Today, it has never been easier to work and travel at the same time. Since the pandemic, more people have traded their offices for the sunbeds of Mexico or the beaches of Bali, and I'm one of them too.

Although working remotely and traveling seems to be a dream life, this lifestyle also comes with its share of challenges. Productivity, distractions, or FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—there are many reasons that can prevent your trip from going smoothly. This dream life can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don't plan your next move!

Speaking as someone who has gone freelance with a fully remote job and made a living from travel for over two years, I have learned a thing or two. I'm now better prepared to combine work and travel. When I realized I only needed my computer and my phone to work, I didn't wait long to book my plane ticket and adopt this new lifestyle, which perfectly complements my passion for traveling. I've had the opportunity to work in several places like Portugal, Thailand, Egypt, and South Korea.

Want to work and travel at the same time? Before you hop on the plane for your next adventure, here are my top six tips for working remotely while traveling. This mini-guide will help you better understand your trip and not feel overwhelmed when you arrive!

1. Choose your destination wisely

If you're starting to work remotely for the first time, my best advice is to choose a destination that is known to be remote work friendly. You won't have familiarity with your usual routine and workspace, so it's important to start with a destination that has the necessary facilities for you to work. You'll be able to learn how to navigate this lifestyle without having to worry. You’ll discover how your schedule works while traveling, what your needs are, and if you are comfortable with it.

First, I’ll select my next destination in terms of cost, but more importantly, safety. As a solo female traveler, I prefer to make sure the destination I'm in is safe. This is an important consideration, especially when traveling to destinations where I intend to stay for an extended period of time.

Working remotely while traveling means you can work anywhere in the world… As long as you have an internet connection! So, in order to have a successful work and travel experience, internet access should also be on your priority list. This way, you'll be able to respond to emails, work on your task, and deliver everything to your clients even if you're on the go. So make sure to research the availability of wifi around the places you’re going. Check out your destination, as well as your accommodation!

Last summer, I decided to travel around to Portugal. Portugal is known to be one of the favorite European destinations for remote workers. It is definitely a great place to live as a digital nomad. It has everything to offer: affordable country, multiple workspaces, and networking events specifically for remote workers. I ended up doing Lisbon, Lagos, and Faro while working remotely.  Besides being on my bucket list, I was able to learn from this experience, discovering how to stay efficient while traveling from city to city.

If you are afraid to take the plunge, you can start small, either for a week or in a destination close to home. Once you've tested it out, you'll be ready to embark on more adventurous travel.

Pro-tip: There are many online communities for remote workers on Facebook where you can ask questions about safety, housing, or budgeting advice for a specific location. I often engage in these groups to look at reviews and get recommendations. Here are some of my favorite ones:

• Female Digital Nomad
• Digital Nomad around the World
• Digital Nomad - The Solo Female Traveler Network
• Digital Nomad + Name of the country you’ll go

2. Find your accommodation

Once you have decided on your destination, the next thing to do on your list is to choose your accommodation. There are many options you can choose from depending on your preference.

Some people prefer Airbnb, others prefer hotels and even hostels. When I first started traveling, I chose my accommodation based on two criteria: price and activities. In addition to being budget conscious, I’m a people person so it was essential for me to be in an environment where I could meet travelers/remote workers. At first, I thought I could stay in a hostel whenever I was traveling and working. I quickly discovered that depending on the destination and time zone, I sometimes had very late meetings. Imagine staying in a 10-bed female dorm... I had to spend my meeting in the hallways of the hostel! I can confirm that this was not a very good idea.

Now I’m very careful regarding the type of accommodation I choose. If I choose a hostel, I’ll make sure they have a common space to work or I’ll choose a private room. Depending on my schedule, I’ll sometimes opt for a hotel because I know it will be more convenient. In that case, I’ll research beforehand if cafes or workspaces are close to my accommodation. And finally, if I'm planning to stay in one place for a longer period of time, then I'll turn to Airbnb.

Choosing the right type of accommodation really depends on you and what makes you feel comfortable. You should know that nowadays, as working remotely and traveling is more common, many establishments are setting up dedicated environments for remote workers.

‍

3. Plan ahead of time a schedule that works for you

It’s essential to consider your work schedule and requirements before hitting the road. Working remotely while traveling requires self-discipline and motivation. In addition, it can be difficult to focus on your work when you are in a destination that you can’t wait to explore. That's why it's best to create a game plan before you leave.

By planning ahead, you'll avoid conflicts of interest. Look at your work schedule, then make sure your travel plans don't interfere. If you need to maintain a 9-to-5 routine when working remotely, you may need to adjust your time for visiting or move deadlines ahead of time. You don't want to leave for a day of sightseeing and find out you had a meeting scheduled!

Personally, in addition to planning ahead, I like to get as much of my to-do list done before I leave to make sure I can enjoy the destination I'm in. Being a freelancer, I have more freedom and if I’m well organized in my work, I already know my schedule for several weeks. Therefore, I’m able to organize myself long before I leave. For example, most of my clients are in Canada. So, if I'm in Europe, I can take advantage of the day before my clients are online and plan to work in the evening.

It’s also essential to consider the time zone of your desired remote work destinations. If your job involves performing tasks at specific times, such as meetings with clients or your team, make sure you know the time difference between where you work and where they work. Don't do what I did and go to Asia without planning and end up with meetings at 1 am!

4. Join a co-working space/location

Coworking spaces are different from the typical office workspace. They are offices designed to accommodate everyone from remote workers to corporate teams. You'll find everything you need to work: wifi, printers, conference rooms, and even coffee/tea!  These spaces are very convenient when you are staying in a city for a long time. You can rent without having to pay rent on a long-term basis. There are also options where you can rent your space for the day or week.

Since they are essentially office spaces, everyone around you will be in work mode. Co-working spaces can keep you on schedule, and you'll have time to socialize during your breaks. Because yes, coworking spaces are also a great way to meet other globetrotting remote workers.

Coffee shops and hostels are also popular options for remote work. But I personally love coworking spaces because I'm surrounded by people who work just as hard. It definitely makes me more productive! If you're staying longer, there are also coworking/rental options that offer you housing and access to workspaces such as Selina. They are located in 60 different destinations around the world.

Pro-tip: Research co-working spaces before you go. Some require reservations, so make sure to check out to guarantee you a spot!

5. Set yourself healthy boundaries

When you're always traveling, it's important to have a routine to start your workday. By taking the time to understand and adjust your work schedule accordingly, you will be less likely to burn out on the job while traveling. The goal is to enjoy your trip, not have it turn into a bad experience! Plus, it will help you find the best times to plan fun activities and adventures without interfering with your work schedule.

If your schedule is flexible, start identifying and writing down when you are most productive. For example, I know I’m productive in the evening but also like to be up early to complete tasks. Last July I went on a trip around Spain. I started working in the morning until 10 or 11, then during the day I explored the city and in the evening when I returned I finished the tasks that needed to be finished. By also applying my first tip of planning ahead, I even had free days or evenings where I could plan activities to do!

Pro-tip: Plan for a few days without work at all, even if it means working overtime before or after your trip. By taking time to recharge, you'll be refreshed and ready when you clock out.

6. Don’t leave without a backup plan

One thing I've learned from my travels is that even when you're well-prepared, last-minute issues do happen! And that's okay, sometimes things don't go as planned. It’s essential that you leave with a backup plan. As you travel, there is nothing worse than having to deal with last-minute problems while thinking about re-organizing your trip. Remember, the goal is not to end up stressing out because things don't go as planned.

• Do not leave without travel insurance and a visa
• Make sure you have everything you need to work in your carry-on luggage
• Consider checking or looking at several workspaces in your destination beforehand
• Make sure your wifi connection is always available everywhere you go

If you are embarking on your first trip as a digital nomad or freelancer, remember that it's okay if your trip isn't perfect, you'll learn by trying and testing.

Final thoughts

Today, everyone can work and travel; the world has never been so full of opportunities! Although working while traveling takes some effort to begin with, it is possible to have a great experience if you carefully plan your trip. Now that you have some tips on how to go, it's time to imagine where your next office will be... Will it be in the colorful neighborhoods of Medellin, Colombia, or on the beach of Koh Tao, Thailand? The choice is yours! You can read more tips from digital nomads from all over the world by downloading the NomadHer app!

‍