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It’s easy to set big expectations for all the work you’ll get done while traveling, only to realize you’re tired and overwhelmed. How do people manage to stay productive while traveling for business? Do they know something you don’t?
Learning how to be productive while traveling can take a bit of work, especially during these tough times. However, once you figure out the right tips, you can make it work. It’s about bringing the right expectations and planning techniques for the challenges ahead.
What do you need to get done? When you’re already outside of your routine, it can be overwhelming to figure this out while on the road. You may already be tired and out of your element. It’s not a great time to have to figure out what to do next.
Create a list of tasks you want to do while you’re away. If there are materials you need for this, gather them ahead of time. This will save you the headache of downloading things over slow WiFi or attempting to email your coworkers while you’re away.
You don’t realize how much time your routine saves you until you’re on the road. What are the essentials you’ll need on your trip? You’ll need to eat. Do you need to meet people at specific locations? Will you need to visit the dry cleaner or send a fax?
Know where you’ll be able to get work done before you go. This will save you the thirty minutes of scrolling through your phone, looking for restaurants or grocery stores.
Consider coworking space available in several cities around the world. Setting yourself up in a proper office space can do wonders for your productivity. Sit at a desk with a suitable office chair. Be in an environment where other people are also working. This is a place where the WiFi is a priority, so you can trust you’ll be able to get things done.
Coworking spaces often have kitchens with coffee and snacks. They will also always have information on the most accessible places to eat nearby. These amenities add a lot of relief from the stress of trying to work while on the road.
Is the WiFi on the plane so slow you’re just trying to make things load over and over? Are you so tired you keep drifting off in the middle of what you’re reading, only to have to start again?
Continuing to try and work in these situations is a waste of your time. It’s more productive in these situations to use this time to rest, so you’ll have more energy when you’re at a spot with good WiFi.
Alternatively, you can load your phone with podcasts relevant to your industry before you go. These situations can be an excellent opportunity to catch up on industry news and study on topics you’ve meant to work on for ages.
Will you be sitting at the airport gate for the next hour? Are you going to be riding in the car for the next four? Will you be trapped downtown between meetings with two empty hours in the middle of your day?
Use these situations wisely! Handle your business calls in the car. Catch up on all of your work emails. Use those bits of time here and there to make sure you’re up to speed before your next meeting.
It’s easy to let these gaps become wasted and then feel a little dazed after. Stay sharp and make the most of your time.
As you’re scheduling out time blocks on your trip, make sure you schedule in some time off the clock. It would be best if you weren’t working for the whole trip. If you want to keep your head clear for your work, you still need to take care of yourself. Many cities have free walking tours or even spend some time in the hotel spa. Taking an extra long showe or getting a professional massage can be so calm and healing, especially when you are far out of your comfort zone at home. Getting around town leisurely is a great way to get away from your screen, see a new city, and get a little exercise in.
Schedule some time away from work to clear your head.
