For many remote workers, the biggest perk of not having an office is enjoying the opportunity to travel and explore new destinations while working.
When you could work anywhere in the world, you can explore new places, try new food, and meet new people while working from your laptop. You could be sipping wine in Naples, skydiving in Dubai, or biking in Amsterdam after a hard day’s work in your hotel. Some people find it easier to work with motivation when they are in a new environment which makes remote work the dream life.
But don’t get us wrong. Travelling while working is not at all a piece of cake especially with all the logistic concerns you have to iron out even before it happens. But if you really want to do it, you could learn a lot from remote work experts. Below are some tips on how to work at your best while also being on the go.
1. Look for a stable Internet connection.
Remote work is possible because of the Internet so that’s the number one thing that you should check even before arriving at your next destination. For example, if you’re staying at an Airbnb, don’t be content with just looking for places that say WiFi is available. Do the extra step and ask the host what’s the upload and download speed of their internet connection. Aside from your accommodations, you should also be on the lookout for cafes with Internet access and co-working spaces. You may go check Nomadlist to ask fellow digital nomads where the Internet is good.
2. Know the difference in your timezone from everyone else in your team.
You may be working at a different time from your teammates so make sure you know what timezone you are in. You may also set focus time blocks when you could already check your Inbox or work on some tasks while your teammates are deep in slumber. Once they’re all in the office, you could focus on tasks that need their input.
3. Bring your “anchors of stability” along with you.
According to Help Scout, these are items that could make any place feel like you’re not far from home. They may not be necessary to bring but having them with you may help give a better headspace so that you could work with a clearer head anywhere, anytime. For example, you came from an Asian household so you’d always have chopsticks and instant noodles with you wherever you go because they remind you of home. Help Scout recommends knowing what your “anchors” are so that remote work is easier and less stressful.
4. Develop a routine and stick to it.
Wherever you are, it helps if you follow a work routine. For instance, your step-by-step morning routine may have become second nature to you because your body already knows what it'll do out of habit. It’s easier to ease into any space if you already have an established work routine.
5. Separate time for work and exploring.
Since you are working, you should book a longer stay if you want to go to all the tourist destinations. Be realistic because you are not only there for leisure; you also have to deliver work so that you could support your trip expenses. Schedule time for going around, maybe from 8 to 12 in the morning, you could visit museums then after lunch, you can check out a cafe beside the art complex for you to do focused, uninterrupted work. If you can’t afford to stay longer, then you should already accept your reality. Manage your expectations so you don’t end up getting frustrated.
6. Have a cut-off time for the day.
Once you’re done with work, that’s it. Don’t extend or do any favours for your colleagues once you’ve reached your self-imposed cut-off time. If there is any correspondence that came after your “work hours,” check them tomorrow. It’s important to be strict with yourself so that you would still have the time to explore your destination. You don’t want to be waking up early in the morning for a meeting then ending your work already late at night while your new friends enjoy their night out at a bar nearby.
7. Suit up with the right tools.
Make sure your equipment is ready for remote work. You always have to be online so charge your gadgets’ batteries and have pocket wifi and a power bank ready just in case. Prepare adapters with plugs that they use in your destination. Another expert travel tip is to get Google Authenticator on your phone so as not to encounter any problems with two-factor sign-ins.
You could also bring a portable laptop stand. This would help you work with comfort even though you are travelling. You no longer have to bear neck or back strain when travelling.
8. Travel light.
Bring just what you need. The more you travel, the more you’ll realize how hassle-free it is to have a piece of smaller luggage with you. It’ll be easier for you to move around and settle in your accommodation when you have fewer bags with you. Just make sure you have all your essentials in your bag. Anything extra such as a new outfit just for an Instagram post should be discarded.
Final Thoughts
You may enjoy remote work even more by booking trips to your dream destination. You could visit new places when it’s not peak season and avoid the rowdy crowds. This of course needs thorough planning on your part so as to ensure a hassle-free vacation.
