Back to Travel: The Westshore Alliance’s Best Tips for Traveling in 2021

After a year of virtual meetings and staying inside, people are itching to be on the move and traveling again. In fact, of 10,000 Americans surveyed, 76% percent of respondents said they plan to travel more than they did in 2020, and 60% of respondents said they plan to travel more than they did in 2019. As the economy gets back on its feet, business travel will increase around the country. However, after a long period of uncertainty, many have adopted a ”carpe diem” mentality and want to get out there, use those pent up PTO days, and experience the world through leisure travel. We understand that after this period of time without traveling, your planning skills may be a bit rusty. The Westshore Alliance has put together a list of tips and tricks to make the most out of your time when traveling. 

Plan Ahead 

With many people on the move in 2021, it is essential to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. When flying, we recommend booking your ticket around two to three months in advance for the best prices. Some airlines have social distancing restrictions in place, so it is best to secure your spot early. If you opt for the road trip instead, we recommend looking at the map and planning your stops along the way.

Where in Westshore?

• Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the travel hub for the Westshore District — and Tampa Bay as a whole. Located in the heart of Westshore and ranked one of the top airports in the United States, TPA is the most convenient place to arrive or depart the Tampa Bay area. 

Stay the Right Way 

After a long and tiring day of sightseeing or business meetings, you want to come back to top-notch accommodations. When finding a place to stay, make sure to focus on the 3 C’s: cleanliness, comfort, and cost-effective. We recommend looking up hotel reviews and photos online to find the perfect stay for your trip.   

Where in Westshore?

• The Westshore District is full of hotel options for any type of travel. With well known brand names such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, you can find accommodations to fit both your preference and budget. When traveling for business purposes, hotels and venues around Westshore offer meeting spaces for your group’s needs.  
• If hotels aren’t your thing, there are other ways to stay in Tampa Bay. Whether you want a waterfront view or close proximity to the Raymond James Stadium, the Westshore District is full of hosts offering accommodations through Airbnb. 

Wine and Dine

Whether traveling for business or leisure, staying full and satisfied is important to fuel your trip. Whether you opt for casual quick-service restaurants on-the-go or want a fine dining experience, researching local restaurants at your travel destination will save you time. Researching local restaurants and reviews on Yelp and making reservations on OpenTable in advance provides for a stress-free experience while traveling. If for some reason you forget this step, asking a local resident for a restaurant recommendation is always a good idea! 

Where in Westshore?

• The Westshore District is a central hub for all things wine and dine. With a variety of price points, cuisines, and themes, there is an option to satisfy any craving. From waterfront views at Oystercatchers to fine dining at Ocean Prime, you definitely won’t leave Westshore hungry. If you prefer to combine shopping and dining, both International Plaza & Bay Street and WestShore Plaza offer hundreds of retail and dining options in convenient locations. 

Getting Down to Business

Face-to-face business meetings and presentations are returning, and the Westshore District can help you prepare. Some offices are operating on a remote or hybrid workspace, and may need a place to host large or important meetings. When traveling for business or hosting clients and colleagues from out of town, Westshore provides options large and small for these business meeting needs. 

Where in Westshore?

• Whether you are hosting a client meeting with no physical office space or you’re a remote worker who wants to get out of the home office for the day, coworking spaces are for you. Many coworking spaces are available in and around the Westshore District. Some of these include Regus Westshore at Corporate Center One, Cowork Tampa, and 1810 Kennedy. These coworking spaces offer short term and day passes, conference room rentals, or just a physical space to work from for the day. 

If you prefer a casual space with cold brew at your fingertips, one of Westshore’s coffee shops may be the perfect place for you to work for the day or hold an informal meeting. Some of Westshore’s unique coffee shops include The Blind Tiger Cafe and Networking Lead’s Coffeehouse.