Working from home has been a blessing for many, offering flexibility to enjoy our favorite activities without the commute and the expense of mediocre cafeteria food. This flexibility also enables us to work as a digital nomad.
As long as there’s strong WiFi, a place for your computer, and a comfortable chair, you’re set.
This freedom to combine travel and work lets you explore new destinations without using those coveted PTO days. We recently did this on a trip to New Jersey. We worked the first half of the day and explored the surrounding townships in the late afternoon/evening.
However, the nomadic lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Unlike the comfort of your home, where distractions are minimal and you’re familiar with your workspace, being a digital nomad means you must be prepared for the unexpected. Extra thought must go into your travels. Here are five important things to consider before booking your next trip as a digital nomad:
1. Take Note of Time Differences
Imagine booking a trip to the Swiss Alps late in the summer. You find a cheap Airbnb and plan to work during the day and explore in the evenings. However, you didn’t account for the 7-hour time difference with your co-workers in Chicago. This means starting work at 4 PM and likely missing the sunset over the mountains. Always check time zones when booking, especially for international trips. Sometimes, these differences can work in your favor, like if you decide to ski during the day in the winter and work at night.
2. Optimize for Good WiFi
The most crucial criterion when booking lodging is the WiFi quality. On a recent trip to New Jersey, we discovered that Simon’s connectivity faltered unless he was right next to the router, while I had no issues and claimed the desk. Ensure you have strong, reliable WiFi to prevent connectivity issues, especially if you’re frequently on video calls. Read reviews that mention WiFi and ask hosts for speed test results, aiming for at least 30-40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
3. Book Flights like a Digital Nomad
In general, flights that depart very early or late in the day on Tuesday or Wednesday tend to be the cheapest. Unfortunately for me, Tuesdays are typically packed with at least 5-6 back-to-back calls, making it a very busy workday. If I opt for an early Tuesday flight, it might save me a couple of hundred bucks, but achieving the same quality of work I manage at home would be difficult. Therefore, I strive to find a weekday flight that departs in the evening. This schedule ensures I have a proper work setup for my calls and still benefits from the lower fares typically available midweek. It also allows me to sleep on the plane, avoiding the hassle and stress of trying to connect to spotty airplane WiFi and managing calls in a cramped space.
4. Investigate the Work Setup
If you’re staying in an Airbnb, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll have a suitable work setup. Thankfully, Airbnb has a filter for “dedicated workspace,” which I use religiously. However, definitions of a “dedicated workspace” can vary widely—from a well-equipped office to a cramped corner with a makeshift table. Carefully review photos and reviews to understand what the workspace will actually be like. If you are traveling with another person who is also working remotely, check if there are two suitable workspaces available. Simon and I take turns using the “dedicated workspace,” allowing the one with calls to claim it while the other works from an alternative spot.
5. Prepare for Any Unknowns
While you can strive to make your new workspace as comfortable as your own, working in an unfamiliar environment often presents unexpected distractions. For instance, if your Airbnb or hotel is situated in a noisy area, investing in noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver. This was crucial for me when I discovered the New Jersey Airbnb I stayed at was next to a busy road, where the sound of passing cars was a constant distraction. Another essential item for remote work is a mini ring light, which is portable and adjustable, offering various light tones and brightness levels. This ensures professional lighting for your calls, which is particularly beneficial if you find yourself in a dimly lit space or with a window behind you. Read this post for my top 5 digital nomad packing essentials.
By applying these five tips, you can ensure that your work quality remains high, giving you the peace of mind to fully enjoy your travels.
