How to Take Your Work with You on the Road and Still Have Fun

With remote and virtual work on the rise, there’s no need to stay in one place for long. Working from the road, mountains or beach is a reality with your laptop in tow. But that doesn’t mean you can actually focus on the work ahead.

Here’s how to concentrate on your work at hand and still have fun while traveling.

Use the Pomodoro Technique
Despite all of the Instagram photos of laptops with seaside views, working on the road is difficult. Even with the best workspace and WiFi connection, you’re often distracted by the glorious backdrop of your vacation destination.

The easiest way to focus on work is to set a timer. The Pomodoro Technique relies on a tomato-shaped timer, although any will do, where you focus exclusively on a task for up to 30 minutes. Afterward, give yourself a moment to get a breath of ocean air or take a brisk, 10-minute walk before getting back to business. Once your work is done, schedule in four or five hours for relaxation and fun.

Batch Your Work
Productive people all know the not so big secret. Batching your work is paramount to productivity and focus. Identify which tasks of your upcoming deadlines can be batched together. Writing newsletters, creating financial reports or drafting emails to your team can all be done at the same time to maintain focus. It’s also easier to stay in one process and keep your work speeding along.

Just like batching your work, you can also batch your fun. Choose a time set aside for museum visits, swimming and catching up with friends and savor the moments.

Dig Into Your Most Productive Hours
It’s true many productive people rise in the 5 a.m. hour to accomplish the most work. If you can master early rising, you will likely be better off for it. However, some people may find their best work hours are spent in the evening after a full and rewarding day in the sun. Whatever your best hours, commit to it and designate them for virtual work.

The real trick to working on the road while still having fun is leaving your work at work. When you set up your work day for focused, productive work, you can leave the rest of the day open for fun. Shut the laptop, call it a day and forget about work until tomorrow.