7 ways for business owners to make the most of their next vacation

Don't waste precious vacation time being groggy all day and wide awake at 3 am. About a week before you're scheduled to leave, start shifting your bedtime and mealtimes toward your destination's time zone (within reason). Don't forget to factor in local customs, like late dinner times in Spain and Rome. Preparing your body for the change in timezone means it won't take as long to recover and get on local time.

Start your vacation the moment you step into the airport. Traveling with an airline credit card can give you access to priority boarding and a free checked bag, both of which can help reduce some of the stress and costs associated with a big trip.

Sure, you could spend five days in Rome — but if you have only a week off from your work, maximize your Italian experience by hitting the city's highlights in just 48 hours. Then, spend the rest of your time traveling to lesser-known destinations. Explore the archaeological site of Ostia Antica or the Castelli Romani for some of the finest wine and food the country has to offer.

Layover hubs are great destinations in their own right, so capitalize on that connection! During your next Chicago layover, zip downtown on a CTA train and treat yourself to a deep-dish pizza, explore Millennium Park and Navy Pier, or check out the Windy City's world-renowned museums and skyscrapers.

Exploring a destination on your own means you can stumble upon some truly unique, off-the-beaten-path places. But to ensure you're packing as much authentic, local experiences into your trip as possible, consider hiring a guide. In Costa Rica, for example, guides can help you spot sloths and howler monkeys in the wild, and direct you to the best food and adventures, like zip lining through the rainforest.

Make your food budget go further with late-night grocery runs. Many Japanese grocers deeply discount ready-made food items near closing time. Not only does this provide a truly local eating experience, but it will also make your budget stretch far enough for a few classy meals at upscale sushi and tempura restaurants.

Let those vacation endorphins last long after you're back to running your business. Load up on souvenirs that remind you of your favorite vacation moments, like a collection of teas or a miniature red telephone booth from London.

Find out how the CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select card can help you make the most of your vacation.

This post is sponsored by the the CitiBusiness^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select card.