We Asked 5 Executives How They Add Leisure to Business Trips-and They All Said the Same Thing

"I try to get into the local rhythm as quickly as possible when I travel. I fight through the jet lag and always take an hour-long walk on my first morning, no matter how cold or hot it is, to breathe the air and reset my internal clock. It's a kind of walking meditation that helps me get into the zone, whether I'm strolling the canals of Amsterdam or cutting through Hyde Park. It's my way of grounding myself where I am and getting connected to the destination."

"I walk everywhere I can when I travel for work so I can see the city. It's free, it clears your head, and you'll get a lot more out of it than staring at your phone in the back seat of an Uber."

Nearly 430 million business trips occurred in the U.S. in 2022, with off-site meetings designed to bring teams together. While agendas focus on strategy and work, executives recommend incorporating personal enjoyment into business travel. Multiple business leaders consistently advise taking walks as the best way to experience destinations and manage travel fatigue. Walking provides mental clarity, helps adjust to local time zones, and allows travelers to connect with their surroundings. This activity can be done solo or with family members, offering flexibility for different travel situations. Walking is free, reduces screen time, and provides more authentic destination experiences than other transportation methods.

Read at Travel + Leisure