Running a business and traveling the world might seem like a daunting task, but trust me, it’s one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. At 26, I decided to leave my corporate job and pursue both my passion for travel and my entrepreneurial journey. Little did I know, this would teach me a valuable lesson: you don’t have to choose between being a broke backpacker and putting your career on pause. It is absolutely possible to run a business while experiencing the world.

With some strategy and planning, you can maintain a successful business while exploring new destinations. Let me share some tips that helped me manage both a business and a passion for travel without burning out.

1. Think About How Much Time Off You Have

When you’re trying to figure out how to run a business and take time off to travel, it’s essential to be strategic about your schedule. Weekends are a given, but they also provide a great opportunity for short getaways. A year has 52 weekends, which means you get 104 days off. If you add about ten public holidays, you’re looking at 114 days that you can potentially use for traveling.

When you run a business, time management becomes key. The idea of having holidays on Fridays or Mondays is fantastic because it allows you to plan your trips more effectively. So, take advantage of these extra days and make sure you’re setting aside time for yourself.

2. Plan Your Trips

Planning your trips carefully is crucial when you want to run a business while traveling. I’ve found that my best trips are often around weekends. For a local adventure, I make sure to book a late afternoon or evening flight on Friday and return by Sunday night, which gives me two full days of exploration. #WeekendWarrior!

When I plan overseas vacations, I typically limit myself to a five-day trip to avoid being away for too long. However, if I need to be out of the office for a more extended period, I always bring my laptop with me. This ensures I can still get work done and keep up with my responsibilities, even while I’m enjoying a different country.

3. Transparency with Clients and Employees

The secret to running a business while you travel is transparency. It’s important to communicate your travel plans with your clients, employees, and anyone else who depends on you. Let them know when you’ll be unavailable and how you’ll handle work during your absence. This proactive communication allows you to avoid last-minute requests when you’re supposed to be packing and preparing for your trip.

The goal is to make sure everyone is aware of your plans so that your time away doesn’t result in stress or unnecessary interruptions. If you run a business, clear communication is key to ensuring that everyone stays on track while you’re enjoying some well-deserved time off.

4. Leave Detailed Instructions

Before you leave, make sure you leave detailed instructions for your team. If you’re managing a small team, it’s essential to delegate responsibilities to the right people so that things continue running smoothly in your absence. I always have a trusted employee who can handle any major decisions or problems that arise while I’m away. Everyone else is informed of who to contact if the primary point person isn’t available.

I also instruct my team to notify me once a problem has been resolved, but I try not to let these matters get in the way of my travels. When you run a business, this kind of planning ensures that your operations don’t come to a halt just because you’re out of the office.

5. A Stable Internet Connection is a MUST

Running a business while traveling wouldn’t be possible without a reliable internet connection. When you’re on the move, it’s crucial to stay reachable for calls and emails. That’s why I always carry a portable WiFi router wherever I go. This way, I can stay connected and manage any business matters without having to depend on expensive hotel Wi-Fi or local cafes.

Communication is key when you run a business, and with the right tools, you can stay in touch with your clients and employees no matter where you are in the world. Additionally, using apps like Viber or Skype can save you money on international calls, ensuring that your business remains operational without breaking the bank.

6. Set Vacation Rules for Yourself

It’s tempting to leave your business behind completely when you go on vacation, but it’s often not realistic. When you run a business, there will always be things that need your attention. The trick is to create boundaries so you can still enjoy your trip without being glued to your devices.

I’ve set strict rules for myself: I allow myself a set amount of time each day to check in on work. For example, I spend 30 minutes each morning checking emails and another 30 minutes later in the day to wrap up any loose ends. This routine allows me to stay connected to the business, while also giving me plenty of time to enjoy the trip.

Remember, travel is essential for your mental health and well-being, especially if you run a small business. It’s an opportunity to recharge your batteries and return to work with a clear mind. Work hard, but don’t forget to have fun along the way.

7. Know When to Disconnect

One of the biggest challenges of running a business is knowing when to fully disconnect. You might feel like you have to check in on work all the time, even when you’re on vacation, but it’s important to take breaks. I’ve learned that the best way to recharge is to step away from the grind.

While you’re on vacation, trust that your team can handle things for a little while. Trust your delegation system, and don’t feel guilty about enjoying your time off. By allowing yourself to disconnect, you’ll return to your business feeling refreshed, more productive, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.

8. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

If you want to successfully run a business while traveling, delegation is essential. You can’t be everywhere at once, and you shouldn’t expect to. It’s vital to have a trusted team that can handle operations while you’re away. By delegating key tasks, you empower your team to take ownership of your business and ensure it runs smoothly, even in your absence.

The more you delegate, the more freedom you’ll have to travel without worrying about business operations. Invest time in training your team and creating a clear system of communication so that you can confidently step away from work when needed.

9. Embrace Technology

Technology is one of the most valuable tools when it comes to running a business on the go. From project management apps to communication tools, there are endless resources that can help streamline your operations while you travel. Tools like Slack, Asana, or Trello allow you to stay connected with your team, track progress, and manage tasks from anywhere in the world.

Embrace these tools to keep your business organized and efficient, no matter where you are. They allow you to focus on your travels while staying in the loop with your business.

Conclusion

Running a business while traveling doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. With a little planning, discipline, and the right systems in place, it’s possible to enjoy both worlds. You don’t have to put your career on hold to explore the globe, and you certainly don’t have to sacrifice the success of your business for the sake of adventure.

By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy balance between your business responsibilities and your wanderlust. So go ahead, explore new destinations, take time for yourself, and know that your business will be just fine while you’re away. After all, life is short, and travel is a beautiful way to recharge and return to your business stronger than ever.