Working Remotely: Traveling The World From Your Home Office

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a huge increase in the number of people working from home. This has led many to ask whether they can travel while working remotely.

There are several challenges to be aware of when considering working remotely while travelling. Reliable WiFi is essential, and it can be difficult to find a suitable workspace, especially in a new location. Working remotely can also be lonely, and it can be hard to stay motivated and focused. However, with careful planning, it is possible to combine work and travel successfully.

Ask your boss for approval

Approaching your boss to ask for approval to travel while working from home can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can make a compelling case. Here are some tips to help you navigate this conversation successfully:

Understand your company's policies:

Before approaching your boss, make sure you have a clear understanding of your company's policies on remote work and travel. Some companies may have specific guidelines or restrictions in place, so it's important to be well-informed before making your request.

Highlight the benefits:

When presenting your case to your boss, focus on the benefits that your travel will bring to the company. For example, you could mention increased productivity due to a change of scenery or the opportunity to explore new markets and build relationships with clients in different locations. Emphasize that you will remain fully dedicated to your work and accessible during working hours.

Present a well-thought-out plan:

Prepare a detailed plan that outlines your travel itinerary, the expected duration of your trip, and how you intend to maintain your work commitments. Address potential challenges, such as time zone differences, and explain how you plan to overcome them. Show that you've considered the practical aspects, such as stable internet access and any necessary equipment.

Propose a trial period:

If your boss seems hesitant, suggest starting with a trial period for your remote work arrangement. This could be a short trip or a gradual transition to test the waters. Assure your boss that you will provide regular updates and feedback during this time, allowing for adjustments to be made if needed.

Address potential concerns:

Anticipate any concerns your boss may have and be prepared to address them. For example, they may worry about the impact of your travel on team collaboration or communication. Provide solutions, such as proposing specific collaboration tools or communication protocols that will ensure seamless cooperation despite the distance.

Be flexible and adaptable:

Show your boss that you are open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to your plan. This demonstrates your commitment to making the arrangement work for everyone involved. Remember that you may need to make some compromises, and that's okay!

Remember, the key to getting approval is to approach the conversation professionally and thoughtfully. Show that you've considered the potential benefits and challenges, and be prepared to address any questions or concerns. With a well-presented case, you'll increase your chances of getting the green light to travel while working from home.

Understand it's not a vacation

Working remotely while travelling is not the same as being on vacation. It is important to understand the differences between the two, and to be realistic about the demands of working remotely from different locations.

Constantly moving locations can be a real drain on productivity, and it will sap your energy, causing both your work and travel experiences to suffer. Rather than packing and unpacking constantly, it often makes sense to stay in one spot for longer.

Slowing down has advantages from a travel perspective, too. Staying in one place for longer will give you a chance to get to know the local culture and make connections. You can have a 'mini life' in a place that will let you discover things that most tourists rushing through will miss.

Use your weekends and evenings for sightseeing or other activities. If you get into a routine where you wake up early and get the bulk of your work done quickly, you can free up time later in the day to explore—if your work schedule allows, of course.

Working remotely while travelling often requires self-discipline and motivation. It can be hard to focus on work when you're in an exciting destination that you're itching to explore! Potential distractions and FOMO are all around you.

The desire to explore every corner of a new destination can interfere with your productivity, and you can find yourself having some very un-fun late-night cramming sessions just to meet a deadline.

Keep your location hidden

Working remotely while travelling can be a great way to see the world without giving up your career. However, some employers may not allow this, so some workers choose to keep their location hidden. Here are some ways to do this:

Use a VPN

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a way to mask your location. A VPN lets you access the internet through a secured encrypted connection that can be routed via a server anywhere in the world. For example, you could be in Belgium but use a VPN connection to make it appear like you're in the UK.

There are two types of VPNs: public and private. A public VPN is the easiest to set up, but it won't always keep your location hidden. While your real location will be masked, the fact that you're using a VPN may still be visible. A private VPN, on the other hand, will make it look like you're logging in from your home, and it won't be obvious that you're using a VPN.

Use VPN Software

You can mask your location by installing VPN software on your computer or mobile device and subscribing to a monthly VPN service. While there are some free VPNs, they typically offer very slow connections or impose limits on usage.

Get a Travel Router

If you want to use a VPN with multiple devices, or if your work computer doesn't allow you to install any apps, you may want to get a travel router. A travel router can share the same VPN connection across multiple devices and can be useful if your work computer already has a corporate VPN.

Set Up a Private VPN

If you want maximum privacy while working remotely, you can set up a private VPN. This will make it look like you're logging in from your home, and it won't be obvious that you're using a VPN. However, setting up a private VPN can be complicated, as you'll need to know about network administration to configure your home router.

Use a Service

There are now services that will set up a private VPN for you, such as KeepYourHomeIP. They will send you two small internet routers: one for your home and one to take with you on your trip. You will need to check that your internet connection at home has a Public IP, but the service can help you with this. Then, they will remotely set up your home router to pass along your connection through your home network to the internet. To any outside observer, it will look like you're logging in from your house.

Start small

If you're considering becoming a digital nomad, it's a good idea to start small. This means you don't have to go fully nomadic and can instead choose a lifestyle that suits you. You can opt for a part-time nomadic life, escaping the cold winter months or taking a month-long trip, for example.

Starting small can help you maintain a balance between home/stability and adventure. It's also far less scary than quitting your life and setting sail.

You can also start small by first exploring different US cities. This allows you to experience diverse cultures, landscapes and communities without the complexities of global travel.

If you're considering a more permanent move, it's still a good idea to test out the nomadic life with a short trip before you take the plunge.

Keep costs under control

One of the biggest challenges of working remotely while travelling is keeping costs under control. Here are some tips to help you do so:

• Choose an affordable destination: Opt for cheaper destinations like Lisbon instead of London, or Prague instead of Paris.
• Sublet your home: If you own your home, consider subletting it while you're away to lower your overhead costs.
• Stay longer: The longer you stay in one place, the easier it is to stick to a budget. You're also more likely to get a discount on month-long accommodations.
• Stay for free: Websites like Trusted Housesitters offer opportunities to stay in other people's homes for free, usually in exchange for watering plants or feeding pets.
• Travel in the off-season: As a remote worker, you don't always have to travel during the tourist high season. You can save money on flights, hotels and other costs by travelling during the off-season.
• Choose a safe destination: Safety should be a top priority when choosing a remote work destination. Pickpocketing and other crimes are common in some cities, which can ruin your trip and cost you money.
• Research the cost of living: Determine the cost of living or travel in your desired destination. Consider factors such as the cost of accommodation, food, transportation and coworking spaces.
• Determine your budget: Be clear about your financial resources. Do you have an endless budget, a set amount or a specific number of months' pay to spend?
• Choose a destination with great weather: Weather can significantly impact your remote work experience. Opt for destinations with pleasant weather during your chosen travel period.

Frequently asked questions