How traveling the world sharpened my productivity game
Everyone’s busy these days. Not just literally these days, when we’re wobbling back to normal after two weeks of eating our weight in turkey and mlinci (yes, go ahead and google it), while making wildly optimistic plans for a 2025 where we morph into lean, mean, productivity machines.
No, busy is the default. It’s the vibe. The problem? It’s a vibe filled with 75 open tabs, a calendar devoid of bathroom breaks, and a recurring follow-up meeting for a meeting from the year of our Lord 2021 that no one remembers the purpose of.
Stuffing your schedule and your brain with meaningless activities is like yelling into the void. Sure, there’s noise, maybe even an echo, but it’s not going to fill the emptiness. And unless you’re in some magical fantasy novel, there’s no epic speech coming your way either.
When it comes to distinguishing busyness from productivity, my perspective comes from two distinct sources: the adrenaline-fueled escapades of relentless travel in my 20s and early 30s, paired with the slower, savor-the-moment mindset of my later 30s. And, if I may indulge in a little self-praise, it’s worked out pretty well. Along the way, I’ve racked up multiple degrees, climbed the career ladder, pivoted careers, secured a solid financial footing, and managed to juggle a laundry list of passions on the side (some of which I’ve mentioned here).
The best part is that you don’t need a passport to steal this mindset, though of course if you can travel, I highly recommend it. If not, save the airfare, keep those frequent flyer miles, and reclaim your time right where you are. And no worries, no generic advice about SMART goals or time-blocking will be offered here. I will try to keep it thought-provoking.
1. Remember and regularly reconnect with your Why
Back in school, and later at university, I was always baffled by people who tried to cram their way to success. Memorizing the periodic table? Sure, fair enough. German irregular verbs? Okay, necessary evil. But most things? You’ve got to understand them first. (Pro tip: there’s even some logic to German irregular verbs, if you look closely).
That’s still how I function today, which is why Simon Sinek’s Start With Why really resonated with me. Start with purpose, and the rest will follow. These days, I ask myself two questions before I tackle anything:
Why does this matter?
Why am I doing it now and not tomorrow?
Even if the task is as thrilling as updating a spreadsheet, giving it context—“because someone asked me to, and it’s due on Tuesday”—helps me stay on track. It’s enough to stop me from procrastinating with a random call, a leisurely walk, or another spreadsheet. I know why it’s necessary to finish the job. More importantly, I’ve got the bigger picture in mind—a grand tapestry of tasks where this humble spreadsheet is a tiny, yet crucial, thread. It’s not just rows and columns; it’s a step toward something bigger. Or so I tell myself.
But let’s not get stuck in Spreadsheet Land. The why I’m talking about here is bigger: your motivation, inspiration, that inner fire. For me, certain places—Paris, New York, Vienna, and Rome—have the magical ability to kick my productivity into overdrive. In fact, Rome is the reason this very blog exists in the first place, and Vienna is the reason I am the person I am today.
You won’t find articles about New York or Paris on here yet, not because I don’t want to write them, but because no single article could do justice to these micro-universes. One day, I’ll crack the format, I promise. For now, let’s just say I’ve never felt tired walking along Fifth Avenue or Avenue Montaigne, even after tens of kilometers in a single day. These cities remind me of my purpose, spark fresh ideas, and push me forward, no matter how stuck I feel.
For you, the magic might not be a place. It could be an activity, a thing, or even a person who unblocks you. The key? Know why you’re doing what you’re doing and keep refilling your well of inspiration. Because without it, no spreadsheet—or life goal—is getting done.
2. Set up a space that screams "I’ve got this"
The logistics of chasing your dreams and staying productive are no different from any other logistical challenge: they depend on solid infrastructure. Think about it—whether you’re trying to hit a personal goal, manage a project, or just get through a busy workday, everything hinges on how well you set up your surroundings. It’s not just about ambition and drive; it’s about creating an environment that supports your efforts and makes the day-to-day process smoother.
In my recent article on Switzerland, I highlighted how the country’s impressive efficiency is partly due to its exceptional public services—everything from seamless transportation to reliable utilities. It’s no surprise that productivity thrives in places where systems are built to run like clockwork. Switzerland's infrastructure is a testament to how the right foundation can make everything else fall into place. Similarly, when it comes to productivity, the foundation you build—your environment, tools, and support system—forms the backbone of your success.
In Zurich, you can plan your day around the train schedule with near-perfect reliability. In Singapore, you can be certain that your bureaucratic appointment will wrap up in under 15 minutes. In Vienna, you can trust that you’ll wake up to a pristine city, where someone has already tended to the gardens and ensured every streetlight is working. Will there be mass strikes disrupting your plans in any of these places? Maybe, but it’s highly unlikely. And here’s the kicker: no one’s trying to multitask. The train folks focus on trains, the cleanliness crew focuses on cleanliness, and everyone sticks to their lane like a well-oiled machine.
In other words, efficient environments are structured and predictable (and honestly, sometimes a little bit boring). But take a second to think: predictable boredom versus unpredictable chaos? Apply that to your own space. Whether it’s a journal, productivity software (I might just be Notion’s biggest fan), or simply upgrading your setup with a comfy chair, adjustable desk, and a second monitor, make it work for you.
You should not be scrambling for cords or pens in the morning like a disoriented squirrel. Marie Kondo would probably tell you that doesn’t exactly spark joy.
3. Shake things up
Over the years, I’ve discovered that a change of scenery or a few thoughtful tweaks to my environment can do wonders for productivity. Sometimes, it’s all about finding a space that feels just right—welcoming, comfortable, and inspiring.
I’ve always been captivated by big cities where each neighborhood feels like its own little world, a small town nestled within the larger urban maze. It’s what gives a city its soul: the ability to wander from one distinct pocket to another, each with its own personality and rhythm.
Take Hong Kong, for instance. When Central’s neon skyline and high-energy streets wear you out, a quick tram ride lands you in Sham Shui Po, where sizzling street food and bustling markets deliver a sensory feast. Or you can retreat to the New Territories, where tranquil hiking trails weave through mountains, offering a welcome pause from the city’s relentless buzz.
Madrid is no different, a city of delightful contrasts. Malasaña pulses with indie energy, street art, and café con leche on sunlit terraces, while Salamanca greets you with polished boulevards, luxury boutiques, and the unmistakable scent of high-end perfume.
And if switching spaces isn’t an option, you can always learn a thing or two from Copenhagen, the ultimate haven of coziness. With its hygge-filled cafés, snug corners, and warm aesthetics, it turns even the coldest streets into inviting sanctuaries.
Remember that Gilmore Girls scene where Rory pays a guy $20 to leave “her” study tree? Relax—there’s no need for such territorial drama. Whether it’s swapping your office or home office desk for a café, heading to a quiet park, or simply brewing a favorite cup of tea, the right space can transform your focus and spark your creativity.
4. Master the art of productive distractions
There’s no way I can stay productive if my life is wall-to-wall work. That’s why I don’t just switch up spaces—I also switch up activities. And no, I’m not talking about different work tasks. My most effective productivity boosters come from what I like to call purposeful distractions: spending time with friends and family, learning new (and unrelated) skills or crafts, and getting my body moving. For you, it might be something else, but step away from your phone for a moment and give these a try, wherever you are. I’ll wait.
I come from a country where community is everything. Back home in the beautiful Croatian region of Slavonia, dropping by someone’s house almost always ends with an impromptu meal—or at least coffee and cake. I experienced a similar level of warmth in places like Sarajevo and Valencia. As I mentioned in my recent article on Spain, the social fabric there thrives on human connection. Work is neatly tucked into its allotted hours, leaving evenings for tapas, laughter, and long conversations.
Even as an introvert, these places remind me how vital it is to have a sense of belonging and people who genuinely care about you. Because at the end of the day, productivity thrives not just on focus but also on connection.
My second go-to productive distraction is learning—languages, skills, new subjects, you name it. I’m endlessly curious and can’t imagine a life without books, that’s why I’m going back to school again! That’s also why cities brimming with bookstores and libraries always leave me inspired: Boston and Cambridge (both the MA and UK versions), London, Buenos Aires, and Porto, to name a few. These places almost beg you to dive into a world of ideas and never come up for air.
Then there are cities where creativity practically drips from the walls: Vienna, Florence, Rome, Paris, Athens. With their art, architecture, and constant stream of cultural events, these places remind me that productivity in one area often feeds on exploring others. Dabbling in creative pursuits—whether it’s sketching, writing, or even just soaking up beauty—has a way of reigniting your energy for everything else. And here’s the truth: we’re all creative. Sometimes, we just need the right backdrop to realize it.
My final productive distraction is movement—a habit I’ve grown to truly value over the years. I’ve always appreciated walkable cities, and thankfully, most European cities fit the bill. Vienna is a green haven, dotted with parks and gardens perfect for a stroll. Swiss cities boast the ultimate backdrop for movement, with lakes and mountains practically at your doorstep. Valencia’s Turia Gardens, one of the longest urban parks in the world, offers runners' trails, bike lanes, and endless opportunities to stay active. Zagreb, with its nearby Medvednica mountain, promenades, and serene artificial lakes, makes stepping out feel like a mini escape.
It doesn’t matter how you move—whether it’s a brisk walk, a casual bike ride, or a full-on hike. The point is to move. It clears your head, sparks creativity, and resets your focus. And in cities like these, movement becomes more than exercise; it’s an experience.
5. Own your time before it owns you
Even though I gravitate toward warmer climates, I deeply appreciate, and often embody, the Central European precision when it comes to time. Switzerland, with its famously punctual trains and meticulously organized systems, is a world champion in time management. In Japan, where concepts like shun (doing things at the perfect moment) and kaizen (continuous improvement) shape daily life, the cultural approach to time is both intentional and inspiring.
These values resonate with me because time management and organization are cornerstones of how I live and work. This ties back to point 1 above: understanding why you’re doing something and why it’s worth prioritizing is the linchpin of effective time management. Oliver Burkeman captures this beautifully in Four Thousand Weeks: “We’ve been granted the mental capacities to make almost infinitely ambitious plans, yet practically no time at all to put them into action.” That’s why learning to prioritize is essential.
“Owning your time doesn’t mean wrestling it into complete submission; it means recognizing what truly matters and consistently returning your focus to it. In a world brimming with distractions, it’s a lesson worth revisiting daily.”
Japan offers a fascinating duality when it comes to time. In Tokyo, time feels like a relentless current—fast-paced, efficient, and unyielding, much like the city’s seamless train systems or the constant hum of its neon-lit streets. Contrast that with Kyoto, where time seems to slow down, inviting you to reflect amidst ancient temples and serene gardens. This balance between rapid progress and deliberate stillness is a powerful reminder that productivity isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also about creating space to breathe, think, and recalibrate. Both approaches have shaped my perspective on time management, teaching me the value of harmonizing action with reflection.
Speaking of slow living, I’ve often written on this blog (for instance, here and here) about how it’s a cornerstone of my life philosophy. I even took a sabbatical in 2024, and firmly believe it did wonders for my productivity, as I wrote here.
Slow places like the Croatian coast (Split, Zadar, Rovinj, Šibenik, Pula or Dubrovnik, to name just a few locations), Italy’s timeless gems (Florence or Bologna), Portugal’s soulful Lisbon and Porto, Greece’s historic Athens and Thessaloniki, Spain’s dynamic cities and islands (Barcelona, Tenerife, Cádiz, Seville, Granada, or Valencia), Bosnia’s heartfelt Sarajevo and Mostar, or Bali’s tranquil landscapes, all hold a special place in my heart.
Visiting some of these destinations, or simply adopting the principles of slow living wherever you are, can profoundly deepen your appreciation for time and help you manage it more wisely. After all, time isn’t just about doing—it’s about being.
And so, as we step into a fresh year, let’s make it one where our time isn’t just accounted for but truly lived. Because the secret to productivity isn’t squeezing more into each day; it’s making space for what really matters. And trust me, there’s no time management hack that compares to the fulfillment of being present in the moment.
Happy New Year, filled with travels—both inside and out.
Do you have any productivity hacks, and are any of them travel-inspired? Share your comments below!
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