardo headshot
Olivia Bardo
Olivia Bardo is a freelance journalist and the social/multimedia editor at Global Sisters Report. Her writing centers around culture, gender, and religion. Follow her on Twitter/X at @olivia_bardo.
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