Ah, the dream of taking a Zoom call with a breathtaking mountain view, nestled in a lush green retreat, or with your toes in the sand—sounds like paradise, right? Until your internet decides to take a workcation of its own. Here’s how to keep your meetings smooth, no matter where you roam.
Choosing the Right Tools
Not all video conferencing apps perform the same in different locations. If you’re on an island with sketchy WiFi, Zoom’s low-bandwidth mode might save you. Google Meet is great for browser-based calls, and Teams integrates well with Office tools. Always have a backup plan—just in case your go-to platform lets you down.
Optimising Video & Audio
- Turn off HD video if your connection is unstable.
- Use noise suppression settings (Zoom & Teams have built-in options!).
- Use a virtual background if your real one is…less than ideal (we see you, messy hotel room!).
Managing Time Zones
Nothing says “rookie remote worker” like scheduling a meeting at 3 AM your time. Use tools like World Time Buddy or Google Calendar’s built-in time zone feature to avoid those painful mishaps.
The Ultimate Workcation Video Call Setup
Best Portable Gear
- Noise-cancelling headphones – Drown out chatty coffee shop neighbours.
- A good mic – Your AirPods mic works, but a travel-sized lapel mic is a chef’s kiss.
- Ring light – Avoid looking like a silhouette in your beach bungalow.
Ideal Locations for Calls
- Co-working spaces – Reliable WiFi and minimal distractions.
- Hotels – More stable internet, but check speeds beforehand.
- Coffee shops – A gamble, but if it works, you get coffee + work vibes.
Background & Lighting Hacks
- Face the light – No one wants to talk to a shadowy figure.
- Use a blurred background – That way, nobody knows you’re actually poolside.
- Avoid movement in the background – A passing parrot is cool, but also distracting.
Internet Troubles? Here’s How to Stay Connected
Best Travel-Friendly WiFi Solutions
- Mobile hotspots – Skyroam, GlocalMe, or a local SIM card.
- Tethering from your phone – Works in a pinch but drains battery fast.
- Check your hotel’s WiFi before booking – Don’t assume it’s good!
Testing Your Connection
Before a big meeting, do a speed test (Speedtest.net) and check for lag. If all else fails, turn off video to save bandwidth.
Quick Fixes for Laggy Video
- Move closer to the router.
- Kick others off the network (sorry, Netflix-streaming roommate!).
- Switch to audio-only mode.
Staying Professional While Calling In From Paradise
What to Wear on Zoom
- Above the waist: Business casual.
- Below the waist: No one needs to know (but be careful if you stand up!).
Managing Distractions
- Hotel noise? Use noise-canceling apps like Krisp.
- Beach waves too loud? Move inside (sad, but necessary).
- Unexpected interruptions? Roll with it—people love a good “exotic location” moment.
Handling a Call Cut-Off
If your call drops mid-meeting, don’t panic. Rejoin ASAP and have a backup way to message the team (Slack, WhatsApp, email).
Meeting Etiquette While Traveling: Don’t Be That Person
Mute/Unmute Wisely
Nobody wants to hear “Can you hear me now?” every 5 minutes. Mute when not talking, but don’t forget to unmute when it’s your turn.
Be Mindful of Backgrounds
- No messy hotel beds.
- No random strangers walking behind you.
- No distracting motion (yes, we’re talking about those palm trees swaying beautifully).
Time Zone Awareness
Respect your global team. Avoid scheduling calls at crazy hours for others!
Balancing Work and Leisure on a Workcation
Set Meeting Boundaries
Just because you’re in paradise doesn’t mean you’re always on call. Block out your work hours and stick to them.
Communicate Availability
Let your team know when you’re online. A simple “I’m available from X to Y” message works wonders.
Say No to Unnecessary Meetings
If it can be an email, make it an email. Protect your workcation time!
Must-Have Apps for Smooth Remote Meetings
- Krisp – Blocks background noise.
- Otter.ai – Live meeting transcription.
- VPN – Keeps your work data secure while using public WiFi. (e.g. NordVPN)
Emergency Protocol: What to Do When Your Video Call Fails
Backup Plans
- Have a dial-in number ready.
- Switch to a different app (if Zoom fails, try Google Meet!).
- Use mobile data if WiFi goes out.
Recovering From a Tech Fail
If something crashes, own it. A simple “Sorry, my connection dropped!” keeps things professional.
Setting Expectations
Before travelling, let your team know your situation. Transparency goes a long way!
Final Thoughts
Workcations are the best of both worlds—if you do them right. With a solid setup, good etiquette, and backup plans, you can Zoom from anywhere without a hitch. Now, go enjoy that sunset… after your last meeting, of course!
