It’s possible to get some work done even while you are on the road.
Most people find that the stress brought about by travelling seriously dampens their productivity. Spending countless hours on the road or in the air, not to mention the time spent at airport lounges, train stations and bus terminals, can be more tiring than the job itself.
However, since time is one of our most precious resources, we need to make every second count. We need to find a way to turn these situations to our advantage. How can you do it? Here are some simple yet effective tips to keep your productivity up while you are on the road:
Keep all your travel information handy. Reduce unnecessary stress by keeping all your travel information close at hand. Use your smartphone’s portable calendar to list down your flight itinerary, hotel reservations and car rental details. Better yet, print them out before you go. After all, you never know when you’ll need them. If you are travelling by car, you may also want to print your driving directions so you’ll never get lost in case your GPS breaks down.
Organize your ideas. Keep track of your ideas along with all the tiny bits of information that you come across during your travels by using EverNote or other note-taking apps such as Google Keep, OneNote, Springpad and Catch Notes.
Stay plugged in. Things happen when we least expect them so pack some extra batteries, chargers and adapters for your devices. You may also want to subscribe to a mobile hotspot connection so that you can stay connected anywhere you go.
Know the best places to set up shop. Put layovers to good use. Consider joining an airline sky club if you are a frequent flyer to get the luxury of having a comfortable place to work during layovers. If you cannot afford the hefty price tag that goes along with it, consider using Foursquare, a location-based social networking site, to find a nearby coffee shop or restaurant where you can grab a good cup of coffee or a delicious meal and use as a temporary workstation. Just remember to check if there is a stable Wi-Fi connection available and you’re good to go!
Never do any serious work while flying. Air travel and work don’t mix so stick to the lighter tasks while you are on a plane. Don’t try to get any serious work done. You may only get disappointed.
Travelling doesn’t have to be an absolute time-waster. With enough planning and determination, you can definitely keep your productivity up even while you are on the road.
