Working remotely doesn’t only provide you the opportunity to travel, but you’ll also have a chance to discover and learn more about the world. It’s an amazing experience since you have the flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere, allowing you to create a work-life balance.
Working remotely while traveling will also give you more time to focus on yourself, your relationships, and your hobbies. So, if you want to experience the benefits of working remotely while traveling like Ohio lawyer Ryan Gibbs, make sure to follow these tips below:
- Know Your Working Style
Traveling and working remotely at the same time may seem like the ideal lifestyle, but it does have its downsides. The main one is that your destination could offer various sights and activities that will distract you from doing any work. Therefore, it’s best to determine your work style so you can allot certain hours that will be devoted to your job.
For example, if you’re a morning person, you can set up a few hours before lunchtime to check emails and do some work. Knowing your working style can make a difference as you’ll be more productive on the hours that you’ve set.
- Purchase International Outlet Adapters Before You Travel
Even if you can purchase one at the airport, you’ll pay less once you order online. Depending on the devices you’re using and your preferred travel destinations, pack a couple of outlet adapters so you can easily charge your device from any power outlet.
- Arrange Your Communication Channels
If you’re lucky to have a remote job that allows you to travel, you must spend time setting up your messaging systems. If you want to communicate via video, set up or test other messaging apps before you travel. Make sure the platforms you choose are also known and accessible by your workmates or clients.
Before you leave, make sure to top up on mobile data to stay connected. And if you decide to get an international phone plan, review all your options first so you’ll not end up spending too much on data connections.
- Keep Time Zones In Mind
Even if remote working does provide a greater scope of freedom and flexibility, it’s likely that you’ll still have to engage with your colleagues and customers from time to time, if not daily. With this in mind, you should understand the different time zones you’ll be working around and you must adjust and plan accordingly.
Depending on your duties and responsibilities, you may need to work on an earlier or later schedule to be online with your colleagues back home. Juggling the daylight savings time is another thing to consider. For instance, you should take note that Europe and the US observe different daylight savings periods.
The best way to compare and keep track of different time zones is to use a reliable website or app, so you won’t miss any important schedule.
- Prepare For Down Time
These days, it isn’t uncommon to have all your important files, documents, information, and tools stored on a cloud-based system. However, when technology fails or you experience connectivity issues, you should always have a backup plan in case of downtime.
Rather than being caught red-handed, prepare for possible downtime that you might experience during your travels. Have an external drive ready and back up all your most important documents and files before traveling.
- Prepare A Backup Internet Connection
It’s challenging to bring work along while you’re traveling, particularly when your destination doesn’t have a strong internet connection.
At present, an internet connection is probably the most crucial component for remote workers. The reason behind it is that it’s the only way to get your work done properly. Therefore, before you travel, make sure to check or ask around about Wi-Fi reliability and internet connectivity options that are available at your destination.
While many countries do have an internet connection service, some areas have slower and intermittent connection speeds. So, depending on your travel destination and work situation, it’s wise to buy a prepaid reliable hotspot to enjoy quality internet connection—whether at the hotel or when you’re out at cafes and public spaces. Again, you may have to spend on a data plan but having your own hotspot is much more convenient than competing for space and Wi-Fi in cafes.
- Stick To A Routine
One of the challenges of being a remote worker is not being able to manage time properly. Oftentimes, remote work is flexible with login schedules and times. But these well-laid plans can unravel quickly once you lose track of time doing other things. So, make sure to have a routine and stick to it. Reminders and calendars are a big help in terms of maintaining schedules and routines.
Conclusion
Although working and traveling at the same time can be challenging at first, it could also be an enriching experience, especially if you follow the tips above. Just always make sure to plan everything before you take your first step. Also, having a backup internet plan can make a difference as it’s essential to have alternatives when something comes up.
