How To Work Remotely And Travel: 9 Insider Tips From A Pro
Ever thought about swapping your office for a beachfront workspace? Yeah, who hasn’t? Learning how to work remotely and travel has been a game-changer for me and my partner, and I’m here to spill the beans on how you can make this dream a reality.
It’s like mixing business with pleasure, but actually getting work done. But don’t be fooled, it isn’t as glamorous as you have probably seen on Instagram or Facebook!
Let me show you my top realistic tips from an 8+ year full-time digital nomad.
Firstly, Can I Travel Internationally While Working Remotely?
Absolutely! I’ve been there, done that, and got the passport stamps to prove it. But here’s the kicker, it’s not all sunset selfies and beachfront laptops. You’ve got to plan and adapt. But fear not, that’s where I come in to guide you through.
2 Types Of Remote Work
Travel While Working As A Digital Nomad or Freelancer
Dive into the digital nomad or freelancer lifestyle to find more freedom. The benefits? You set your own hours, making it much easier to juggle time differences. There's also the enticing potential to earn big, depending on how you play your cards. However, this path offers less financial security. It’s perfect for those who value flexibility and have an entrepreneurial spirit.
Travel While Working As A Full-time Employee
Then, there's the remote full-time employee. You have the stability of a regular paycheck, benefits, and the structure of a traditional job, but with the golden ticket to work from anywhere. This setup requires clear communication, a strong work ethic, and a knack for managing time zones to stay aligned with your team. It’s crucial to create a dedicated workspace wherever you are to maintain professionalism and productivity.
9 Tips To Work Remotely And Travel
1. Have a solid internet connection and backup internet
An unreliable connection can be a major setback. Research your chosen destination to make sure it has solid wifi and then Invest in a high-quality portable Wi-Fi device as a backup plan!
Alternatively, you can also buy a local SIM card with generous data plans as another option.
I can’t tell you how many times this dual-layer approach has saved me over the years! It ensures you're never left stranded without internet, crucial for those unexpected work emergencies and client calls. For more information, see how we Stayed connected to wifi in Spain.
2. Find somewhere to work
Finding the right workspace is essential for productivity while you travel. Hotels now often cater to remote workers, offering quiet business centers or lounges with strong Wi-Fi. For a community vibe, digital nomad hostels provide not just a place to stay but also communal workspaces with private meeting booths and the chance to network with fellow travelers.
Nearby co-working spaces are another great option, offering professional amenities and a chance to mingle with local professionals. Each option offers its own blend of convenience, community, and resources, allowing you to choose based on your work preferences and lifestyle needs.
3. Stick with your normal routine
Maintaining your usual routine is a cornerstone of success when working remotely and traveling. The temptation to deviate from your regular schedule can be strong, especially when you're in a new and exciting environment. However, sticking to familiar work patterns helps ensure productivity and keeps you grounded. There is always time to explore later!
This means waking up at your usual time, dedicating specific hours to work, and allowing for breaks and leisure activities just as you would at home. Adapting your routine to fit local time zones may be necessary, but the essence of your workday structure should remain consistent. By keeping to your routine, you create a sense of normalcy amidst the changing backdrops of your travels, balancing the thrill of exploration with the discipline of work.
4. Travel with your ‘anchors of stability’
Traveling with your 'anchors of stability' is about bringing along those items that ground you and make any new place feel a bit more like your personal space. These could be anything from your favorite coffee mug, a cherished notebook, or a playlist that keeps you focused. It's about recreating a familiar and comforting work environment, no matter where you are in the world.
These items remind you of your home or your usual workspace, providing a psychological comfort that can boost your efficiency. Especially when adapting to new surroundings, these personal touches will make a difference when settling in and getting down to business with minimal disruption.
This strategy is not just about physical items; it’s also about routines and rituals that you can carry with you, like morning stretches or a specific tea you drink while working. These small but significant elements play a crucial role in balancing travel with the stability needed for effective remote work.
5. Balance work and travel
It’s crucial to allocate specific times for work and ensure that you're as productive as possible during these periods. This means setting clear boundaries for when work ends and leisure begins, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experiences around you without the guilt or stress of unfinished tasks hanging over you.
Effective time management is key, prioritize tasks and tackle them during your most productive hours. Use the flexibility of remote work to your advantage by exploring your surroundings when it suits you best, perhaps during quieter times when tourist spots are less crowded. Remember, the goal of combining work with travel is not just to see new places but to experience them.
6. Travel lightly and comfortably
When you are figuring out how to work remotely and travel, it’s crucial to be able to minimize your luggage to the essentials. The key is to pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched for various climates and occasions, reducing the bulk in your suitcase.
For your tech gear, bring only the devices and accessories critical to your productivity, like a lightweight laptop, a universal adapter, and perhaps a portable keyboard or mouse for ergonomic working conditions. This will vary depending on your chosen remote work profession. Take a look at our digital nomad packing list.
7. Review your company’s policies for remote work
If you’re employed, reviewing your company's policies for remote work is a critical step before embarking on your travel journey. It's essential to understand the guidelines and expectations set by your employer regarding working remotely, especially from different locations. This includes checking any stipulations on work hours, communication protocols, data security measures, whether there are any geographic restrictions on where you can work and of course, tax!
Openly discussing your travel plans with your manager and HR department can help clarify any uncertainties and ensure you're in compliance with company policies.
8. Maintain your business relationships with the time zone differences
Maintaining your business relationships despite time zone differences is about careful planning and communication. When you're traveling and working remotely, it's vital to stay connected with your team and clients, even if you're oceans apart.
If you're a freelancer, one approach is to choose destinations that align with your most productive working hours. This way, you can work when you're at your best, while still being available for client calls and meetings during their business hours.
On the other hand, if you're employed full-time, consider selecting locations that match closely with your company's work hours. This alignment minimizes the disruption to your regular workday and simplifies scheduling meetings and collaborations.
9. Working remotely and traveling isn’t for everyone, don't confuse IG with real-life
Working remotely and traveling is not just the idyllic lifestyle often portrayed on Instagram. Behind those perfect snapshots lies a reality filled with its own set of challenges. It demands discipline, excellent time management, and the ability to adapt to changing environments, qualities that are not suited to everyone.
The freedom to explore new cultures and locales often comes with unforeseen challenges like finding reliable Wi-Fi or a quiet spot for meetings.
Before leaping into this lifestyle, consider whether you can manage the balance between work and exploration, keeping in mind that the reality involves more than just scenic workspaces.
How To Stay Connected While Working Remotely
➢ Research Your Accommodation’s Wi-Fi: Before booking your stay, check reviews or contact the place directly to inquire about the Wi-Fi quality. This ensures your chosen accommodation meets your connectivity needs, avoiding potential work disruptions.
➢ Invest in Reliable Tech: A high-quality laptop and smartphone with ample battery life for those moments away from power sources.
➢ Use a Portable Wi-Fi Device: For consistent internet access, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is invaluable. It offers a backup plans for wifi and a secure and stable connection, crucial for remote work.
➢ Have Multiple Data Plans: Equip yourself with data plans from various carriers or a global SIM card to switch as necessary, ensuring you're always connected.
➢ Know Your Hotspots: Identify and note down local spots like cafes and libraries with reliable Wi-Fi, making them your go-to places for working in new locations.
➢ Offline Preparation: Utilize apps that allow for offline work to keep productivity up, syncing your progress once you reconnect to the internet.
➢ Test Your Speeds: Use speed testing tools to ensure your internet connection can handle video calls and large file transfers smoothly.
How To Balance Your Remote Work And Travel
Balancing remote work and travel efficiently comes down to smartly managing your time so that you can meet your work commitments while still soaking up your surroundings. Start by aligning your work schedule with the times you're most productive. This way, you have designated periods for exploration. It’s crucial to establish firm work boundaries for yourself to stay focused during work hours and fully enjoy your leisure time. Prioritize your tasks, focusing on the most critical ones first to make the most out of your working hours, leaving you free to explore guilt-free.
Staying organized is key. Keeping a planner or CRM for both work and travel helps you keep track of your responsibilities alongside your adventures. Flexibility is essential in this lifestyle. Be ready to adjust your plans based on work demands or unexpected travel opportunities, ensuring you maintain a balance between professional and personal fulfillment.
The Best Jobs To Work Remotely And Travel
Online Sales Representative
Online sales representatives leverage the digital realm to sell products or services, engaging with customers via email, social media, or video calls. This role is perfect for remote work because it only requires a good internet connection and a knack for persuasive communication, allowing for flexibility in location and the ability to tap into markets worldwide.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital marketing specialists craft and execute online strategies to boost a brand's presence and sales. The role's compatibility with remote work stems from its reliance on digital tools and platforms that can be accessed from anywhere, enabling specialists to analyze trends, manage campaigns, and create content on the go, ensuring they can work from any locale without missing a beat.
Content Writer/Editor
Content writers and editors produce and refine written material for websites, blogs, and social media. The beauty of this job lies in its core requirement: a laptop and a solid command of language, making it ideal for remote work. Writers and editors can immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences, fueling their creativity and providing fresh perspectives that enhance their writing.
Web Developer/Designer
Web developers and designers create and maintain websites, requiring only their coding skills, design prowess, and a laptop. This role is exceptionally remote-friendly because it involves tasks that are done entirely online, offering the freedom to work from any location with internet access, from bustling city cafes to tranquil beach resorts, all while building and beautifying the web.
SEO Consultant
SEO consultants optimize websites to rank higher in search engine results, a critical role that can be performed from anywhere in the world. The job's suitability for remote work is due to its analytical nature, involving keyword research, trend analysis, and strategy implementation—all tasks that require internet access but no fixed office space, allowing consultants to work from locations that inspire them.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants offer administrative support remotely, handling tasks like email management, scheduling, and data entry. This role epitomizes remote work flexibility, as it necessitates organizational skills and internet access, permitting assistants to support businesses from any corner of the globe and explore new destinations as they work.
Online Educator/Tutor
With the rise of e-learning, online educators and tutors can impart knowledge across subjects to students worldwide via virtual platforms. This position is ideally suited for remote work because it transcends geographical boundaries, enabling educators to inspire and engage with learners from diverse backgrounds while also indulging their passion for travel.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers create visual concepts using software, perfect for remote work as it only requires design tools and creativity. Designers can draw inspiration from their travels, incorporating global aesthetics and cultures into their work, enriching their designs and connecting with audiences more profoundly.
Social Media Manager
Social media managers curate content, manage posts, and engage with audiences across social platforms. This role is made for remote work because it capitalizes on digital connectivity, allowing managers to stay in tune with social trends and community feedback from anywhere, ensuring brands remain relevant and responsive no matter the manager's location.
Travel Blogger/Vlogger
Travel bloggers and vloggers document their journeys, sharing insights, tips, and stories with their audience. This career is the epitome of remote work, blending passion with profession. It allows individuals to explore the world while creating content that inspires others to do the same, turning travel experiences into a source of income and influence.
Take a look at our full list of traveling jobs with no experience required.
Conclusion: How To Work Remotely And Travel
Embracing the remote work and travel lifestyle successfully combines careful planning with the adaptability to embrace new experiences. It's crucial to select destinations that not only inspire but also support your work with reliable internet and suitable living costs. Establishing a routine that balances productivity with exploration allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Staying connected with effective technology and communication tools ensures your work remains uninterrupted, while engaging with local and digital nomad communities can enrich your experience.
Prioritizing your health and well-being is essential, as the demands of travel and work can be taxing. Be prepared for challenges, from navigating time zone differences to adapting to new cultures, and see each as an opportunity to learn and grow. With a thoughtful approach, the remote work and travel lifestyle can offer an unmatched blend of professional development and personal fulfillment.