Do you ever need to get work done while you are traveling? Our fast-paced lifestyles, business travel, and digital jobs have caused a big overlap in this area. I am a travel blogger so I take my job with me wherever I go. My husband owns a business and travels frequently for work. Because I love to travel and spend time with him, I tag-along as often as possible. While it’s wonderful to travel together, we both still have professional obligations and deadlines to meet.
Here are my top tips to get work done while you are traveling.
Quality Headphones
If your travel involves an airline, invest in quality headphones. You may not be editing a video while you’re flying but those headphones will drown out some of the plane noise and hopefully all of the chatter of the person sitting behind you. I’ve used these in a noisy hotel lobby, too. For my favorite, check out my tech gear post.
Airline Lounge Access
I wrote a post on this very recently which you can read here. Bottom line, when you have a deadline, paying a fee to access a quiet work environment is well worth it. This is especially true if you have a long layover.
WIFI
Research your hotel to determine their wifi offerings. Is it complimentary? Do you have to pay to upgrade? Is it secure enough to perform your job functions so that you can actually get work done while you are traveling?
Having a job that you can do anywhere with an internet connection is amazing. I’m so thankful for it. I have been able to tag along with my husband several times throughout the last dozen years. But, having a digital job demands a good internet connection.
Food…and COFFEE
Food…and COFFEEKeeping it real here on the blog, friends, it’s all about the coffee when it comes to my productivity. The hotel where we recently stayed had a cute little bistro with Starbucks coffee and even a bar area. However, I found out the hard way that it was only open from 6-9 a.m. and didn’t reopen again until 5 p.m.
I headed to the treadmill in the fitness center that morning and unfortunately missed that very needed second cup of coffee following my workout and shower.
Fitness Center
Speaking of the treadmill, having access to some type of exercise is great for getting work done. It helps clear your mind and I feel like it really helps me be more alert and productive.
Workspace Options
Some of you may be able to pull up to a desk and crunch away on your keyboard for 8 hours straight but I can not. I have a really difficult time sitting still. I am a worrier and I think that just leads to me being a little more antsy that “normal” people. (Is there such a thing as “normal”?)For this reason, I like to have a couple of different workspace options. The desk in the hotel is fine for an hour or two. I like to then move to a functional space in the lobby and or maybe to a coffee shop nearby.
Walkable Area
One thing that has become important to me when I am trying to get work done while traveling is to be in a walkable area. If we are staying at a hotel out in the middle of nowhere that coffee shop I mentioned is hard to come by. I enjoy being able to pop out for some fresh air or to grab a quick bite to eat and then get back to being productive. I don’t want to waste time calling an uber or a cab.
Plan for Varying Temperatures
If you’re like me, you’ll agree that nothing is colder than a restaurant in August. Restaurants crank up that AC so it feels amazing when you walk in from the heat outside. But, after about 5 minutes, I’m freezing. I bring my wrap with me wherever I go. But, sometimes, I have to take things even further. Even though it was90 degrees outside when we were in Long Island, NY, I was sitting in the hotel lobby working away… in joggers and a sweatshirt. No lie! I’m not suggesting that you overpack for every scenario but tossing in a wrap or sweatshirt wouldn’t hurt. There is nothing worse than shivering when you are trying to concentrate on a project.
Around Me App
An app that we use all of the time while traveling is called Around Me. It’s a great way to find local coffee shops, restaurants, pharmacies, etc.
Google Maps
Another app that we use all of the time is Google Maps. The options for walking, driving and even transit are very helpful. During that Long Island, NY trip I mentioned earlier, I was so desperate for a coffee that I used Google Maps to find a Target with a Starbucks inside and walked the 1.25 miles from our hotel. If you are traveling in an area where your cell service might be less than stellar, you can download the map of the area you will be visiting ahead of time so that you can still access the information.
What helps YOU get work done while you are traveling? Please share below.
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