6 Tips On How To Be Productive While Traveling

Let's face it. Many of us fantasize about working on the go. And why not? The idea of typing away on a beach in Zanzibar or holding a Zoom call from a picturesque village in Tuscany sounds pretty dreamy, right? Well, it's not just a dream; it's totally doable if you've got the discipline. The days of being cooped up in an office or glued to your home desk are over. Nowadays, the world is your workspace. All you need to do is adopt the right habits.

Speaking of habits, here's a bit about my travels in the past year: I've been to 4 countries in Africa, 2 in the Middle East, and 3 in Europe. Sounds hectic? Yet, during all this traveling, I completed my studies and grew my blog. Balancing such a tight schedule, along with my school and work, taught me how important it is to stay productive on the go. If you're eager to merge work and wanderlust successfully, let's dive into the principles I learned during the past year of combining my travels with work.

1. Flexibility Over Rigidity
One thing is for sure — Travel is full of surprises and unpredictability, and that's why we love it. Maybe your train's delayed, or perhaps you've found a surprise local festival. These things happen! But instead of getting flustered or procrastinating until you have a "perfect" chunk of work time, try to make the best of those short gaps. You have 15 minutes before your next tour? Why not sketch out that project outline? Stuck in a cafe because of the rain? Sounds like a perfect time to send off a few outreach emails or write 100 words on your blog. Opportunities are everywhere if you're willing to spot them. Don't wait until you have hours for your work, have your work in the back f your mind and use downtime productively.

2. Workspace Adaptability
Let me tell you, I've written blog posts on narrow train seats and sent emails from a hammock by the beach. Not all spots will give you a grand table and a comfy chair. But, if you can focus, any space can be a workspace. Whether it's a small corner of a local cafe or a shady spot under a tree, roll with it. The Main Thing is to get stuff done.

3. Learn To Say No
As you travel the globe, there will be countless chances to try new things. And while I'm all for diving deep into the local culture and going on all these exciting trips, there are times when you have to put your foot down. Maybe you want to see that traditional dance tonight, but there's an urgent deadline coming. It's important to balance work and play. Let them know about your commitments if you're with friends or fellow travelers. They need to know that work is one of your priorities. While traveling, there are some activities you'll be more excited about than others. Pick the ones you really want to do and have fun. But we don't have to d everything, if there's something you could skip without regretting it, there is no need to do it. Use it for work and go on the trips you really want to do.
Remember, it's alright to say "no" now and then. You are your own boss, and you need to learn to tell yourself and others "no" when necessary.

4. End-Of-Day Priority Checklist
Every night, no matter where I am, I make it a point to note down the must-dos for the next day. I order the task on the list from most important to least important. This simple list keeps me grounded and gives me a direction for the next day. Spending much of my time as I do on the computer means I need to assure I take breaks from emf (electromagnetic field) exposure. When I wake up, I’m refreshed, regardless of the time zone or place, and I know exactly where to start. Trust me; it's like having a roadmap for your day. Checklists are simple but powerful and take less than 2 minutes to create.

5. Know Your 'Why'
Staying productive is way easier when you know why you are working. If you have a strong "why" you will figure out any "how". In those challenging moments when your motivation's running low, always remember your primary driving force. For me, it's to free my family from debt. Knowing this pushes me to work even when I'm surrounded by distractions. Find your 'why,' and you'll find your focus.

6. Prioritize Health And Hygiene
One of the overlooked aspects of travel is the toll it can take on our health. Diverse environments, coupled with exposure to unfamiliar pathogens, increase the risk of falling ill. An illness can not only disrupt our travel plans but can also hinder our productivity. To counter this you should:

• Choose Nutritious Meals: While it's tempting to indulge in local delicacies, it's important to make sure your diet is balanced and wholesome. You can prepare yourself some cheap and healthy snacks to always have nutritious food with you. Also, I always found it hard to get enough protein in while traveling. That’s why I Invested in a high-quality protein source to make sure I meet the daily requirements even when I am on the road.

• Exercise: You won’t always find a Gym wherever you are. When travelling for a longer period is is crucial to work out. Even if it’s just some push-ups in your hotel room.

• Get Enough And Good Sleep: Sleep is crucial for productivity. I make sure to get the best night's sleep no matter where I am with my favorite travel sleep hacks like grounding mats and pillows.

• Stay Hydrated With Safe Water: Make sure you're drinking fresh, clean water. In regions where water quality is questionable, always opt for bottled or purified water.

• Maintain Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands protects you from many illnesses and infections. A pocket-sized hand sanitizer is advisable.

• Laundry Regularly: While on the move, it's easy to postpone laundry. However, clean clothes minimize the risk of getting sick.

Wrapping Up
People always ask me how I manage to do all my travels while working and studying. And I must confess that traveling and working might sound like oil and water, but they can mix well if you have the right strategy. As you pack your bags and prep your laptop, remember these principles. They've been my lifeline in the most chaotic travel schedules, and they'll serve you well too. Now, I don't worry anymore - I know how to manage myself and can be anywhere in the world and take my work with me. And from my experience, it's totally possible and so much fun. The only thing you need is a strong "Why" and Discipline. So go ahead, use these principles, and live your dream life. Honestly, nothing can hold you back.