Before I took this ATL-DEN gig every week I used to travel around the country. First for StayOnline then for Patient Care Technologies.
I usually would travel on Monday, immediately land and try to find somewhere cool to explore and have lunch or dinner before I got busy with the client on Tuesday.
If things were going well, or especially if they weren't and I needed to blow off steam, I had/made time to get out and do stuff. If nothing else, tried to take a walk and take pictures.
Below are some links to pix I took on work trips.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauren.drabble/ChicagoNovember08#
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauren.drabble/DayInChicagoInJanuaryWithDenise#
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauren.drabble/FirstTripToOconomowocWisconsin#
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauren.drabble/MilwaukeeCityArtAndLakeMichigan#
Below is my favorite work trip. The client kinda sucked and things weren't going well but I said fuck it and made time to go to the beach EVERY DAY. This meant I was at work every day at 8am until 4:30pm. Immediately I hopped in the car for the 30-40 minute drive to get to Monterrey/Pacific Beach every day. As this is my fave place in all of California I was in heaven. Work paid for the gas and the dinner. I stayed out to see the sunset every night. I had to then drive back to the hotel kinda late and work late but it was soo worth it!! I'd do it today in a heart beat.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lauren.drabble/DoesThisLookLikeAWorkTrip02#
I will also try to go to a museum or whatever is cool and local. ALWAYS go to local places for food and eat local faves and locally made beer, especially small crafted beers including root beers. Illinois and Wisconsin were great for both.
Make sure you get on the net and also read the local papers. Don't be ashamed to grab that tourist guide in the airport/your hotel. For example, through it I found out that the Chicago Museum of Fine Art was free on a certain night. So, I planned my visit around that.
I've usually been lucky enough to go back to places at least 2x so the first trip is a scouting mission. If you can only go once you'll need to do more research before leaving. I like going on adventures and finding places. Too much planning of this nature can let me down but you'll need to find your comfort zone on this.
Now that I'm in Denver every week I am trying to do something fun every other week but it has ended up being every month only. I still follow the local rule. The bad part is that with the time difference and the M-F schedule I just don't have as much time.
I have made time for a GNO as well as a few trips downtown to my 2 fave book stores and saw Dave Eggers at Tattered Cover.
Goal for this summer/fall: go to a concert at Red Rocks. WOOT!
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