How to work remotely and travel in 2023: the ultimate guide

Since 2015, remote work setups have increased by 140%, and 57% of workers would consider leaving their current job if their employer stopped allowing remote work. An exciting outcome of this shift is the growing number of people combining their professional lives with their wanderlust. Exploring the world beyond a few weeks of paid vacation has transformed into a lived reality for many. So how do you work remotely and travel?

This isn’t just for full-time, seasoned digital nomads, but for professionals who want to unlock a new work-travel lifestyle whilst still retaining a level of routine and stability. As a professional who has worked in globally distributed companies for the best part of a decade, I’ve got a few tried-and-tested tips to share that have helped me along the way.

Read on, or watch the video ▶️

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🔔 I don’t receive any incentive for sharing these product recommendations, they’re just my personal favorites.

Embrace minimalist packing

Packing light is a true art form that pays dividends when you’re juggling remote work and travel. It can be a huge mindset shift to pack what you really need, rather than what you think you’ll need. I’ve returned from countless trips with at least a few unworn pieces of clothing. The best method is to compartmentalize your items, saving you space, time, and sanity while on the move.

Start with a list

Begin the packing process with a list, including the basics such as clothing, toiletries, and electronic gear. A simple note-taking tool like Google Keep works great.

Adopt a capsule wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe consists of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. This reduces the number of items you need to bring while ensuring you have an outfit for every occasion. A good rule of thumb is the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule: 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 outerwear layers, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 dress (if applicable), and/or 1 statement accessory.

Packing cubes will change your life

I was the first to turn up my nose at packing cubes. When someone recommended them to me, I thought they wouldn’t make a difference at all. But now I don’t travel anywhere without them – whether it’s a short weekend trip to multiple months away. They really help you stay organized, compress space, and make it so much easier to find what you need in your bag without rummaging through everything.

Never fold, always roll

I thought this tip was common knowledge, but so many people still fold their clothes! Rolling minimizes wrinkles and optimizes suitcase space – assume you won’t have an iron where you’re going.

🔥 Hot tip: packing cubes aren’t just for suitcases! You can use smaller ones to compress what you put into your backpack, duffel bag, or large totes, and keep items easy to manage.

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✨ Want more tips? Check out my minimalist packing list for a 2-week trip.

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Invest in a good suitcase with a built-in wardrobe

After my cheap, weathered carry-on case was finally damaged beyond repair, I decided to invest in a high-quality small suitcase with a built-in wardrobe.

I opted for the Carry-On Closet by Solgaard, because the honest truth is that their Instagram ads were appealing, and they had great reviews. Fortunately, the hype is justified!

This case doubles as a portable closet, with in-built packing sections – although I still use packing cubes in addition to this! I organize it based on lighter to heavier items – shoes go at the bottom, whereas tops, underwear, and socks go at the top. This means after a long day of travel I can simply open up the case, pull out my items, and hang them up on the nearest doorknob – all readily organized and accessible.

Streamline your tech setup

Minimizing your travel weight, and simplifying your life while on the go will transform the way you work remotely and travel. This also applies to the technology you use. Here are my top two tips.

• One adapter to rule them all: Choosing a universal adapter that not only supports various power outlets but also USB and USB-C ports is key. This is an indispensable item you’ll rely on wherever you go. only do different countries require different power outlets, your devices also have different ports. My favorite adapter is this all-purpose one from Amazon which works in over 150 countries.
• Choose an eSIM: Gone are the days of having to hunt down a local store to buy a physical SIM card upon touchdown in a new country. If your cell plan doesn’t offer a free international data plan, or it’s limited, usually the better option is an eSIM. Airalo, hop mobile, and Nomad are some of the best options to research from. However, if you’re traveling for an extended period – i.e. more than a month – choosing one of Google FI’s plans might be an easier and more economical solution.

✨ Check out my deep dive review of hop mobile, one of the best eSIM providers for international travel.

Find your quiet sanctuary

Sleep quality can impact your productivity and energy levels, crucial when balancing work and travel. I’m an extremely light sleeper and sensitive to noise, both when I sleep and when I’m trying to work. It’s easy to forget how your normal routine can be impacted by the quality of your rest and the ambiance of your work environment.

For example, whilst I love the aesthetic of cafés and coffee shops, I find the chatter and noise can be overpowering, especially if I’m in a bustling city where it’s hard to find a quiet spot.

Investing in a good pair of earplugs can go a long way, helping you get a good night’s rest whether you’re in a bustling city or a countryside retreat. There are some fancy options available, but I prefer old-school foam earplugs.

Over the years I’ve found the only ones that don’t hurt my ears and provide sufficient noise-blocking to be this huge box of Flents.

Don’t be scared of time zones

As someone who is extremely used to working in globally distributed companies across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, there are a few top tips for managing varying time zones.

Don’t be scared of the difference, use it to your advantage!

First, use World Time Buddy or the Figure it Out extension to map the time zones you’ll be working in. They are both great tools – but World Time Buddy has the benefit of showing overlapping times for scheduling meetings or blocks of overlapping times.

Once I’ve added the time zones I need to track, I keep a tab opened and pinned in my browser, so I can constantly reference it.

Second, set boundaries and embrace asynchronous communication. Find one or two blocks of time each day that works well with the time zones you’ll need to cover. For example:

• Work a few hours in the morning to be available for video calls, take a longer break in the afternoon to explore, then work a few more hours in the evening.
• Explore and visit new places in the mornings, and work in the afternoon and evening.
• Get up early in the morning and work until mid-afternoon, then take off the rest of the day to explore.

🔥 Hot tip: make sure to research the cultural customs of your destination before mapping out your exploration time. It’s no good planning a midday shopping trip if places are closed for a lunchtime siesta!

Save time in searching for co-working spaces

Not every place you stay will have a suitable work environment. If your accommodation isn’t cutting it, or the local café’s WiFi is too patchy, turn to co-working space platforms.

These handy services can help you find a professional, distraction-free setting where you can focus on your tasks and maybe even network with like-minded remote workers.

Some of the top ones are:

• Coworker – best for searching co-working spaces all over the world
• Croissant – best for bigger cities and tech hubs
• Deskpass – best for finding short and longer-term desks or private office spaces

Seek out and support local businesses

One of the joys of working remotely while traveling is immersing yourself in the local culture. On the flip side, increased prices and pressure on the local housing market are negative outcomes for places that receive a large influx of remote workers.

Make it a point to actively choose community-based cafes or local establishments – whether you’re searching for a workspace or dining options. Not only does this support the local economy, but it also offers opportunities to connect with others and spark new ideas.

Use AI tools to travel smarter

There’s now a plethora of AI travel tools vying for attention. It can be overwhelming on knowing where to look, but I suggest looking no further for using ChatGPT to plan and optimize your travel.

✨ Check out my guide for using ChatGPT to create a travel itinerary whilst balancing it with remote work.

If you have the Premium (paid) version of ChatGPT, test out the travel plugins, or you can check out other AI travel planners. Here are some to try:

• Kayak ChatGPT plugin (check out my full review) – best for travelers with a clear idea or semi-formed travel plan in mind, seeking further customization and recommendations
• Roam Around (check out my full review) – best for travel starting points and inspiration
• Destinations.ai – best for planning US trips
• GuideGeek – best for planning on the go with WhatsApp
• RoutePerfect – best for multi-city, complex itineraries
• Furkot – best for road trip planning

How to work remotely and travel – conclusion

As the trend of combining remote work with travel grows, the key to enjoying this lifestyle lies in adaptability. Minimalist packing, smart tech investments, and using AI tools effectively are not just choices, but requirements in this journey.

Next time you find yourself juggling a Zoom meeting with a suitcase, remember these tips to help simplify the process and enhance your experience, one adventure at a time.