How to Balance Work and Travel: Tips for Remote Workers
For many, the appeal of remote work lies in the freedom to travel and work from any location they choose, making it a cherished goal for adventurous spirits.
The opportunity to change the four walls of an office to an exotic location like Bali or the charming cafés of Barcelona is a luxury. However, working remotely from any location while striking the right balance between staying productive, completing your tasks, and still having enough time to travel and enjoy your surroundings often proves quite different in practice.
It does involve rigorous processes and detailed work, and you need to have your eyes open to what is expected to be achieved. To make your life easier, we have written this post for you. So, keep reading to discover how to balance remote work and travel effectively without compromising your productivity or peace of mind.
Tip 1: Choose the right remote job
Before you even start planning that dream itinerary, it’s important to honestly assess whether your current work role is truly travel-friendly. Does it require specific working hours? Are there frequent meetings that demand your immediate attention?
Some remote jobs are inherently more suited to a nomadic lifestyle than others. For example, online work-at-home positions are a perfect match for busy travellers. Look for roles that prioritise asynchronous communication, outcome-based performance, and flexible hours. If you’re considering a career change, specifically search for remote positions that highlight travel as a possibility. Consider freelancing or starting your own online business, giving you even more control over your schedule and location.
Tip 2: Plan, plan, plan (and plan some more)
Spontaneity is great for holidays. However, this approach is hardly efficient for a healthy work-travel balance. Meticulous planning is key. Therefore, we recommend that you:
– Create a realistic work schedule. Take into consideration time zone differences, hours spent in transit, and possible distractions when you arrive in a new environment you’re not yet familiar with. It’s best to set specific time slots for travelling and sightseeing, with the idea being that hard work should take place when there is no distraction.
– Choose destinations wisely. You should consider internet connectivity, safety, cost of living, and the time zone difference with your team of co-workers or possible clients when deciding on your travel destination. Research whether there are co-working spaces or cafés with reliable Wi-Fi in advance.
– Book accommodation strategically. It’s best to opt for accommodations with dedicated workspaces, reliable internet access, and convenient access to amenities. Consider apartments or long-term rentals for better work environments and potential cost savings.
– Budget realistically. Travel expenses can quickly add up, so it’s best to create a detailed budget. It should cover accommodation, transportation, food, internet access, and mobile data plans. It’s equally important to leave room in your budget for unforeseen costs.
Without a clear plan, managing your time and money efficiently becomes difficult, making travel more challenging and negatively impacting your work. It is important not to make impulsive decisions and to take into account all the factors that might affect your performance and productivity.
Tip 3: Establish a dedicated workspace wherever you are
Avoid making a habit of working from your hotel bed, a beach lounger, or any other spot that feels too cosy and relaxing. Set up a designated workspace, even if it’s just a simple desk or a seating corner of the hotel room where you’re temporarily staying, to serve as your go-to place for work. Pack some items such as a portable monitor, an ergonomic keyboard, or noise-cancelling headphones to have the best work environment regardless of place.
It helps create a clear distinction between work and leisure time, promoting consistency, diligence, and a sense of accomplishment.
Tip 4: Define your priorities and establish clear boundaries
Before booking that first flight, take a moment to reflect on your motivations to work on remote jobs. Are you prioritising immersive cultural experiences, do you want to have a relaxing beach holiday, or prefer a mix of both? Understanding your travel goals will help you structure your work and travel schedule accordingly.
It is no less important to establish firm boundaries between work and leisure. This means setting specific work hours, voicing your availability to colleagues and clients, and sticking to those boundaries as much as possible. No matter how inviting that beach may seem or how appealing the urban delights of an exotic city are, they should not interfere with work commitments. On the other hand, resist the urge to constantly check emails outside of business hours, and be mindful of overcommitting.
Tip 5: Manage your time wisely
When it comes to juggling between work and travel, time management is highly important. Use strategies such as the Pomodoro Technique (work in 25-minute intervals followed by breaks), time boxing (do specific activities within a set time slot), and prioritise activities by their urgency and importance (you can use the Eisenhower box technique for this). Use team management platforms such as Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to be on top of things and not miss any deadlines.
However, if you want to avoid feeling stressed and frustrated with your work, it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure nothing interferes with your travel adventures.
Strike the right balance between work and travel
Are you dreaming of travelling the world and working remotely? If that’s the case, then we have good news for you. Everything is absolutely possible today. All you need to do is choose the right remote job and balance your time wisely. Follow the tips above, and you’ll get the most out of doing work you enjoy while exploring different countries and continents.
