Business travel to Europe can be frustrating: language barriers, less-than-ideal hotels, those long flights. Yes, overseas trips are a tiring -- yet important -- part of any large business..
But it doesn’t have to be all business.
Europe has many of the world’s largest corporations and its cities are very attuned to the needs of a world-weary business traveler. Business travel to Europe with GoEuro can land you in many of these cities that also offer great spots to relax and unwind after business is finished.
Spas
Every major European city worth its salt will have spas that range from the inexpensive to the exuberant. Many times, a hotel will have one itself, an easy convenience that business travelers can take advantage of without going very far.
Spas offer a wide variety of services, and they are not just for the ladies. Pedicures or manicures can drain the stress away and a massage is worth every penny after a long day.
When choosing a spa, make sure that the therapists are licensed. Once there, therapists should not make you feel uncomfortable or leave you unattended for extended periods of time.
Nightlife
For those who don’t let business get in the way of a good time, nightclubs and bars are a sure-fire way to relieve stress and take a break. Throw a rock down any major European street and it’ll hit a nightclub or bar: the continent is filled with them.
Sometimes the hotel bar may be perfect. Some hotel bars even offer specials and discounts to guests.
Other times, getting out and about is just what the night calls for. Major cities like Paris, Berlin, Prague and Budapest each have very navigable Metro systems that make a night on the town a breeze. Taxis are also another convenient and relatively cheap way to get around quickly and safely.
Museums
* Europe is home to some of the best museums in the world, filled with artworks from famous artists throughout history. If business takes you to any these cities, be sure to check out these can’t-miss museums:
* Paris, France: The Louvre. Perhaps the most famous museum in the world, The Louvre houses works from Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Monet among thousands of others.
* Bilbao, Spain: For something more contemporary, the Guggenheim Museum is a must-see. The building itself is amazing, and works from Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko and Richard Serra headline the contemporary collection.
* Vienna, Austria. The Museum of Natural History. Situated next to the Museum of Art History, there are nearly 30 million artifacts that have been collected for over 250 years. The museum features dinosaur bones, meteorites, a digital planetarium and many other fascinating objects.
Meetings, air travel, new cities: stress can take its toll on even the most veteran business traveler, and it is just as important to unwind and relax as it is to conduct business. Remember: a relaxed traveler is a happy traveler, and happy business travelers will be better at their jobs.
Taylor Stone often has to travel abroad on business, but she always makes sure to combine work with pleasure and has a few days of sightseeing before or after meetings. She uses her time productively and enjoys making use of flight time to write articles.
