It is possible to run a business and indulge a love for travel and adventure, thanks to modern technology and infrastructure. It’s not easy to manage a company or lead a team if you’re out of the office, but you can do a great job if you steer clear of common mistakes. 

In this guide, we’ll highlight some pitfalls to avoid when traveling and running a business. 

Choosing unsuitable locations

We’re all familiar with the saying, ‘The world is your oyster.’ While advances in technology mean that it’s possible to work from almost anywhere and the accessibility of destinations has improved due to growth in the air travel industry, not every destination is suitable for working vacations. If you need to talk to clients on a regular basis, or you’re checking in with colleagues daily, it’s beneficial to think about time zones and access to phone signal and reliable WiFi connections. 

If you’re in a remote location where the signal is intermittent, or the WiFi keeps dropping, this will affect your ability to tackle work-related tasks and keep in contact with your team and your customers. Poor communication can affect employee performance levels and damage your brand’s reputation. Choose destinations and locations that offer the amenities and facilities you need to carry out specific jobs. Plan your itinerary based on your work schedule AND the availability of wifi and a place to work. 

Losing sight of local customers

If you run a business that has a strong local client base, it’s essential to stay in touch and maintain a presence in your local area. Around half of Google searches now have a local focus. If you’re away a lot, take advantage of services and tools that will enable you to build strong relationships with local clients and make them feel valued. Use local SEO to find and connect with local audiences and keep in contact via social media, blog posts and emails. 

If you’re managing your company remotely, understand the value of local phone numbers. If your business is based in the US but you’re exploring New Zealand, Europe or South America, for example, Indiana phone numbers can help you create and convert more leads in the Indiana region regardless of where you are in the world. Don’t lose sight of local customers. You can maintain and enhance your presence in a local area without actually being there. 

Setting unrealistic goals

Traveling and working have become easier thanks to advances in technology, but it’s important to realize that there are limits. You might have seen glamorous pictures on social media or read stories in glossy magazines about entrepreneurs running a global empire from a hammock in the hills or a beach hut on a paradise island. It is possible to explore the world and run a company, but try to avoid setting unrealistic goals. 

If you’re actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business, you probably won’t be able to spend all your time soaking up the sun or discovering cultural gems. If you’re willing to pass control over to others while you take a trip, you’ll have more freedom and flexibility, but if you only have a small team or you’re a solopreneur, a working vacation might not be as relaxing as anticipated. Be clear about what you want to achieve during each trip and set realistic targets. 

Spending all your time working

Entrepreneurs are notoriously hard-working. When you own a business, it can be hard to switch off, even while you’re traveling (alas!). If you’ve planned a trip to combine work and travel, make sure there’s time to relax, unwind, and enjoy tours, activities, and excursions. You don’t want to spend all your time tied to a desk or an Internet cafe with no time to actually see and enjoy the destination. Plan a schedule that affords time for both work and play. 

Failing to take time zone differences into account

Researching time zones is one of the most important elements of planning trip diaries when you run a business. If you need to be in regular contact with your employees, or you have a packed schedule of virtual meetings with clients, make sure you’re aware of any time zone differences. You don’t want to get up during the early hours or try to stay awake during a conference call at midnight if you’ve been working all day. 

Not handing over to your team effectively 

If you travel a lot, it’s crucial to ensure you communicate with your team effectively and prepare for your trip in advance. Execute a thorough handover. Every individual should understand what is happening and have a clear idea of what they need to do in the days or weeks ahead. Organize meetings, issue clear instructions and encourage anyone who has any queries or questions to talk to you before you go away. Make sure you’re available to answer emails or calls while you’re traveling. Set your out-of-office up and divert emails, calls, and enquiries to senior staff members if you’re not able to handle calls or answer questions during your trip, or you want to take time out. 

If you’re delegating or passing responsibilities to others, clarity is key. Communicate openly and make sure the people who are taking on your role know what they’re doing and for how long. As well as talking to your team, it’s also wise to make sure your clients know that you’re traveling. Specify dates and provide an alternative point of contact. 

It is possible to travel and run a business at the same time, but it’s not always easy to make working trips a success. If you’re planning a vacation, or you’re going away for a while, it’s important to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. Research destinations and choose suitable locations, find out more about time zones and access to WiFi, and be clear about your work-life balance expectations. Communicate with your team and clients, execute a seamless handover and don’t lose sight of local customers. Use cutting-edge communications tech and services to maintain open communications and enhance your local presence. Be realistic about what you can achieve during your trip. Plan a schedule that aligns with your work commitments and travel goals. And...have fun!