When comparing cities in this great country for your next travel assignment, it becomes apparent that every city has its charm. Some are great for warm weather and oceanside views. Others have wonderful eateries and culture. Still others are great for outdoor excursions like hiking, skiing or boating. But then there are those that offer a different unique benefit. They are places that rank near the top when all you want to do is enjoy the quieter things and simply relax.
Which brings us to today’s blog, the second in our series commemorating Stress Awareness Month. Today we’re looking at four great assignment destinations that include — among their many benefits — the perfect environment when you’re looking to mix work with a little de-stressing at the same time.
Here’s our list.
* Duluth, Minnesota. This relaxing, lakefront town is big enough to have everything you need, but small enough to stop you from feeling stress. Enjoy one of the nation’s only freshwater aquariums and take part in the historic Grandma’s Marathon and you’ll find plenty to love about this city during your stay.
* Flagstaff, Arizona. The warm weather will be a welcome stress reliever in the winter, and so will your short commute. Residents of Flagstaff have some of the shortest commutes in the nation, averaging just over 13 minutes. Less time on the road in an unfamiliar city is sure to be a stress reliever for anyone.
* Missoula, Montana. The second largest city in Montana, Missoula can be as big or small as you want it to be and when it comes to ridding yourself of stress, the residents have a tried and true method — exercise. Missoula routinely boasts one of the best physical activity rates of any city in the country, with more than 65 percent of its residents successfully enjoying their recommended exercise amount each week. Run, hike or bike and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel.
* Fargo, North Dakota. By now you’re probably starting to see a trend among the cities that make the list of best places to unwind. They’re big enough to enjoy, but not so big as to add unnecessary commotion. Fargo fits the bill here as well, and it’s easy to see why its recent growth continues to outpace the national average.
As always, now it's your turn. Which travel assignment cities have you found to be wonderful stress relievers and why?