By Bethany Jett, @BetJett

When you’re traveling, there are simple truths that must be acknowledged. Your agenda is not your own. Your time is not your own. Your space is not your own. If you’re traveling with children, your meal choices and radio preferences in the car are not always your own.

While it’s the best case scenario to have all of our work and writing deadlines completed before a trip, it’s inevitable that you’ll find yourself reaching for your laptop so it’s best to be prepared for how to handle your business without driving everyone in your family crazy.

Determine Others’ Expectations

When traveling, you have to be creative with your work time. If you’re visiting family over a holiday break there are certain events and activities you’ll be required to attend. If you’re traveling for a conference or event, grab a copy of the schedule and highlight the days and times you need to be present.

I’ve been known to barter with my husband. “I’ll go to this event, but I don’t need to go to this one. Deal?” Respect the plans of your group and they’ll often reciprocate and not give you a hard time about working or writing.

Another tip is to stagger your work times. When we visited my brother-in-law last month for a week, I had a meeting that I could not postpone. I made sure to clear the majority of that day to be with my family and be completely present so that when I excused myself later for the meeting, my family didn’t feel cheated.

Declare Your Intentions

Be upfront with your schedule. When are your appointments? What are your deadlines? How much time do you need to hide away from everyone to get your work done?

You may end up staying up late or getting up early, which is difficult since traveling is exhausting in and of itself. Communicate that you while you have to write, you promise to only work on the tasks that are pressing or time-sensitive. Let your traveling companions know when you plan to be done working and then plan an activity to do after you finish.

Defend Your Time

Once you’ve determined your writing time, be diligent and use that time wisely. Scope out your working spot and claim it early. Is it the kitchen table? A corner of the couch? Will your laptop charger cable reach to the nearest available plug?

If you’re working a book deadline, turn off your email. Put your computer notifications on Do Not Disturb. Refuse to look at your social media accounts unless it is absolutely necessary for your project.

My husband will reward our kids with special activities during my work time so my writing feels like a win-win for the family. At our last hotel stay, I blocked off two hours to work and Justin took the boys to the pool and arcade areas. When they came back to the room, my kids were greeted with snacks I’d ordered for them and I turned off my computer until my next work time.

Writing and working is difficult when we are trying to create memories and be intentional with our families, but when we are upfront with our needs, and stop working when we say we will, we can make our travel experiences smoother and less stressful.

Bethany Jett is an award-winning author, speaker, military spouse, grad student, homeschool momma-of-boys, suspense-novel junkie, as well as the co-owner of Serious Writer, Inc, VP of Platinum Literary Services, and occasional blogger at BethanyJett.com. She describes herself as “mid-maintenance” and loves cute shoes and all things girly. Get her free #LiveBrilliant 30-day checklist here.