Travel Tips Every Remote Worker Needs: Stay Productive and Organized on the Move

Remote work has revolutionized how we think about our careers and lifestyles. No longer tied to a single location, remote workers and digital nomads are combining travel with productivity. And guess what! According to the Digital Nomad Insights report by Pieter Levels, founder of Nomad List, over 35 million people worldwide are now embracing the nomadic lifestyle.

However, how can you ensure that your work stays on track, no matter where in the world you are?

In this article, we’ll cover essential travel tips every remote worker needs to thrive on the go, drawing insights and advice from successful remote workers in the field.

Let’s learn how to stay organized, productive, and ready to thrive in this exciting new way of life!

Packing Essentials: What You Really Need as a Nomad

One of the most important aspects of maintaining productivity as a digital nomad is packing smart. Tim Ferriss, the bestselling author of The 4-Hour Workweek, often emphasizes the value of minimalist packing: "You don’t need more gear, you need less gear. The less you have, the less you have to manage" .

So, you might be wondering… what are the absolute essentials?

• Lightweight Tech Gear: A high-performance, lightweight laptop like the MacBook Air or Dell XPS ensures you stay productive without being weighed down. As Levels recommends, there’s nothing better than a minimal tech setup to stay nimble and move between locations with ease.
• Portable Workspace: Consider travel-friendly items like foldable laptop stands, a wireless mouse, and noise-canceling headphones. And remember investing in yourself! According to the Journal of Productivity, ergonomic setups improve focus by up to 70%, even in unconventional workspaces.
• Connectivity Tools: Always have a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM cards for different regions like Airalo for reliable internet connectivity across various countries.

Hey, no judgment—we all love rocking that cute outfit, the statement necklace, those killer shoes. But seriously, is it worth it? You know that dress is only getting worn once this entire trip! Let’s be real: if you’re not planning to rock it on repeat, maybe leave it behind. ??

Mastering Time Zones: Staying on Top of Your Schedule

For remote workers, especially those crossing time zones, managing schedules can be a significant hurdle. But with the right tools and strategies, you can turn this into an advantage.

• Use Time Zone Apps like Time Zone Buddy and Calendly, these platforms make scheduling meetings across different time zones seamless.?
• Communicate proactively: inform your colleagues about your time zone, work schedule and deadlines, also expectations! Like this, you try to avoid any last-minute stress & allow yourself to have quality time, go out to explore, enjoy yourself…
• Track Your Day: Time management tools like Clockify or Toggl can help track work hours and ensure you’re making the most of your time in different regions.

We’ve all been there—thinking it's 10 AM back home, but surprise! You just scheduled a call for 3 AM. Oops. Save yourself the hassle and double-check your time zones, unless you enjoy explaining why you’re in pajamas on a Zoom call. ??

Creating the Perfect Workspace: Wherever You Are

Sara Sutton, Founder and CEO of FlexJobs, states, "Coworking spaces foster both productivity and community. They’re essential for remote workers who thrive in a collaborative yet focused environment".

Okay, but why is it so important? Let’s dig in:

Your surroundings play a big role in how well you can focus. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote beach town, it’s crucial to create an environment conducive to work. However… what a challenge!?

Take a look at our favorite tips to incorporate when trying to reach this “focus” level anywhere we go (but “shhh”, keep them a secret, these are too good to be true):

• Find Co-Working Spaces: Coworking spaces like Palma Coliving offer a professional environment with reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic setups, and a community of like-minded professionals.
• Healthy Work Habits: Using project management tools like Trello and ClickUp can help you keep track of tasks, even in different time zones and environments. Indeed, it will provide you with a clearer vision over your priorities and allow a better flow of that “famous” “work-life balance”.
• Noise-canceling tech has been a massive trend, especially among Gen Z, who are all about prioritizing their health and well-being—not just at work but everywhere from festivals to study sessions. Whether you're drowning out distractions in a coworking space or vibing in a crowded café, noise-canceling headphones and apps like Noisli are the unsung heroes. Emerging brands like Nuraphone and Soundcore are making waves by offering stylish, high-tech options. So, whether you’re hustling or chilling, consider this your nudge to embrace the quiet revolution. ???

Trust me, working from your bed might sound like a dream, but after a while, that “office bed” starts feeling more like a trap. Find yourself a real workspace before your pillow becomes your new desk. ????

Some final insider tricks

• Stay Minimalist: Packing, Working, RSVPing… Simplify your workflow by automating repetitive tasks, control and create lists of what you’re packing, detail your itineraries…. As Johnny FD, a successful digital nomad and entrepreneur, explains, “Automation through tools like Zapier has been key to freeing up time for travel and adventure.”
• Prioritize Self-Care: Avoid burnout by establishing clear routines and taking regular breaks. Remember, the key to longevity in this lifestyle is balance. Always schedule time for self-care amidst the hustle.
• Staying Connected: Building a Nomad Network - As a remote worker, networking doesn’t stop just because you’re not in the same city. Use platforms like LinkedIn, attend virtual meetups, or simply strike up a conversation with fellow nomads at your coworking space. You never know who might be your next collaborator or client!

Remember, a quick “Hi, I’m [Your Name]!” goes a long way. And who knows, the person you chat with at that coffee shop might just have the hookup to your next big gig. Worst-case scenario, you’ll have someone to grab lunch with. ????

Thriving as a Productive Digital Nomad

Balancing work and travel may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and tools, it’s more than possible. By staying organized, managing time zones effectively, and creating the right workspace, you can thrive professionally while embracing the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to stay productive, organized, and ahead of your schedule, no matter where your travels take you.

Ready to embark on your next workation?

We hope you find this newsletter interesting and you are ready to take your nomad life to the next level!

Thank you for reading ??

Nati.

Palma Coliving: Where digital nomads grow, connect, and build successful businesses, one adventure at a time.