Productivity on the Go: Three Habits That Travel With Me

Porto Cathedral, Porto, Portugal

You might wonder how someone as regimented as I am manages the chaos travel brings to a daily routine. Travel is extremely disruptive (to schedules, sleep, and exercise) but, for me, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

For anyone interested in staying fit mentally, emotionally, and physically while on the road, I’m sharing the three things that remain constant for me, no matter where I go.

These practices have grounded me for years during my time abroad, and I recommend them to any frequent (or aspiring) traveler. Like John McClane in Die Hard, this is how I grip the world with my bare toes.

Practice #1: Running

While I don’t usually pack workout equipment (my luggage is overstuffed as it is), my running shoes go with me on every trip–no matter how short. For me, seeing a city on my morning run is the best way to explore a new place. I jog up every staircase and hillside in sight, which has led to many unexpected and often spectacular views. 

I can cover a lot more ground on an early morning run than walking through crowded pedestrian streets during the day, and I love the peace and perspective exploring through running provides. And I don’t just run to rack up the extra steps. If I see something interesting or beautiful, I’ll stop and explore or take a quick photo to remind me to return later. Inevitably, I end up in places I never would otherwise.

Pro Tip: Look for local recreational sports groups (run clubs, cycling clubs, etc.) wherever you go. I discovered a “Sightseeing Running Tour” in Barcelona that met before dawn. It was an incredible opportunity to see the city’s highlights in just over an hour–and make new friends along the way! 

Practice #2: Meditation

Often related to my morning workout is my spiritual practice of prayer and meditation. On my runs, I will often discover the most beautiful churches, chapels, and cathedrals, and, more often than not, I’ll walk in. The best moments are those serendipitous ones when a service is just starting or already underway. Athletic attire and all, I am always welcomed to partake in traditions that past pilgrims have practiced for centuries. I’ve attended services in French, Italian, and Spanish, and while I don’t understand every word, I don’t need to. The meaning is clear; it speaks to the soul.  

Taking time to pause, reflect, and invite divine insights (or “glimmers”) into my life–especially while traveling–makes the experience far more meaningful. 

Pro Tip: Traveling naturally makes us more open to new ideas and experiences, so it’s the perfect time to create space for spiritual learning and personal growth. 

Practice #3: Location-Specific Learning

I love to learn, and time abroad isn’t a break from work or deep thinking; rather, it’s the inspiration that fuels my creativity. Because overseas travel is a part of my life (rather than simply an annual vacation), I need to be able to enjoy new cities and cultures while maintaining (even accelerating) productivity. 

One way I ensure my time overseas is productive is by setting goals. Before takeoff, I make two lists. 1) The first is all the things I need to accomplish before the trip (planning, packing, errands, etc.). 2) The second is a list of personal and professional goals to accomplish during the trip. Sometimes this travel to-do list includes writing at least one blog post or newsletter while I’m abroad or publishing a thought-leadership piece.

Other times, my continuous learning takes the form of country-specific classes or workshops that are uniquely tied to my travels. For example, in Cordoba, I signed up for a month of Spanish language classes, which ended up being a wonderful way to meet fellow English-speakers and make new friends. In Porto, I took a pastel de nata workshop and learned how to bake Portugal’s famous (and delicious) custard tarts. (Yum.) And in Argentina, I took tango lessons with one of the country’s most renowned dance instructors.   

Pro Tip:Set goals for your travels. Whether it’s finishing the book that’s been sitting on your nightstand all year or studying a special skill you can’t learn anywhere else, make travel an opportunity for continued learning and creative inspiration. 

Conclusion 

Travel can (and should) be about far more than Aperol cocktails and yacht parties. New places offer an opportunity for personal growth and development IF we choose to cultivate a growth mindset wherever we go. 

So the next time you’re overseas, dig your toes in a little: Move your body. Set goals. Engage your mind and nourish your spirit. When you do, you’ll return home with much more than souvenirs: You might just experience a shift that will change your life. 

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