Many people find it challenging to adjust to a new environment while maintaining a work schedule on the road, but it can be done. Whether you’re a traveling nurse or you’re in Bangor for a long business trip, it helps to get settled into Maine life so you feel a little more at home while you’re here.
Here are some helpful tips for enjoying your extended stay in Bangor, Maine:
1. Stay active.
It can be so hard to keep a healthy rhythm while you travel, but getting into an active routine (even during those cold winter months) will help you meet new people, stay healthy, and keep your energy up.
During warmer months, you can enjoy outdoor spaces in Bangor like Bangor City Forest, Orono Bog Walk, and the Kenduskeag Stream Trail.
When there’s snow on the ground, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing can be a fun way to get outside and get your heart rate up. There are plenty of trails around, like the Bangor Municipal Golf Course, Bangor City Forest, and the University of Maine (rentals available). Year round, you might consider joining a local gym or attending yoga classes so you can incorporate exercise into your schedule more easily before or after work.
And the simplest, time-saving option for working out while on an extended business trip: exercise in your room! This is a great option for traveling nurses who may have overnight or irregular work schedules. You can pack something lightweight like resistance bands, or simply do YouTube exercise videos.
2. Eat healthy.
Staying healthy while traveling also includes eating healthfully. This can be hard when you are working a lot and have limited time, and eating out may be the only option some days. (Head here for a short list of where to eat in Bangor, which includes some healthy options as well.)
However, simple meals at “home” are a great way to eat well (and spend less), and we make it as convenient as possible at the Pine Tree Inn–from the kitchenette in your room to grabbing a few groceries for you when you don’t have time to go to the store.
3. Unpack and add some personal touches.
If you want to make your long-term stay in Bangor feel a bit more like home away from home, the first step is to make sure you’re not living out of your suitcase.
While we have all the basic furnishings you’ll need here at the inn (our rooms are set up with extended stay guests in mind), adding some personal touches like framed photos on your desk, a plugin scent or essential oils, children’s drawings, or other little reminders of home will go a long way in helping you settle in.
4. Get to know the local area.
Now that you have your accommodation in Bangor squared away, it’s time to orient yourself to the lay of the land.
Taking an hour or two at the beginning of your trip to find out where things are will help immensely as you settle into your extended stay. That could mean getting on the bus to locate your work stop and other necessities, taking a drive around town in your rental vehicle, or finding the perfect coffee shop to work from.
Check out our in-depth guide to visiting Bangor here.
5. Don’t leave your hobbies behind.
Love reading? Pack an e-reader or even stop into the beautiful Bangor Public Library. Sports fan? Head to a local sports bar to catch a game and meet new people. Enjoy getting out into nature? Maine has options aplenty–like Baxter State Park or Acadia National Park, both just an hour away. Love to knit? Work on something special for a loved one while you’re here!
It’s challenging to feel a sense of normalcy while you’re away from home, but keeping a hobby going is one great way to do that.
6. Stay connected to life at home.
While it’s good to get to know your new surroundings in Bangor, everyone needs a dose of the familiar. Plus, it takes time to form new relationships, so it’s a good idea to keep in regular contact with close friends and family. Thankfully, technology makes it easy to do so!
Make a plan and be proactive about this so that life doesn’t just “get in the way.”
7. Pack items that help you sleep.
Prioritizing sleep makes a huge difference in how you feel while traveling, not getting sick on the road, and even how well you do your job.
If you are a light sleeper, pack some noise-blocking ear plugs or download a white noise app for your phone. If you have the perfect pillow that you can’t sleep without, make room for it in your luggage. Or maybe you just want a soothing essential oil to help you relax after a long day of work.
8. Have some fun!
While work may take up a lot of your time, make sure you enjoy all the fun things to do in Bangor, Maine in your downtime–even if it’s just one activity per week. This can be a great way to get connected to the local community and make friends outside of work while you’re here.
You’re in Vacationland, so try to make time to relax if you can.
We hope these tips help you plan and enjoy your extended stay business trip. Find out more about our options for accommodations near the Bangor Airport here, or feel free to contact us with any questions.
We’re here to welcome you to our lovely city and make it your home away from home!
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