Working Remotely: Traveling The Globe, Living The Dream

Working remotely while travelling the world is a dream for many, and it's now a reality for a growing number of digital nomads. But how do you make the most of this opportunity?

Firstly, it's important to understand the rules and legal complexities around remote working and travelling. For example, remote employees of a company often have restrictions on where they can travel, whereas freelancers and independent contractors have more freedom. It's also crucial to consider the practicalities, such as ensuring a stable internet connection and having the right equipment.

To make the most of your time, it's a good idea to plan your workload around your travel itinerary and find a workspace that suits your needs. Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle also means navigating time zone differences and building relationships with colleagues remotely.

So, whether you're working remotely from a beach in Costa Rica or a bustling city in Tokyo, with the right preparation and mindset, you can make the most of this exciting opportunity and create unforgettable experiences.

Plan your workspace

Planning your workspace is an important step in preparing for remote work while travelling. Here are some tips to help you set up a functional and productive workspace:

Choose the Right Equipment

Invest in an ergonomic desk chair to ensure comfort during long work hours. Ensure you have a strong WiFi connection and adequate lighting, preferably natural light. Get noise-cancelling headphones to block out any distracting noises. Also, consider adding plants, art, or other calming elements to your workspace to create a soothing environment.

Create a Routine and Dedicated Workspace

Establish a daily routine and stick to specific work hours. Designate a specific area as your workspace, preferably somewhere quiet and free from distractions. This could be a particular table, chair, or a local coffee shop. Having a dedicated workspace helps you get into the right mindset and separates your "work" and "home" spaces, especially if you're working from home.

Keep Your Work in the Cloud

Use virtual desktops and cloud-based document storage solutions like Google Business Suite and Dropbox to access your files from anywhere and collaborate with your team remotely. This ensures that you can work efficiently regardless of your physical location.

Don't Avoid Meetings

Just because you're working remotely doesn't mean you have to sacrifice face-to-face interactions. Set up a good video conferencing setup with quality headphones, lighting, and a microphone. Block out dedicated time for video calls and meetings to reduce the switching costs between different modes of communication.

Consider Your Specific Needs

If you're a digital nomad, you might need a more portable and compact workspace setup. Ensure your laptop and any peripheral devices, such as a mouse and webcam, are easily transportable. When travelling, look for accommodations near coworking spaces or with usable surfaces that can serve as a desk. Some hotels also provide access to printers and scanners, which can be useful.

Understand time zones

Understanding time zones is critical when working remotely and travelling the world. Here are some detailed insights and strategies to navigate time zones effectively:

Time Zones Explained

The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each representing a one-hour increment of the 24-hour day. Time zones are based on the Earth's rotation and are defined by longitudinal positions on the globe. The prime meridian (0 degrees longitude) runs through Greenwich, London, and serves as the starting point, with each zone being 15 degrees of longitude apart.

Strategies for Managing Time Zones

• Establish Core Working Hours: Identify a specific time frame where team members from different time zones can overlap for real-time communication and collaboration. This may involve adjusting schedules to accommodate everyone and ensuring that any impacted individuals are comfortable with the arrangement.
• Use Time Zone Converters: Utilize online tools and applications that help convert time zones effortlessly. These tools enable you to determine the local time of colleagues in other locations, facilitating better scheduling and coordination.
• Implement Flexible Schedules: Embrace the flexibility that remote work offers. Allow team members to align their work hours with their peak productivity periods, fostering a sense of autonomy and trust while enhancing overall productivity and job satisfaction.
• Be Mindful of Cultural Differences: Acknowledge and respect cultural practices and holidays across different time zones. Encourage open communication and sharing of local customs to create an inclusive and harmonious team environment.
• Leverage Asynchronous Communication: Recognize that not all tasks require immediate collaboration. Embrace email, project management tools, and messaging apps to facilitate flexible communication that aligns with individual schedules and reduces the pressure of constant real-time interactions.

Challenges and Considerations

• Burnout and Overworking: Establish clear boundaries and encourage healthy work habits to prevent remote employees from constantly being available, especially when collaborating across multiple time zones.
• Communication Gaps: Foster a culture of clear and concise communication to mitigate potential delays and misunderstandings that may arise from asynchronous collaboration.
• Scheduling Difficulties: Finding a meeting time that accommodates everyone across various time zones can be challenging. Adopt a flexible approach, such as alternating meeting times to distribute the burden of inconvenient hours equitably.

Stay connected

Staying connected while travelling and working remotely is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure you remain connected:

Phone Plans

Firstly, it is important to understand your phone plan and its international offerings. Some providers, such as T-Mobile, offer unlimited data and texting in numerous countries. Google Fi is another virtual provider that operates in over 200 countries, providing unlimited free texting and data at the same rates as in your home country.

SIM Cards

If your provider does not offer favourable international rates, consider purchasing a local SIM card. In some places, such as Europe, you can use one SIM card in multiple countries. Local SIM cards often come with good data packages, allowing you to surf the web and make local calls at a low cost.

ESIM Cards

ESIM cards are another option. They are a high-tech solution that does not require a physical SIM card. You can purchase and download an eSIM with data to connect to cell networks in the country you are visiting. eSIMs are available for various countries and regions, or you can buy a global eSIM that covers many countries.

Wi-Fi

Take advantage of free Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, malls, and tourist attractions. Connecting to Wi-Fi allows you to access the internet, check emails, and use apps without incurring roaming charges.

Messaging Apps

Utilize messaging apps such as Facebook, Viber, and WhatsApp, which only require an internet connection to function. These apps are usually included in data packages with local SIM cards, making them a cheap way to stay in touch.

VPN

If you need to hide your location, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN conceals your IP address, making it appear as if you are logging in from a different location. This can be useful if your employer does not allow working outside of your home country.

Devices

Ensure you have the right devices and peripherals for working remotely. At a minimum, you will need a laptop. Additionally, consider bringing a laptop stand, a universal travel adapter, noise-cancelling headphones, and a portable hard drive.

Emergency Numbers

Lastly, always carry a list of emergency phone numbers. Include your insurance company, your country's embassy, and family contacts. Keep this list in a safe place, such as buried at the bottom of your luggage or backpack.

Stay safe

Staying safe while working remotely and travelling the world is of paramount importance. Here are some tips to help keep you secure:

Research and Planning

Before you go, research common scams in your destination country so you know what to look out for. Also, be aware of the local customs, political landscape, safe areas, and any dangers. Understand the local laws and any visa requirements. Check your government's website for travel advice and warnings.

Health and Safety

Be aware of any health risks and ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check the Fit to Travel website for country-specific health advice. Take steps to avoid insect bites, such as wearing long sleeves and trousers, and using insect repellent. Be cautious of street food and only eat at busy stands, ensuring the food is freshly cooked and still hot.

Security

Be vigilant about personal security. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be wary of pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded areas. Consider using a money belt. Don't wear expensive jewellery or watches. Keep your bag tethered to your body or an immovable object.

Accommodation and Transportation

Call your accommodation in advance to ask about secure storage options, such as a room safe or lockers. When using taxis, agree on the price upfront if there is no meter.

Communication and Devices

Inform your family and friends of your travel plans and check in with them regularly. Ensure you have the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate. Password-protect your phone and other devices, and set up location tracking and wiping software. Avoid using public Wi-Fi, and instead, use a VPN or set up your own Wi-Fi hotspot with a portable router and local SIM card.

Insurance

Take out travel insurance to cover any potential health and safety issues, as well as loss or damage to your possessions.

Common Sense

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Dress appropriately for the local culture.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your safety while working remotely and travelling the world.

Stay healthy

Staying healthy while working remotely and travelling the world is crucial for your productivity and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy:

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for your body and mind to rest and recharge, especially when you are physically active during the day. Listen to your body and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you are crossing time zones or have a busy schedule, try to get even more rest. Naps and power breaks can also help you stay energised throughout the day.

Stay Active

Incorporate physical activities into your daily routine, such as hiking, yoga, or walking. Many destinations offer scenic hiking trails that can improve your physical health and soothe your mind. Yoga is another excellent way to improve circulation, enhance sleep quality, and connect with other travellers. Walking is often the best way to explore a new city and get your daily exercise.

Healthy Eating Habits

Eating nutritious meals is crucial for maintaining your health while travelling. Here are some tips:

• Eat breakfast: Make sure to eat a nutritious breakfast to give you energy for the day. Instant oatmeal, fruit, and cereal are easy options.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are walking or physically active.
• Reduce alcohol and sweet drink consumption: These drinks are high in calories and can disrupt your sleep.
• Eat more vegetables and fruits: Opt for vegetarian dishes or add a salad to your meal. Buy fruits and vegetables from local grocery stores for healthy snacks.
• Practice portion control: Follow the Japanese concept of "Hara Hachi Bu," which means eating until you are 80% full. This can help prevent overeating.
• Cook your own meals: If you are on a long trip or want to eat healthily, consider cooking your own meals. Shop for ingredients at local grocery stores and enjoy a picnic in a park.

Maintain Good Personal Hygiene

Keep yourself clean and sanitised, especially when you are exploring new places and coming into contact with different surfaces. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitiser, and carry wet wipes and hand sanitiser with you when water and soap are not readily available.

Protect Your Skin

Use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and reapply it every two hours if you are outdoors. This will help protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Take Your Vitamins

Taking daily multivitamins can help supplement your meals and ensure you get all the essential nutrients your body needs, especially if you are unable to maintain a balanced diet while travelling.

Digital Detox

Taking a break from the digital world can be beneficial for your mental health. Reducing screen time and disconnecting from technology can help reduce stress and give your mind a boost.

Alone Time

Solo travel or spending some time alone can be soothing for the soul. It allows you to clear your mind, go at your own pace, and exercise without fear of judgement.

Manage Stress

Travelling can be stressful, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage it. Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help you relax and counter stress.

Remember, staying healthy while travelling is about taking care of your physical and mental well-being. Listen to your body and make healthy choices to ensure you can fully enjoy your remote work and travel experience.

Frequently asked questions