Travel And Leisure: Working Your Way To Paradise

Travel + Leisure Co. is the world's leading vacation ownership and travel membership company, with a dynamic and growing portfolio of resort, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands. The company offers a range of career opportunities, including roles in sales, marketing, customer service, and more. For those interested in working for Travel + Leisure, it's important to understand the company's culture and values, which prioritize people and guest satisfaction. Additionally, with the rise of remote work, there are also opportunities to work from anywhere in the world, blending business and leisure travel, also known as bleisure. This trend allows employees to explore new places while maintaining their productivity and work commitments.

Create a dedicated workspace at home and when travelling

Working remotely while travelling can be challenging, especially if you're trying to balance work and leisure. Here are some tips to help you create a dedicated workspace, both at home and on the go, to boost your productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance:

At Home

• Separate Living Space from Workspace: Designate separate areas for work and relaxation to create a mental boundary. If possible, set up your workspace in a spare room to have privacy and minimise distractions. If you don't have a spare room, choose a quiet area of your home, such as the dining room or kitchen, where you can work undisturbed. Avoid working in your bedroom or living room to maintain those spaces for rest and leisure.
• Make it Comfortable: Invest in a good ergonomic chair to support your back and neck, especially if you'll be sitting for long periods. A standing desk is another option to consider. Additionally, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help you focus by blocking out background noise.
• Find the Right Lighting: Access to natural light is essential. Position your desk near a window to benefit from natural lighting during the day, which can enhance your mood and energy levels. If natural light is unavailable, ensure your workspace has adequate lighting with desk lamps or floor lamps to avoid eye strain.
• Organise Your Supplies: Keep your supplies organised and easily accessible. Use desk organisers, bins, or wall shelves to store items like pens, papers, and files. This helps you stay focused and saves time spent searching for things.
• Designate Work Zones: Separate your workspace into zones to optimise your workflow. Zone 1 should include items you need immediate access to, such as your laptop, mousepad, notebook, and phone. Zone 2 is for items used throughout the day but less frequently, such as research materials or sticky notes. Zone 3 is for items used less than once a day, like your printer or filing cabinet, which can be placed near your workspace but may require you to get up to access.
• Personalise Your Space: Add some personal touches to your workspace to make it inviting and inspiring. Display photos, wall art, plants, or knick-knacks that reflect your personality and boost your creativity.

While Travelling

• Portable Workspace: When travelling, consider investing in a portable workspace setup. This could include a lightweight, foldable laptop stand and a compact, comfortable lap desk or a portable standing desk. Such options allow you to work almost anywhere while maintaining good posture and comfort.
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These are especially useful when working in busy or noisy environments, helping you to focus and minimise distractions.
• Locate Quiet Workspaces: Research and locate quiet workspaces at your travel destinations. This could include co-working spaces, libraries, or cafes that cater to remote workers and provide a more stable environment for work.
• Plan Work-Friendly Accommodations: When booking accommodations, look for places that offer a dedicated workspace within the room or suite. Some hotels and Airbnb listings provide rooms with desks or work-friendly amenities, ensuring you have a quiet and comfortable space to work during your travels.
• Travel-Friendly Gadgets: Invest in travel-friendly gadgets and accessories, such as a portable power bank to keep your devices charged on the go, a compact and lightweight keyboard, or a foldable mouse to save space in your luggage.

By creating dedicated workspaces, both at home and while travelling, you can enhance your focus, productivity, and overall work-life balance, ensuring you make the most of your work and leisure time.

Invest in a good Wi-Fi plan

Investing in a good Wi-Fi plan is essential for digital nomads and travellers who want to stay connected while on the move. A stable internet connection can offer a sense of safety and security, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones, attend work meetings, and even earn an income remotely. Here are some tips to help you invest in a good Wi-Fi plan:

Understand Your Needs

Before investing in a Wi-Fi plan, it's important to assess your needs. Consider how often you'll require internet access, your budget, and the speed and bandwidth requirements for your activities. If you only need occasional access for video calls or emails, your cellular data plan and free public Wi-Fi may suffice. However, if you work online or engage in data-intensive tasks, investing in a dedicated plan is advisable.

Cellular Data Plans and Hotspot Options

If you already have a cell phone plan, adding a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot feature can be a convenient option. This allows you to turn your phone into a mobile hotspot, connecting your laptop or tablet. However, keep in mind that this option may drain your phone's battery quickly and might not provide sufficient speed or bandwidth for multiple devices. International roaming plans from your home country can be expensive, and you may need to purchase a new SIM card in each country you visit.

Portable Hotspot Devices

Investing in a dedicated hotspot device, also known as MiFi, can be a worthwhile investment. These devices provide a stable internet connection without draining your phone's battery. You can purchase global hotspot devices, such as Solis, which offer coverage in numerous countries and support multiple connected devices. Alternatively, consider third-party hotspot devices, like GlocalMe G3, which offer global data plans and slots for local SIM cards, providing flexibility and cost savings.

Range Extenders and WiFi Boosters

If you plan to stay in one location for an extended period, consider investing in a range extender or WiFi booster. These devices strengthen and extend the WiFi signal from nearby sources, providing a more reliable connection. This option is particularly useful for those staying in RVs or campervans, as it enhances the signal from campgrounds or free public WiFi.

Satellite Internet for Remote Locations

For those seeking internet access in remote locations, satellite internet may be the best option. Services like Starlink offer satellite-based internet with better communication speeds, ensuring you can stay connected even when far from cellular or WiFi coverage. However, this option tends to be more costly.

By considering your specific needs and exploring the various options available, you can make an informed decision about investing in a good Wi-Fi plan that suits your travel and work requirements.

Exercise regularly and eat healthily

Regular exercise and healthy eating are key to improving your overall well-being and energy levels. Eating a well-balanced diet, alongside regular exercise, can help you get the calories and nutrients you need to fuel your daily activities.

Firstly, it is important to eat a healthy breakfast. According to Harvard Health Letter, eating breakfast regularly is linked to a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating a healthy breakfast is especially beneficial on days when you plan to exercise, as skipping this meal can leave you feeling lethargic. Opt for a fiber- and protein-rich breakfast, such as oatmeal with milk or yoghurt, or whole-grain toast with peanut butter and an egg.

Next, ensure you are consuming the right types of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy, so aim for complex carbs found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. Include lean proteins in your diet, such as poultry, fish, dairy, or legumes, to help repair and build muscle. Additionally, incorporate healthy unsaturated fats, like olive oil, to reduce inflammation and provide essential calories.

It is also important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, aiming to fill half your plate with them at every meal. Choose a range of colours to get a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Finally, remember to fuel up before exercising. Opt for snacks that combine carbohydrates and protein, such as bananas with peanut butter, berries with yoghurt, or nuts and fresh fruit.

In terms of exercise, it is recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking or dancing, which should leave you slightly out of breath but still able to hold a conversation. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase your activity levels over time.

Invest in proper equipment and tools

Investing in proper equipment and tools is essential for anyone looking to work in travel and leisure. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference in your career. Here are some tips to help you invest wisely and set yourself up for success:

Identify Your Needs

Before investing in any equipment, take the time to assess your specific needs. Are you a photographer in need of a new camera? Or maybe you're a travel writer who requires a reliable laptop? Identify the tools and equipment that are essential for your line of work and focus your investments there.

Do Your Research

Once you know what you need, it's time to research the best options available. Read reviews, compare prices and features, and seek advice from experts or fellow professionals. This will help you make informed decisions and ensure you get the most suitable equipment for your needs.

Invest in Quality

When it comes to equipment, quality is key. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, investing in high-quality tools will pay off in the long run. Well-made equipment tends to be more durable, reliable, and efficient, which can greatly enhance your work and productivity.

Consider Second-Hand Options

If you're on a tight budget, consider purchasing second-hand or refurbished equipment. Many online marketplaces offer a wide range of used tools and devices at more affordable prices. Just be sure to verify the seller's reputation and the condition of the item before purchasing.

Maintain and Protect Your Equipment

Proper maintenance and care are crucial to ensuring your equipment lasts a long time. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, storage, and any necessary calibrations or updates. Additionally, consider investing in protective cases or covers to shield your equipment from damage during travel or outdoor use.

Stay Up-to-Date with Technology

Technology advances rapidly, and what's cutting-edge today may become obsolete tomorrow. Stay informed about the latest innovations in your field, and be open to upgrading your equipment when necessary to stay competitive and efficient.

Invest in Yourself

In addition to physical equipment, investing in your personal development and skill enhancement can be incredibly valuable. Consider taking courses, attending workshops, or enrolling in online programmes to improve your knowledge and abilities. This type of investment in yourself can pay dividends throughout your career.

By following these guidelines and investing wisely, you'll be well on your way to a successful and rewarding career in travel and leisure.

Keep time zones in mind when working remotely

Working remotely across time zones can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you keep time zones in mind when working remotely and ensure a smooth and productive experience:

Establish Time Zones and Preferred Work Hours:

It is important to be mindful, empathetic, and respectful of your colleagues' time zones and preferred work hours. Encourage everyone to share their time zone and preferred work hours, whether they are early birds, night owls, or somewhere in between. Update your time zone in communication tools like Slack, and use auto-responders during off-hours or deep work sessions to manage expectations. Create a shared calendar to track time off and national/religious holidays, and keep an open dialogue about work-life boundaries and communication windows.

Create a Communication and Collaboration Playbook:

Outline clear guidelines for communication channels, such as video check-ins, Slack, or email, and project management tools like Trello or Asana. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can easily collaborate and pick up tasks.

Master Asynchronous Communication:

Asynchronous communication, where messages are sent without expecting an immediate reply, is key for remote teams across time zones. Always plan ahead, considering time differences, and clearly communicate deadlines in both your time zone and your colleague's time zone. Emphasize well-written and concise messages, providing all necessary information to avoid back-and-forth clarification.

Make Room for Synchronous Communication:

While asynchronous communication is essential, don't forget the importance of synchronous communication for team building and bonding. Schedule real-time video chats, watercooler conversations, and celebrations to bring your team together and reinforce company culture. Rotate meeting times between time zones to ensure fairness and avoid Zoom fatigue.

Follow a Meeting Protocol:

Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself if it truly needs to be a meeting. Can the information be conveyed through a video recording or a detailed agenda? Record or take notes during meetings to share with those who couldn't attend, and consider creating a buddy system for cross-time zone information sharing.

By following these tips, you can effectively manage time zones when working remotely, ensuring a productive and collaborative environment despite the distance.

Frequently asked questions