Tips for Working While Traveling
Digital nomads have emerged as an alternative work lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of technology to continue working while traveling around the globe.
While this trend presents businesses with some challenges, they can overcome them using various communication tools and creating clear work policies.
1. Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time
Before traveling anywhere, whether that be Iceland, Indonesia or elsewhere around the globe, it’s wise to conduct proper research. Take into account passport restrictions, visa requirements, health insurance requirements and any potential roadblocks as you prepare your itinerary.
Many digital nomads take great pleasure in traveling as a natural part of their work, while for others travel offers an escape from daily life and opportunity to pursue dreams.
No matter your motivations for traveling nomadism, it is key to identify what tools and necessities you’ll require in order to remain productive while on the move. This could include having an easily portable wardrobe and tech setup or using cloud solutions to organize files and manage work. Network with fellow nomads through coworking spaces or events while building professional communities along your travels.
2. Get a Good Internet Connection
Make sure you have reliable internet at every location you are traveling or working remotely from. This will help increase productivity while traveling and will also keep tasks on schedule when working remotely.
Digital nomads can work in fields as varied as IT and creative industries to finance and marketing. While most often working freelance or independently contractor arrangements, digital nomads also include employees of remote work companies who consider themselves digital nomads.
Digital nomads need strong skill sets and reliable internet connectivity in order to be successful digital nomads, including being able to meet deadlines, manage tasks effectively and communicate with colleagues across time zones. Furthermore, developing an ideal work-travel routine and cultivating supportive communities are integral elements of success for digital nomads.
3. Find a Coworking Space
Digital nomads must find an environment that is both professional and enjoyable. While working from your favorite local coffee shop may seem romantic, eventually you may crave the comfort of having your own desk instead of struggling to access unreliable WiFi or deal with side conversations and packing unpacking!
Coworking spaces have quickly become popular in cities all around the globe, offering office supplies, collaborative spaces, and even fitness classes to keep workers productive and efficient.
No matter if you are traveling for business or just need an easy way to balance work with travel, coworking spaces may provide the solution for you. Here is a list of some of the coolest ones in Lisbon as a starting point.
4. Set Up a Work Policy
Digital nomadism may sound attractive at first, with idyllic images of working remotely while sipping mai tais on a beach and attending meetings between snorkeling sessions and spa appointments; but success requires hard work and discipline from everyone involved. Achieve success will require convincing your boss (or finding an employer with flexible working arrangements) that your venture deserves their support, then sticking with it until success has been realized.
Establish systems for managing remote work and communicating with a dispersed team. Reduce possessions to the essentials while selecting productivity tools that enhance rather than hamper mobility.
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5. Take Breaks
Take breaks daily, weekly and monthly – they offer many advantages! Not only can taking regular breaks help prevent mental, physical and emotional burnout but they can also lead to greater productivity and enjoyment of work and life overall.
Digital nomads come from various backgrounds and careers – software developers to marketers to writers – contributing in various ways to the global economy, including stimulating local economies and spurring innovation.
Companies should update their work policies to allow employees to work while traveling. Employees who enjoy a digital nomad lifestyle will likely do more for companies that allow this flexibility, helping companies attract talent while competing against other organizations for top performers.
