7 Lessons I Learned About Working Remotely While Travelling

Picture sipping espresso at a café in Paris while checking emails or enjoying the ocean breeze while writing reports on a beach in Bali. The idea of working remotely while travelling sounds great – but is it as good as it seems? 

According to a report from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, around 28% of working adults in Great Britain will have hybrid work setups by 2025. Remote work offers a lot of flexibility, but it also has challenges. Weak Wi-Fi, noisy coffee shops, and frequent interruptions can make an excellent situation a hassle.

To balance work and travel, you need more than just a laptop and a positive mindset – you need a plan, organisation, and the right outlook. Let’s explore the seven lessons I learned the hard way so you can succeed in remote work while enjoying your travels.

Essential Takeaways for Remote Work on the Move

Here are the essential takeaways for remote work on the move:

• A Reliable Workspace is Non-Negotiable

Working from a stylish café might seem appealing, but it often comes with distractions like background noise, weak internet, and insufficient power outlets. Hotel rooms might seem like a good alternative, but they usually don’t have comfortable seating or enough desk space.

A few months ago, I spent a week in London, splitting my time between work and exploring the city. Instead of struggling with café Wi-Fi or trying to focus in a cramped hotel room, I worked from a sleek, fully serviced office in the heart of the city. One Avenue Group gave me a quiet, professional space to get things done, so I could actually enjoy my time off without worrying about unfinished work.

That’s been my approach ever since – whenever I travel, I make sure I have a solid workspace lined up. Because as much as I love the flexibility of remote work, I’ve learned that working from anywhere doesn’t mean working well from anywhere.

A calm work environment helps you focus better. Co-working spaces and serviced offices provide fast Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and fewer distractions, allowing you to concentrate on your work and enjoy your free time after hours.

• Wi-Fi Can Make or Break Your Day

One of the main challenges of working on the go is finding a reliable internet connection. Free Wi-Fi in cafés and hotels can be slow and unreliable, making video calls or uploading large files frustrating. In 2024, it was noted that almost one in four Brits work remotely from a café or hotel at least weekly, highlighting the necessity of dependable Wi-Fi in such locations.

To avoid this:

• Check Wi-Fi speeds before choosing a workspace.
• Bring a portable hotspot or get a local SIM card with good data coverage.
• Use a VPN to protect important work information when using public networks.

A reliable internet connection is essential, not just a convenience.

• Time Zones Can Be Your Best Friend (or Worst Enemy)

Working with people in different time zones can be helpful or challenging. If your job allows you to work at other times, having different time zones can help you focus without distractions. However, planning your schedule is essential if you need to attend live meetings.

To manage time zones well:

• Use scheduling tools like Calendly or World Time Buddy to set up meetings.
• Make sure your team or clients know when you are available.
• Adjust your working hours if needed so they match your primary responsibilities.

With careful planning, you can use time zones to your advantage instead of letting them get in your way.

• Structure Your Day Like You Would at Home

Many remote workers make a common mistake while travelling: they treat work as a lower priority. Without a plan, the day can quickly pass, leading to feeling overwhelmed with unfinished tasks or regret not thoroughly enjoying their experiences.

Here are some ways to create structure:

• Start your day with a clear work plan that includes set focus times.
• Use the Pomodoro method, which involves working for 25 minutes straight, to help keep your productivity up.
• Keep your work hours separate from your free time – don’t mix the two.

Following a routine will improve your work efficiency and help you stay engaged during your travels.

• Pack Smart As The Right Gear Changes Everything

Setting up your workspace can significantly affect your remote work experience. It’s important to travel light, but you shouldn’t compromise on essential tech, as this can lead to frustration.

Here are the key items you need:

• Noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions.
• A mobile charger to keep your devices powered while on the go.
• A worldwide adapter for your international trips.
• A reliable, portable laptop that supports your work.

Also, use apps like Slack, Trello, and Notion to help you stay organized and maintain a smooth workflow.

• Learn to Set Boundaries with Work and Play

You might feel tempted to work too much when you are in a new place. Neither of these is a good idea. Setting limits is essential to keeping a healthy balance. In fact, 42% of workers find it challenging to set boundaries when working remotely, highlighting the necessity of creating a distinct separation between work and leisure while travelling.

Here’s how to do it:

• Share your work hours with your coworkers or clients.
• Set a “closure” time so you can enjoy your trips.
• Don’t check work emails or messages outside of your work hours.

Work should support your travels, not take them over.

• Flexibility is Key As Things Will Go Wrong

No matter how well you plan, things can still go wrong. Flights can be delayed, Wi-Fi can cut out, and meetings can change. Being adaptable is key to success.

To stay prepared:

• Keep tasks you can do without the internet, like writing, planning, or reviewing.
• Make sure you have essential files accessible offline.
• Accept that unexpected challenges are part of the journey.

Being flexible helps you stay productive while enjoying your journey.

Conclusion

Working remotely and travelling can be beneficial together if you take the proper steps. The goal is not just to work from anywhere but to be productive. You can stay focused and still enjoy your travels by setting up a good workspace, keeping a regular schedule, and planning.

Learn these strategies, and you won’t have to choose between adventure and work. Instead, you can create a lifestyle where both can coexist.

So, where will your next workspace be?