Tips for Working While Traveling

Working While Traveling:

Whether you are traveling for a day job or for fun, most of us still do some work while traveling. And, if we don’t start with an intentional plan, it’s easy to feel disappointed, like we didn’t get everything done. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite ways to prepare for and make working while traveling a good option.

1. Set Expectations

Having clear expectations initially is so important. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself ready to take on 5 different projects, only to return home with very little work accomplished.

Remember that unexpected things almost ALWAYS come up when traveling, so don’t set yourself up for failure. Set expectations that are both reasonable but will also help you move the needle forward.

Another key is to decide if you will only work during travel time, or if you’re planning to work once you arrive at your destination?

2. Make a To Do List + A To Don’t List

I started doing this about a year ago, and it’s made such a difference. Instead of having some vague ideas running through my mind, I started writing it all down. However, the game changer was when I started using a To Don’t List.

When traveling, I often found it SOOO easy to get into back habits and routines.

Related Post: If you’re obsessed with habits (like I am) or just want to get better at them, you’ll love this post on good habits!

Example of a To Don’t List:

I won’t watch more than 2 consecutive hours of TV per day
I won’t eat fried food more than once a day (unless someone else is cooking)
I won’t spend more time taking pictures than sightseeing and enjoying the scenery
I won’t buy $20 worth of junk food and snacks at the airport
I won’t work on specified days, when we are sightseeing or have activities planned

It sounds funny in theory, but in reality, we often make bad decisions when traveling.

3. Start Tracking

The next few times that you find yourself traveling, make a note of which tasks are good for doing while traveling and which ones really need to be done at home.

Since I’m used to working from home, airports are really distracting for me, so I found that I can’t really do focused work in an airport. However, everyone is different so maybe you can.

My Favorite Airport Tasks:

Responding to email
Brainstorming
Writing rough drafts
Returning phone calls
Personal Growth: reading, podcasts, audiobooks, etc.

Try out different tasks either at the airport, on the airplane, or in the car (as long as you’re not driving) and find what works for you.

Another benefit of using transportation time well is that it allows you to be more focused and present once you arrive at your destination, knowing that you’re ahead on your tasks.

4. Use Airplane Time as Much as You can

I know that not everyone works well on an airplane, but if you can, you can get so much done! Especially for tasks like writing, airplanes are great because you often don’t have the distraction of the internet (unless you’re willing to pay extra for it).

You can just put on your headphones and get to work! I also like to listen to some classical music in the background which is soothing and relaxing.

If you travel by plane often, you’d be amazed how many hours of flying you probably do in a single year!

5. Reward Yourself

I always like to reward myself for working hard in the airport and on the plane. This also gives me something to look forward to when I get to my destination. This can be a souvenir, a trip to a nice restaurant, etc.

Now, if you’re traveling with family or friends, the whole working while traveling issue can get a bit tricky. But, you can also let them know that you’re planning to work hard in the airport and during the flight so that you can unplug and stop working once you get to your destination.

I don’t think that most loved ones would argue with this. Plus, travel should be FUN so give yourself something to look forward to.

6. Utilize Small Windows of Time

If you’re on a trip with family or friends and have limited time to work, use whatever you have! For example, if there’s an hour or two each evening where everyone tends to disperse to watch tv, read, etc. then make it a point to designate this as your work hour/s.

You can also do this in the morning as well. For example, if everyone meets for breakfast at 8 am, make 7-8 a “work” hour.

By adding in these small pockets of time, you’re not taking away from dedicated/planned time with family or friends, which is a win win for everyone!

To Sum Up: To review what we covered in this post: