How to Balance Work and Exploration on a Long Road Trip

Embarking on a long road trip while managing a remote job can be both exhilarating and challenging. The thrill of exploring new destinations combined with the responsibilities of staying productive at work requires careful planning and flexibility. Here’s how you can strike the perfect balance between work and exploration on your journey.

1. Plan Your Schedule Around Your Work Hours

• Start by asking yourself when you really need to work. If you need to be online at specific times, structure your travel itinerary to accommodate these commitments. If you work 9-5 don't let that discourage you from taking your trip. The sun doesn't typically set until around 9 in the summer time, so there is plenty of time to squeeze in an adventure if you plan accordingly.

• Be sure to keep timezones in mind and possibly even use them to your advantage. If you’re traveling westward, earlier work hours might free up your afternoons. Conversely, heading east might give you leisurely mornings. You could use this time for exploring or driving to your next destination.

• Set a limit on how many hours you'll want to drive in any given day knowing you'll need to work a full day. It's best to drive during the day if possible so you can have time to setup camp or just ensure wherever you are staying is safe.

For me, this looks like working from 5 am - 1 pm while on the west coast to maintain east coast hours while having plenty of time to explore after work. I have also set a 4 hour driving limit in a day because this still gives me enough time to eat dinner, find a sleeping spot, and setup camp.

2. Choose Your Destinations Wisely

Internet access and a conducive environment for work are very important as a digital nomad. If you are looking for public wifi you could visit coffee shops, libraries, or breweries in a scenic small town. You could also look into coworking spaces. There are some national parks that have wifi in their visitor centers, but you'll want to do your research before relying on a park to have internet. If you want to be self sufficient and provide your own internet, you can read more about getting internet on the road by reading this post.

Trying to work in public places with pets may be difficult, so be sure to research dog-friendly places if you’re traveling with pets. I like to use BringFido to find dog-friendly places while I travel. To get around the wifi and pet issue, I use the Starlink for internet and find free campsites in BLM land. Sometimes the spots lead to hiking trails making it perfect for both working and exploring.

Some tips:

• You can stay near towns with strong cell service or Wi-Fi hotspots or plan to provide your own connection.

• Prioritize locations where you can quickly switch from work mode to adventure mode.

• Many national parks don't allow pets on non-paved trails so be sure to check park rules before bringing your pets.

3. Create a Comfortable Mobile Workspace

A functional mobile office is crucial for productivity. Set up your car or campsite with essentials like:

• Portable laptop stand

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Mobile hotspot or Starlink for internet access

• Power inverter or solar charger to keep your devices powered

• Portable monitor

Ensure your workspace is ergonomic and adaptable to different environments, whether it’s the back of your car or a picnic table in a park. This post goes into more detail around a great digital nomad mobile office setup.

4. Master the Art of Time Blocking

This is a hack whether you go on a road trip or just need to set boundaries with work. Time blocking can help you allocate specific hours for work and exploration. It's the key to time management and getting a better work life balance. Here's an example of how you might use time blocking:

• Block off the times on your calendar where you don't want people to schedule meetings

• Dedicate the other times to focus on work

• Reserve evenings/blocked time for leisurely activities like enjoying a campfire or strolling through a local town

• Stick to your schedule, but allow room for flexibility in case of unexpected opportunities or delays

• Don't forget to take a break for lunch

5. Prioritize Offline Activities

If you're going on a road trip that likely means you are looking to explore new places and try new experiences. Since you'll be working on your trip as well, I encourage you to use your blocked time completely technology free. Take some time to do the below and try avoiding the distractions like social media, work emails, and whatever else takes you away from being present. Here are some offline activities you could try:

• Hiking trails in national parks

• Driving to scenic viewpoints or along scenic highways

• Reading or journaling

• Having a bonfire

• Stargazing

• Trying new restaurants, breweries, or wineries

These activities will recharge your creativity and energy for work.

6. Set Boundaries and Manage Expectations

Communicate with your employer or clients about your road trip and establish boundaries. Let them know your availability and response times. Be firm on those calendar blocks and say no to unnecessary meetings. You could also:

• Share your travel plans so they understand when to expect you to be back to your typical routine

• Let them know when you might have limited connectivity

• If you have projects to complete, set realistic deadlines that align with your travel pace

• Take some time off so you can spend time enjoying your adventure without the stress of work

Having a plan and being transparent will help build trust and establish expectations. If you do it correctly your company will be more likely to support you instead of asking for you to return home.

7. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

Despite careful planning, things may not always go as expected. Poor weather, spotty internet, or fatigue can disrupt your schedule. When this happens:

• Adjust your work hours to accommodate unforeseen circumstances

• Be willing to explore during unexpected downtime or extend your stay in areas with good connectivity

• If it doesn't work out it's okay to go back home

• Have a plan to work from inside your car in case there is bad weather and you're far from a town

8. Work with a View

If you provide your own internet you can find some work views that people will think is a fake background. These can be found on BLM land or nice campgrounds. There are some websites you can use to find these spots like freecampsites.net, iOverlander, or campendium.com.

Even a change of scenery at a cute coffee shop or cafe could make working better.

Exploring new places is always worth it even if you do have to work.

9. Prioritize Self-Care

Balancing work and travel can be exhausting. To maintain your energy levels:

• Plan where you will sleep ahead of time

• Get enough sleep

• Stay hydrated and eat nourishing meals

• If you will be living out of your car, plan where you will shower ahead of time

• If you're traveling solo, be sure to call your people to help with loneliness

• Practice mindfulness by journaling or meditating

• Take breaks to stretch during the work day and long drives

10. Reflect and Adjust as Needed

Regularly evaluate your work-travel balance. Are you feeling fulfilled and productive? If not, adjust your schedule or simplify your itinerary. The goal is to enjoy your journey without compromising your work commitments.

Final Thoughts

Balancing work and exploration on a long road trip is a skill that takes practice. With the right mindset and strategies, you can experience achieving professional success while creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re navigating the serene landscapes of national parks or diving into vibrant cityscapes, the journey will be as rewarding as the destination. So pack your laptop, hit the road, and enjoy the adventure!