For those who travel for business, relaxing in the car or the airplane isn’t an option. You need creative ways to get work done!
Before you leave home, make sure you understand the laws and rules of the transportation method you’re using.
For example, if you take a quick driving test online, you’ll discover that texting and driving is illegal, and don’t forget you can’t use your devices during certain times on the airplane.
Once you figure out the rules, you’ll be able to get at least some work done! Then, the trouble is simply figuring out the logistics. Here are some creative ways to get your work done with time to spare.
1. Use Hands-Free Technology
As mentioned above, texting and driving is illegal in many states, but even if you’re talking on your phone instead of texting, it’s still distracting and dangerous. That’s where hands-free technology comes in.
When you rent a car, make sure you rent one with modern smart technology. Not only are these vehicles safer, but they have Bluetooth capabilities.
That enables you to talk on the phone and text people back using your voice without having to lift your phone.
It can help if you’re using GPS too. It means you can keep your hands on the wheel without picking up your phone or having to set it on your lap to see where you’re going.
2. Plan Stops into Your Trip When Driving
Although Bluetooth can help solve some of your problems, it can’t solve them all. Sometimes, you need to email someone back, and sometimes, you just need a break!
If you don’t take regular breaks, especially if you’re driving a long distance, you increase your chances of experiencing an accident.
Don’t be tempted to answer that email while you’re driving in the spirit of making good time. Instead, plan extra time for your trip so you can take short breaks every two hours or so.
If you know you have a lot to do and a long distance to drive, plan a break of 30 minutes or more. If you’re driving with other people, rotate who drives so everyone has a chance to get some work done in the passenger’s seat.
3. Don’t Book Your Flight Based on Cost Alone
Cost is an important consideration when booking a flight, and it’s likely what your boss will focus on to save money.
However, if you’re expected to get work done while you’re traveling, encourage your boss to look at other details of the flight instead.
For example, direct and nonstop flights can provide you with more time to sit in your seat and focus on the task at hand.
If getting to your destination so you can focus in the hotel room is important, opt for a nonstop flight so you aren’t stuck sitting on the plane waiting for new passengers to board a direct flight.
4. Arrive at the Airport with Plenty of Extra Time
If you’re a regular traveler, you know you need to arrive at the airport with plenty of extra time to ensure you make your flight. It’s recommended that you arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
However, if you have work to do, you may want to give yourself even more time.
Having an extra 20 minutes before you board your plane is better than nothing, but it doesn’t really give you enough time to focus on the task at hand.
Leave an hour earlier and you give yourself a good chunk of time before you get on the plane to deal with issues back at the office.
5. Pack the Right Tools
There are a lot of ways you can get work done, but you’ll find yourself in a panic if you discover you don’t have the right tools for the job when you get to the airport. A few of the tools you should consider bringing include:
- Reliable cell phone charger
- Consider bringing multiple chargers, just in case
- Computer with charging cord
- Tablet with its charger
- Planner, paper, and writing utensils
- You can take care of internet connectivity everywhere around the globe with eSIM.
If you know you have a lot of devices to plug in, you should also consider bringing a power strip so you aren’t wandering around the hotel room looking for places to plug in your chargers.
You won’t ever get as much work done as you would in the office, but with a few small changes to your travel plans, you can get more work done than you think!
Creative Ways to Get Work Done While Traveling for Business
While working on the go may not be as efficient as in the office, with the right strategies and tools, you can still stay productive during business trips.
By planning, understanding transportation rules, and equipping yourself with essential tools, you can make the most of your travel time and tackle your tasks with ease.
Embrace these creative approaches, and you’ll find yourself getting more done than you ever thought possible, even while on the move.
