How I Work When Travelling | #AD
One of the best parts of working for yourself and being location-independent is that you really can work from anywhere you like. Your work and cash flow need not stop just because you decide to take extended holidays or attend beneficial work-related events. Of course, you might just want to take time off, which is perfectly fine. However, if you want or need to work while you travel, here are some of my tips on how to make that possible.
Before I go anywhere, I make lists for packing and for tasks that need to be checked off. Start your trip as you mean to go on – organised and under control. Sometimes I have brand editorial collaborations or styling projects to complete while away, so with this in mind I will plan out what I will need for those jobs. Will I be taking close-up, steady shots or quick, on-the-go pictures? This will influence my decision over which camera I choose to take. Naturally, if you have regular clients who you contact regularly, notify them of your absence if you’re worried about not being able to respond as quickly while travelling. Also, if this is the case, adding an “out of office” auto responder is a wise idea. Obviously you can’t pack up your whole desk or work space when you’re on your travels, but think carefully what equipment and tools you will need to make working comfortable and possible during this time.
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of travelling, whether for work or pleasure, is the task of packing. Packing used to take up the majority of my time prior to taking a trip. That was until I put together a capsule wardrobe for travelling. You don't have to spend out lots of money on special clothing for travel. Instead, try to allocate certain garments and outfits in your wardrobe for travelling, as this will make travelling easier. I really like to stick to classic fashion pieces that can be mixed and matched. Try to make sure that the clothes you pack in your suitcase compliment each other and can be worn together. This will help to keep packing light and you won't come unstuck with no outfits to wear.
I personally really like co-ords and outfit sets that can be worn together as one look or worn with different pieces to create different outfits. Although, you generally can't go wrong with jeans, trousers, bodysuits and a corset dress for evening wear. Adding pieces like these to your travel capsule wardrobe will ensure that you have practical outfit for all occasions.
As you can see from the outfits I am wearing in this post, they can easily be dressed up with heels, jewellery and statement accessories for evening wear and formal events On the other hand, they can also easily be dressed down and worn with a pair of flip-flops and minimal accessories for casual wear that still looks stylish! I always used to pack too much and I'd never end up wearing half of what was in my suitcase. Sound familiar? Now however, I've learned to adopt a more minimal approach. I now only pack a couple of outfits that can be worn together or separated and worn with the other pieces I've packed. In the end, I only end up packing several items for a week's trip - but they're outfits that I know I will wear and I always have something practical to wear.
In a new destination there is always something to distract you. This is great if you have time to explore but not if you need to get work done. Fiercely protecting working hours is probably something you’re used to if you work for yourself. I try to get my work done first thing in the morning when I wake up. Much in the same way as you’d do with a workout. You’ve probably heard the phrase: “wake up, workout, get it done!” I prefer to be safe in the knowledge that I’ve completed what needs to be done first thing in the morning so that I don’t have to worry if the day takes an unexpected turn.
That’s about it really. It’s all about planning ahead and prioritising working hours while away. Don’t forget to stay up to date with my work, life and travels over on Instagram.
Make a List
Before I go anywhere, I make lists for packing and for tasks that need to be checked off. Start your trip as you mean to go on – organised and under control. Sometimes I have brand editorial collaborations or styling projects to complete while away, so with this in mind I will plan out what I will need for those jobs. Will I be taking close-up, steady shots or quick, on-the-go pictures? This will influence my decision over which camera I choose to take. Naturally, if you have regular clients who you contact regularly, notify them of your absence if you’re worried about not being able to respond as quickly while travelling. Also, if this is the case, adding an “out of office” auto responder is a wise idea. Obviously you can’t pack up your whole desk or work space when you’re on your travels, but think carefully what equipment and tools you will need to make working comfortable and possible during this time.
Create a Capsule Wardrobe for Travelling
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of travelling, whether for work or pleasure, is the task of packing. Packing used to take up the majority of my time prior to taking a trip. That was until I put together a capsule wardrobe for travelling. You don't have to spend out lots of money on special clothing for travel. Instead, try to allocate certain garments and outfits in your wardrobe for travelling, as this will make travelling easier. I really like to stick to classic fashion pieces that can be mixed and matched. Try to make sure that the clothes you pack in your suitcase compliment each other and can be worn together. This will help to keep packing light and you won't come unstuck with no outfits to wear.
I personally really like co-ords and outfit sets that can be worn together as one look or worn with different pieces to create different outfits. Although, you generally can't go wrong with jeans, trousers, bodysuits and a corset dress for evening wear. Adding pieces like these to your travel capsule wardrobe will ensure that you have practical outfit for all occasions.
As you can see from the outfits I am wearing in this post, they can easily be dressed up with heels, jewellery and statement accessories for evening wear and formal events On the other hand, they can also easily be dressed down and worn with a pair of flip-flops and minimal accessories for casual wear that still looks stylish! I always used to pack too much and I'd never end up wearing half of what was in my suitcase. Sound familiar? Now however, I've learned to adopt a more minimal approach. I now only pack a couple of outfits that can be worn together or separated and worn with the other pieces I've packed. In the end, I only end up packing several items for a week's trip - but they're outfits that I know I will wear and I always have something practical to wear.
How to Protect those Crucial Working Hours
In a new destination there is always something to distract you. This is great if you have time to explore but not if you need to get work done. Fiercely protecting working hours is probably something you’re used to if you work for yourself. I try to get my work done first thing in the morning when I wake up. Much in the same way as you’d do with a workout. You’ve probably heard the phrase: “wake up, workout, get it done!” I prefer to be safe in the knowledge that I’ve completed what needs to be done first thing in the morning so that I don’t have to worry if the day takes an unexpected turn.
That’s about it really. It’s all about planning ahead and prioritising working hours while away. Don’t forget to stay up to date with my work, life and travels over on Instagram.
#AD – this post is part of a paid partnership with Femme Luxe but all opinions are my own.