Tips for Business Travellers: How to Stay Productive on the Road
Business trips are exciting opportunities to network, attend meetings, and experience new cities. However, staying productive while on the road can sometimes be challenging, especially with the distractions of travel and unfamiliar environments. To ensure you remain focused and efficient, here are some key tips for business travellers to maintain productivity during your next business trip.
1. Create a Travel Routine
Establishing a routine can help you stay on track, even when your surroundings are constantly changing. Try to maintain a consistent morning routine, whether that’s exercising, checking emails, or having breakfast at the same time each day. By setting your day up in a structured way, you’ll start with a sense of normalcy and be better prepared for the tasks ahead. To create an efficient travel routine, start by organizing travel logistics with tools like TripIt or Google Trips, which consolidate itineraries, reservations, and schedules in one place. Use Notion or Trello to track your work tasks and progress on the go. Schedule work hours around your travel plans and prioritize tasks with Todoist or Toggl to ensure you’re managing time effectively. Leverage airport downtime or transit periods for light tasks like email management or brainstorming. For internet connectivity, consider mobile hotspots, international Sim cards or services like Skyroam, ensuring you’re always connected when you need to work remotely.
2. Manage Your Emails Efficiently
While travelling, your inbox can quickly become overwhelming. Schedule specific times throughout the day to check and respond to emails rather than allowing them to interrupt your focus continually. Using tools like Outlook‘s “Focus” feature or Gmail’s “Priority Inbox” can help you sort through important emails while letting less urgent messages wait. To manage emails efficiently, a good tip for business travellers may be to set up filters or rules to automatically categorize, label, or archive non-urgent messages, reducing inbox clutter. Use tools like Clean Email or SaneBox to automatically sort and prioritize emails based on importance. Implement the “two-minute rule” (if an email takes less than two minutes to handle, respond immediately) to keep your inbox clean. Consider tools like Boomerang or Mailbutler to schedule emails, set follow-up reminders, or snooze messages. Finally, block time in your day to process emails in batches, limiting the distraction of constant notifications.
3. Optimise Remote Workspaces
Whether you’re in a hotel lobby, airport lounge, or coffee shop, finding a productive space to work is crucial. Look for environments with reliable Wi-Fi, ample natural lighting, and minimal distractions. Many business travellers prefer serviced apartments for this reason, as they offer the comfort of home alongside professional amenities. For example, Urban Stay’s serviced apartments provide fully equipped workspaces, reliable high-speed internet, and the privacy you need to stay focused. Our executive apartments provide a spacious, home-like environment, allowing for a comfortable work-life balance. With dedicated workspaces, fast Wi-Fi, and fully equipped kitchens, Urban Stay offers the convenience of working from “home” while travelling. Our serviced apartments also offer more privacy and fewer distractions compared to hotels, making it easier to focus on work. Additionally, with our longer-term stay options, you can save a lot of costs over hotels for extended periods, and housekeeping services that allow travellers to maintain a professional lifestyle with minimal effort.
4. Use Time Wisely Between Meetings
Often, business trips involve waiting times between meetings or long stretches of travel. These moments can be perfect opportunities to tackle smaller tasks such as responding to emails, reviewing documents, or scheduling future appointments. A pair of noise-cancelling headphones can also transform busy airports into productive spaces. To use time wisely between meetings while traveling, plan your tasks based on the duration and setting of your breaks. For short gaps, focus on quick tasks like responding to emails, organizing your to-do list, or reviewing meeting notes. Use productivity apps like Notion or Evernote to quickly access your notes and stay organized. For longer periods, tackle more substantial tasks such as drafting reports, making calls, or brainstorming ideas. Leverage quiet spaces in airports, cafes, or co-working lounges. Use downtime for self-development by listening to industry-related podcasts or audiobooks via apps like Audible.
5. Take Advantage of Coworking Spaces
In today’s digital age, coworking spaces are a brilliant option for business travellers. Coworking spaces can indeed be a productivity booster if used wisely. First, research and book ahead using platforms like WeWork or Spaces to ensure availability and amenities that fit your needs. In addition, Websites like Workfrom can help you locate coworking spaces, cafés, or other remote work-friendly locations in cities across the world. Choose a space with strong Wi-Fi, quiet areas for focused work, and access to meeting rooms if needed. Take advantage of networking opportunities by connecting with other professionals in the space, which can open doors for collaborations. Use these spaces to establish a clear work routine, minimizing distractions. Many coworking spots also offer perks like coffee, printing services, and ergonomic furniture to keep you comfortable and efficient.
6. Prioritise Rest and Well-being
Productivity isn’t just about working constantly – it’s about working smart. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and taking breaks when needed. Burnout can reduce the quality of your work, so make sure to listen to your body. To avoid burnout, establish a work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between work and relaxation, ensuring you take regular breaks to recharge. Prioritise sleep, exercise, and ideally a healthy vegan diet to maintain physical and mental well-being. Additionally, practice mindfulness or stress-relief techniques like meditation to help manage stress levels effectively.
Conclusion
Staying productive on the road can be as simple as following a structured routine, optimising your remote workspace, and managing your time effectively. Try and follow these tips for business travellers during your next adventure! For your next business trip, also consider staying in a serviced apartment by Urban Stay, offering a perfect balance of comfort and practicality for the modern business traveller. With the right strategies, you can stay focused, efficient, and make the most out of your travel experience.
