Business trips often come with packed schedules, hotel check-ins, and back-to-back meetings. But do you feel they can offer a bit of fun, too? With a little flexibility and smart planning, work travel can be more than just boardrooms and business lunches.
Merging business and leisure travel is an emerging trend, where professionals combine both these purposes to make the most of their time away. Think of taking a detour to explore a heritage site, or simply enjoying a quiet spa evening after a long day. With proper planning, you'll find endless opportunities to turn your business trip into a mini vacation.
When you stay at a place like Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace, everything can be conveniently planned under one roof.
It all starts with one smart decision when you turn a work trip into a vacation. Firstly, you need to choose the right hotel. You know that your stay isn't just about sleeping between meetings. It's your workspace, your recharge zone, and the base from which you explore nearby areas.
So, when you book a hotel, look beyond only the room and comfort. A good hotel offers business essentials like:
At the same time, you enjoy leisure features like:
Hotels like Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace make this balance effortless. While it's located close to corporate offices and business districts, you can seamlessly get across to local attractions like Sayaji Garden and Laxmi Vilas Palace. You may be preparing for a presentation or planning an evening out. This hotel provides everything you need to work smart and unwind better.
You need not skip work while turning a business trip into a leisure one. It's all about smart scheduling. Here are a few guidelines that will help you plan better.
Check whether your work commitments allow you to arrive a day early or fly out a day later. This gives you breathing room to explore the city without rushing.
When possible, avoid back-to-back meetings. A little downtime between tasks lets you recharge. Consider stepping out for a quick walk, local lunch, or a breather at a nearby park.
Do you have a free evening or an afternoon off? Why not visit heritage spots in Vadodara, like Champaner or shop at local markets during these gaps? Vadodara is full of vibrant places waiting to be explored. The best thing is, all these places are located just a short ride from the hotel.
With effective time management, you can soak in the essence of a city while on a business trip. Even a few short hours can help you create memorable moments if you know where to look.
Begin your day with a peaceful walk in Sayaji Garden. This is a local favourite for its greenery and walking trails. You'll find it refreshing to go around this place before starting your meetings.
If you have a couple of hours between appointments, consider visiting the Laxmi Vilas Palace. Visitors appreciate this architectural marvel, and it's one of the grandest private residences in India. It's located close to the centre of the city, and every minute you spend here is worth it.
Wrap up your workday with an evening food stroll near Mandvi Gate or explore the colourful markets. Shop local apparel and snacks, or collect a few souvenirs. The streets of Vadodara come alive after dusk, which makes them ideal for a quick cultural dip.
Do you feel that wellness should take a back seat if you are on a packed itinerary? In fact, short breaks for self-care can boost your energy levels. Consider wellness, as it helps you to stay sharp through long meeting schedules.
Start your day with a quick session at the fitness centre at the hotel. You may also squeeze 15 minutes for yoga. A little movement goes a long way in clearing your mind before meetings.
How about treating yourself with a calming massage or therapy at the in-house spa after a long, tiring day? It's a perfect way to de-stress and shift from your work to rest mode!
A refreshing swim in the outdoor pool can help you cool off and recharge. It might be the morning laps or a sunset splash - wellness matters during business trips, and most importantly, you need not leave your hotel.
When you travel for work, it's tempting to stick to the same routine. Think of those quick breakfasts, working lunches, and in-room dinners.
How about turning a business trip into a mini vacation, while exploring with your taste buds?
Skip the predictable buffet. Try something that can be more memorable. Venture into local cafes or street food joints. Even exploring regional restaurants can help you immerse yourself in a new culinary world.
Even within your hotel, make mealtimes an experience. At Azure Restaurant in Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace, you'll find a vibrant mix of Indian classics and global cuisine. Here, you can experience a relaxed dinner after a long day.
If you need a recommendation, don't hesitate to ask the hotel's team to show you hidden gems nearby. It might be a sweet shop, a traditional place for a local dish, or a trendy rooftop eatery. Experience a variety of food to spice up your business trip.
Business travel doesn't have to be all boardrooms and back-to-back meetings. With a little planning, you can turn even the busiest itinerary into a refreshing escape.
You may love a morning walk, a spa session, or a dinner that lets you explore local cuisine. Even while you travel, let every moment add up.
At Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace, you can seamlessly balance your business priorities and leisure experiences. Next time work brings you to the city, plan a stay at this hotel and enjoy both the hustle and those leisure hours.
