How to Work Remotely When Traveling (8 Tips)

If you're dreaming of working remotely when traveling, there are tons of options out there to turn it into a reality. Learn more about how to work remotely when traveling from housing to budget and everything in between. Here's how to get started.

What is a Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads are long-term travelers who work remotely from different locations. They've designed their lives around flexible travel by relying on remote jobs, freelancing, and online tools to get their work done. Although the idea of digital nomads is usually associated with international travelers, they can also be working remotely from an RV or van across the country.

Different Types of Remote Work

Remote work varies and only requires the ability to accomplish your job from anywhere. Some remote work looks like a traditional job, just without the office space. For example, a digital nomad may work full-time for a large corporation but hold a remote position that does not require coming into the office.

Other remote work involves freelancing and finding clients to hire you for tasks like graphic design, copywriting, project management, and product development, to name a few. Some digital nomads create their own remote online businesses to turn their travel dreams into reality.

Setting up an online store that relies on drop-shipping products, selling digital print-outs on Etsy, and consulting remote clients are a few businesses that are travel-friendly.

5 Things to Consider About Remote Work

Before you consider remote work or becoming a digital nomad, here are a few things to consider.

1. Wi-Fi Demands

Some remote work requires online access and availability during regular business hours. Therefore, you'll need a robust, reliable WiFi connection at all times. However, there are situations when your wireless connection isn't strong enough to get work done or upload large files while visiting different countries, locations or simply flying and driving to your next destination.

Some remote workers bring have portable wireless devices and pay a monthly service fees.

2. Work Schedule

A digital nomad's work schedule may be highly flexible, allowing them to do tasks any time of day or night. Sometimes remote work can be completed over an entire week or month. However, other remote jobs require 9-to-5 hours and require meetings and adhering to deadlines.

Keep in mind that though having a highly flexible schedule can be a big win for digital nomads, it can also prove stressful. It's not always easy to work from paradise without a set schedule or deadlines to keep you accountable for your work. You may need to create your own set schedule to stay on task.

3. Time Zones

You may have dreams of staying in Bali, though the time zone can be problematic if you have east coast clients or employers. You may need to be available during the midnight hours to complete specific tasks or make deadlines for New York employers or clients. Sticking to flexible work and making sure you schedule your calls to a time that works on both ends is a necessary part of being a digital nomad.

4. Understand the Local Culture

Even if you're traveling domestically, you’ll find unique cultures everywhere. Make sure you understand some basics of the language to show locals you're making an effort to be a good guest in their home. It will go a long way if you need a hand with directions, figuring out the banking system, knowing where to go when you're sick, and so much more.

Understanding the culture can also yourself safe. Some areas are prone to civil unrest or frown upon solo travelers working all day in a cafe for the free WiFi. Do a little research and ask other digital nomads about their experience to gather insights about the unique flavor in the area and what to expect.

5. Multiple Streams of Income

Some remote workers are gainfully employed with one company. However, it's common for digital nomads to have multiple streams of income to keep their dream lifestyle working efficiently. Even with a full-time remote job, you may still need a side gig or extra income to afford to indulge in things like food or entertainment.

Consider looking for like-minded work that compliments your current job. For example, if you're employed as a project manager for a remote company, you can offer those services on freelance sites like Upwork. Or repackage the skills you already have and work as a Virtual Assistant to help small businesses grow and scale.

Finding Accommodations as a Digital Nomad

Figuring out where to stay is essential for a digital nomad. Even traveling in an RV or van requires some research to figure out where you can park and get the necessities you need. Affordability is a factor, so you’ll need to look into alternative options like inexpensive campgrounds or parking lots.

Some businesses, like Walmart, permit RV parking as possible in their parking lots. However, they don't have electrical service or accommodations like bathrooms and showers. A handful of stores don't allow this, so check in advance before you show up for the night.

If you’re traveling domestically, looking for short-term, month-to-month, and furnished apartments are also viable options. You can use Apartment List’s filters to narrow down your options and find an apartment that you can afford in your dream city.

Traveling abroad and finding safe, affordable accommodations requires strategy. Airbnb’s with good reviews is one place to start. Hostels also welcome long-term travelers willing to share their room and common space. In exchange, you end up meeting tons of people and enjoy accommodations at a discount compared to area hotels.

Other regions of the world, like Italy, offer creative accommodations like rooms in convents and monasteries, although working remotely can prove challenging. Most of these unique accommodations don’t offer robust WiFi or require you to leave for hours a day to accommodate cleaning or events.

Brainstorm options from housesitting to volunteer vacations that offer free or discounted accommodations. Next, make sure the housing and your location will accommodate remote work and the lifestyle you’re looking for.

8 Tips for Remote Workers When Traveling

Being a digital nomad can be a rewarding experience but requires some strategy and flexibility. Here are some tips to stay productive and healthy while traveling.

1. Look For Remote Work Travel Destinations

While being a digital nomad was once an unusual career choice, it has become a mainstream option. More countries and cities are responding to the trend by making it easy for remote travelers to come, stay, play, and work. Countries like Antigua, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Germany, Iceland, and Mexico are just a few of the countries that offer digital nomad visas.

Instead of worrying about breaking the rules on a tourist visa or overstaying your allowed time, a digital nomad visa makes it easy to settle in for a few months. There are also plenty of digital nomad-friendly cities in the United States. Austin, Tempe, Boise, and Provo are a few of the best cities for remote workers.

2. Find a Community

Being a digital nomad can get lonely, especially when no one else in your social circle is taking the plunge and working remotely when traveling. Find a community online through Facebook Groups and by following Instagram and Tik Tok savvy digital nomads. There are also digital nomad communities that have popped up in destinations like Lisbon and Ho Chi Minh City. If you can't find a community to join, look to MeetUp.com or create your own.

3. Check WiFi Connection and Speeds

A robust wireless connection is among the most crucial assets for digital nomads. Ask around online digital nomad communities, like Reddit, to ask about connection and speeds. It's also wise to look for backup options with cafes and libraries offering free wireless in your destination of choice. Your cell phone provider may also provide unlimited data plans in other countries for an additional, flat fee. You can turn it into a hotspot to complete your work in a pinch.

4. Avoid Tight Deadlines Whenever Possible

Make sure you can comfortably accommodate the remote work you accept. Remote work includes all types of schedules, from strict 9 to 5 to flexible deadlines and intense freelance work. Avoid tight deadlines to leave yourself some room for emergencies or unexpected connectivity issues whenever possible.

5. Look For Coworking Spaces Nearby

Even if you have free wireless at your hotel or a nearby cafe, a coworking space is a major asset for digital nomads. You end up with a dedicated workspace and Internet you probably won't have otherwise. After all, not everyone can work poolside and not get distracted or feel like they're melting in the sun.

Most coworking spaces have built-in communities, meaning you'll get to meet new people who are also non-traditional workers or digital nomads. Many coworking spaces in popular digital nomad cities also host events and get-togethers to support the traveling community.

6. Give Yourself Scheduled Breaks

It's not uncommon to hear digital nomads say they worked themselves into the ground to support their lifestyle. Although it can take time to get your remote work up and running, full-time travel still requires a work-life balance. Make sure to create regular, scheduled breaks for yourself. Lead time for a mountain hike, yoga on the beach, or a tropical drink with new friends at the end of your workday.

You may not be able to factor in a two-hour lunch every day as a busy digital nomad, but you can take breaks per project. Once a deadline is wrapped up, take a few days off and rest while enjoying the sights and making time for yourself.

7. Create an Emergency Plan

Traveling requires an emergency plan, whether you're a digital nomad or not. Look into long-term travel insurance that covers medical and legal issues that may arise. It's also wise to keep someone updated on where you're going and when you're leaving. You can even create a check-in schedule! Let them know if they don't hear from you on Mondays by a specific time to follow up with you.

Money is another essential part of creating an emergency plan. Make sure you have extra reserves to afford a last-minute flight home or to a trusted friend's house from anywhere in the world. Some areas also don't have many ATMs, or they aren't safe to use and can lead to identity theft. Carry some local cash and US currency to get yourself out of a financial jam.

Consider situations that may require last-minute thinking. Knowing where the best hospitals are that speak your language, a backup plan for accommodations, and what to do during poor weather are all things to keep in mind before taking off on a long-term adventure.

8. Get Serious About Budgeting

Being a digital nomad and remote worker requires some strategic budgeting. It's challenging to determine how much money you'll have coming in to align with your expenses. Create a budget that accounts for your minimum travel expenses and maximum accommodation costs. This strategy allows some padding if your housing is more than you expect. Any extra income that comes in can be used for an emergency fund or extras, like splurging on a boat tour in the Caribbean.

Long-term financial needs, like retirement, don't go away when you're on the road. Once you come up with realistic spending and savings plans, remember to fund your 401k or Roth IRAs to ensure a financially healthy future.

Remember Why You Want to Work Remotely When Traveling

Just like any career lifestyle, working remotely while traveling has its ups and downs. Focus on why you want to be a digital nomad as it becomes your new normal. For example, staying in and working and getting tied down to work you don't enjoy probably isn't why you started this journey.

However, playing all day in the city and beach also isn't going to fund your travel lifestyle. Revisit the 'why' behind your travel goals to stay on track with your career and lifestyle goals.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in the digital nomad lifestyle, you need flexible accommodations to get started. Use Apartment List's filters and online tools to find short-term and furnished options to make your travel dreams a reality. Sign-up for Apartment List here.