What exactly is time-blocking? It’s planning out a period of days, hours, or even minutes to ensure you can get everything done on your goal list. Our publisher, Nancy A Shenker, describes it here and how to apply it.
It has many applications to travel! We’re not suggesting that you plan out every second so intensely that you have no room for spontaneity, but Bleisure Living does require a certain amount of discipline.
One of the perks of remote work is that you can take your work anywhere, one of the downfalls of remote work is your work follows you everywhere. On a trip that’s intended to combine both, blocking and planning your days is pivotal to balance both your pleasure and productivity.
Here are my tips for making the most of your time:
- Time Zone Preparation: If you are traveling outside your time zone, try your best to schedule meetings that aren’t too late if you are traveling East or too early if traveling West. If you have less calendar control, plan in advance a fun morning activity each day before your workday starts or a fun evening activity after the day ends.
- Location, Location, Location: Walkability is paramount on a Bleisure Living trip. Stay somewhere close to a variety of dining and recreation options so you can enjoy a guilt-free break in between meetings and easily return to your workstation if needed. I always recommend DayUse for getting day access to a nice, quiet, private hotel room at many hotels with their own convenient amenities and dining.
- PTO Like a Pro: My inner HR executive has to remind people regularly that your company has most likely budgeted your salary, assuming you will take the PTO provided. With that, don’t try to work every day and take some dedicated time off just for leisure. Hate being out of the loop at work? If a job allows it, take a few hours off, cross off essential tasks in the morning, and then relax in the afternoon and evening. This is where time zones and time blocking can work to your advantage!
- Work for Yourself? The same basic principles apply. Carve out your own PTO policy in your head and time block on your calendar. Just as you would schedule ZOOMs or in-person meetings, jot down “beach time” or “cocktail hour” on your calendar and treat those time blocks with the same commitment as you do paid work. Plus, you never know who might lie on the pool float next to you. They could be your next major LinkedIn connection or new client!
Block away!
