Tips for Remote Working While Traveling

If 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything it is that more and more people have learned the benefit of working remotely. If you’ve been lucky enough to have an employer who’s allowed and encouraged you to work from home, or you’ve set off on your freelance career, why not take advantage of being location independent and travel more while working remotely? Here are some top tips to consider before booking a travel destination  for remote working. 

THE RIGHT MINDSET TO TRAVELING MORE WHILE WORKING REMOTELY

Working from home is new for a lot of people And if you’re a parent, it can be further challenging to manage schedules, school, housework, etc. Yet, do you truly have to be “at home” to do all these things? The biggest setback most people face is the mindset of having to be in one place. You can get out and see our amazing country and travel while working remotely.

THE RIGHT SETTING FOR WORKING REMOTELY

The key to travel while working remotely is finding the right setting. You want to travel, but don’t head to a place where there’s so much to see you won’t get any work done. This is not a time for Walt Disney World. Think remote destinations, mountains, beaches, maybe some national parks. Plan for a mix of quiet solitude work and one or two activities a day. This gives you the chance to get out and explore after work is done.

As for accommodations, I’d go for a home rental. This allows everyone to still have space to do work or school as if you are at home. You’ll also have a kitchen for meals and snacks. 

Me Working at a Home Rental

THE RIGHT GEAR FOR WORKING REMOTELY

Ready to dive in? You’ll need a few things to make traveling while working remotely successful.

First, get the right bag for working remotely. My all-time favorite bag is the Knack Pack Expandable Backpack. It not only holds a laptop but expands to pack clothing like traditional luggage. Depending on the size, you can fit up to 4 days worth of outfits. Bonus if you’re in a home rental, you’ll have a place to do laundry. 

Depending on the size and needs of your family, I’d recommend one for each family member. That way everyone has room and space to store their laptops and other gear.

Another key component to travel while working remotely is ensuring you have adequate Wi-Fi. This is another benefit of using a home rental over a hotel. Generally, with a home rental, you’re not sharing data with hundreds of other “residents.” to be safe, however, check your hotspot usage with your cell carrier or get a back up like a Travel Wifi device.

Purple Light Vacations has partnerships with lots of home rentals. No need to go it alone.  

THE RIGHT TIMING AND HOW TO SET YOUR SCHEDULE

Timing is where working remotely gets tricky. Add in things you want to do and see from the road and you might never get done what you need to get done. As mentioned above, plan your trip somewhere that won’t provide too many distractions. Then plan your schedule accordingly.

I’d recommend working in four to six-hour blocks of time, leaving the rest of the day for exploring and spending with family. If you need to get in a full eight-hour workday for your employer, check to see if this can be done in blocks, or during off-hours. Make sure it’s okay to work from 8 am-12 pm and then from 5 pm – 9 pm for example. Or maybe you work from 6 am to 12 pm and get those extra hours on the weekend.

Alternatively, if you want to take advantage of cooler weather in the morning for hikes, you might work from 12 pm to 8 pm. As long as you can prove that you get all your work done, maybe you can opt for a 30-35 hour week instead of the traditional 40. The key is to communicate with your co-workers and management team to cover all bases.

Even as a freelancer with no “boss”, it’s key to set your schedule. Commit to either projects you can get done, or setting aside a certain amount of hours each day. I did this while we stayed in New York City for two weeks. 

Me Working in a Hotel

If you have young children and need childcare during the day while you work, you have a couple of options. Seek out a resort that has an activity program. Get your work done from a scenic balcony while the kids are taken care of.

Another option is alternating vacations with your spouse. For example, plan two weeks away, but each of you only takes a week off. You’ll maximize your vacation with afternoon and evening activities, and each parent will get quality one on one time with the kids during the other parent’s working hours.

HOMESCHOOLING FROM THE ROAD

Homeschooling these days takes many forms. Whether you’ve been teaching the kids yourself, or they are doing remote learning through their school, who says it has to be at home. The same principles of working remotely apply to virtual learning as well. Especially if you have older, independent learners, they can do their schoolwork while you’re doing your work.

TRAVELING SAFELY

I get it, you may have concerns about safety during this uncertain time. We’ve traveled now a couple of times and can note that hotels and home rental organizations are taking cleaning and safety precautions seriously. Here are a few ways you can be safe and travel while working remotely.

Take a road trip. You are in control when you’re in your vehicle. Choose where to stop, bring your food and cleaning supplies, and pack games and activities from home. You can road trip about 5 hours from home and get a new view for a few days.

We recommend booking accommodations with generous cancellations policies and updated cleaning measures.

Another option for safety and to stay socially distant from other families is to go camping. Camping in a cabin if you don’t own an RV is one option.

What do you think? Are you ready to travel more while working remotely? Please contact us to assist you in finding/booking your remote location. Our travel services do not cost you extra, and you receive our valuable advice, and other added value. 

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3).