As of 2018, “50 percent of small businesses are home-based firms, including 60.1 percent of firms without paid employees,” as reported by the Small Business Administration. Having and growing a home business offers plenty of exciting opportunities. When you do not have set office hours, and employees that are also location-independent (or no employees at all), you can conduct business from almost anywhere on the planet. This is definitely a big positive, as most small business owners find it challenging or even impossible to plan a formal vacation. If you are considering taking your home business on the road in the near future, explore three effective strategies for stress-free travels.
Complete normal prep for a vacation
If you haven’t routinely taken your work on the road, it can be easy to get caught up in the business side of things. Focusing too much on preparing your business for travel can cause you to overlook important tasks that you would complete before any other kind of travel. Therefore, before you start preparing to take your work on the road, follow the normal steps you would before a standard vacation. For example, address all personal needs, such as packing medications, clothing, bath and beauty products, and any leisure-related items. Also, before driving to your destination, ensure that your chosen vehicle model is in top shape. If it has been awhile since your car, truck, or SUV has been serviced, be sure to take it in for all required routine maintenance (e.g. oil change, tire rotation). One of the most important parts of having a smooth trip is balancing and remembering the needs of both yourself and of your business.
Pack an “office in a bag”
Since you’ll be away from your usual home/remote office location for a while, you will need to prepare for this change. One of the best ways to do this is by packing an “office in a bag.” Start by using a large, protective bag that can safely transport everything you need to set up your office in any spot. Don’t forget to pack items such as your laptop, planner, pens, external computer equipment, and anything else needed for your day-to-day operations. In addition to using a sturdy bag that will protect your items, consider investing in a top-of-the-line laptop case. Water, accidental drops, and other hazards can quickly damage your computer, making it impossible to do business. Additionally, be sure that this bag can easily be transported between locations. This will give you the greatest level of flexibility when exploring new sights.
Map out free WiFi locations in advance
Before hitting the road, do your research on where you can find free WiFi at each of your destinations. Not only is this essential for business continuity, but planning your work locations in advance can help you make the most of your trip. Discovering that there is available WiFi at the beach, poolside, or at a gorgeous park can transform your workday into an amazing experience. Rather than confining yourself to the hotel business area, or to a coffee shop, aim to work in the most unique locations that you can find.
Bringing your home business on the road is an excellent way to take a vacation without compromising your work. Not only can you spend your workdays in some of the world’s most beautiful spots, but you can also enjoy the dining, attractions, and views of each city once you’re done for the day.
