10 Cures for Business Traveler Blues

5. Be social with social media.
Some are hesitant to announce their travel plans through social media, but the rewards far outweigh the risks. Announcing your presence in a far-off destination means you can meet up with other transient friends. Use Facebook to announce your arrival and don't be shy to ask your friends if they know of any great restaurants, bars or even people you should cross paths with while in town. On Twitter, search your location for special-events hashtags, whether they be for art parties or pop-up eateries that may fit into your stay.

4. Pump up your cardio.
Exercise is one of the best ways to see a city like a local, whether it's walking the streets around your hotel to get a feel for your surroundings or a more ambitious run on a route that can be arranged by your hotel's front desk. If you're a single traveler or looking to meet others while in town, join a local gym and participate in group fitness classes such as yoga, spinning or kickboxing that will force you to interact with people and likely lead to casual conversation and possibly something more.

3. Don't be afraid of the table for one.
It's an excruciating phrase, especially for social butterflies that would prefer not to eat than have a hostess utter those famous words: "Table for one?" But solo dining doesn't have to be feared; with a little preparation you might prefer it. If in doubt, arm yourself with a good book or magazine before arriving to your dinner, and make it as late as you can endure to avoid crowds of families and romantic types. Opt for a table even if there is counter seating; the service will be better, and it's far more uncomfortable to sit alone in a busy bar than a busy restaurant. Be chatty with staff and encourage conversation, maybe having the chef make up a special tasting menu of dishes if in a more formal eatery that might just get you that one last fillet, lobster tail or foie gras lobe.

2. The right kind of nightlife.
The idea of painting the town red while away on business inevitably crosses the mind of even the most devoted spouse or sedate single. For the tepid, the in-house hotel lounge will likely offer a collection of likeminded business types and odd local reflective of the overall quality of the hotel. The more adventurous should ask for a local bar using "trendy," "quiet" or "sports" as keywords to find the right place. Once you find your spot, opt for a seat at the bar over a table that will isolate you, especially if looking to mingle. Those in the mood to dance, don't worry about the door; solo guys and gals often get into clubs far quicker than groups. Once inside, skip the flashy bottle service and simply take a place at the bar -- remembering to tip really well so the bartender becomes your devoted wingman or wingwoman.

1. Find a higher cause.
For any business traveler that's had to spend an extended time in even the world's most dynamic business capitals, by the third or fourth week you've likely exhausted any museum, sightseeing and tourist sites that appealed to you. Instead of lulling away the weekend with extra credit work or in your hotel room, why not devote yourself to a higher cause through volunteering at a local charities or foundations? Websites such as VolunteerMatch offer online opportunities throughout the U.S., ranging from work at local museums to children's hospitals that will likely put you in touch with a close group of locals and offer a cure for the Sunday afternoon blahs.

To make your business trip even more satisfying, you sometimes want to travel in style. Check out MainStreet's look at the Awesome Perks of Business Class to find out which airlines will pamper you the most!