Being able to work while traveling is everyone’s dream. On top of checking two things off your list, working while traveling also allows you the freedom to find your work-life balance. Imagine working in the mornings and exploring new places in the afternoons, only to be in a completely different country the next day.
Though it sounds like a dream come true, the reality is, there are a lot of arrangements needed for you to be a fully functioning digital nomad. From researching your accommodations to figuring out how to get around in a whole new place, there are so many loose threads you need to take care of. This is especially harder because you only have yourself to rely on instead of the abundance of resources you would get as a normal full-time employee.
But at the end of the day, nothing good ever comes by easy. So, instead of fretting over the number of loose threads you need to fix, let’s try to find their solutions instead. Here we have concluded some of the must-know tips in working and traveling as a digital nomad, let’s check them out!
Making the first jump
If you are still looking into being a digital nomad, then it is wise to think about whether you can balance constant traveling while working. If you are the type of person who needs a clear separation between work and pleasure, then try to consider whether this kind of working arrangement is the right one for you. Understand that being a digital nomad isn’t as simple as working a little bit in the morning and turning up the volume of your portable speaker to party at night.
Should you have made up your mind, the next thing on your list is to make sure you have enough savings to pay for all the costs. Besides saving up a good amount of money, you can set up a side hustle that can cover your expenses as you go along your journey as a digital nomad.
Make friends with technology
Wherever you have no company resources to help you with your travels, the latest technology gets you covered. With the rapid technological advancement made each day, it is no longer a surprise that you only need your smartphone and a good Wi-Fi connection to figure out all the arrangements you need for both working and traveling.
You can now simply scroll through Google Flight on your Android phone to book your next flight. Duet and Trello, along with heaps of other productivity apps, are also ready to make your remote working experience smoother. With just a few simple taps, you can now enjoy multiple helping hands, specially made to bring more ease into your life.
Google everything down
You need to do thorough research pinning down a place as your next destination. If you are traveling to a different country, make sure to check the kind of visa you would need to enter the country as a digital nomad. This is because some countries adapt faster to this rising trend and have a specific visa type made for digital nomads.
Furthermore, make sure the accommodation you book is safe and easily accessible. You should list down your daily itinerary (while still leaving some windows open for impromptu visits) to choose the best accommodations based on the places you want to explore.
Finding your temporary office
While working from your hostel or Airbnb is always a welcomed option, it can get boring very quickly. Sometimes, finding the right café or co-working space in a new place can be daunting. Whether it is the lack of privacy, a slow Wi-Fi connection, or charging port scarcity, small things may prevent us from working peacefully.
To ensure you get the best working experience wherever you go, try to join the local community through Facebook groups and ask around. If you’re more of a lone traveler, you can use services such as Coworker.com and Workform to guide you in choosing your best temporary office. Make sure to also choose a lightweight laptop as your working buddy for maximum ease as you move around.
Balancing the scale
We’ve all been there, working on one document with so much focus only to realize that we had missed our lunchtime hours later. It is human to get carried away when we are doing something. Having said that, balance and putting a firm line between working and playing time are essential for being a successful digital nomad.
Not only do you know when you have to work and be productive, but you also need to know when it shouldn’t be bothering you. Instead, focus on the whole new world and possibilities you can explore. Part of being a digital nomad is letting go of your responsibilities and letting yourself (without any social attachments to your name) be in the moment and see what the world has to offer.
Safety is the new sexy
As you continue to make your way around the world, a lot of unexpected things are bound to happen. That is exactly why, as a digital nomad, you should sign up for travel insurance. Besides deterring you from the possibility of spending more money on emergency cases, you’re also putting an extra layer of safety into your life.
Creating an account for emergency funding is also highly beneficial in case any unwanted events happen and you have to spend more time in the current country you’re visiting. More than just financial and health safety, though, it is also important for you to make sure your data is safe and sound from virtual prying eyes and subscribe to a VPN plan.
All in all, as is everything in life, being a digital nomad is all about finding the balance. While you still need to take care of your duties and obligations, you also need to be able to take the time to just be your plain old self in a new country and be a free wanderer.
Having said that, no matter where you go, remember to respect the local customs and traditions. Don’t forget to adhere to local rules and regulations for smooth travel every time. Enjoy your journey and have fun!.