Working While Traveling: Getting Stuff Done

by Miranda Marquit · 4 comments

As a freelance writer who has deadlines to meet, even when I travel, I know what it’s like to engage in business away from the workplace (or, in my case, from home). If you want to keep up while you are away, and you need to do a little work, here are some tips to help you work more efficiently while traveling:

Bring a Priority List

First of all, you need to make sure you have a priority list. Chances are that you won’t be able to handle your entire workload while you are away. As a result, you will need to decide which items are the most important for you to accomplish before you go. Create a priority list so that you know which items to focus on while you are away. You want to make sure that you handle the important items, as well as answer only the most important emails. Use an automatic vacation response to emails, and then select only the most important to answer.

Know What You Need

Next, make a list of what you need to get your work done. Laptop, wireless adapter, flash drive, cell phone, and other devices that allow you to access your work information should all be included. If you need to be able to remotely access a computer, or your employer’s network, make sure you have the proper passwords and the codes you need to get the information you require. Also, check to see if the hotels you plan to stay in have the Internet access you need. Make sure you have the appropriate power cords as well. I once left for a weekend and left the power cord behind. As you might imagine, I didn’t get everything done that weekend.

Look for Dedicated Time to Work

When I travel, I try to set particular times to work. Usually, I do my work early in the morning, before we’re ready for the day, or at night, when we’re back and my son has been put to bed. I don’t have as much time as usual, so I try to make the work time count. Additionally, I tend to answer fewer emails and spend less time on social media. That way, my work time is work time, and distractions are limited. If possible, it can also help to find a workspace that signals “work” to you, whether it’s in a hotel business center, a library, or a coffee shop.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy Yourself

Remember: You are traveling, and you should enjoy yourself. Don’t lose sight of that — especially if you are with loved ones. My husband once told me that it was no use going on vacation, since I was always working. That really opened my eyes to the fact that sometimes we just need to unplug and relax. Don’t forget to take time out to do whatever it is you came to do on vacation. Go sight-seeing, lounge by the pool, eat at a fancy restaurant, go to the amusement park with your kids.

With a little planning, it’s possible to get some work done and enjoy your vacation.

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  • san says:

    This couldn’t have come at a better time.
    I am on vacation right now but I have worked all my week out.
    With the work pressure and recession, you just can’t feel like enjoying.
    Going to close my laptop and go get myself a drink.

    Thanks,
    San

  • Virginia says:

    I recently thought I was doing the right thing by using a 0%BT from one card to another- before reading the extra fine print. It turns out the the first card always applied my extra payments, beyond the minimum due, to the highest % rate balance first, which made paying off the purchse balance much harder. This was taking me 4-ever. Then I made the BT @0% switch. This is when I found out that the 2nd card (already established) applies my extra payment to principal to their balance that caries the highest %. Now I owe twice as much principle on the promo (0% for 1st 18 months) but by my calculations the balance on the lower (purchase rate %) will take a lot longer to reduce to zero $$ while the interest continues to grow too. Also, due to my uninformed spouse, re: cash advance, it’s taking me 4-ever to reduce that principal. I’m not savy enough to get myself out of a big c.c. RED hole and it will take me at least 3 years min. on every card with no new purchases (Wise, anyhow). Also, one card (BoA) had a very high % rate when I asked for reduced interest rate due to financial hardship (my husband was/ is unemplyed) they agreed to reduce the % from 16.99% to 7.5% for the balance of loam, but they told me they had to close that account. It didn’t seem to be a bad deal(uninformed as I was) so now my credit rating went from 790 to 640 because of these”closed accounts” which I actually had for over 12 years. I was dumb struck (maybe just dumb). Live and hopefully learn. I have know idea how to make changes that won’t make matters worse.

  • Thad P says:

    I find myself up earlier when I travel, especially when travelling for business. I get much more done then than I do on a “normal” day. It sure seems easier to be online now than ever before, so working “in the cloud” is not the challenge it used to be.

  • Jean says:

    I have a priority list with me at all times, scratching off and adding on new things as I go. During holidays or pleasure trips, it helps me out a lot by making sure I don’t forget about the most imperative tasks.

    -Jean

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