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The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Remote Work While Traveling

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Remote work while traveling offers an exciting blend of flexibility and adventure. If you can work and travel, I’d say take full advantage of it and understand that despite being in your dream destination, your work must still get done. 

As someone who’s lived the digital nomad lifestyle, I can share that my experiences working remotely in Mexico City, Malta, and Copenhagen have been filled with ups and downs, but they’ve been valuable learning experiences. The best part is I got to explore these incredible cities during my free time without using a single vacation day.

If you’re considering working remotely and visiting your dream destinations, this guide is here to help. It covers choosing the right location and offers insights into the best digital tools, productivity tricks, and balancing work and life strategies.

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The Beginner’s Guide to Work & Travel

Pretty Black woman typing on laptop with mobile hotspot overlooking Spinola Bay in St. Julian's Malta. The many benefits of work and travel.

Part 1: Preparing for Remote Work and Travel

Before you take the plunge into the exciting world of remote work and travel, let’s ensure you’re all set and ready to go! I’d love to suggest arriving at your destination a few days ahead of your work schedule. This will allow you to ease into your new surroundings, settle in, and even get to know your neighborhood better.

Trust me, there’s nothing more reassuring than starting at a comfortable pace. It can help you avoid unnecessary stress and mistakes, ensuring a smoother journey ahead.

1.1 Choose the Right Destination

You’ll want to research your ideal destination ahead of time, considering factors like internet reliability, climate, safety, and time zones. Bali suits digital nomads, and Chiang Mai offers great co-working spots.  

When I worked remotely in Mexico City, occasional connectivity hiccups happened. While not a deal-breaker, not having a backup hotspot was frustrating. Investing in one after that trip was a smart move!

1.2 Plan Your Itinerary

When working while traveling, you’ll want to create a schedule that suits you and your travel companions. An itinerary, whether detailed or flexible, enhances planning, budget management, and cultural experiences. Remember that your itinerary should allow for spontaneity and relaxation to balance structured and free time during your getaway.  

1.3 Find Co-Working Space 

Working from the comfort of your hotel room or Airbnb can be an excellent choice when focusing on important tasks. However, this solo work environment can often leave you feeling isolated.

The answer to this challenge lies in coworking spaces, which provide designated work areas and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your desire to build a sense of community, especially when you’re on the road.

Coworking spaces have a proven track record for boosting productivity and reducing distractions by fostering a professional work atmosphere. That’s where coworking apps come in handy for finding the perfect workspaces near you.

Here are the best apps for finding coworking spaces:

Part 2: The Essential Electronics for Remote Work & Travel

An afternoon spent working remotely while traveling with an espresso, mobile hotspot and Iphone.

Having the right electronics for remote work can make or break your experience. Your digital tools will ensure a seamless connection with your team and clients, boost productivity, and save you from those frustrating moments!

Having the right electronics for remote work will make or break your experience, prevent you from staying connected with your team or clients, and ultimately hurt your productivity. Not to mention frustrate you! 

2.1 Laptop

Your employer may issue you a company laptop you can take, but if not, you’ll want to invest in a lightweight, fast, and reliable travel laptop. When deciding which type of laptop to use, first determine your needs and the work you do to help make your decision.

For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you’ll want a laptop with the best graphic designer tools and features to deliver the best product to your clients.  

2.2 Must-Have Accessories

Your essential remote work accessories play a crucial role in your overall experience. They go hand-in-hand with your laptop to ensure a smooth remote work journey. When choosing these accessories, prioritize quality – they truly elevate your remote work experience.

Investing in top-notch accessories increases your productivity and peace of mind. High-quality brands often offer excellent customer service and warranties, creating a win-win situation.

And remember, when it comes to ergonomic gear for travelers, don’t cut corners either! Your comfort matters.

Here’s a list of the must-have accessories you don’t want to leave home without:

2.3 Stay Connected with a Mobile Hotspot

A reliable internet connection is a must for remote work – without it, you’ll be left to twiddle your thumbs in front of a blank screen with idle screens. Researching destinations with solid internet is vital.

However, I get it; sometimes, your dream destinations have poor internet. A wireless VPN router and a reliable mobile hotspot will be your saviors in such cases.

During my remote work stint in Bacalar, Mexico, I didn’t research beforehand, assuming smooth internet – big mistake!

On some days, I had to resort to cafes. Investing in a portable travel-friendly hotspot can save you from similar headaches and disruptions. Stay connected with ease!

Here are some portable mobile hotspots to consider:

2.4 Power Banks: Your On-the-Go Lifesaver

Finding time to charge your devices can be challenging when you’re constantly moving. That’s where power banks come in handy. These nifty gadgets are your go-to solution for charging your devices, especially during important presentations or meetings.

After all, nobody wants their device to run out of battery in the middle of something crucial, right? Power banks make sure that doesn’t happen!

Below are the recommendations for the best power banks for travelers: 

Part 3: Supercharge Your Productivity

Coworking modern loft space.

3.1 Mastering Time Management

Effective time management is the name of the game when working remotely. Without someone constantly overseeing your work (unless you have a micromanager for a boss, in which case, I empathize with you), it’s up to your self-discipline to ensure your tasks are completed. I faced challenges with this while in Bacalar, Mexico. 

To boost your time management skills and stay focused, consider these helpful tips:

  • Set Clear Goals and Priorities: Define your daily and weekly goals, then prioritize tasks to stay focused on what’s most important.
  • Time Blocking: Allocate specific time blocks for work and leisure. Use calendars or time management apps (including time management apps) to schedule tasks.
  • Create a Dedicated Workspace: Establish a comfortable and productive work environment. This will help to minimize distractions and noise in your chosen workspace.
  • Effective Task Management: Use task management apps or to-do lists to keep track of assignments. Break tasks into smaller, manageable subtasks.
  • Offline Work Mode: When traveling, have offline work tasks ready (e.g., writing, reading, or brainstorming) in case of limited internet access.
  • Set Boundaries: Communicate your work hours to family or travel companions to minimize interruptions. Learn to say no to non-essential commitments.
  • Digital Detox: Take breaks from screens to rest your eyes and mind.
  • Practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds).
  • Stay Organized: Keep a digital or physical travel journal to log important information.
  • Healthy Routines: Maintain a regular sleep schedule to combat jet lag. Incorporate physical activity, meditation, and healthy eating into your daily routine.
  • Cultural Awareness: Learn about local customs and etiquette to ensure smooth travel interactions.

3.2 Effective Communication Tools

Practical communication tools can be game-changers and enhance your ability to connect with others. Plus, remember the power of turning on your camera during meetings creates a more connected and engaging experience for everyone involved. 

And if you’re looking for communication tools, here are some great options to consider:

3.3 Harness the Power of Cloud Storage

Using cloud storage to back up your work is smart – it guarantees that your important files remain safe. Even if your laptop is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can easily retrieve your essential work from your chosen cloud storage provider. For travelers, remote work file management is necessary.  

Part 4: Staying Connected with Work and Home

laptop and glass of water on wooden table with lush green plants surrounding a pool.

4.1 Regular Check-Ins and Updates

Staying connected while traveling is essential to keep in mind and adapt to. It enhances your overall well-being and is crucial in maintaining your connection with loved ones.

Regularly checking in and updating them about your experiences is incredibly important. Even a quick text and a stunning photo in front of the majestic Pitons in Saint Lucia keep those connections alive and strong.

4.2 Virtual Meetings and Conferences

As a digital nomad, you might join virtual events or attend conferences while traveling. For virtual gatherings, maintain a professional appearance on the top half – no one can see below unless you stand up! Ensure your camera is on and introduce yourself via chat. If attending an in-person conference, check for a dress code to plan your outfit.

Since the pandemic, many of us have adapted to the “business on top, casual on the bottom” work attire while working from home.

Part 5: Keeping Track of Your Budget

Passport and a glass jar labeled travel filled with money on a wooden background for financing work and travel.

5.1 Budget Tracking and Saving

Saving money on the road can be tricky, but it’s achievable. I treat foreign currency like Monopoly money and want to buy everything!  

Consider using the following apps to prevent overspending and stay on your budget. They’re excellent tools to help you manage your finances while on the road:

5.2 Smart Accommodation Choices

Exploring budget-friendly accommodations while working remotely can significantly improve your travel comfort. When selecting your home base, consider factors like renting an apartment and opting for long-term hotel stays. Personally, I find Booking.com to be a reliable platform for discovering affordable lodging.

For a more cost-effective stay, consider choosing a private room in a hostel or exploring co-living spaces with fellow remote workers. It’s a great way to balance comfort and affordability.

5.3 Unlocking Travel Rewards

Earning miles and points on the road is a great perk, especially if you’re a member of a travel reward program. If you often stay at Marriott hotels or exclusively fly with United Airlines or Delta, joining their rewards and loyalty programs is smart.

This lets you accumulate miles and points, which can be redeemed and used towards future trips without spending a dime. 

Another method for earning miles and points is using your credit card to buy your everyday needs and recurring bills and then paying them off monthly.   

Insider Tip: Look for Credit cards like Captial One Venture that waive international fees.

Part 6: Balancing Work and Leisure

Pretty Black woman in a Bali-style swimming pool with lush green plants and tiled bar embracing the perks of work and travel.

6.1 Prioritizing Self-Care

Prioritizing your health and wellness shouldn’t be taken lightly. You should commit to your daily self-care practice every day, especially while working remotely. If you don’t, it could lead to unintended setbacks and hurt your productivity, ability to collaborate with others effectively, and more.

If you’ve been sitting all day, take your next meeting as a walking meeting, practice yoga, meditate, exercise, or do anything else to help recharge and destress.  

You can work longer hours working remotely, and no one will tell you to stop working and take a break. Remember, for your well-being, taking breaks will help produce the best work and help prevent burnout. 

6.2 Immersing in Local Experiences

One of the most fantastic aspects of working while traveling is the abundance of local experiences waiting for you to discover. Unlike traditional vacations, where you rush to see and do everything within a limited timeframe, slow travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture, wander the streets, and learn about cultural traditions from the people who call the place home.

During my remote work and travel stint in Malta, I took the fullest advantage of the time zone difference. My mornings were spent people-watching over an espresso, admiring the stunning architecture, strolling down picturesque side streets, indulging in a diverse array of delicious cuisine, and exploring other enchanting Maltese islands.

For me, the icing on the cake was the crystal-clear waters! Malta will forever have a special place in my heart, and if I had the chance, I could have easily spent the entire summer working from that paradise.

Part 7: Documenting Your Journey

Two beautiful Black women in Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valetta, Malta posing overlooking bay.

7.1 Blogging and Social Media

Travel blogging or setting up social media accounts for fellow remote workers is an incredible way to document your experience, stay connected, foster a community, and motivate those to do the same!

Sharing your real-life experiences, both the ups and downs, provides aspiring digital nomads with an authentic look at the remote work and travel lifestyle.

7.2 Learning from Challenges of Work and Travel

If you’re embarking on a 6-month or more extended adventure of work and travel, consider reflecting and assessing any obstacles you conquered during your travels.  

Whether you decide to do this while on the road or after returning, take the time to document the lessons you’ve learned from remote work challenges and the hurdles you’ve overcome.  

This way, the valuable insights you’ve gained won’t slip your mind, and you can even share your wisdom to help others avoid the same mistakes. Evaluating your experiences and making necessary adjustments is a gradual process. With dedication and practice, you’ll eventually master working while traveling, embracing the true spirit of a digital nomad!

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