When the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, arrives in a new city before an air show, they do an aerial survey of the area. Starting at "show center," the middle of the airfield, they fly out one direction, and note what they see at 1 mile, 2 miles, and so on, up to 5 miles. Then they repeat the process for each of the other three directions. This gives them landmarks they use during their show.
When I travel to a new customer, I do something similar. First, I find the hotel and check in. That's my "show center." Then, I locate the customer, so I don't waste time wandering around lost in the morning. Finally, I do my scouting, checking out what stores and restaurants are in both directions along the road the hotel is on, then up and down the nearest cross streets as well.
In less than an hour, I get some great ideas about where to have dinner, if there's an office supply store nearby, bookstore, and interesting sights. I also find a grocery. I have to get my water and treats for the class: that's non-negotiable.
All of this prep is for one purpose: To maximize the time I have in the morning to focus on classroom setup. If class starts well because I had time to create the right environment for training, it makes a great first impression, and the odds are pretty good that the rest of the training will go well, too. If I'm rushed and something is not set up right, I'm playing catchup the rest of the week.
Like the Blue Angels, my job is to Wow the Customer. Scouting the area beforehand helps me do it.