MCLEAN, Va. - Traveling on business sounds glamorous, but it's actually as hard as a day's work - more than one would expect. After the day whirls by, whether it was spent wooing clients, leading training seminars, networking or closing sales, there's a big appetite at the end of the day for a relaxing evening.
The growth of business travel in the U.S. is slower than the preceding decade, according to the Global Business Travel Association. So chances are when you are sent out, you are expected to accomplish more with less help during your off-site time. This can make you exceptionally ready for some down time at the end of the day.
But for many busy women, this is a challenge. For starters, 79 percent of women said they can get twice as much done in a day as a man could, according to a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Hilton Garden Inn. Quite possibly, that is what is making women feel like they're running on empty: 67 percent said they have wished their significant other would travel on business so they could be alone.
"Women are ambitious when it comes to wanting to maximize their career opportunities while building a meaningful life at home with their families," says Ash Sears, founder of the blog, Quirky Inspired "I have discovered when I'm traveling on business, it's actually a great opportunity to steal some time to pamper myself. And you don't have to spend a lot of time and money doing it."
When traveling, as with home, it's important to grab some restorative personal time to keep life in balance, and get your energy back up. Next time you're traveling on business, leverage that block of time alone and your hotel surroundings so you can truly decompress.
Pack a few spa items
Pack the scented candles, the herbal teas you never get around to using at home, and use them to help you melt away the tensions of life and of the day. It will help you restore your mind and your muscles. Don't forget the masks and foot creams so you can treat yourself to a facial or simple pedicure.
Pack the scented candles, the herbal teas you never get around to using at home, and use them to help you melt away the tensions of life and of the day. It will help you restore your mind and your muscles. Don't forget the masks and foot creams so you can treat yourself to a facial or simple pedicure.
Disconnect the devices
In order to truly destress, untether yourself from the electronics. Delegate work emails and social media duties to someone else for a few hours, call your family to say goodnight, and power down the devices. Well, maybe you'll want to keep one device going so you can stream some light bossa nova music to set the mood. Grab a good book or magazine and lounge by the pool. Or if you really need to decompress, try a simple meditation, focusing only on taking deep, slow, full breaths. After a few minutes, it will lower your blood pressure and make you feel better.
In order to truly destress, untether yourself from the electronics. Delegate work emails and social media duties to someone else for a few hours, call your family to say goodnight, and power down the devices. Well, maybe you'll want to keep one device going so you can stream some light bossa nova music to set the mood. Grab a good book or magazine and lounge by the pool. Or if you really need to decompress, try a simple meditation, focusing only on taking deep, slow, full breaths. After a few minutes, it will lower your blood pressure and make you feel better.
Ask Jeeves
Yes, there are plenty of excellent mobile apps that are good at finding a great dinner spot. But there's just something unappealing about clicking around and searching online after a busy day, especially when you are trying to weigh your choices against a limited knowledge of a new city. Take advantage of your hotel staff's knowledge of the surrounding area. Hit them up for some solid local insight and you'll be on your way.
Yes, there are plenty of excellent mobile apps that are good at finding a great dinner spot. But there's just something unappealing about clicking around and searching online after a busy day, especially when you are trying to weigh your choices against a limited knowledge of a new city. Take advantage of your hotel staff's knowledge of the surrounding area. Hit them up for some solid local insight and you'll be on your way.
Go to cocktail hour
No evening of luxurious downtime would be complete without some gourmet nibbles and adult beverages. If it gets a little later than expected, not to worry, Hilton Garden Inn's Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a wide array of snacks and beverages. Consider having a glass of wine or a yummy dessert to relax from your hectic day.
No evening of luxurious downtime would be complete without some gourmet nibbles and adult beverages. If it gets a little later than expected, not to worry, Hilton Garden Inn's Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a wide array of snacks and beverages. Consider having a glass of wine or a yummy dessert to relax from your hectic day.
Indulge and Relax in the ShowerTraveling is a perfect time to sample luxury spa items you may not have time to use at home. Enhance your shower time by using shower gels, loofah sponges or body scrubs. Look for shower items that include jasmine oil. The scent promotes a sense of calm and well-being and serves as a sleep aid.
To book a weekend to reset and refresh, visit www.hgi.com.
