4 Tips for Staying Productive During Summer Travel

Staying productive while you travel for work can be difficult. You’re on the go, catching flights, running to and from hotels and obviously you want to see the sites while you can. But just because you’re traveling this summer, you don’t have to fall behind on work, goals and other tasks. Here are a few tips for staying productive during your summer travel this year.

Expect the Worst

If you plan your travel to-do list specifically, noting you’ll answer these emails at this time, go over those spreadsheets at that time … it almost certainly won’t go that way. The security line will be longer than normal, eliminating the time set aside to check in with your colleagues. A meeting will be bumped up and you won’t get that chance to sit down and wade through your email.

The best thing to do? Expect the worst and do everything you can when you have the time. If your flight is delayed, giving you an extra hour at the airport, use those extra minutes to mark something else off your list because free time during the rest of your trip isn’t guaranteed. Take advantage.

Abandon Your Normal Schedule

A 9–5 schedule simply doesn’t work when you’re on the road. Figure out a schedule that works best for your travel and also best for the lifestyle you lead while on the go. Trying to work when you’re exhausted and sleep when you’re wide awake won’t do any good.

Give your coworkers or clients a heads up that you’ll be holding odd hours and then work when you’re most productive, not when you’re traditionally expected to work.

Stay Disciplined

While travel requires you to be flexible, it also requires some discipline. If you have time to answer extra emails, make yourself actually do it, rather than taking a few hours to explore a new city.

Your destination will still be there when you’re done and you’ll get to explore in peace, knowing there’s no additional work waiting for you when you get back to your hotel.

Know Your Tech Options

Don’t rely on tech amenities if you’re not absolutely sure they’ll be available. Know ahead of time where you can find WiFi and if you’ll need to bring your own hot spot. Don’t just expect your hotel to have a business center with a printer if you’ll need one. Know your options in advance and preparing accordingly.