Whenever you’re on a workcation, what immediately comes to your mind? What about business trips? There’s this romanticisation of it, getting to work at a relaxing cafe lobby at your hotel, attending business meetings in a high-end restaurant, and, of course, being by pools or on beaches with your laptop.
These are all tropes at this point, but you still see laptops everywhere and people working basically anywhere while traveling, like airport lounges or right in the middle of a train ride.
So, with all of that said, how can you stay productive, though? Some of these people make it look so easy, but is it? Well, you have to keep in mind that it’s more than just effective communication with your staff, team members, or clients.
While, of course, this is massive when it comes to staying productive, it’s not the only key component. So, here’s exactly what you need to know when it comes to having a productive workflow while traveling!
Get Your Ducks in a Row
Well, figuratively speaking, of course. A little planning goes a long way, especially when you’re about to step out of your usual workspace. So, before your trip, take a moment to map out what needs to get done and see if there’s anything you can knock out ahead of time. This is all pretty obvious (and it should be), but it’s going to massively help out to just set clear, achievable goals for your travel days—keeping your schedule and brain space in mind.
Do You Know What Tech You Need Before Leaving?
Well, maybe not just gadgets, but software and apps, too. Basically, when you have to work away from the office or away from home (especially if you’re traveling internationally), then your gadgets are your lifelines. So it’s going to be far more than just making sure they’re all charged up and packed with everything you need.
Actually, that’s the tip of the iceberg. How about syncing? Have you synced all your important files to the cloud? Do you have a VPN in case you want to watch F1 in Canada or need to access certain websites for work? How many power banks do you have? But of course, it doesn’t end there. Do you have apps for transport, like Uber, in case you need help getting to and from the airport?
If staying connected is crucial, a global SIM card or a mobile hotspot can also be a lifesaver. So, there’s a lot to think about, and you can’t be productive with just a laptop and phone; so much more needs to go into this!
You’ll Need a Pop-Up Office
The right environment can make a world of difference- but you already knew that. If you can, choose accommodations with comfy workspaces or scope out some nice coffee shops or local coworking spots beforehand. But of course, it’s all really going to depend on what you’re doing and why you’re traveling. But of course, you just can’t underestimate the power of a good pair of noise-canceling headphones—they can turn even the busiest airport gate into your own private office.