Remote Work While Traveling: 6 Ways to Stay Productive

Remote work has become the norm in most companies, giving more and more people the freedom to travel the world without losing their jobs. However, this setup is not without complications. Society is so used to going to offices to work, that any remote setting can be disorienting, not to mention distracting. If you want to keep up with your tasks while exploring other countries, follow these six tips.

Plotting your to-do list on a calendar can help maintain a sense of order in your work life while you’re traveling. This way, you’re on top of the day’s priorities and able to manage your schedule way before your deadlines. Do not under any circumstances attempt to rely on your memory or worse, on vibes to determine the course of your day. That will only end in disaster.

During the workday, find a quiet spot and go about your business. Coffee shops are a nice alternative to a hotel room or Airbnb. Parks are also great – and free! Just go with what keeps you focused and inspired to do your job. Distractions are inevitable when doing remote work, but, as much as possible, try to minimize those that are within your control. For example, put your social media apps on quiet mode and resist the urge to break your focus for non-urgent work messages.

Here’s one hack that will save your location-independent job: do some work during those little pockets of time that you have in between flights, transfers, and (let’s be real) multiple coffee runs. Most career coaches will tell you to “eat your frog,” but don’t feel pressured to do so. The truth is your moods and energy levels can become unpredictable when traveling, so go easy on yourself and do whatever work you can when you can. For example, do non-demanding admin tasks when you’re too tired for deep work.

That said, it’s essential to stick to a life schedule while traveling. Try to wake up at the same time every morning and go for a short run, then eat breakfast. Establishing a semblance of routine can help minimize the stress that may come with remote work and maintain a healthy lifestyle on the go. If you’re not able to do focus-intensive tasks during your 9-5, choose a more convenient time every day and stick to it.

Stay on top of your personal hygiene with a consistent routine and products that do the job. Use CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men, a refreshing formula that helps get rid of pesky flakes. Avoid breakouts from late nights with POND'S Men Facial Wash Acne Solution, which helps beat acne in three days.

Open communication is the key to remote work success. You're lucky to have a job that allows you to work from anywhere – don’t blow it by going MIA when your team needs you most. Talk to your manager about your lifestyle. Be honest about why it’s important to you and share the challenges that come with it. More importantly, constantly communicate with the rest of the team to maintain rapport and keep the workflow transparent and smooth.

Finally, don’t guilt-trip yourself into becoming a workaholic in paradise. Honestly, it’s not a good look. It’s also a waste. Allow yourself to enjoy the perks of remote work by taking the time to rest when you’re tired and explore when you’re curious. Work-life balance, baby.