Work-life balance: The traveller's secret weapon

Hello my fellow busy bees of the business world! It's me, your friendly neighbourhood travel enthusiast and the proud owner of Designer Travel by Simon Collinge.

Today, I thought I would dive straight into a topic that's close to my heart but can be as elusive as a unicorn in the business realm – work-life balance; and explain how Travel can be your secret weapon in helping find that Unicorn!

Now, we all know the classic scenario: endless meetings, a never-ending email avalanche, that feeling of being glued to your desk, skipping lunch and unable to switch off from it all. But what if I told you that there's a delightful remedy that doesn't involve 8am office yoga sessions, background whale noises playing through the speakers or a lifetime supply of green smoothies?

That's right, it's time to talk about using travel to reclaim your sanity.

The Art of Balance

Let's be real – work-life balance is elusive, there’s often more chance of finding a four-leaf clover than getting anywhere near the perfect balance. But here's the catch: it's all about how you define it. Picture this: you're on a white sandy beach, the sun's gentle kiss on your skin, and a cocktail that could make even your laptop jealous in your hand. This, my friends, is the sweet spot where work and life really can shake hands and become the best of pals.

The Working holiday – Yes, Really!

I know many people will know all about the ‘Busman’s Holiday’ but have you ever heard of a working holiday? The idea is simple: you take your laptop, your important documents, and yourself on a trip to a destination that inspires both relaxation and productivity and, when you get there, you simply mix it up a little between holiday and work. It's not just a myth or some sort of hair brained idea; it's a trend that's taking the business world by storm and something I have been doing for years!

Imagine closing a deal while overlooking the Eiffel Tower, sending out proposals from a hammock on the beach in Bali or having a Zoom meeting from the side of the pool in Spain. Yes, it's possible, and yes, it's as amazing as it sounds. Trust me, whenever I go away on holiday this is exactly what I do and yes, I have closed a deal whilst overlooking the Eiffel Tower and had a Zoom call by the side of the pool in Spain!

With a bit of planning and a trusty travel agent (like yours truly), you can transform your work obligations into a globetrotting adventure.

Travel Like a Pro

Now, let's talk strategy. To maximize your work-life balance through travel you need a game plan, so here are some top tips to help make it happen:

Plan Ahead: Before you go away make sure you prioritise and schedule your work tasks strategically. Doing this means that, whilst you may still have work to do whilst you are away, you will also be able to have dedicated free time during your trip.

Tech Toolbox: Research where you’re going and make sure that, if you need to, you can get connected to the outside world. Equip yourself with all the tech essentials – a reliable laptop and mobile phone. Ensure your phone and data will work wherever you are going and, if needed, you can create your own WiFi hotspot. Maybe even take a pair of noise-cancelling headphones (for those impromptu beachside conference calls).

Destination Delegation: Choose destinations that are able to offer the right balance of work-friendliness and leisure. Even the liveliest of hotels and destinations will usually have quieter places to get away from it all and take that important business call. We here at Designer Travel by Simon Collinge can help you find the perfect spot!

The Power of "No": Don't be afraid to say No. It’s OK to decline meetings or tasks that can wait until you're back from your working holiday, after all, this is supposed to BE a holiday too! Put your ‘Out of Office’ on so everyone knows you are away and they won’t get a response immediately. Prioritise like a pro!

Get Creative: Use your travel experiences to boost creativity and problem-solving. On holiday many people tend to become more adventurous than they are at home. They are happy to get lost exploring places they have never been before, try foods they have never eaten before and even have a go at activities they had never even thought of trying. Sometimes, taking on the holiday mind-set and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible breakthroughs in work as well as leisure.

Travel Insurance: Last but not least, protect your trip! Comprehensive travel insurance is a MUST. Trust me; it's your safety net if the unexpected happens.

So there you have it, whilst we may still be workaholics, we’re all now one step closer to being work-life balancers as well! Travel isn't just about exploring new places; it's about discovering a new way to live. With a dash of humour, a pinch of adventure, and a trusted travel agent (hint: that's us), you can have your career cake and eat it too – all while sipping cocktails on a beach, exploring exotic markets or sailing the seven seas!

Work hard, play harder, travel the smartest way possible and cheers to work-life balance, the travellers’ secret weapon!

Contact me today to start making travel part of your work-life balance.

Phone: 01282 542572 | 07973 343078 

Email: simonc@designertravel.co.uk