I used to think that working from the road was impossible. I imagined a life of unproductivity, constantly bouncing between cafes and couches with nothing to show for it.
But after experimenting with different methods, I’ve found a few strategies that have helped me stay productive while traveling.
If you’re tired of working from the same ol’ desk in the same ol’ office, it’s time to break free and explore the world while still getting your work done.
But the tricky thing is, it’s hard to manage your work when you’re not in your usual environment. There are a lot of things that remote workers should know to stay productive while on the road and never miss a deadline.
I’m going to share my tips and show you how easy it is to be productive while on the go. Whether you’re on a beach in Thailand or a coffee shop in Seattle, you can make this work for you. So get ready to hit the road and see what wonders await!
Have A Solid Plan For Your Work Schedule When Working From The Road
When I was younger, I used to love road trips. My parents would load up the car with snacks and games, and we would set out on an adventure.
The open road always seemed the perfect place to clear my head and let my imagination run wild.
However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that road trips require more planning if you want to be productive. If you’re driving aimlessly, it’s easy to waste time and end up getting nothing done. However, if you have a solid plan for your trip, you can make the most of your time and accomplish a lot.
The smartest way to stay productive and get work done while you’re on the road is to have a solid plan. For example, if you’re traveling for business, you’ll want to list all the meetings and events you need to attend.
You should also block out time in your schedule to prepare for each meeting, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Additionally, it’s best to account for travel time and allow yourself some flexibility in your schedule in case there are any delays.
Being prepared and organized ensures that you make the most of your time on the road and get everything done, all while being a nomad.
Power Capacity In Your Van Or RV Can Be A Limiting Factor
If you plan on working from the road for any length of time, it’s important to have a reliable power source for your electronics.
For most people, this means having a good battery backup system for their laptop and other devices. But if you’re living and working in a van or RV, this can be a limiting factor, as you might not be able to stay plugged in for as long as you need to.
Of course, there are ways to get around this. Solar panels can help you generate your own power, and portable generators can give you the juice you need to keep working.
Just be sure to plan ahead, so you’re not left scrambling for power when your work day is done.
Invest In Large Internet or Cell Phone Data Plans
If you’re going to be working from the road on a regular basis, it’s important to have a good cell phone signal. After all, you’ll need to be able to stay connected in order to do your job.
One way to ensure that you always have a good cell signal is to invest in a large data plan. That way no matter where you are, you’ll still be able to get online and do your work.
Of course, this can be a bit of a pricey option. So if you’re not ready to make that investment just yet, there are a few other things you can do.
For example, you can invest in a cell phone signal booster. These devices can amplify your signal, making it easier for you to stay connected even in remote or rural areas.
You can also try using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. These are becoming more and more common, and they can be a great way to get online when you’re on the go.
You can also try to find a co-working space that has good cell service. That way, even if your own signal is weak, you’ll still be able to get online and do your work.
Before You Travel Be Sure You’ll Have A Good Cell Phone Signal
If you’re going to be working from the road, it’s important to have a good cell phone signal. After all, you’ll need to be able to stay connected in order to do your job. There are different apps like Campendium that offer crowd-sourced information about cell phone service at specific locations.
Fast Food Establishments, Coffee Shops And Internet Cafes May Be A Great Starting Point
When you’re a remote or nomadic employee, working from the road can be a great way to travel and see new places while still getting your work done. But finding a place to set up shop for a few hours can be tricky.
One solution is to seek out coffee shops and internet cafes. These are usually public places with Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets, making them ideal for getting some work done.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure you’re respectful of the establishment and its other patrons. That means keeping your voice down, not hogging an outlet, wearing headphones if you’re listening to music, and so on.
If you find a particular coffee shop or internet cafe that you like, it can even become a regular work spot for you. And who knows? You might even make some new friends along the way.
City Campsites May Be A Good Option For Taking Care Of Business
If you’re looking for a place to work from the road that has good amenities, you may want to consider city campsites. These can be a great option if you need access to things like showers, laundry facilities, and electrical outlets. Some campsites even have have decent Wi-Fi signal.
Of course, city campsites can be a bit more expensive than other options. But if you need to be able to take care of business while on the road, they may be worth the extra cost.
Your Business Depends On Knowing Your Office Equipment Inside And Out
When I started my job as a blogger, I didn’t think it would be that different from working at home. Boy, was I wrong.
There’s something about being on the road constantly that makes you rely on your equipment. And if you don’t know it inside out, you’re in for a world of frustration. There was a time my laptop crashed in the middle of a deadline, and I had to spend an entire day troubleshooting.
If I had known more about my computer, I could have saved a lot of time and headaches. In short, to be a successful on-the-road worker, you need to know your equipment like the back of your hand.
It’s important to be intimately familiar with your equipment when you work remotely because you may not have easy access to the tech support if something goes wrong.
But even more importantly, knowing your way around your computer, printer, and other office equipment can help you be more efficient as a nomad.
Let’s assume you need to print out a document. If you’re familiar with your printer’s controls, you can quickly select the correct settings and get the job done without any hitches.
But if you have to stop and fumble around with the controls whenever you want to print something, it’ll soon start to eat into your productivity.
The same goes for other pieces of equipment like projectors and scanners. Knowing how to use them quickly and efficiently will save you time and frustration in the long run.
Find The Right Balance Of Work And Play When Living As A Nomad
To be a successful on-the-road worker, you must find the right balance between work and play. It’s important to have time for both to stay motivated while you’re working and enjoy your time off.
That means working four days a week and taking three days off. I use my days off to enjoy the places I’m visiting, whether that means hiking, sightseeing, or just relaxing.
This balance has helped me be a successful on-the-road worker for over two years. I’ve been able to see some amazing places and meet some great people, all while keeping up with my work.
When you’re constantly on the move, it can be easy to get caught up in the grind and forget to take time for yourself. I’ve found that setting aside an hour or two each day to explore my surroundings or relax helps me stay focused when I’m working.
It’s important to remember that working on the road doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your personal life; in fact, with a little planning, you can find a healthy balance to keep the cash coming in without missing out on any fun.
Keep Your Space Organized When Working From The Road
Like any other workspace, your digital workspace also requires dedication and consistency. Whether it’s work commitments or other plans, it’s essential to be organized to be successful.
For me, this means having a dedicated workspace set up with all the tools I need to be productive. I also keep a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This helps me to stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Furthermore, by staying organized, I can better enjoy my time off and make the most of my experiences. Say you’re working on a project for a client; you must ensure that you deliver it on time and to the best of your ability.
You also need to be aware of deadlines and other important dates. If you’re not organized, you might miss a significant opportunity – and that’s for your digital nomadic lifestyle.
Don’t Forget To Take Advantage of Networking To Develop Relationships
As someone who’s spent the last few years working from the road, I can tell you that your network will be your biggest asset. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons I’ve had such a promising career while traveling.
See, when you’re constantly on the move, it can be difficult to keep up with your professional contacts. You might meet someone interesting at a conference in one city and then not see them again for months (or even years). And if you’re not careful, you might let meaningful relationships lapse.
But if you have a strong network, you won’t have to worry about losing touch with important contacts. Your network will support you, keeping you connected to the people and opportunities that matter most to your career. And that’s invaluable whether you’re working from the road or in a traditional office.
Keep Your Skills Sharp To Increase Work Opportunities
As a freelance worker, I keep my skills sharp and stay up-to-date on the latest trends. In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever to have a versatile skill set and be able to adapt to change.
I focused primarily on writing and editing as a nomad. However, over the past few years, I’ve expanded my skills to include web design and social media management.
As a result, I’ve landed more clients and commanded higher rates. In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s essential to have a variety of skills that you can offer clients.
For example, if you’re a web developer, keep your skills current by learning the latest programming languages and frameworks.
Or, if you’re a graphic designer, ensure you’re up-to-date on the latest design software. Continually learning new skills and honing your existing skills puts you in a better position to succeed as an on-the-road worker.
Invest in Good Universal Software Or Apps They’ll Be A Lifesaver
When working from the road, the last thing I want to worry about is whether my software will work. I need to be able to rely on my tools to stay connected. That’s why I always make sure to invest in reliable software I can use while I’m on the go.
For instance, I use a cloud-based project management tool to keep track of my deadlines and deliverables. This way, even if I’m in a different time zone or working from a different location, I can always access my project information and stay on top of my work.
There are plenty of other great options, but my favorite is Slack. Slack is a messaging app that lets you easily stay in touch with your team, no matter where you are.
You can easily send messages, share files, and even make video calls with Slack. Best of all, it’s available on your desktop and mobile devices, so you can always stay connected. Having dependable software is essential for staying productive while working from the road.
Take Care Of Yourself Physically And Mentally While Traveling
One of the best things about working on the road is that you can pretty much set up shop anywhere. However, taking care of yourself physically and mentally should never be on the back burner.
This means staying hydrated, eating healthy meals, and getting enough exercise and sleep. It also means taking breaks when you feel overwhelmed and setting aside time each day to relax and recharge.
I am often asked how I manage to care for myself while working from the road. The truth is, there are days when I feel like I’m barely holding it together.
But I’ve learned that it’s important to take care of yourself physically and mentally if you want to make this work well.
Here’s an example:
I was on a trip last month and had been working non-stop for days. I was running on fumes, and my body was starting to feel the effects. I knew I needed to rest, but I also had deadlines to meet.
So, I made a deal with myself: for every hour of work I did, I would take a 15-minute break to walk around outside or do some stretches. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to help me recover physically and mentally to keep going.
So, if you’re struggling while working from the road, remember that your well-being comes first. A little self-care can go a long way in helping you stay healthy and productive while on the go.
Discover A Way To Access And Stay Connected To The Internet
When we first set out on the road I really didn’t put much thought into how I was going to stay connected (internet connected). I took for granted how easily it was to work from home and never considered the remote places we’d be traveling to may not always have the best internet.
Let me tell you it was darn right frustrating. We yearned to be exploring mountain towns and sleeping in boondocking areas that were beautiful but we found more times than not we were stuck stealth camping in cities. All of this was because our internet connection sucked.
After lots of research and a good friend who decided it was time to go back to living in a traditional home. We were able to take over their grandfathered unlimited ATT and Verizon plans that allowed us to finally have the flexibility to work from nearly anywhere we wished.
Since then we have now upgraded to Starlink which is amazing!
Be Aware Of Different Time Zones When Working On The Road
I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of confusion and frustration I’ve caused myself by not being aware of the different time zones when working on the road. It’s important to be aware of the time difference when communicating with people in other parts of the world. Otherwise, you may end up missing an important meeting or deadline.
One way to avoid this is to use a tool like World Time Buddy, which allows you to easily see what time it is in different parts of the world.
Be Ready For Pitfalls And Consider Investing In A Roadside Assistance Service
As you know, I’m no stranger to the on-the-road lifestyle. For the past few years, I’ve been traveling around the country, and living out of our van. It’s been a life-changing experience, but I’ve also run into a few bumps along the way.
The best lesson I’ve learned is that you must have a backup plan for when things go wrong. There will always be unexpected problems, whether a flat tire or a broken-down car.
However, these setbacks should never dictate how you travel or work. Instead, view them as minor inconveniences and move on with your journey.
Say you’ve been on the road for a month, and things are going great. You’re seeing new places, meeting new people, and loving the freedom of the open road.
But then, suddenly, your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. You’re stranded with no way to continue your journey.
This is where having a backup plan comes in handy. If you know ahead of time that something like this could happen, you can make arrangements accordingly.
Perhaps you have a friend or family member you can call for help, or you’ve set aside some money in case of emergencies. Or perhaps you sign up with a company that offers roadside assistance service.
Whatever the case, having a contingency plan will help you get back on track quickly so you can continue enjoying your travels.
Be Sure To Keep Up With Your Routine Maintenance Checks
If you’re going to be on the road a lot, it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. Be sure to keep up with routine maintenance like oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations. This will help to ensure that your car is running smoothly and avoid any unexpected breakdowns.
It’s also a good idea to keep a roadside emergency kit in your car. This can be helpful if you do end up having car trouble while you’re on the road.
Rounding Up Working on The Road
There’s no one-fits-all mantra for a promising on-the-road career and its challenges – it depends on your individual needs and preferences.
However, by following the tips in this guide, you should be well on your way to finding a balance that works for you.
Remember to give yourself time to adjust to new changes, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what feels right. With a little effort, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – a successful career and a fulfilling personal life.
