Making the Most of Travel When Working Remotely
One of the most alluring aspects about remote work is being freed from the constraints of a permanent physical workplace. In almost all cases, this isn’t as simple as packing up your laptop and spending every week of the year in a different country. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from this flexibility – just as long as you plan it out in advance.
1. Get Your House in Order
Many physical workplaces limit the amount of time you can take off in one go. The idea of being able to spend a month or more abroad and really immerse yourself in a new country is therefore a hugely appealing idea when you’re working remotely! It’s important to remember that your home costs will still be coming out while you’re away.
Before you book a long stay, put aside however much you’ll need to pay rent and bills while you’re away. If you’re a homeowner or legally allowed to do so, you can consider renting out your place to a friend or guests while on holiday. Otherwise, budget your home expenses before your travel expenses. This will give you a better idea of how long you can get away for.
2. Working Holiday
Of course, the caveat of remote work is that your holiday is actually what is now called a work-cation. How much work are you planning to take on while you’re away and how much is available? It’s a hugely satisfying idea that your work could pay for each day you’re traveling.
Still, balancing your projected income during your holiday with your daily costs is just good sense. This will give you an idea of how much extra you’ll need to set aside for your trip.
3. Making Work Comfortable
Hotel rooms and rental apartments tend to be a good option as they’re usually more comfortable than offices. All the same, you want to think about how you can maximize your work while away. Sitting on your bed using your laptop is always tempting. If you’re video-conferencing or typing a lot though, you’ll probably want to work at a desk or table.
The technology you bring with you is also a key consideration. If you do visual work such as graphic design then a big screen can be hugely beneficial. Similarly, if you may need multiple screens for your work then it might be worth investing in a portable monitor. Consider the monitors at https://wanderingoffice.com. It’s all about making your work-cation feel as natural and relaxing as possible.
4. Time Management
On that note, supposing that work will be readily available during your trip, how much do you want to do? This varies from career to career. If you pick up work on a freelance basis, you’ll likely have the potential for more free time on your travels. If you’re contracted to daily targets, you’ll probably have more spending power but a bit less time to see the sights.
Consider in as much detail as you can how you’re going to balance these aspects. You don’t want to feel overly tied to your computer and yet making the most of earning-while-traveling also means having a stable income stream. Think about the hours of the day you want to have free (and consider time zones if you work on deadlines), and how you can manage your time to maximize your enjoyment.
Wrap Up
When you’ve got it all planned out, it’s time to pick your destination and flights, and get out there! Working remotely offers wonderful possibilities for enjoying the world in a way that’s so difficult in a 9-5. Get the important things sorted beforehand, go where you’ve always wanted to be, and bon voyage!