Explore A New City Like An Urban Bear Grylls: 5 Ways To See It All

Jul 9, 2014 12:00:00 AM · by Ashley Wetmore

A few times a year, you might find yourself dropping down into a new city to work on a contract. By no means are you jumping from a plane and making your way through jungles or other rugged terrain, but you can still seek adventure and explore like an urban Bear Grylls, the man responsible for the Discovery Channel hit Man vs. Wild.

Take Ten To Get Your Bearings

When you receive your next contract location, take a few minutes to learn about its history. Your experience there could prove to be dull or adventurous, so why not shoot for adventurous? By spending a bit of time in taking in its history and culture, you’ll find yourself far more engaged once you arrive. Yes, you’ll typically spend only four days a week in this foreign city, but why not enlighten yourself? Chances are, the more you know about it, the more you’ll want to see.

Get To Googling

Unlike our wilderness counterpart, all of our necessary resources will be available to us at any given time. Why not seek out the most unique resources available to you? The next time you find yourself looking for a quick lunch or dinner, Google some “famous for” locations. Who knows — you could be on your way to visit one of America’s Best!

Plan a Pit Stop

Now that you’ve done some research and learned about this new territory, form a game plan. Survival is guaranteed, but the experience is up to you. Look at where your client is located and the points of interest that surround that location. I once worked with a company for three months in West Hollywood. Guess what turned out to be right down the street? The La Brea Tar Pits! You’ll never know what’s right around the corner unless you do a little digging and make time for it. 

On nights when you’re not too spent from your hours at the office, find an attraction and grab dinner close by. It’s an easy way to kill two birds with one stone while spicing up your business trip.  

Don’t Just Expect An Adventure — Create One

If our survivalist mentor has taught us anything, it’s that no one makes it out by sitting still. If you’re simply expecting an adventure to jump out and bite you, it’s not going to happen. Instead, take on the new city with the attitude that when you make it home you’ll have experienced something new.

 Sharing These Survival Tips

Sharing your experience with those you love back home will only encourage you to look for what's next. Inspire them to find their own adventures in day-to-day routines.

You may also like: Contracting in a new city? How to find restaurants in 5 minutes

General, Tips for Traveling Consultants

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