Asia is home to over 40 countries, each with a unique culture, aesthetic appeal, environment, and practices. It’s easy to see why the area attracts millions of people yearly. The region has demonstrated itself as a firm favorite for international tourists over the years, with over 360 million people recorded as of 2019. By 2024, this number is expected to double, and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to see the Great Wall of China, Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, or Marina Bay in Singapore? Unfortunately, some experience roadblocks, like finances, work commitments, and difficulty maintaining a work-life balance, when they try to make the dream of exploring Asia a reality. If you’re caught in this loop, here is a guide to getting the perfect work-life balance as a traveler in Asia.
Balancing Professional Responsibility With Travel and Exploration
The modern workplace has improved flexibility over the last few years, so if your job allows a hybrid or remote work setting, half of your problem is solved. If it doesn’t, schedule your travel for when you can get leave or during the festivities. For those working remotely, traveling is easier. You need a time management plan, locations with good connectivity, and a healthy sleep routine, but there are few other things you can do to keep up your productivity while traveling, which we’ll discuss below.
Pick Serene Workspaces With Great Internet Connectivity
Asian countries are used to having remote-working travelers around, so getting a good workspace with great internet shouldn’t be a problem. In Singapore, there are co-working spaces like The Hive, WeWork, The Working Capital, and The Great Room that offer free wi-fi, work tables, light food, and other basic amenities to improve your productivity. While there is the option of working from your room, these workspaces come with an ambiance similar to that of a traditional company working environment. You see other employees working remotely, and everything feels right. Dedicate some of the day to work and choose a location that is far from tourist destinations and quiet enough for you to concentrate. Also, pick a hotel room or Airbnb with a great location in case you need to catch up on some work updates before you sleep.
Understand Time Management Across Different Time Zones
Time zones across Asia vary widely. Singapore, Malaysia, and China’s time zone is GMT +8, while Thailand and western Indonesia operate on GMT +7. Mismatched working hours can make it difficult to connect with other employees and meet deadlines. Understand how the timing here correlates with your home office and use it accordingly. If you’re an investor, note that certain currency pairs are only active during certain times. For example, Singapore forex traders trading SGD pairs are more active during the Asian session, while the GBP/USD pairs are active during the European and US sessions.
You can use calendar apps and other project management tools to keep time from getting the better of you. Calendly is a popular tool to connect work or personal calendars and set available hours for other explorations. Other tools that can help with time management are Trello, Asana, Clockify, and Good Calendar.
Be Prepared for Technical Challenges
Technical challenges can range from power outages to poor wi-fi, emergency work meetings, local customs, and work etiquette. The first tip for such situations is to invest in a portable wi-fi device. Keep a backup for stable internet access, especially in remote areas. Research SIM cards and data plans to identify the best local options for mobile data. Look for prepaid plans with generous data allowances. Lastly, remember to carry a power bank when visiting remote locations. During your working hours, use co-working spaces because they guarantee a seamless working experience.
Find Balance
Striking a balance when traveling is about prioritizing self-care and making the most of your stay. There is so much to explore, and it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and activities and put work commitments on the back burner.
Working remotely already comes with so many concentration issues. A Stanford analysis across several studies shows that there is a 10-20% reduction in productivity for most remote workers. Traveling comes with so many distractions that can make it worse. Try pushing your explorations out to after working hours and build a balanced routine at each destination.
Working Smarter While Traveling the World
Working smarter while traveling the world is about finding the right balance between productivity and exploration. We’ve highlighted a few here – technology to help you set goals, adapt to your routines, and track productivity; effective time management; reliable connectivity, and self-care – but everyone will find different ways to maintain productivity while on the move.