There’s no question that finding the perfect balance between work and traveling can be tough. After all, there are only 24 hours in the day – with at least 8 being reserved for sleep, and we barely chug along, hoping to see respite at the tail end of a tiring workday.
But what if there was a manageable way of creating that balance between work and wanderlust?
One way to do this is to make sure you are staying right on schedule – with minimal distractions and disruptions. This, of course, requires you to carefully plan your schedule for work and travel. It may seem obvious, but it’s very easy to get overwhelmed by either of the two and forget to schedule time properly.
By properly allocating hours in the day for work and travel, you can be sure that you are getting the most out of your life as a business traveler. Here are a few tips you can use to balance both work and travel.
Set Aside a Schedule for How Late You Plan on Working
Work has a nasty habit of working its way into aspects of your life – including recreational activities. This is especially true if you end up working late and fail to account for the extra hours in your schedule. It could easily disrupt not just your plans for the day but for the entire week.
As a rule, you should anticipate late work and plan it into your schedule. Try to anticipate how long you plan on working and make it a point to stick to it without making any compromises. If you’re required to be there until 6:00 PM but usually stay much later, try to find a compromise somewhere in the middle, but be sure to stick to it.
If you mean to leave at 7:00 PM, make sure to leave at 7:00 PM. Don’t get caught up in too many errands because they will add up and rob you of other hours in the day that could be used for traveling.
Don’t Check in at Work When You’re Traveling for Recreation
Nearly all of us are guilty of checking into work even when we’re not supposed to. This mindset can quickly leak out the energy we are meant to use for traveling and redirect all of it to work – and that’s a recipe for disaster. The fatigue will quickly add up and prevent you from performing well at work – it’s like shooting yourself in your own foot.
Make it a point to separate your work from your recreational activities. Don’t touch the phone (with the intention of checking work) until you go back to work. If your mind is always distracted from the task at hand, you’ll never find that healthy balance between work and wanderlust.
Get a Second Phone
Speaking of phones, get a second one just for yourself and your wanderlust.
A second phone number is one of the easiest ways to separate your work from your outdoor escapades. And no, a dual SIM phone usually doesn’t get the job done because you still have all of your contacts – both work and personal – in one place that could intersect with one another.
Buying a second phone gives you the flexibility to simply switch off and time out. Your work ends at 5PM, and your traveling adventure is about to start? Switch the work phone off. You wish to leave for beaches along the coastline and charming towns a few bus rides away? Leave the work phone at home. This gives you complete control.
Of course, this arrangement is not always doable in cases where you may be expected to work on urgent projects.
Pro tip: Do inform your employers, clients, and employees about turning the phone off to help them manage their expectations.
Escape the Guilt Trap
Sometimes, we can be our worst enemy and invent psychological reasons to not derive enjoyment from what’s clearly meant to be a recreational activity.
Thoughts of sending that email or completing a business plan instead of spending an hour at the beach can leave us feeling unfulfilled.
Remember, though, you’ll be more fulfilled in the long run if you allow yourself to enjoy life. Obviously, you should never exceed the hours you have planned for vacation, but creating boundaries from work to unwind and relax might just be what you need to become more productive.
Don’t feel guilty about your wanderlust – you work hard and deserve every minute of your recreational time.
Find Groups of Other Travelers
If you’ve been solo traveling for a long time, you’ll know that it can get a bit lonely. This is why it is recommended to meet other travelers and share your memories as well as experiences. It’s a great way of expanding your social circle and getting out of that comfort zone. You can find other travelers using social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Use search terms such as ‘travel buddy’, and you will find groups like Travel Friends Finder and Travel Buddies that may be helpful. Other sites worth exploring include Reddit, Meetup, and TripGiraffe.
Pro tip: Make sure to do your due diligence when interacting with anyone online.
Remember: Balance is Key to Mental and Physical Health
Maintaining a balance between work and travel is crucial for your physical and mental health. If you are constantly struggling to take any time out for yourself, then you will accumulate fatigue and stress that could lead to burnout. But taking out some time every day to relax will help you not only enjoy but also keep up with your work obligations in the long run.
Now that you know the tips and tricks of maintaining a balance between work and traveling as a business traveler let us know which ones you found helpful for you! If you have any other tips to share, do send them to us, and we might update this space with more information!