Balancing Business and Adventure: My Journey Through Global Cities as a Solo Traveler
- Food Blogger Journey
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
By Dirk Ebener
Balancing Business and Personal Exploration Is Possible – With intentional planning and structured routines, it’s entirely feasible to manage global projects while also making time for meaningful solo travel experiences.
Solo Travel Enhances Cultural Immersion – Traveling alone offers the freedom to explore local neighborhoods, engage with communities, and dive deeper into the authentic rhythms of each city without compromise.
Food and Drink Connect You to Culture and Commerce – Local cuisine and beverages are more than just culinary experiences—they’re powerful entry points into understanding regional culture, supporting small businesses, and forging genuine cross-cultural connections.
The thrill of boarding a plane to a new destination never fades, even after years of doing it. Each trip feels like opening the first page of a brand-new story, one filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and explore. My passport is more than just a travel document, it is a scrapbook of memories collected from countless journeys around the world. From the glittering skyline of Singapore to the bustling streets of New Delhi, from the timeless charm of London to the dynamic energy of Shanghai, I have learned to navigate the art of balancing business responsibilities with the joy of solo exploration.
Traveling for work sweeps me up in a whirlwind of activity. Managing global projects on-site often means racing from one meeting to the next, juggling dawn conference calls that stretch across continents, and finding ways to stay sharp while constantly on the move. Yet, within the rush, I have uncovered the true heart of travel: carving out moments just for myself, time to wander unfamiliar streets, soak in the local culture, and relish the quiet thrill of being alone in a city where every corner promises something new.
The Business Traveler’s Routine
My days on the road usually start before sunrise, powered by a bold cup of coffee and the soft glow of my laptop in a hushed hotel room. There is a quiet satisfaction in mapping out project timelines and connecting with teams scattered across the globe. In places like Singapore, my mornings are a dance of virtual check-ins with colleagues in Europe and the U.S., all before stepping out into a day packed with on-site meetings. Early on, I realized that discipline is my secret weapon; by sticking to a structured routine, I can conquer my work and still leave space for what truly fascinates me, discovering the city just outside my door.
One of the most significant lessons I have learned is the importance of consistency. No matter where I am, be it a chic hotel in London’s Kensington or a high-rise business district hotel in Shanghai, I dedicate an hour each morning to respond to emails, review progress reports, and plan for the day ahead. By setting boundaries for work, I carve out the space to immerse myself in the unique rhythms of each city.
Solo Travel as a Business Companion
Traveling alone has become my greatest gift to myself. While some people dread the idea of solo dinners or sightseeing without company, I have come to cherish these moments. Walking through the vibrant hawker centers of Singapore after a long day of meetings, I feel a sense of freedom that’s hard to replicate in group travel. I can choose where to go, what to eat, and how long to linger in conversation with locals curious about my journey.
London, with its rich history and endless cultural offerings, is another city where I love to extend my business trips. After finalizing contracts or overseeing global project launches, I find solace in wandering through the narrow streets of Covent Garden, stopping for a pint at a centuries-old pub, or catching a last-minute theater performance in the West End. Traveling solo has allowed me to follow my curiosity without compromise, turning ordinary business trips into deeply personal experiences.
Finding Balance in New Delhi
Over the more than 40 years of business travel and the cities that I have visited, New Delhi stands out for its vivid contrasts, ancient heritage standing alongside the pulse of modern India. Business days in New Delhi can be intense, filled with negotiations, cultural differences to navigate, and the ever-present challenge of time zone juggling. Yet, when the day’s work is done, I relish the chance to wander through bustling markets, taste street food favorites like golgappa and chaat, or simply sit quietly at Humayun’s Tomb, watching the sun set behind Mughal architecture.
Solo travel in a city like Delhi requires flexibility and an open heart. I have learned that small moments, such as sharing tea with a shopkeeper, observing a temple ceremony, or bargaining in a market, create lasting memories. By balancing work responsibilities with intentional time for cultural immersion, my trips transform from business obligations into unforgettable life experiences.
The Energy of Shanghai
Shanghai is a city that thrives on contrasts, a place where futuristic skyscrapers rise alongside historic shikumen houses. It is a hub of innovation, which makes it one of my favorite cities to manage international projects. My workdays here are often a blend of site visits, presentations, and strategic planning sessions with local partners. But after the final meeting ends, I make it a point to wander along the Bund, watching the city lights reflect on the Huangpu River, or lose myself in the maze of side streets filled with dumpling shops and night markets.
Evenings in Shanghai feel electric, neon signs, sizzling street food, and a blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge technology. Traveling solo here is invigorating; it allows me to explore at my own pace, whether that means sampling soup dumplings at a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant or enjoying rooftop cocktails with a panoramic city view.
Blending Business and Personal Time
The secret to blending work and travel lies in effective planning. I design my business trips with hidden pockets of free time, stretching my stays whenever I can to escape the confines of conference rooms and boardrooms. Over the years, I have discovered that even a handful of hours can spark transformation, whether it is a sunrise stroll through Hyde Park in London, a midnight street food adventure in Singapore, or a peaceful afternoon wandering Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi.
Finding these moments takes discipline, but they are what give purpose to my endless journeys.
I refuse to be the traveler whose memories are just a blur of boardrooms and airport terminals. Instead, I chase after chances to truly experience the soul of every city I visit.
Savoring the World: How Local Food, Culture, and Business Shape My Global Journeys
One of the greatest rewards of traveling for both business and pleasure is the chance to immerse myself in a city’s local food culture. I make it a priority to seek out authentic dishes, from the rich curries of New Delhi to the perfectly steamed dumplings of Shanghai. Food is more than sustenance. It is a gateway to understanding a place’s history, traditions, and way of life. Pairing these meals with unique local beverages, whether it is craft beer in London or a refreshing sugarcane juice in Singapore, adds an extra layer of connection to the culture.
These culinary experiences often lead to meaningful interactions with small business owners, chefs, and vendors who take pride in sharing their craft. Supporting local establishments not only enhances my travel experiences but also offers valuable insights into how these businesses thrive within their communities. Conversations over shared meals often open doors to a deeper understanding of local challenges, opportunities, and perspectives on global markets. It’s in these moments that my professional world and personal passions intersect in the most natural way. I have come to realize that food and drink are powerful tools for building relationships across cultures.
Every bite and sip tells its own story, weaving together my work, my travels, and the people who make each journey unforgettable.
Why Solo Travel Works for Me
Some of my favorite memories happened when I had no agenda—no companions to compromise with, no rigid plans to stick to. In Singapore, I once spent an entire evening talking to a local vendor about the history of Hainanese chicken rice while savoring a plate of it fresh from the stall. In London, a random stroll led me to an unassuming bookstore where I spent hours chatting with the owner about British history and politics. These serendipitous encounters rarely happen when traveling with a group, and they have enriched my understanding of each place in ways no guidebook could.
Solo travel also strengthens my ability to adapt. Global business travel is unpredictable. Flights are more and more often delayed, meetings run longer than expected, and schedules change with little notice. Traveling alone has taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to create meaningful experiences in the gaps between obligations.
Lessons From the Road
Balancing business and leisure travel has reshaped my perspective on the world and my role within it. I’ve learned to embrace both structure and spontaneity. My work routine keeps me grounded: I start early mornings for project planning, allocate focused time for meetings, and reserve evenings for exploration. But beyond the schedules and deadlines, I have found that travel is at its best when it feels personal, when it connects you to a city in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
Each trip has its own rhythm. Singapore hums with efficiency and order, making it easy to find quiet moments amidst the bustle. London offers endless possibilities for cultural enrichment, from history-soaked streets to world-class theater. New Delhi challenges and inspires me with its sensory overload and rich traditions. Shanghai dazzles with its contrasts, reminding me that progress and heritage can coexist beautifully.
Finding Joy in the Journey
At its heart, my life of global travel is about more than work or sightseeing. It is about embracing the magic found in the moments in between. Traveling solo has handed me the freedom to chart my own course, meet fascinating strangers, and collect stories that belong to me alone. Whether I am slurping noodles under Shanghai’s midnight sky, jogging along the Thames at dawn, or hopping into a tuk-tuk for a spontaneous ride through Delhi’s chaos, I have discovered that joy often waits in the simplest experiences.
The balance between business and personal time isn’t always perfect, but it’s worth the effort. By making space for curiosity and wonder, I have turned countless work trips into unforgettable adventures. In every city I visit, I am reminded that travel is not just about the places we go. It is about how we choose to experience them.
Each journey leaves me with a little more knowledge, a few more stories, and a deeper appreciation for the vast, vibrant world we live in. And as long as there are flights to catch, projects to manage, and cities to explore, I will keep embracing this life. One solo adventure at a time.
Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.
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