Sea, sun, sprawling coastlines, and a laptop – can you juggle them all? Over the past decade, the opportunities for combining work and travel have skyrocketed. More organizations and freelancers are embracing the possibilities of this nomadic lifestyle, but it surely doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. Having been digital nomads since 2011, we know firsthand what it takes to make it work. From finding reliable Wi-Fi in remote spots to managing time zones, we’ve faced – and sometimes stumbled through – it all. Living and working on the road isn’t always as glamorous as it seems, but with the right strategies, it’s a deeply rewarding way to balance career and adventure.
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Benefits of Remote Working While Travelling
One of the obvious pros of working remotely is that you’re able to spend time in different locations while earning your usual income like we did when living in Hoi An, Vietnam. It’s a chance to break away from your everyday routine without needing to consider changing or giving up your career. Technically speaking, you’re able to spend the day working from wherever the WiFi signal appears to be stronger, and then enjoy your evenings and weekends exploring magical locations in nature, surfing, or simply chilling on a sunbed.
If you’re not too keen on delving right into the digital nomad lifestyle, several shorter remote working trips could also work, and these come with a unique set of advantages of their own. By combining remote working with vacation days, it might be easier to plan your holiday and make the most out of your time abroad.
Firstly, you’re able to take the time to acclimatize to your new location and get some work done during the commute, you’re also able to travel all year round without worrying about special occasions such as Christmas or Easter. Apart from that, you’ve also got the chance to spend time with your loved ones (or solo!) abroad while working around a schedule that works for you. And lastly, you’re able to travel more and explore more of what the world has to offer, however, keep in mind that this style of travel is different when compared to when you’re travelling for purely recreational fun.
Challenges of Remote Working While Travelling
The level of freedom you’re able to experience once you’ve hit the road with your laptop in tow is indescribable, however, it also comes with its own distinct set of challenges. First of all, if you aren’t self-employed then the biggest hurdle you’re going to need to overcome is receiving approval from your employer. Unless everyone’s on board then you’re probably going to have to shelf the idea or find another job you’re able to perform remotely.
It’s also important to keep in mind that remote work requires a higher level of self-discipline and motivation. While being in a new location can be exciting, it’s imperative that you’re able to remain focused on your workload. The last thing you’re going to want is to end up cramming lots of late nights to catch up on work you could have easily sorted out before if you remained on schedule.
And lastly, you’ve got the practical issues to keep in mind with regards to travelling such as travel costs, making sure you locate a stable and reliable internet connection, as well as the various legal and tax obligations associated with working abroad if any.
Tips to Consider If You’d Like to Work Abroad
Travelling as a full-time employee is slightly more complex when compared to an independent contractor or freelancer. That being said, the digital nomad lifestyle can be equally achieved as long as you’re geared up and ready for it. Here are a couple of handy tips to keep in mind.
1. Get full clearance
As we’ve mentioned earlier, your employer, as well as your direct superiors, need to be on board with this decision from the get-go, otherwise, it’s going to get very complicated very fast. One of the first steps to consider is reviewing your company’s mobility policy before making any travel plans to find out whether this is an option at all.
Find out if you’re going to require some sort of pre-approval before relocating, even if your job is already performed remotely, as well as find out whether there are any overseas restrictions you might need to abide by to make sure you’re able to get back home within that timeframe.
2. Don’t think of it as a holiday
Even though this opportunity will allow you to see the world, you should never take off with a vacation mindset. Instead, you need to focus on remaining efficient and professional so as not to ruffle any feathers while you’re gone.
Keep in mind that travelling and changing location requires time and energy and the last thing you’re going to want is for your productivity to dip, making you an easy target. Plan these moments accordingly to make sure you’re always well-rested and available on the job whenever required.
3. Consider travel-friendly equipment
One of the most significant points to keep in mind is the ability to transform your workspace into a more travel-friendly alternative. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to cart every piece of gear across the world (we’re looking at you multiple monitors), however, there are several portable options you’re able to look into that will allow you to replicate a toned-down version of your workspace anywhere across the world. At the very minimum, you’ll probably need a laptop as well as other peripherals such as a mouse and perhaps an external keyboard.
4. Sort out your Wi-Fi
Your internet connection is literally what can make or break your plans and making sure you find one that’s reliable and stable is a top priority when working remotely. Free Wi-Fi at hotels and cafes might be slow and fall short when it comes to security while using a mobile hotspot might not always be as reliable as you’d think. Research all of your options in this regard and make sure you land the strongest connection you’re able to in that particular location for peace of mind.
5. Keep time zones in mind
If your job requires a lot of face-to-face interaction then you’re going to want to make sure you’re always available when required. For this reason, it’s important to consider whether the time zone of your chosen location works for you because even though you might be enthusiastic to take calls at 3 am at the beginning of your journey, it’s not guaranteed you’re still in the mood for that sort of schedule six months down the line.
6. Establish healthy boundaries
Because everyone isn’t necessarily used to working remotely all the time, sometimes establishing a healthy work-life balance can be a challenge. Since part of the excitement of travelling as a remote worker includes exploring new areas, it’s important to create a schedule that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, allowing you to get the job done and fully disconnect once it’s done.
Conclusion: Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
The life of a digital nomad brings both incredible rewards and unique challenges. From exploring new cultures to navigating work responsibilities in diverse locations, it’s a lifestyle that requires flexibility, resilience, and a strong sense of discipline. Whether you’re freelancing on a remote beach, working full-time in bustling cities, or blending business with travel on short-term trips, the key is balance. Prioritizing productivity while allowing time to relax, recharge, and truly experience your surroundings makes the journey worthwhile.
If you’re considering this path, remember it’s not just about escaping the office but about creating a lifestyle where your work and personal life harmonize, wherever in the world you may be. With the right planning, tools, and mindset, the digital nomad lifestyle can be as enriching as it is liberating. So, pack your essentials, plan wisely, and get ready to redefine your work-life experience – one incredible destination at a time.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
