How to Stay Productive While Traveling?

If you’re an entrepreneur, blogger, or anyone whose work involves travel, you already know how tough it can be to stay productive on the road. Finding that balance between getting stuff done and enjoying your trip? Not easy!

As someone who’s been blogging full-time and splitting my time between two cities (plus all the other random trips I take), I’ve definitely struggled with this. Learning how to keep up with deadlines, manage an ever-changing schedule, and still have fun has taken some time—and lots of trial and error. But I’ve finally figured out what works for me, and I’m sharing my top tips so you can stay focused and productive while traveling too.

1. Create a Simple Daily Routine (And Tackle the Hard Stuff First)

When I left the corporate world, I wanted nothing to do with routines. I was afraid I’d get bored with the same ol’ day-to-day grind. But when I found myself overwhelmed and super unorganized, my partner Jay gently suggested I build a routine that includes all the creative work I love doing. And guess what? It actually worked.

Now I stick to an hour-by-hour schedule to keep things on track. I start my day with the things I like least (like working out or writing long blog posts) so I can knock them out early. Then I divide the rest of my day into time blocks for everything else. If you already have a routine, it’ll make the rest of this much easier.

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2. Plan Ahead and Prioritize

If you know you’ve got a trip coming up, plan ahead. What does that look like for you? Maybe it’s pre-writing your blog posts, scheduling social media, or making sure all your big projects are done before you leave.

I always block off my travel days so I don’t accidentally book meetings on them—because that just adds extra stress. I also try to finish big tasks before I hit the road, so I can use travel time to tie up loose ends instead of starting from scratch. A little prep goes a long way!

3. Use a Go-To Packing List

Let’s be real—I hate packing. But having a go-to checklist makes it so much easier. Just include the basics: clothes, toiletries, and electronics. Break it down by exactly what you need for each trip and pack as quickly (and painlessly) as possible.

4. Use Flight Time Wisely

Want to get ahead? Use your flight time smartly. Sure, naps are great—especially if you’re an anxious flyer like me—but flights are also a perfect time to get stuff done. Catch up on emails, write blog drafts, edit photos, plan your week, or listen to that podcast you’ve been meaning to check out. Even just knocking out one thing makes a difference.

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5. Beat Jet Lag and Keep Moving

Jet lag is so real. It can throw your whole rhythm off. Try planning ahead, getting good rest before your trip, drinking tons of water, and moving your body when you land. The quicker you adjust, the quicker you’ll feel like yourself again.

6. Stick to Your Routine (Even on the Road)

Try to keep your routine going even while you travel. If you normally work out at 7am, do your best to stick with that. If your creative time is around 9am, keep it there. It doesn’t have to be perfect—but following a familiar schedule helps keep your productivity steady, no matter where you are.

7. Stay Healthy

Nothing messes with productivity like feeling crappy. So keep it simple: stay active, drink plenty of water, and eat decent food. You don’t have to be perfect—yes, enjoy the dessert!—but don’t go too far off the rails either. Moving your body and fueling it well makes a huge difference in how you feel (and work) each day.

8. Invest in Good Travel Tech

A few small gadgets can seriously boost your productivity. Think Wi-Fi jetpacks (lifesaver in airports), noise-canceling headphones, portable chargers, extra cords, and wireless charging banks. They’re not must-haves, but they really help when the local Wi-Fi is spotty or your phone’s dying mid-meeting.

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9. Don’t Forget You Time

This one’s big. Yes, staying productive is awesome—but don’t forget to enjoy where you are. Like Ferris Bueller said: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Make time to explore, unwind, and just be in the moment. It’ll help you recharge and come back to your work with fresh energy.

So—how do you stay productive when you’re traveling? Got any favorite tips or habits that work for you? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear more ideas!