More business travellers are making time for pleasure on their trips

Posted on Friday 04 May 2012 in Adventure, Business, Family

Many aspects of the business world are becoming more globally connected than ever, andthe amount of people taking trips abroad on official assignments are on the rise. Aussie travellers may be required to head to destinations throughout Asia, North America, Europe or other locales for long periods of time to take part in meetings and conventions as well as having contact with clients face-to-face.

Some business travellers may dread these upcoming mandatory excursions, but there are ways to make the workload more pleasant. Many business professionals are using their time wisely when in a new place by hiring private tour guides to help them quickly see the sights and get the most out of their free time.

"The biggest pro is that it's on your time schedule, so you have full control, which is especially good when you're trying to maximise a long layover," Lauren Fairbanks, a partner at marketing firm Stunt & Gimmick's, told CNN in a special report on business travel. "I'm actually a fan of checking things out on my own, but only having a few hours in a city and not knowing your way around is a good formula for getting lost and missing your flight."

Travellers can find a private tour in almost any city they are visiting. Many can be reserved for an affordable price and guides know exactly where to bring visitors based on how much time they have to explore. These individuals can recommend the best places to eat, when to visit the museums to avoid long lines and which bar makes the best after-work beverage. These guides double as a travel companion as well, which may be ideal for those who are nervous to be in a new locale or prefer not to dine alone.

Business travellers are bringing the family
Not only are private tour guides being hired more often by solo business travellers, some of these professional individuals who need to take trips are also bringing the family along to save money. According to The Seattle Times, some families are tagging along on the excursion when one parent has to go somewhere new for work. Because these trips are often paid for by an employee's company, accompanying loved ones may be able to dine for discounted rates or stay in the hotel room that would be booked anyways.

When Aussie business professionals are assigned to destinations near child-friendly areas, they may be more inclined to have the kids and spouses along for the ride. If an individual has easy access to popular attractions, theme parks or outdoor activities, they may consider bringing family or friends on their business trip for short breaks or longer holidays.

"We found that we've been getting an increasingly larger share of business travellers because of our children's program," Terry W. Henson, executive vice president and of two Holiday Inns in Orlando, Florida, told the news source. "Hotels like ours are becoming the alternative lodging for the business traveller who may not have a problem taking a child out of school for a trip but needs to know the child is having fun and is in good hands while the parent is attending a meeting."

Whether Aussies choose to take some private tours on their business trip or bring their families with them, a business trip can be a great way to see new things and still keep a regular full-time job.

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