It’s no secret that technology has made the world a smaller place. With just a few clicks, you can be connected to work from anywhere in the world. But while this newfound freedom is a great perk, staying productive can also be challenging when you’re not in your usual environment.
Luckily, you can do a few things to ensure you stay connected to work while traveling.
1. Invest in high-quality devices and software
You must ensure you have the right tools to stay connected to work while traveling. Invest in a heavy-duty laptop or tablet, and ensure you have installed the right software. Your devices should be able to handle anything you throw at them, from video conferencing to editing documents.
For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you’ll need design software like Adobe Photoshop. You’ll need word processing software like Microsoft Word if you’re a writer. And if you’re a salesperson, you’ll need customer relationship management (CRM) software like Salesforce.
Depending on your line of work, you may also need a virtual private network (VPN) to access specific files or websites. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more secure than a public Wi-Fi network. Traveling can be stressful enough without worrying about your data being hacked.
2. Use cloud-based storage and collaboration tools
Take advantage of cloud-based services. These allow you to store and share files online and access them from anywhere. One of the most popular cloud-based storage services is Dropbox. With Dropbox, you can store files in the cloud and share them with others.
Another excellent cloud-based service is Google Drive. Google Drive includes Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, all superb collaboration tools. Many people use these for real-time collaboration, such as editing a document with multiple authors. If you’re working on a project with someone who’s not in the same location as you, cloud-based services are essential.
You should also make sure you have a sound backup system in place. Whether you use cloud-based storage or an external hard drive, you must ensure your files are backed up. You won’t lose all your work if something happens to your device.
3. Get familiar with the local Wi-Fi situation
Before you travel, do some research on the local Wi-Fi situation. Find out if there are any hotspots near your hotel or Airbnb, and make sure you have the password. If you’re going to be working from a coffee shop or co-working space, find out if they have Wi-Fi and what the connection is like.
In some countries, there are restrictions on certain websites. If you’re traveling to a country with internet censorship, you may need to use a VPN. In Singapore, for example, the use of VPNs is legal. However, in China, their use is restricted. Because of the increased security risk, ensure you only use a reputable VPN service. Some of the most popular VPN services are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and TunnelBear.
4. Stay organized with a task manager
One of the best ways to stay connected to work while traveling is to use a task manager. A task manager helps you keep track of your to-do list, so you can focus on getting work done. There are many great task managers, but some popular ones are Asana, Trello, and Wunderlist. Task managers are beneficial if you’re working with a team.
With a task manager, you can assign tasks to specific team members, set deadlines, and track progress. For example, if you’re working on a marketing campaign, you can create a task for each team member and set a deadline for when the tasks need to be completed.
5. Keep your communication channels open
When you’re traveling, it’s essential to stay in touch with your colleagues and clients. You should have a few different communication channels open to reach people when you need to.
Email is the most common way to communicate for work, but it’s not always the best. If you need to get someone’s attention quickly, you may be better off using a chat app like Slack or WhatsApp. Skype is a popular option for video calls, but there are many others to choose from, such as Zoom and Google Hangouts.
Some professionals also use social media for work. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for networking, and you can use Twitter for marketing and customer service. Because social media is less formal than email, it can be a great way to build relationships with clients and colleagues.
Staying connected to work while traveling can be challenging, but staying on top of your responsibilities is essential. Using the tips in this article, you can stay connected and productive while on the go. Always have your devices charged, save files in the cloud, and use a task manager to stay organized. And most importantly, keep your communication channels open.
