So you finally got the chance to go on an all expenses paid trip to Paris…but its a business trip. You may be wondering how you can sight-see and enjoy all that the city has to offer without interfering with your work. After all, who would want to miss out on the city of lights? Here are a few tips that will help you combine business and vacation smoothly.
Know the Company and Your Boss
If you are just starting out at the company and are lucky enough to go on a business trip this early in your tenure, keep it purely business. It takes time to get a feel for how the company treats vacation time. Do other employees regularly take vacation days with their business trips? Does your boss care about the hours you work while you are away or about the results? These are all things to consider when thinking about combining business and travel.
Showcase Your Work Ethic
This is key in building trust and repertoire with your boss and fellow co-workers. Stepping up your game to show your boss your outstanding work-ethic can make or break your ability to mix work and play. If you are consistently on time, putting in extra hours, consistently available, and performing well, your boss will probably be more inclined to grant you some free time on your business trip.
Know Who’s Footing the Bill
Be prepared to cover the costs of anything outside of the business side of the trip. This may include any extra food, mileage, accommodations, and flight expenses used by your family. Don’t be afraid to be proactive and discuss this information with your boss openly. You do not want your boss to feel like you are taking advantage of the company budget.
Make It Clear That You Will Meet the Deadlines
If you are asking for a few extra days on your trip or even a few off hours during the day, make it clear to your boss that the time off will not interfere with your productivity. If you have consistently shown your stellar work ethic, as mentioned earlier, this shouldn’t be a problem. You may want to add that the time off may reignite and recharge your creativity.
Make Use of Short Breaks
Early mornings, evenings, late nights, and lunch breaks are all good opportunities to check out the local sights and eateries. While you may not be able to go on long excursions or spend hours wandering the streets, these small breaks can give you a taste of the city if you weren’t able to secure any official time off.
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