A FEW TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WORKING WHILE TRAVELING
Whether you’re constantly on the road, travel just a couple times a year, or have one big trip coming up that’s stressing you out - my hope is that these tools will give you the steps to having a healthy work life while on the go!
As a travel wedding photographer, I find myself on the go quite a bit! My “office” sometimes has to be flexible to wherever I am! So, I’ve tried to condense a few of my tips into 5 main categories of creating a better travel and work balance.
MY 5 TIPS FOR YOU —
I. PREP WELL.
Sometimes before a trip, it means the heavy lifting should be done before you go! Get the “big” things out of the way before you even leave - because we all know that traveling usually = less work time available. Or, sometimes there are things that are just really hard to do while away from home. For example, I hate editing photos on my laptop (I would WAY rather edit on a big screen aka my desktop at home)! So, I make sure to get all of my editing done before I leave for a trip. Before you leave on any trip, ask yourself if there is any “heavy lifting” that needs to happen beforehand.
II. COMMUNICATION.
This may sound obvious, but sometimes it’s a good reminder (even for myself). Communicate with your clients that you’ll be traveling - which may mean less wifi availability, strange time zones, etc. Be sure to touch base before you zip out, set clear expectations. This may even mean setting up an email automation that reminds anyone contacting you that you are away from home.
III. SCHEDULING AND GOALS.
We all know travel life requires a “go with the flow” mentality most of the time. So, your normal structure or routine may need to flex a bit. Instead of setting strict block schedules or 9:00-5:00 work times, try giving yourself a list of goals for the day or hours of work you want to get done. Maybe it’s a to-do list of 3 tasks you need to accomplish, or maybe it’s setting a time limit of 4 hours of work for the day. Try switching your working mindset, and give yourself grace.
IV. FINDING OR CREATING A WORK SPACE.
This can be the trickiest thing while traveling! Maybe it’s a struggle to find wifi or a place that has outlets! I feel you. Do your best to find a coffee shop or cafe that has those two things — maybe it’s a bit of research before you even leave (prep well, right?). I think environment is crucial in order to complete step III. YOU create the atmosphere. So, find a space — coffee shop, cafe, lounge, hotel room, etc. — plug in those earphones, put on some focus music, pull out your goal list and laptop, knock out those top priorities, and give yourself a high five when you finish it all! A few other tips to go along with this - when looking for a space, ask yourself these questions: Do I get distracted in busy places? Should I find a table facing the wall? Do I have a hard time working when people are walking behind me? Can I eat and work at the same time? Do I feel more energy in brighter places? Do I even need wifi or an outlet today?
V. GETTING YOUR GEAR READY.
As a photographer, traveling with a lot of expensive gear can feel stressful! I make sure all my gear is packed safely and securely in my travel camera backpack! I always want to make sure it’s a bag I keep with my at all times, and one that my other work gear (laptop, hard drive, chords, etc.) can fit into as well. In addition to packing well, I also like to make sure all of my gear is ready to use! Aka - clearing SD + CF cards, charging all batteries, cleaning lenses… all the good things!
A FEW WORK TRAVEL MUST-HAVES —
A FEW OTHER TIPS
Coffee shops: Check out these apps to help you find local coffee shops for working.
Where you stay: check out Airbnb places before hotels - sometimes having a more “home” space helps with workflow and getting things done.
