With all the advances in telecommunications today, people can easily and efficiently accomplish important work even while going on a holiday. For instance, people can now have important client meetings via video conference while waiting for their flight, or answer urgent emails on their smartphones while on the train or bus.
Indeed, working while traveling has never been so much easier than it is today. However, merely working and efficiently getting things done are two different things. After all, what clients appreciate more than anything else are tangible results. To accomplish this, you might want to take a look at the following pointers.
1. A schedule
One of the most important things you need for any serious activity is a schedule. This way, there will be fewer chances for you to forget important things, and you get to account for every minute of every day.
2. Offline documents
You need to make sure that you have documents to work with even if you don’t have an internet connection. For many business people, the lack of an internet connection will not be sufficient excuse for missing important deadlines.
3. List of priorities
Just because you may be in a new place doesn’t mean sightseeing takes precedence over everything else. Yes, the phrase “you only live once†might be quite a persuasive argument, but that reason may not suffice with your clients. If you have some important tasks you need to finish for work, prioritize those. After all, most tourist spots are pretty stationary. They will probably still be there the next day or next year; your clients might not be.
4. Regular work hours
Set designated hours for work every day. This way, you’re sure to accomplish something each day, even while you’re on the move.
5. Appropriate breaks
Pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion will not help you accomplish all your tasks. On the contrary, it might only cause you more delays. So don’t forget to set aside some time to unwind once in a while, whether through shopping for souvenirs or indulging in the local cuisine.
6. A bit of research
Research beforehand about the places you will be visiting. Find suitable places where you can work. A local café, a virtual office or a commercial space for rent that you can have for the duration of your stay would be quite helpful.
7. The right gadgets
The existence of a technology will be quite pointless unless you can use it. So make sure to bring the proper electronics you might need to work while traveling—and don’t forget to bring power chords or extra batteries.
8. Enough sleep
Aside from taking breaks, you also need enough sleep to efficiently function throughout the day, especially if you’re travelling. So don’t forget to get sufficient rest every night after a day of being hard at work.
9. Nutritious food
Being constantly on the move, it might be a little hard to find time for every important task you need to accomplish daily. Nonetheless, you need to find time to eat regular meals because they will give you the nourishment and energy you need to accomplish your tasks and function throughout the day.
10. The right mindset
Task lists and the right gadgets would be quite pointless unless you are mentally ready to work. So, be sure to properly psych yourself into “work mode†during work hours, even if you felt like going sightseeing instead.
Having a “location independent†lifestyle doesn’t just come with great advantages, but also with certain responsibilities. Thus, be mindful of your obligations so you don’t lose the very thing that affords you the benefits you’re enjoying now.