How Can You Optimise for Working Remotely And Slow Travel?

4 Tips on Combining Remote Work And Slow Travel

Slow travel allows you to explore a destination at a relaxed pace, without feeling rushed. However, it’s crucial to stay committed and productive while working remotely. Here are four valuable tips for successfully combining remote work and slow travel.

1️⃣ Plan ahead

👉 Be aware of participants’ time zones when organizing a meeting. Clearly communicate the meeting time in the organizer’s time zone. When sending reminders, include the time converted to each participant’s local time zone to avoid confusion.

👉 Calendar applications like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook typically feature built-in time zone converters. If those are not available, online tools such as Timeanddate.com can be used to easily determine the time difference between locations.

👉 Consider using scheduling tools like Calendly or Doodle. These tools let participants indicate their availability and automatically find the best meeting time. This takes into account everyone’s preferences and time zones, making it easier to schedule meetings for most participants.

👉 If you have recurring meetings with participants from various time zones, consider rotating the meeting time. This will evenly distribute the inconvenience of very early or very late meetings.

👉 Recognize that not everyone may be able to attend a meeting. Consider recording important meetings and sharing the recordings. Also, share relevant notes or documents with those who couldn’t attend.

2️⃣ Establish a routine

Before your trip, consider what your daily routine will look like at your destination. Establish a routine and schedule that suits you, then adhere to it. This approach helps you stay focused and productive, while also allocating time for relaxation. Consider these steps to set up a routine before you start your journey:

👉 Plan and prioritize: Make a list of tasks and activities you need to do while traveling and working. Identify essential tasks and prioritize them accordingly.

👉 Set clear goals: Define your goals for the trip, both professionally and personally. This will help you stay focused and motivated.

👉 Create a schedule: Have a daily or weekly schedule that outlines your working hours, breaks, and personal time. Consider factors like your energy levels, professional meetings, and planned leisure activities.

👉 Optimize your workspace: Select a workspace that clearly separates work from leisure. Choose a location where you can concentrate and have a stable internet connection. Suitable options include a co-working space, coffee shop, or a dedicated area in your accommodation. Ensure you have essential equipment like a laptop, chargers, and any specialized tools needed. Also, organize your digital files and ensure you have remote access to important documents.

👉 Define boundaries: Clearly communicate your availability and working hours to clients, colleagues, and team members. Set boundaries to avoid overworking and maintain a healthy work-life balance. After all, you want to enjoy your time abroad and not spend all of it on meetings and work.

👉 Stay flexible: While it is crucial to have a basic routine, be open to adapting it if necessary. Embrace the unique experiences and opportunities that arise during your travel, while also staying focused on your work.

By preparing your remote work and slow travel in advance, you can establish a routine. This promotes productivity, work-life balance, and a smooth transition into your travel and work adventure.

3️⃣ Invest in your workplace setup

Your tools significantly impact your efficiency and comfort when it comes to remote work and slow travel. Invest in a portable work setup, including a monitor and keyboard, to maintain productivity. Use communication tools like Slack or Zoom to keep up collaboration and keep your team updated.

A crucial aspect of successfully combining remote work and slow travel is your internet connection. Before traveling, confirm you’ll have reliable internet that supports activities like video calls. If your accommodation lacks WiFi, consider a mobile plan with hotspot options. Research internet speed and connectivity at your destination before leaving.

4️⃣ Enjoy

When deadlines are approaching and stress levels are high, it can be tempting to spend all your time working. Ignoring the beauty your destination has to offer can be a mistake. One way to ensure you also take time off is to treat workdays as if you were in an office. This means setting a start and stop time, taking breaks, and avoiding distractions. By setting these boundaries, you will be able to better balance work and travel.

Finally, it is important to make the most of your downtime. Traveling is a great opportunity to explore a new city or culture. It is also a chance to take a break from work. This means taking time to relax, recharge, and enjoy your surroundings. Whether it is visiting a museum, trying the local cuisine, or taking a day trip, spend your time off with something you enjoy. This will help you stay motivated and focused when you are working. Taking a few days off after arriving can help you overcome potential jet lag and settle in. This will make your trip more enjoyable and provide you with a better understanding of your destination.