Tips for Working on the Road While Traveling
Working remotely while traveling can feel like the ultimate dream—until you’re juggling conference calls from a busy airport or hunting for reliable Wi-Fi in a new city. Whether you’re a digital nomad, photographer on assignment, or freelancer taking work on the go, these tips can help you stay productive, balanced, and truly enjoy your time away from home.
As a travel wedding & elopement 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.
I. PREP WELL.
When traveling, an inconsistent internet connection can derail your workflow faster than you’d think. Research Wi-Fi availability and speeds at accommodations, cafés, or co-working spaces before you arrive. If possible, invest in a portable hotspot or international data plan for those times you absolutely need to be online—no matter where you land. Quick Tip: Websites like Speedtest can help you gauge internet performance on the go.
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. Make sure you know exactly how they differ from your usual work schedule. This will help you plan calls, deadlines, and client meetings without confusion. Set calendar reminders in both local and home time zones so nothing falls through the cracks.
Pro Tip: Apps like World Time Buddy or Google Calendar’s built-in time-zone feature can keep you on track.
III. CREATE A REALISTIC WORK SCHEDULE.
It’s easy to think you’ll have all the time in the world to work while traveling, but between exploring local sites, taking travel photos, and moving from place to place, you might find your hours slip away. Map out designated “work blocks” for each day. Even if you only schedule two or three hours, it’s better to plan for less and exceed your goals than to feel behind.
Balance is Everything: Make sure you also schedule downtime. Traveling can be tiring—give yourself permission to rest and enjoy the journey. Check out my blog for block scheduling or use ChatGPT to create a schedule for you that prioritizes tasks well.
IV. STAY ORGANIZED WITH TOOLS AND APPS.
Managing tasks, emails, and projects while on the road requires an organized workflow. Using project management apps like Trello, Asana, or Notion can help keep track of deadlines and ensure no to-do slips through the cracks. Meanwhile, cloud storage options like Google Drive or Dropbox mean you’ll have access to important files wherever you are. You can also check out my ChatGPT workflow guide to learn how to maximize your time and optimize your workflow!
On-the-Go Tip: Keep a dedicated folder on your phone or laptop for travel-related documents, such as hotel confirmations, flight info, and any necessary visas.
V. PROTECT YOUR GEAR AND DATA.
If you’re a photographer or carry expensive work equipment, invest in a solid travel case to protect your gear from bumps or weather damage. You should also keep your data safe by using secure passwords and a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
Security Matters: Regularly back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud service. Data loss is the last thing you want to deal with while on the road.
OVERALL, ENOY THIS EXPERIENCE —
One of the biggest perks of traveling is the constant source of inspiration around every corner. Take time to explore, capture new environments, and let your creativity flourish. If you’re a photographer, you’ll likely find fresh angles and subjects you might never encounter at home.
Yes, you’re working, but traveling is also supposed to be exciting and enriching. Build in moments of leisure—explore local culture, try new foods, or indulge in a lazy afternoon at a park or beach. Rest and relaxation can actually boost your productivity once you get back to your laptop.
Mastering the art of working on the road comes down to planning, staying organized, and knowing when to switch off. With the right balance of productivity tools, time management strategies, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, you can maintain your business commitments while making the most of your travel adventures.
Whether you’re headed to a bustling city or a quiet mountain retreat, these tips will help you stay on track, protect your gear, and find inspiration in the world around you. Safe travels, and happy working!
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.
