How to turn business trips into mini adventures

I once tried counting the number of business trips I took in a single year and was genuinely surprised to find it exceeded the number of grocery runs I had made. But the things I remember most aren't the long meetings or the clacking sound of my keyboard in a hotel room. It's the early morning mist hanging over the Perfume River in Hue, the late-night bowl of fishcake noodle soup in Nha Trang, and that one unexpected detour to a hidden waterfall in Buon Ma Thuot. There’s something magical that happens when you stop seeing a work trip as just work and start treating it as a chance to explore, to feel alive, to collect little moments that matter.

People often tell me there's no time to enjoy a destination during business travel. But in my experience, it’s not about time. It’s about mindset. With a thoughtful suitcase, a breathing itinerary, and a curious spirit, you can turn a tight schedule into an open door. Before I fly anywhere, I don’t just research the weather or meeting venues. I dive into local food specialties, cafes with charm, markets hidden in quiet alleys, and places just a ten-minute stroll from my hotel. These little pockets of joy become the highlights that remind me I’m not just passing through, I’m living it.

Take my last trip to Buon Ma Thuot. I arrived half a day early and rewarded myself with a slow morning at the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. It was more than coffee—it was a miniature window into the Central Highlands' culture. I kept the first day light on meetings, allowing some space for the unknown. And it paid off. I met a friendly driver who later showed me the way to a secluded waterfall that wasn't even listed on any travel blog, yet looked like it belonged on a postcard.

The key to mixing work and exploration isn't about squeezing in more. It's about recognizing the little windows of opportunity—early mornings before the first meeting, evenings after dinner, or a surprise afternoon when your schedule lightens up. In Hue, I once went for a jog along the river at dawn, grabbed a steamy corn sticky rice from a vendor that disappeared by 7 AM, and returned to the hotel just in time to freshen up for work. That half-hour felt more energizing than a full spa day.

Optimizing the journey often starts with where you stay. I always choose accommodation that is centrally located—nothing fancy, just clean and within a short walk of key sights or food stops. This gives you the flexibility to wander out, even just for a snack or sunset view, without stressing about transport or time. I remember one evening in Da Nang when I walked from my hotel to a small local restaurant hidden in a narrow alley, serving the crispiest sizzling pancakes. It was spontaneous, simple, and deeply satisfying.

Here’s a small but mighty tip: always pack an extra empty backpack. On-the-go exploration can lead to unexpected treasures. I once cycled through the alleys of Hoi An in the late afternoon and came across handmade leather goods that I couldn’t resist. That extra bag turned into my memory capsule, carrying souvenirs and stories alike.

Your phone is also your best travel assistant. Before any trip, I save offline maps and pin my must-visit spots—cozy cafés, photo-worthy streets, places with solid Wi-Fi in case I need to dial in for a meeting. I still remember one remote work session at a hilltop café in Da Lat. As I wrapped up a Zoom call, the golden sunset spilled across the glass windows. Ten minutes later, I was sitting by Xuan Huong Lake, soaking in the twilight while a saxophonist played in the background. No planning could have predicted that moment. It just unfolded because I made space for it.

What I love most about blending business and leisure is the sense of freedom within structure. You don’t need a whole week off to recharge. Sometimes, a quiet moment watching street life from your hotel balcony or a bowl of noodles in a bustling night market is enough to make you feel connected. You are still working hard, but your soul isn’t left behind.

One of the most enriching aspects of these mini-adventures is talking to locals. In Quy Nhon, it was a young receptionist who told me about a beach with no name and no tourists. In Can Tho, an elderly motorbike driver took me to a food stall tucked behind a temple, serving the most soulful bowl of hu tieu I’ve ever tasted. These interactions weren’t scheduled, but they gave my journey a heartbeat.

It’s strange how some of the most meaningful travel memories come from business trips—the ones we often don’t expect much from. When the bar is low, everything feels like a pleasant surprise. And when your perspective shifts from “I have to be here for work” to “I get to be here, and I’ll make the most of it,” that’s when the magic begins.

At the end of every trip, I bring home more than reports or signed contracts. I carry new tastes, new tunes, a few sun-kissed freckles, and photos I scroll through on rainy days. I pack memories the way I fold my last shirt into the suitcase—with care, knowing that something beautiful has passed, and something else is waiting just ahead.

So, if you have an upcoming work trip, don’t just mark meetings on your calendar. Look up that riverside café, set your alarm for an early stroll, or map out a detour after hours. Give yourself the gift of discovery, even in small doses. Because sometimes, it’s the unexpected café corner, the quiet street at dusk, or the laughter of a stranger that stays with you long after the job is done. And those are the stories worth telling.