8 Tips on Working and Traveling at the Same Time
For many people, the idea of working and traveling at the same time is just a dream. However, being a travelpreneur or digital nomad is possible if you put in the effort. These eight tips will help you turn your dream into a reality.
- Make Sure You Can Do Your Job Remotely
Whether you are working for someone else or running your own business, if you want to work and travel at the same time, whatever you are doing to earn money needs to be able to be done remotely. If you are working for someone else, make sure the work they are offering is 100% remote or if they are running a hybrid workplace, ensure that your required time in the physical office is limited enough to allow you to have the freedom to travel.
- Choose Your Destinations Carefully
It won’t do you much good to have a remote job if you don’t have reliable access to the internet. If you are working a job with a set schedule, make sure you stay in a location where you can access the resources you need during your working hours and save any excursions to more remote areas for your time off. If you can set your schedule, make sure you align your deadlines with times when you plan to be in an area where you can work and that your clients know how to get in touch with you while you are off the grid.
- Scope Out the Internet Access Before You Go
Access to the internet is your top priority on the days you will be working. If you are going someplace new, research the internet options before you go. Check the availability of wifi hotspots at restaurants and businesses. If you are staying at a hotel or Airbnb, make sure it has reliable internet and find out how much you will have to pay for it. If you are relying on cellular internet, make sure you can get a strong enough signal where you are going.
- Establish a Routine
You will probably want to split your time between working and exploring. If you don’t create a schedule, it can be easy to let one activity take over your entire day. Create a schedule for when you plan to work and when you plan to explore. This way, you won’t go broke because you aren’t getting your work done and you won’t miss out on the point of traveling by spending all your time in your hotel room.
- Work During Downtime
Take advantage of the downtime to get some work done when there isn’t anything better you could be doing. For example, if you were planning on doing outdoor activities and it is going to rain all day, use that time to get your work done and then double up on exploring when the weather is better. Layovers at airports and long train rides can also be good opportunities to get some work done.
- Don’t Disappear
Ideally, it shouldn’t be obvious to your clients or your boss that you are traveling while working. Check-in regularly and keep them updated on your progress or any delays.
- Plan Some Wiggle Room Into Your Schedule
Don’t schedule something for every minute of the day. Leave some unscheduled time so that if something crops up with your work or travel schedule, you have the flexibility to adjust.
- Decide How Much You Need To Work
Before you make any travel plans, determine how much you need to work every day and then make the rest of your plans around that time. Schedule the things you must do first and then fit the things you would like to do around them.
- Purchase a Travel Compatible Laptop
A heavy, power-hungry laptop will be a pain to have to haul around everywhere you go. Choose a laptop that is light, durable and has long battery life. Have a backup plan for how you will get your work done if your laptop breaks or is stolen.
- Look for Ways To Save Money on Accommodations
Expensive hotel rooms can quickly eat into your travel budget. Consider staying in hostels or Airbnbs to save money. Sign up for travel reward programs and take advantage of the free nights you can earn. If you can find a campground with reliable internet access, consider camping part of the time. You might also want to consider living in a recreational vehicle. If you plan to stay for an extended time in one place, check for month-to-month rentals in the area.
Becoming a travelpreneur or digital nomad takes some planning, but it is a goal that you can accomplish if you set your mind to it. Learn from your experiences and adjust your routine as you go.
