The opportunities for travelling and working in the modern world are truly incredible; whether you’re a digital nomad, a remote worker, or simply need to stay connected to your job while on the go, technology has made it possible to be productive from virtually anywhere in the world.
However, working while travelling comes with its own set of challenges and considerations, none of which should be ignored. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know to make the most of your ‘workation’ or remote working experience.
1. Establish a Reliable Internet Connection
This one may seem pretty obvious, but it takes a surprising amount of consideration when planning a trip. If you need to make video calls with clients or colleagues, access data in the cloud, upload and download files or remain in constant contact, a good connection is required.
Plan ahead, research your destinations to ensure they have a strong and stable connection and don’t get caught short- it may be worth investing in a wifi hotspot or local SIM card as a backup
2. Backup Your Work and Stay Cyber Secure
Working remotely, whilst fun, leaves you vulnerable to cyber attacks as you’ll use multiple insecure connection points on your trip. Using a VPN to protect your connection and your data is crucial for those on the move, many providers will even give you a static VPN IP address so you always connect from the same secure location, regardless of where you actually are.
Backing up your work regularly can also make a huge difference and you can choose between a physical hard drive and cloud storage, although cloud based storage might be better for those travelling light!
3. Set Boundaries and Manage Expectations
Working while travelling requires striking a balance between work and leisure, by its very nature a working trip cannot be all fun. Be sure to set clear boundaries between your work hours and personal time to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance and be sure to communicate your availability and working hours to your team or clients in advance.
4. Create a Functional Workspace
While the allure of working from a beachside cafe or a picturesque mountaintop may seem appealing, it’s pretty much never practical- despite what Instagram may tell you. Have you ever taken a laptop to a beach? It’s a recipe for disaster.
Look for accommodations with dedicated workspaces or set up a makeshift office in your hotel room or Airbnb, you’ll need it to be comfortable and quiet if you’re going to be working there all day. You can also check out locations that offer coworking spaces, they are becoming increasingly popular and offer everything you could ever need for a day’s work.
5. Stay Flexible and Embrace the Unexpected
One of the joys of working while traveling is the opportunity for spontaneity and adventure, so be sure to embrace the flexibility that remote work offers and be prepared to adapt to changes in your itinerary or work environment.
Don’t be dismayed when things go wrong, flights get cancelled, hotels get double booked, cafes lose their wifi. Instead, try to be prepared and as flexible as possible, knowing that things can and will go wrong could be the difference between stress and success.
Work, Travel, Enjoy
Working whilst travelling can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it is also difficult and challenging; finding the balance between remaining professional and enjoying the trip of a lifetime lies in careful planning, remaining secure and being flexible and prepared for any eventuality.
So pack your bags, power up your laptop, and embark on a journey where work meets wanderlust!
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