As one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the country, the greater Tampa Bay area is a hub for business travelers. But a business trip to the Tampa area doesn’t have to be all business. As long as you find a way to traverse the area, there are many ways to make your business trip a fun experience. These tips will help make your Central West Florida travel experience more memorable.
Rent a Car
Many people traveling to Central West Florida on business will be staying in towns on the outskirts of the metropolitan center. Those staying in Punta Gorda or Sarasota will likely already need a car to drive to the city. If not, renting a car will still help you see the sights and sounds of central Florida. We recommend using our Sarasota car service to take advantage of the rest of this list. Freedom of travel is a necessary first step in making any business trip fun.
Eat at the Nicest Steakhouse in the Area
Many people fail to acknowledge their business trips as vacations. Though you’ll still be working in the day, you will have a lot more fun if you can enter vacation mode at night. Since you’ll already be eating out every night, you might as well treat yourself to one of the nicest restaurants in town. Eating a glorious meal is an excellent way to turn your business trip into a lifelong memory.
Go Shopping
Unbeknown to most of the country, Central West Florida is a hub for great shopping. Sarasota, Tampa and the 67 miles in-between are filled with enough malls and storefronts to warrant a full vacation of their own. With our Sarasota car service, you can travel up and down I-75 at your own pace.
Attend a Sporting Event
If you are a sports fan, why not take in a game while you are in town? The Tampa Bay area is home to several professional sports teams, including the Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning. Attending a game is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and have some fun at the same time.
Extend Your Trip by a Day
This strategy is true of most popular business locations. The Tampa Bay area is one of the country’s premier coastlines. The area offers an abundance of beach related activities, and spending your days in business meetings won’t allow you to take advantage of them. Taking an extra day will afford you a much-needed opportunity to relax on the beach. After all, it’s back to work when you get back home.
Take a Day Trip
If you have some extra time, why not take a day trip to one of the nearby attractions? Some popular options include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, or the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. A day trip is a great way to see more of the area and make your business trip feel like a mini-vacation.
Network with Other Professionals
Finally, don’t forget that business trips are also an opportunity to network with other professionals in your industry. Attend local networking events or arrange meetings with colleagues or clients in the area. You never know who you might meet or what opportunities may arise as a result.
(Bonus) Spend Your Extra Day Volunteering
If you’ve already decided to take an extra day, you might consider volunteering the time. Even if you’ve never volunteered in your home city, giving to a separate community is selflessness in the highest degree. Volunteering your extra vacation day can put you in a positive mindset for days or weeks. Florida reports some of the lowest volunteer numbers in the nation, so your efforts could be especially impactful.
A business trip in the Tampa area doesn’t have to be all business. The area has so many activities that many people travel to there for personal vacations. Following these guidelines will help make your business trip feel closer to a true vacation.