How business travellers make the most of short stays in Seattle

As a tech and corporate hub, Seattle is a common destination for business travelers, many of whom zip in for just a few days and then zip out again. It can be hard to see much of the city when you’re on a tight schedule, especially if your itinerary is filled with things like meetings and conference events, but there are ways to make the most of even the shortest Seattle stays. Let’s take a look at how to get the best out of Seattle even if you’re seriously pressed for time.

Pick The Right Base

Where you stay can make a big difference to how much you can pack into a short stay in Seattle. When you’re looking at Seattle hotel options, think about things like proximity to your work obligations, access to the airport, walkable food options, how close it is to major attractions like the Space Needle, and so on. It’s also a good idea to factor transit links into this. Sometimes, an area that’s technically farther from the action but has great transit links is a better option than a location that’s closer. 

Block Out Your Schedule

The main activity of your business trip will, of course, be the conference or meetings, etc., that you’re there for. It goes without saying that this should be your top priority on the schedule. But by planning your time efficiently, you may well find you can fit quite a lot in around your work.

Try breaking your days down into structured blocks, such as breakfast, morning meetings, lunch breaks, afternoon meetings, evening networking, business events, free time, and so on. This will give you a clearer idea of the time you’ve got to work with, where you need to be for your obligations, and which time blocks are more flexible than others.

Travel Efficiently

Being efficient when getting between meetings and appointments can free up more time than you might expect. Work out the best ways to get from where you’re staying to the different districts you’ll be visiting. If you have any influence over venues and destinations, cut down on travel time by holding things like meetings and networking lunches at places within easy walking distance of each other.

When you want to travel farther from your base, consider the best mode of transport. If you have a car, note when traffic is at its heaviest in the city, and plan drives for quieter times. Similarly, note that it’s sometimes faster to take public transit than to drive, as options like the monorail are quick and efficient and bypass traffic. For example, you can get from Downtown Seattle to the museums and iconic sights of the Seattle Center in just a couple of minutes by monorail – it would take you much longer than that simply to find a parking spot!

Fit In Some Leisure Time

If you can, it’s worth taking a day (or even half a day) to fit in some sightseeing. See the Space Needle, visit the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market, take in the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), photograph the Seattle skyline from Gas Works Park, and so on. But even if you don’t have time to do extensive sightseeing, there are still ways to experience Seattle in short snatches. For example, you might swerve by the waterfront when walking between meetings or have coffee with a colleague in a cafe with a view. 

Shopping is also a big part of Seattle culture, and you’ll find plenty of quirky independent stores even in the most work-focused tech district. So if you find yourself with some time to spare between appointments, why not browse some boutiques? Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll still get to experience a quintessential aspect of Seattle’s creative culture.

Manage Potential Fatigue

Work trips can be tiring, especially if you’re travelling outside your usual time zone. Be aware of your limits, and don’t push yourself too hard if you’re fatigued. It’s not worth forcing yourself to follow a punishing schedule that you’ll find more stressful and uncomfortable than fun. 

To manage fatigue, treat yourself and your body kindly. Be careful with caffeine – even in a coffee-centric city like Seattle! It can help with fatigue in the moment but may also throw your circadian rhythms off even more than they already are. Stay well hydrated, and try to keep to a consistent sleep schedule. 

Putting It All Together

If you plan with purpose, there are plenty of ways to get the most out of a business trip to Seattle, even if you’re only there for a couple of days. By blocking out your schedule, finding efficient ways to travel, fitting in leisure time when you can, and not pushing yourself too hard, you can enjoy the sights, sounds, flavors, and soul of Seattle without stressing yourself out by dashing around.