In the final instalment of my "Travelling for X" series, where I explore different approaches to planning a trip, I’m diving into the most controversial topic yet: travelling for work.

Why controversial? Well, for many, the phrase "travelling for work" conjures images of red-eye flights, back-to-back meetings, and a rushed return home—hardly the stuff of wanderlust. My father, for instance, worked in the Oil and Gas industry and flew so frequently between Singapore and Houston that the mere thought of another flight made him cringe. I get it. For a lot of people, work travel falls squarely into this exhausting, uninspiring category.

But here’s the thing: not all work travel is created equal. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a different side of it—one that doesn’t kill the joy of travel but instead opens doors to places you might never think to visit.

Rather than being the ultimate buzzkill or the wettest blanket thrown over an otherwise stunning destination, travelling for work has taken me to neighbourhoods and regions that rarely make it onto a typical tourist’s radar.

Visiting Milan without seeing the Duomo di Milano

In my previous role as a digital product designer for a Singapore startup working in the AI and raw ingredients space, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my first-ever coffee trade show as an exhibitor in Milan, Italy.

My Italian welcome was as big and bold as the city itself—complete with a public transport strike (I couldn’t help but notice how the locals seemed utterly unfazed, as if this were just another Monday) Stranded on the final leg of our train journey, my colleagues and I faced the challenge of transporting four adults with luggage across the city. While everyone else scrambled to book regular Ubers, my quick-thinking colleague opted for an Uber Van—and miraculously, someone accepted the ride! Crisis averted, we headed straight to the Milano Convention Center to set up for the event. It was go-go-go from the moment we landed.

The event, held at the Milano Convention Center, provided a daily rhythm: 10 am to 5 pm, leaving our evenings free for exploration. Our hotel, albeit basic and overpriced, became our base, and we walked to the event each morning. With the transport strike lasting until our departure day, we were "forced" to stay within the neighbourhood for dinner and drinks—a restriction that turned out to be a delightful surprise. Milan's evening scene is a slow burn; aperitivos and conversation flow freely until dinner, which begins around 9 pm, transforming the streets into a vibrant hub.

On the final day of the conference, which fell on a Saturday, I woke up early to explore. Just a street away, a bustling farmers market had sprung to life, with local producers from across Italy showcasing their tomatoes, meats and dairy products. Another highlight? The massive supermarket nearby. As someone who loves exploring grocery stores abroad, I was in heaven. Whole legs of ham, wheels of cheese, and rows of salami greeted me at every turn. It was a carnivore’s dream come true. Being a less tourist-heavy area, yet still lively with locals, it felt surprisingly safe to wander alone as an Asian female. (Of course, common sense prevails: stay vigilant!)

Five days in Milan, and I can’t say I visited the Duomo or saw The Last Supper. What I did have was a good dose of pizza, pasta, gelato, Aperol Spritz, and a big, warm slice of Milanese hospitality.

Vietnam's Central Highlands

A few months after my Milan adventure, another opportunity presented itself—this time, to visit a coffee processing plant in Dalat, Vietnam. Just a 50-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat is a hill city perched 1,500 meters above sea level. Known for its French colonial charm and cooler climate, it’s a haven for growing everything from vibrant flowers and fresh fruits to the prized Arabica coffee beans used in specialty coffee.

We stayed in the city center, close to the bustling night market. The area had a lively yet laid-back vibe that oddly reminded me of Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong, though with a much more relaxed, unhurried energy. Our stay was short—just two nights—but we made the most of it. Between work commitments, we visited a few specialty cafés tucked away in scenic corners, explored local bars in the evening, and enjoyed a lively dinner with workers from the processing plant. The meal was paired with local draft beer served from mini pressurised kegs, and capped off with a smooth yet potent banana flower moonshine. At some point, fresh crickets from the cricket farm opposite were fried and brought in as snacks.

Of course, there’s always a downside. As with most work trips, our schedule was tight, leaving little time to explore Dalat’s many attractions and activities. However, it not for this work trip, I wouldn't have known Vietnam beyond Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh or Danang, and Dalat and the central highlands would have remained a mystery.

Brazil: Minas Gerais

How could my work revolve around coffee, and not include Brazil, the largest coffee exporter in the world? I jumped at the first chance to visit with work, and what better way to experience it than with our Brazilian colleague who provided the ultimate insider experience.

We touched down in São Paulo, but spent most of our time in Minas Gerais, a state in southeastern Brazil renowned as the heart of the country’s coffee production, where we visited numerous coffee factories and cooperatives. Given Brazil’s vast size, we spent a lot of time on the road, driving through scenic routes that felt like they belonged in a postcard. Along the way, I spotted vultures circling overhead and brightly coloured toucans darting across the windscreen.

Like Bhutan, I hadn’t known much about Brazilian cuisine before this trip, so I was pleasantly surprised by its incredible variety and bold flavours. And let me tell you, it’s spicy. On the last day, we had a bit of free time to explore São Paulo. We made our way to the beach, where we indulged in fresh seafood and soaked in the lively coastal atmosphere. It was the perfect way to unwind before embarking on the long journey back to Singapore.

Coincidentally, the tour operator I engaged in the Yucatan Peninsula is organising an Amazon expedition from Manaus in 2026. It’s definitely on my bucket list now.

Familiarisation Trips in Travel

Familiarisation trips are one of the greatest perks of working in the travel industry. Imagine exploring breathtaking destinations at a fraction of the cost, all while deepening your knowledge of the places you visit. If you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself in a small group of like-minded individuals, sharing the same sense of adventure and curiosity.

Sure, it’s work—days can be jam-packed, and the pace can feel relentless. There might even be late nights spent tying up loose ends. But when the reward is stepping into a world that constantly expands your horizon, I’ll gladly take it.