Traveling for work adds the challenge of having to manage transit time, a regular work schedule, and, probably, more face-to-face meetings with colleagues or clients. But just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean work and productivity go out the window! The next time you find yourself having to travel for work, keep these tips in mind for being as productive as possible when you’re on the road.
Spend time planning your schedule.
This is a big one. Invest in your time and make sure you maximize it to its fullest potential by mapping out a (realistic) schedule before you depart for your trip. Creating realistic and manageable timetables for your day will help to avoid wasted time, and will also help you take advantage of as many in-person meetings as possible during your travels. These types of meetings are often so much more productive than calls and emails, so be sure to schedule in as many as you can while still maintaining a sensible amount of time to do the work you need to throughout the day, accommodating transit time, and so on.
Go wireless.
Taking calls during transit is possible thanks to the plethora of hands-free devices out there today. If you plan to take a few calls from the car, do make sure you are well equipped to do so properly and safely. Ensure your hands are free, and you have the right tools to be able to talk, listen, and drive safely at the same time.
Dictate it.
Many phones today have built-in capability to translate speech directly to text (if your phone doesn’t come equipped with this feature, do a quick search in the app store for a tool that will perform this task). It’s faster to speak than to write, so when you’re traveling or even once you’ve arrived at your destination, dictation is the perfect time saver that helps quickly capture ideas, questions, or theories. You can even use this feature to draft emails, start proposals, and so on.
Keep all details organized.
From meeting times and locations, to boarding passes, tickets, and confirmation numbers, travel typically results in an abundance of important paperwork you need at your fingertips. There are plenty of apps out there to help you manage this challenge – one of our favorites being TripIt. An itinerary management app, TripIt is perfect for keeping travel plans organized for longer road trips. Use it to keep confirmation numbers, arrival dates, departures, and more all in one place. You can also plug in your destinations, and TripIt will automatically generate local maps, driving directions, weather information, and more.
Make R&R a priority.
There’s no doubt that business travel should be used as strategically as possible, and this typically leads to longer days, more meetings, and less time for you. That said, you won’t be as productive as you could be if you’re not well rested, relaxed, and ready to go. Scheduling in a tiny bit of ‘you’ time each day is essential, and you should put an emphasis on getting a good night’s sleep – something that is often a challenge when you’re in an unfamiliar environment. Discover our 5 tips for getting a good sleep while on the road for a head start.
And remember…
When you’re on the road, there are certain amenities that make your life much easier. This is especially true when you’re away from home for an extended period of time, so you should focus on finding accommodations that cater to this type of stay.
Discover 4 reasons extended stay accommodations are ideal for business travel. Don’t forget: InTown Suites’ has nearly 200 locations across 22 states!
Traveling for work adds the challenge of having to manage transit time, a regular work schedule, and, probably, more face-to-face meetings with colleagues or clients. But just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean work and productivity go out the window! The next time you find yourself having to travel for work, keep these tips in mind for being as productive as possible when you’re on the road.
Spend time planning your schedule.
This is a big one. Invest in your time and make sure you maximize it to its fullest potential by mapping out a (realistic) schedule before you depart for your trip. Creating realistic and manageable timetables for your day will help to avoid wasted time, and will also help you take advantage of as many in-person meetings as possible during your travels. These types of meetings are often so much more productive than calls and emails, so be sure to schedule in as many as you can while still maintaining a sensible amount of time to do the work you need to throughout the day, accommodating transit time, and so on.
Go wireless.
Taking calls during transit is possible thanks to the plethora of hands-free devices out there today. If you plan to take a few calls from the car, do make sure you are well equipped to do so properly and safely. Ensure your hands are free, and you have the right tools to be able to talk, listen, and drive safely at the same time.
Dictate it.
Many phones today have built-in capability to translate speech directly to text (if your phone doesn’t come equipped with this feature, do a quick search in the app store for a tool that will perform this task). It’s faster to speak than to write, so when you’re traveling or even once you’ve arrived at your destination, dictation is the perfect time saver that helps quickly capture ideas, questions, or theories. You can even use this feature to draft emails, start proposals, and so on.
Keep all details organized.
From meeting times and locations, to boarding passes, tickets, and confirmation numbers, travel typically results in an abundance of important paperwork you need at your fingertips. There are plenty of apps out there to help you manage this challenge - one of our favorites being TripIt. An itinerary management app, TripIt is perfect for keeping travel plans organized for longer road trips. Use it to keep confirmation numbers, arrival dates, departures, and more all in one place. You can also plug in your destinations, and TripIt will automatically generate local maps, driving directions, weather information, and more.
Make R&R a priority.
There’s no doubt that business travel should be used as strategically as possible, and this typically leads to longer days, more meetings, and less time for you. That said, you won’t be as productive as you could be if you’re not well rested, relaxed, and ready to go. Scheduling in a tiny bit of ‘you’ time each day is essential, and you should put an emphasis on getting a good night’s sleep - something that is often a challenge when you’re in an unfamiliar environment. Discover our 5 tips for getting a good sleep while on the road for a head start.
And remember...
When you’re on the road, there are certain amenities that make your life much easier. This is especially true when you’re away from home for an extended period of time, so you should focus on finding accommodations that cater to this type of stay.
Discover 4 reasons extended stay accommodations are ideal for business travel. Don't forget: InTown Suites’ has nearly 200 locations across 22 states!
