How to work remotely and travel the world

In the past four years, the modern workplace as we know it has changed so much, as workers have learned how to work remotely and travel. After working from home became the norm for multiple industries during Covid-19 lockdowns, many emerged from the worst of the pandemic with a new perspective on how they’d like to spend their working day.

A new generation of people decided to explore “digital nomadism”, with the trend increasing by 137% from 2019 – that’s 17 million workers in the US alone identifying strongly with the idea of working while travelling the world. 

It’s a dream for so many of us; being able to do your job while seeing the world on your own terms, without being tied to a commute-and-office routine. And many countries, like Barbados, Croatia and Greece, are jumping on the bandwagon by offering specific digital nomad visas. That said, it’s good to know the pros and cons of remote working and ensure you put the work in to make your “living the dream” lifestyle last. Find out more, below. Ready to see more of the world? Get inspired by Flash Pack’s curation of worldwide adventure trips.

Is it possible to work remotely and travel?

If you’re thinking about taking the leap and becoming a digital nomad, one concern you might have is that it’ll mean you miss out on key elements of career progression. But as long as your vocation allows for remote working (i.e. you’re not anchored to a specific place), this shouldn’t be an issue. If you plan effectively and smartly – so that you are still engaged with your industry, and prioritise communicating well with your clients and/or employer – there’s no reason why your career won’t continue to thrive while you’re away. You’ll simply add more skills and a fresh perspective to your repertoire.

Benefits of remote working abroad

Working remotely abroad gives you the chance to explore the globe in a space of financial stability, shake up your old routine, and discover new things about yourself and the world. Here are some more advantages:

You get to experience new environments

Whether you fancy working from a café in Lisbon, while looking out on the cityscapes of South Korea or from a beach town in Brazil, digital nomad life allows you to experience these places first-hand, from a local’s perspective. Chances are these new spaces will bring inspiration and energy into your work, as well. 

There’s potential for better work-life balance

Finding a healthy work-life balance can be one of the hardest things to do, but if you’re working from an incredible travel destination, you’re likely to feel more motivated to take advantage of your downtime. Whether that’s perusing a food market on your lunch break or taking a beach walk after work, it’s worlds better than rotting on the sofa back home.

It may help to reduce stress and burnout

Chronic stress is a global workplace issue, with a 2022 study finding that 70% of people across seven countries experience burnout. Not being constantly attached to the daily stresses and expectations of the 9-5 life can help alleviate this pressure.

You’ll be exposed to new cultures and ways of life

Never underestimate how a new setting or fresh perspective can inform your work in amazing ways. Making new friends and having extraordinary experiences while still working for a living guarantees you won’t get caught up in stagnant routines, and could motivate you to push for better in your career.

Challenges of remote working abroad

It’s important to be clear with yourself about potential pitfalls or difficult moments when setting up and navigating your digital nomad life. From organisation to communicating with colleagues back home, here are some roadblocks to think about: 

Visas and logistics

You shouldn’t leave this until you get to your destination – do ensure that your visa and any other travel documents are arranged well in advance and that you have all the facilities you need to work well, such as good wi-fi and a good desk setup.

Adapting to new cultures and ways of working

It’s a good idea to give yourself time to settle into your new location, instead of jumping straight into work. That way, you approach your job with your new digital nomad rhythm already established.

Staying in touch with your team on the move

Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean that you should distance yourself from your colleagues or clients. In fact, the distance between you means it’s more important than ever to check in. It might be a good idea to set up a meeting schedule with them prior to your travels, to ensure that you remain connected, whatever time zone you’re in.

Tips on how to work remotely and travel

When setting up your remote work lifestyle, it’s best to adhere to the 5Cs framework, which stresses the importance of considering connection (to the internet), climate, coast, cost and community. The most important consideration, according to other digital nomads, is finding a good internet connection. Here are some other things you should consider: 

Make suitable arrangements with your employer

As part of your preparation, check what your current workplace’s policies and guidelines are for working remotely. If you’re not able to negotiate what you need, going freelance is also an option, as is finding a new fully remote role. Either way, collating a list of your transferable skills from your current job to your new remote work life will be super-helpful.

Figure out what you want to achieve with remote work

If you’re looking to start working remotely, this may be the perfect time to begin reflecting on swapping career paths. It might be that some time in a different space will help you navigate a crossroads you’re at in your life. Or, it might be a good opportunity to recover from career burnout. Either way, it’ll help you to decide on a new direction.

Understand visa requirements

It’s absolutely crucial that you do the appropriate research and due diligence when it comes to visa requirements for both your destination country and your home country. The last thing you want is to have your digital nomad dream interrupted because your visa doesn’t permit you to live it out in style.

Make sure you have the right equipment

In order to successfully work remotely, ensure you have the following sorted:

• A strong and reliable internet connection
• A laptop and the appropriate chargers
• Headphones to ensure you can minimise distracting noises if needed
• Additional keyboard and wireless mouse if you’re able to carry it
• Power bank as an emergency option for charging devices
• A big enough backpack or bag to carry your digital nomad essentials 

Set and stick to a budget

Try and make as strict a spending plan as you can from the beginning, working out spending money, food and accommodation allocations, according to how far your salary can stretch. Avoid choosing destinations, working locations or hotels that are too expensive for your budget, as this will only serve to put you and digital nomad life under unnecessary pressure. 

Choose your destination wisely

While this is certainly an opportunity to live out a life-long fantasy, it’s important to be aware of the practicalities. Picking a country that already offers a digital nomad visa would be wise; for example, Spain, Japan or South Africa (and many more). 

Best destinations for remote working

From nostalgic Istanbul to colourful Guatapé, the world today is simply bursting with vibrant remote working communities – places where you’ll easily meet other digital nomads doing their thing. As well as looking out for destinations with easy digital nomad visas, you’ll want to think about destinations that are welcoming, accessible and well-connected in terms of accommodation and co-working options. It’s worth researching what you’ll do in your spare time, too; whether that’s beach-hopping, river safaris or feasting on local street food.

Lead locations to consider include the gorgeous coastal town of Hoi An in Vietnam, the Portuguese capital Lisbon, a laid-back lifestyle in Kosgoda, Sri Lanka, or the world-famous sights of buzzing Buenos Aires. Discover more on the most friendly towns and cities for solo travel and remote working.

Deciding if remote work is right for you

If you’re considering a change to the remote working lifestyle, now’s the time to do it. The planet is full of emerging digital nomad destinations where you can adopt a different kind of work-life balance and change up your perspective on life. 

That said, this is a choice that comes with challenges; you’ll need to make sure that whatever set-up you build can accommodate your working demands. And you’ll also need to think carefully and do your homework on issues such as budget, visa requirements and language or cultural barriers. If a full swap to remote working isn’t for you, you could consider taking a sabbatical or career break (a move that chimes especially well with the mid-career years of your 30s and 40s). Whatever path you choose to follow, the world is waiting for you.

Thinking of taking a career break in your 30s or 40s? Join Flash Pack today and hop on-board for a worldwide adventure with other like-minded travellers.

Got a story or adventure that could inspire a solo traveller like you? Tag @flashpack on social or email [email protected] to be featured.