
Travel is one of the most fulfilling and liberating life experiences. Exploring the world, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures truly sounds like a wonderful opportunity. And if you manage to work on the go and support your travels as well, this experience seems even more appealing. However, planning a remote year isn’t always a simple task. From making travel arrangements to taking care of your health and maintaining regular routines, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are some useful tips that will allow you to make work and travel easier:
Consider different job options
If you already have a remote job that could support a traveling lifestyle, keeping it is always a good option. However, you have to be open and honest about your decision with management and leadership and work with them to ensure a remote year can be supported financially, logistically, and legally. If not, there are a number of remote career opportunities you could consider. For instance, you can become a copywriter, graphic designer, virtual assistant, or offer any specialized skills you have as a freelancer. Being active on social media and starting your own blog where you can share your experiences with work and travel might be a profitable side gig as well.
Choose the right destinations
It might seem tempting to use this time to visit those destinations you’ve always dreamed about. But it’s important to remember that not all locations are suitable for remote work. As you’ll likely be working on your computer, you’ll need a fast and strong internet connection to support your daily tasks. Depending on your unique requirements, you might also prefer working in coworking spaces or choosing coliving options for accommodation. Not every destination will be able to fulfill these needs. That is why it’s recommended to find the best possible compromise between your dream destinations and locations suitable for optimal work – the rest can be explored during your free time.
Don’t overlook payment processes
When we live and work in the same area, we normally don’t think about factors such as payment processes and benefits, as your employer typically takes care of these aspects. But when you’re traveling around the world, this truly becomes crucial. You have to ensure that the company you work for has the right payment processes in place that enable you to easily receive and withdraw your salary and remain compliant with any local and international employment laws. The best employers will work with expert global payroll services for managing their remote and contingent workforces. These professionals can streamline payroll processes, support international banking, and ensure compliance. This will make your life as a traveling worker easier as well.
Maintain a set daily routine
No matter where you work, try to adhere to a regular daily routine. It might be challenging to maintain when you’re tempted by beautiful surroundings, but a set routine will help to give your days structure, enable you to complete all your tasks, and possibly even leave you with more free time. Try to increase focus and minimize distractions by only using a designated workspace, whether it’s a desk in your room or a coworking area. Create a detailed schedule, set deadlines and time limits for yourself, and know when to call it a day. This will allow you to avoid stress and burnout, and fully enjoy your travel destinations.
Set aside time for exploration
While a good schedule might be important for increasing productivity, don’t overwork yourself or make the mistake of creating an overly busy itinerary. After all, what’s the point of traveling the world if you’re going to spend the entire time working in your room? Instead, try to set aside at least an hour each day to explore and take in your destination. Leave the weekends for any longer trips, time-consuming attractions, and moving from one location to another. This is a great way to optimize your time and get the most out of your travels.
Travel lightly and comfortably
A year seems like a long time, which is why many remote workers make the mistake of overpacking. But the less you manage to travel with, the easier it will be for you to move locations and settle into a new destination. For that reason, it’s recommended to travel as lightly as possible. Prioritize the gear you need for work, such as a laptop, tablet, phone, mouse, and other gadgets. Adjust your clothing and footwear to the local climate, and consider solutions such as capsule wardrobes. You can wash your clothes and purchase toiletries anywhere – travel with less to ensure optimal comfort.
Exploring the world while working remotely is a tremendous privilege, but it’s not always easy to achieve. Use the tips above to streamline your remote year and ensure a pleasant experience regardless of the destination.