How to Successfully Travel While Working Remotely
Written by: Mia Barnes
Remote work has changed the game. You no longer have to remain in one place, tied to a desk for eight hours. With a laptop and Wi-Fi, the world is your office — if you know how to make it work.
The Appeal of Remote Work
What started as a necessity during the pandemic has evolved into a preferred way of life for many. Only 6.5% of private business employees worked from home before the pandemic. Since 2019, the flexibility, autonomy and freedom remote work offers has made it more than just a perk. For many, it’s now an expectation.
Even though remote work has existed for a while now, interest in it has increased dramatically over the last few years. So, why is remote work so appealing?
Creating your own schedule: Remote work lets you work when you’re most productive and more easily navigate regular appointments, like doctor’s visits.
No more commuting: Remote workers get travel time back and save money on gas or transit.
Better work-life balance: When work fits around your life instead of the other way around, there’s more time for family, hobbies and rest.
Location independence: You can work from anywhere with a decent Wi-Fi signal.
Fewer distractions and office politics: Many people find they get more done without the background noise of an open-plan office or unnecessary meetings.
12 Remote Work Travel Tips
Whether you dream of submitting a project while sipping an espresso in a Paris cafe or answering emails from a beachside Airbnb, working while traveling takes strategy. Here’s how to pull it off without dropping the ball at work or burning out.
Pick Your Destination Wisely
A place might look dreamy on Instagram, but that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for remote work. Look for destinations with:
Reliable internet
A comfortable time zone overlap with your team or clients
A reasonable cost of living so your paycheck stretches further
Places with a coworking space or a digital nomad community nearby may also be ideal, depending on your work style. Isolation can sneak up on you quickly when you’re on the move.
2. Get Organized
Spontaneity sounds fun until you’re scrambling to find a quiet spot for a Zoom call. Set your work hours ahead of time and stick to them. Use tools like Google Calendar or Notion to track deadlines and meetings. Always double-check time zones, as that’s where many remote work travelers get tripped up.
3.Book Work-Friendly Accommodations
That rustic mountain cabin might be charming, but if it doesn’t have a desk or decent cell reception, it’s going to make your life harder. Look for places that mention fast Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and proximity to cafes or coworking hubs. Check reviews to see if other remote workers have enjoyed their experiences.
4. Pack for Productivity
There’s no need to haul your entire office with you, but a few essentials make a big difference. Remember to pack:
A laptop stand and an external mouse for better ergonomics
Noise-canceling headphones
Portable chargers and universal adapters
5. Create Routines
Develop rituals that signal the start and end of your workday. Maybe it’s a morning walk or a specific playlist that helps you focus. Having structure helps you stay grounded, even if everything around you is constantly changing. A wind-down routine is especially important when working remotely — otherwise, your work and personal life may start to overlap.
6. Communicate More Than You Think You Need To
If your co-workers can’t see you, they need to hear from you. Be proactive about updates, check in regularly and don’t leave people guessing about your availability. Overcommunication builds trust and it makes it less likely anyone will question your productivity.
7. Have a Backup Plan
Technology fails, Wi-Fi cuts out and flights get delayed. It’s all part of the deal. Have a mobile hot spot or local SIM card as a backup in case your Airbnb’s router gives up mid-call. Know where the nearest coworking space or 24-hour cafe is. A little prep goes a long way when things go sideways.
8. Don’t Overschedule Yourself
It’s tempting to cram your calendar with calls during the day and sightseeing at night, but that’s a fast track to burnout. Traveling while working isn’t about doing everything. Instead, it’s about finding a balance. Leave space in your days for rest and spontaneity.
9. Make Time to Explore
This is the fun part. You’re not working remotely just to stare at different walls. Build in buffer time to enjoy your surroundings, log off on time, take long lunches and plan weekend adventures. You didn’t come all this way to work 24/7.
10. Know When to Slow Down
Travel fatigue is real. If you change cities every few days, it becomes harder to focus and your work may start to suffer. Consider longer stays. One to two months in a place can be the sweet spot for settling in and staying productive.
11. Keep an Eye on Your Finances
When every week is a new adventure, it’s easy to lose track of what you’re spending. Budget apps like YNAB or Mint can help you stay on top of your finances. Factor in everything, including accommodations, travel insurance, data plans, daily meals and the occasional splurge. Financial stress can undo the joy of remote travel fast.
12. Know When to Hit Pause
Eventually, you might grow tired of airports, timezone math, living out of a suitcase and packing up your life every month. That’s normal. It’s OK to stop, settle somewhere for a while or even go home. Traveling while working remotely can be exhausting, so recognize signs of burnout early and adjust.
Freedom With Responsibility
Working remotely while traveling isn’t effortless, but it is possible and often incredibly rewarding. The key is finding that sweet spot between flexibility and discipline. When you plan ahead and know your limits, you can build a life that lets you explore the world without falling behind on your work.