Traveling for work can be hectic and demanding. Even worse, productivity can suffer as we exchange our comfort zones and routines for hotel lobbies and delayed train departures. Want to get work done as efficiently as always, regardless of where in the world you are? Then follow these helpful tips that any professional will appreciate.
Pre-Plan as Much as You Can
Laying the groundwork for a trip long before your plane takes off will do wonders for your productivity and motivation.
Start by researching your destination and the place you’ll be staying. If your hotel room doesn’t have a comfortable working area, don’t assume that a coffee shop will be the next best place for you to work. Note whether there are any coworking spaces or other work-related amenities nearby. Then, optimize your calendar and tackle any important deadlines or meetings before departure.
It’s also a good idea to finish up any projects you might have going on around the house and get cleaning out of the way before leaving. You’ll have a lot less to catch up on when you come back and can destress better.
Create a Travel-Ready Work Schedule
It’s much more difficult to concentrate on spreadsheets when the wonders of the world are right by your hotel doorstep. Even so, establishing a routine that’s not far off from your regular one and creating a work schedule will help you maintain productivity. Plus, relaxing and exploring are much more pleasant once you complete the work part of your day.
Since delays and unexpected circumstances are core to the travel experience, assume that most work tasks will take longer to finish and create your schedule accordingly. Block your time out in small, manageable chunks to squeeze some work in during unexpected downtime.
Make Productivity Apps Work for You
Always-online tools are a godsend for getting work done on the go. It’s only a matter of picking the right ones. There are so many to choose from, so before downloading one, set your main priorities for such an app.
Besides that, don’t forget the essentials like a secure business communication tool, cloud storage for important documents, a video conferencing app, and a reliable calendar app that helps you stay organized regardless of time zone differences.
Wi-Fi coverage might be spotty at your location, and using unsecured public networks can be dangerous due to the high chance of hackers compromising them. Make sure to keep offline copies of essential documents so you can keep editing them even without internet access. Also, consider using an eSIM Global service to access the internet.
These services use the eSIM chip in your phone to connect your phone to local carriers. No physical SIMs or the hassle of replacing them as you go from country to country is required! Better yet, you don’t have to pay steep roaming fees and can take advantage of both cheaper local plans and stronger signals.
If you don’t see the need for global connectivity, look for the best eSIM provider for Germany or another country where you will be traveling so you don’t overpay for the service.
Invest in the Right Travel Gadgets
You never know when you’ll be seated in front of a screaming child or have an opportunity to top your laptop and smartphone up. Therefore, getting a few essential gadgets to improve your own comfort can make all the difference.
A pair of noise-canceling headphones will allow you to work without distractions almost anywhere. A power bank will ensure you always have enough juice for one more Zoom meeting. Combine it with a universal adapter to draw and store power wherever there’s an outlet. Not bringing a laptop? Then, at least get a foldable Bluetooth keyboard to make replying to business emails from your tablet or phone a lot easier.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Hectic itineraries and major disruptions to your routine can impact your well-being if left unchecked. Rather than make do with unhealthy snacks and spend the little free time you have out on the town, try to stick to healthy habits.
Eat balanced meals, get some exercise in, and take care of your mental health. Being rested, energetic, and optimistic will make even the dullest work tasks fly by, leaving time and opportunity to make the best of your work trip.
Traveling for work can be hectic and demanding. Even worse, productivity can suffer as we exchange our comfort zones and routines for hotel lobbies and delayed train departures. Want to get work done as efficiently as always, regardless of where in the world you are? Then follow these helpful tips that any professional will appreciate.
