Wanderlust and Productivity: Mastering Remote Work
Is it actually possible to travel 3 months in Europe and still maintain a high level of work performance when working remote? Here are some best tips from some seasoned senior devs.
It’s that picture perfect scene: A laptop on a lounge chair by the beach, a fruity drink sitting on a nearby table, and the “remote worker” living a dream life working from anywhere.
But in reality, working and traveling at the same time - although possible - takes a little more effort, organization and planning that simply tossing a laptop into a backpack and booking a flight across the world.
Because we have been a remote native company from our inception, our developers have learned (sometimes the hard way) what it really takes to live the dream.
Here are some of our best tips for working and traveling at the same time.
Take more time in each location
This might be our best kept secret. Because there is no need to take time off when working remote, this allows for extended travel and the ability to sink into both the culture and beauty of different locations. Don’t think of this kind of travel the same way you would a vacation. Instead, think of working remote as a way to experience the world at a slower pace and while balancing priorities.
Instead of working all year, for two weeks of traveling, integrate travel as part of your life, not a deviation from it.
Extend your stay in each location to avoid the stress of feeling like you have to see it all quickly. Most of our devs recommend taking at least 3 weeks to a few months in a new location, so you can fully benefit from the culture and not feel rushed.
Want to explore remote work opportunities for yourself?
Pay attention to time zones
Take a look at the time zone you are traveling to and the time zone of your team and client. Plan your travel and work time according to the meetings and obligations you will have FIRST. If you are traveling to a location that is AHEAD of your client’s time zone, you can enjoy your location early in the day, and work later and into the evening. If it’s the other way around, you can get your work done early in the day and have the afternoon/evening free.
It might also be useful to schedule emails to go out later - that way you can get some work done while the rest of your team is sleeping, and the emails will fly when it’s the right time. Leaving you free later in the day for other tasks.
We also like the World Time Buddy app to quickly check what time it is for other team members.
Buffer in transition time
Traveling to a different time zone means jet lag. It may take a day or so to adjust and your productivity may lag a bit. Be prepared for this dip in productivity and make sure you account for it when you are making your plans.
There is also the mental and physical fatigue of traveling and being in an unfamiliar surrounding. Make sure your schedule has some down time so you aren’t burned out.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Let your team know what is going on. When you will be flying, if you will have wifi, if you are going to work ahead on some things to compensate. Over-communicate with your team, so no one is left guessing where you went or when things will be delivered.
Simplify your “office”
Narrow down to the most essential. Additional monitors might be nice, but lugging them around Europe is not always fun. Here are a few “essentials” our devs prioritized in their travels
High data plans
Noise cancelling headphones and microphone
We don’t make anything off these links - they are not affiliated with us in any way, these are simply products we have actually tried, use and love.
Plan ahead to find accommodations with excellent wifi
Most Airbnbs or other long term rental sites will allow you to filter for places that have reliable and fast wifi. Some will even have a work station (desk, etc.) set up for you. Make sure you read reviews carefully, wifi is not always as promised.
There are also co-working spaces in most cities - however, the cost is something to look into. Make sure you budget for that, if it’s something you are wanting to take advantage of, and there might even be free options as well.
Join a virtual nomad community
One of the best ways to find out about different locations is to ask those who have direct experience. There are several virtual nomad communities to join, search for groups on social media sites and lean into the network. Most people are happy to answer questions about a specific location, or are even willing to meet up and co-work or sightsee.
Some of our devs participate in the community Nomadbase and love it.
You CAN craft a life and career that work for you - as long as you are willing to work toward it, be smart and continue to deliver exceptional quality work while being close to the things that matter most to you.