24 hours in 26 cities

Attention Road Warriors: Business travel doesn't have to be all business. And timing need not matter, either. A stay of only 24 hours is easily squandered, with sights as exciting as an airport landing strip, a complimentary buffet line or your hotel bathtub. But if you can find just a couple of hours to get away, exciting distractions await — sure to sweep you off your power heels.

While the shaky economy may have forced many business professionals into a stay-put mentality, the reality remains that business travel is key to attracting and retaining clients. A 2009 report by The U.S. Travel Association found that 28 percent of current business would be lost without in-person meetings, and for every dollar invested in business travel companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue.

Plus, according to an August 2009 National Business Travel Association study, a typical business trip lasts just three days or less. So most travelers are in and out of a city without giving it so much as a glance.

Because we know that business travel is important for your revenue growth — and a little sightseeing is imperative for your personal growth — ForbesWoman has compiled a list of what to see and do if you find yourself in one of America's top 26 business destinations for as little as 24 hours. You don't have time for trial and error, so we've taken out the guesswork.

For newcomers to a city, we've pinpointed the main attractions you won't want to miss. If you happen to bounce through Philadelphia, for example, take just an hour or two between meetings to check out the most historic square mile in the city: Independence National Historical Park. Now home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, this is the site where colonists first met to plan independence from the King of England. It's a must-see for every first-time visitor.

But if you are a hardened road warrior looking for something new to do, we'll also take you off the beaten path. Stopping by Tampa, Fla., and want to see more than the sunny coast or stark convention center? We suggest heading to nearby St. Pete to check out the city's little-known wonder, The Dalí Museum. Holding the largest collection of Salvador Dalí works outside of Spain, it also exhibits rare surrealist jewelry designed by the artist in the 1940s and '50s. Perhaps the break will rouse a burst of creativity for your next presentation or client meeting.

The U.S. Travel Association study reported that $206 billion was spent on business travel within the U.S. in 2008 and that three-quarters of businesses believe that increasing travel further can build market share and client relationships. That means you are likely to be on the road for your company in the foreseeable future, and you might as well make the most of the investment.

Schedule in some time to get out of the meeting room and experience all the nuances of a location you may have traveled to before but have never really noticed.

© 2012 Forbes.com