Traveling takes a lot of time. Flights are long, and there is a lot of time that might feel like it’s wasted. You might have to wait for hours in a layover.
This time doesn’t have to be wasted. In fact, this could be your most productive time. You just have to put your mind to it.
Here are some ways to maximize your time while traveling.
1. Multitasking
You can do multiple things at once.
Multitasking is a learned skill. Practice before your trip so that you know how to do it. Don’t try to multitask for the first time on your trip.
Try answering emails while listening in on a conference call. Or watch the finance news in the background while working.
Work through lunch. It’s not like you have anything else to do while you’re waiting for your flight.
Combine as many events as possible and do things during the trip. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to answer a call while in the car. If you have a driver, working while riding is even easier.
Turn that meeting into a dinner or an outing and talk about work while you’re eating. It can be a great way to get to know your colleagues or customers.
Just make sure that you should not take too much at once.
2. Booking
Booking your trip takes time. So does troubleshooting.
Let someone else deal with these problems and save yourself the headache. When on a business trip, your main priority should be business.
Booking services can help make sure you maximize your time. They can help you get perks like a late check-out. Checking out late is a great way to get some extra hours of work in while traveling.
Early check-ins are also an option. Getting to the hotel room early gives you time to set up your workspace. It also saves you the stress of moving your things around.
You shouldn’t waste time searching for the perfect room. You also shouldn’t have to worry about switching rooms when things don’t go as planned.
With a booking service, these problems are no longer yours. Finding the best rate also won’t be your worry, either.
Booking services guarantee that you’ll find the best rate. This gives you some extra money to budget for yourself.
3. Bleisure
Bleisure is more than just a trend. It’s here to stay.
The word is a combination of business and leisure. Most business travelers have taken to the bleisure lifestyle.
The most common complaint business travelers have is that they can’t enjoy their destination. Bleisure solves that problem.
Adding an extra day of vacation to the beginning or end of your trip helps you enjoy it. Or doing a day of home office can give you the chance to enjoy the destination more than otherwise.
Many business travelers have even started taking their families on trips. This means you don’t have to sacrifice family time for work time.
4. Going Analogue
Doing things by hand makes you concentrate more.
Multitasking can be great in certain situations, but you also need to take the time to concentrate on a single task.
Take a break with a book from this list. It’ll be a great conversation starter with your neighbor on the plane.
You never know when your internet might not work. Or your laptop might break mid-trip. You always need to have a backup of something to do.
Bring a notepad and pens. Use a paper calendar in case something goes wrong. You will find that you’re more productive during the trip.
5. Networking
Chat with your fellow travelers.
You never know who a potential customer might be. Even if you don’t end up doing business with them, the connection could lead somewhere.
Don’t be afraid to hand your business card out to people. Ask for theirs as well. It’s important to have a paper reminder of whom you’ve met.
Follow up with them after the trip is over. Ask and make sure they made it home safely and if they enjoyed themselves.
Conclusion
A business trip isn’t a waste of time. If you plan well, it could be your most productive work day.
