Vacation… For many of us that means sun, sand, and… a laptop?

While some people have the luxury of completely disconnecting while on vacation, many of us need to stay connected even while traveling for fun. Entrepreneurs and employees working from remote locations often take their work with them, and if that keeps the money rolling in, then what’s the harm? None—as long as you still get some vacation time in!

And that’s the challenge: balancing work and play. Why bother vacationing if you’re just going to sit in front of your laptop all day? If you happen to be traveling with friends or family, you can face major FOMO (fear of missing out) when everyone’s talking about all the fun stuff you missed while stuck answering emails all day.

So, how do you get work done on time while traveling and still have time left over for fun activities? We’ve put together 6 tips to help ensure that you enjoy your vacation and stay on top of your work at the same time.

1. Work More Before Your Vacation to Get Ahead 

If you’ve been planning your trip in advance, try to get ahead of your work schedule before you leave. Inform clients that you’ll be traveling to manage their expectations. Travel can be unpredictable, so to avoid missed deadlines and catch-up during your trip, try to get things done before you leave.

Finishing your work earlier can also mean early pay and more spending money for your trip!

2. Check the Internet Options Before You Take-Off

Find out exactly what type of internet connection is offered at your accommodations and locate other nearby internet spots (like cafes and libraries) that you can access. Travel websites often feature detailed reviews about hotel amenities, so read some reviews about the internet connectivity where you’re staying—slow internet is just as bad as having no internet at all (maybe even worse)! Remember that you get what you pay for, so it may be worthwhile to spend slightly more on accommodations with faster, more reliable internet.

Make sure to always have a backup plan! You could use your smartphone as a WiFi hotspot if needed, so be sure your data package is juiced up and remember to pack a portable battery charger before you head out on your journey.

3. Schedule Time for Work

If you’re traveling alone, scheduling work at a convenient time won’t be too difficult. But, traveling with family or friends makes things a little more complicated, what with working around group activities and all.

Try to wake up at least two hours earlier than everyone else (when there are no distractions) to get your work done in peace and quiet. Then, go have fun with everyone else and enjoy your day. Depending on the amount of work you have, you can even squeeze in another few hours after dinner.

4. Double-Check Your Equipment and Bring Back-Up

Before you leave, make sure your electronics are working well. Is your laptop charger old? Does your cell phone charger only work when balanced at a certain angle? Get replacements and/or carry spares! The last thing you want is to spend your money on replacements that will cost twice as much as they do at home.

And if you’re headed abroad, don’t forget to pack an international outlet adapter. Your gadgets won’t keep you connected if you can’t keep them charged.

5. It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere!

Yes, this is an excuse to sip cocktails whenever you feel like it. It’s also a reminder to account for time differences while you’re traveling. If you’re journeying across the globe, you may be ahead or behind your clients time-wise. This will definitely affect your deadlines and your working hours, so keep that in mind.

Pro tip: Set the clock on your phone and computer to show both time zones for an easy reminder.

6. Back to Basics

You may find yourself with no equipment at all—no laptop, no cellphone, no charger, no WiFi. The horror! Whether your electronics croaked, or you’re out communing with nature sans electronics, inspiration can strike at any moment. Carry a notebook and pen with you to jot down any spur of the moment ideas that come to mind. There’s nothing worse than trying to remember the brilliant idea that struck you earlier and failing.

The Bottom Line: Preparation and Flexibility 

We can’t always avoid working on vacation, and working while traveling can be a headache even at the best of times. So, do yourself a favor and plan ahead to minimize any technical difficulties. Prepare for potential electronic-related problems and be ready to adapt if (and when) things don’t go accordingly.

It’s not easy trying to work when the WiFi is slow and the beach is calling—but it’s possible! These work travel tips will allow you to be efficient and productive to maximize your vacation time. Happy travels!