For many, traveling is living, and in today’s busy corporate lives, taking time out to see the world is easier said than done. But if you are a remote worker and are skilled at balancing work and fun, exploring the whole world becomes much easier. The possibilities are endless in a work-and-travel lifestyle, but it also requires careful remote work trip planning and a mindset for success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different ways to travel while working, discuss the legal aspects of remote work, and look into helpful tips for a successful remote work travel experience.
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What are the different types of ways to travel while working?
“How do you travel when you have a remote job?” is the quintessential question haunting every work-from-home professional. Well, people can go about remote work trip planning in different ways. Some prefer to be independent contractors or freelancers as it offers them enough freedom to choose their working time and location. At the same time, many prefer to juggle full-time positions with their traveling tastes.
The digital nomad
A digital nomad is a professional who works remotely while traveling to their heart’s content. They are typically self-employed, like entrepreneurs or freelancers. These professionals also have more freedom to move between cities and nations without affecting their employment.
Full-time employees of an organization who work in a remote setting can also be digital nomads, but they do have some restrictions for their travel. Employers often have geographic requirements in place for several reasons. So, full-time remote employees should be cautious while planning remote work trips to retain employment eligibility.
Can I travel internationally while working remotely as a full-time employee? While the process is a bit more complicated than being a freelancer, you can still travel while employed.
Usually, remote and hybrid employees can go on vacations periodically, and there aren’t any restrictions on these trips. On the other hand, temporary relocations, especially those abroad, usually come with restrictions. Your residency status can change if you stay in a different country longer. This can also change other aspects like tax, benefits, retirement accounts, health insurance, etc.
Relocation is difficult for hybrid employees as well. But they can easily travel and temporarily relocate to other cities within their home country.
Remote work-friendly planned trips
If you like a more organized style, planned trips that are perfect for remote workers are available. These trips are specifically designed for those who work remotely, giving them a well-balanced combination of work and travel experiences. Nowadays, companies and travel agencies offer such trips called remote working programs to ensure a structured work environment with planned activities and accommodations.
Remote Year
Remote Year is a platform that offers digital nomads numerous programs with itineraries to help them travel and work. It handles several planning aspects like housing, utilities, transit options, co-working spaces, etc. Program durations typically range from a week to a year. With various travel packages and costs, Remote Year allows nomads from different financial backgrounds and income levels to explore new locations, like the Americas, South Africa, the Far East, etc. Plans start from $1,535/month.
Nomadize
Nomadize serves as an all-inclusive vacation membership-only website that curates retreats worldwide and offers members exclusive travel offers. It also provides holistic wellness workshops, region-specific activities, housing, utilities, and co-working space arrangements for month-long visits, enhancing the experience. Plans start from $2,900/month.
Outsite
For digital nomads looking for a relaxing yet productive professional environment, Outsite is a good option. It provides a combination of co-working and co-living spaces in multiple cities worldwide. It also offers access to various services, such as high-speed internet, common areas, and outdoor activities, emphasizing work-life balance. Plans depend on package and location.
Selina
Selina helps people reserve lodging and co-working areas according to their requirements and tastes. It provides flexible booking in multiple countries globally through a pay-as-you-go strategy. It also offers travelers a customized experience and flexible cancelation policies. Plans depend on the length of stay and location.
Flexible work styles for working remotely
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our workplaces. Many companies now offer fully remote or hybrid work options so that their employees can create workspaces to suit personal preferences and optimize productivity. Some popular remote-friendly employers include:
- Microsoft
- Intuit
- Jackson Hewitt
- Keller Williams Realty
- SAP
- VMware
- Splunk
- Johnson & Johnson
- Emory University
- Meta
Many jobs, such as software development, content creation, digital marketing, and virtual assistance, can also be done well in a remote work environment. If you work in such fields, ensure your employer is open to this arrangement. Present a well-thought-out plan and show dedication to maintaining your work productivity. Have an open conversation with them, understand their expectations, and see if you can accommodate all your responsibilities while traveling.
Self-employment
Being your boss can also offer incredible flexibility regarding remote work trip planning. Whether you work as a freelancer or consultant or have your own business, you get to control your work environment and schedule. Just have a good internet connection to handle your work efficiently.
But, regardless of work type, certain pre-dominate mindsets are necessary for success and producing quality work while traveling. While exploring different places while working remotely is a great opportunity for travel enthusiasts, it is important not to treat these trips as vacations. You must focus on all your professional obligations and ensure traveling does not interfere with your daily work schedule.
Traveling between different destinations can also take much time and energy, especially when working. Productivity commonly declines on the days before your move. So, you should try not to schedule important work or meetings as much as possible these days.
Since traveling while working remotely does not require you to take paid time off, you can travel slower, allowing more time for work. Remember, to succeed in your remote work trip planning, you must manage your time wisely, set boundaries, and prioritize tasks effectively.
Is it legal to travel while working remotely?
The legalities of working remotely while traveling are constantly changing, especially in the post-pandemic work landscape. But you must review your company’s policies before planning your trip. Some employees may not have many restrictions in place, whereas others may have strict relocation policies, primarily due to your country’s tax laws.
People typically pay professional taxes depending on the country they live in. So, if you are traveling briefly, you may need to pay the taxes only in your home country. But if you are planning an extended stay in another country, you should look into the tax laws to avoid legal troubles.
Many countries still have outdated tax laws and traditional employment rules that may not work well with remote work trip planning. Certain countries also impose restrictions or visa obligations on remote workers. You may sometimes require a certain kind of visa, and obtaining one can be a bit difficult, depending on the country’s laws. So, always check the work rules in the region, especially if you plan to stay for a long time.
Case examples of individuals arrested while working remotely
In some cases, people have been arrested for working remotely in a different country. These arrests are usually based on allegations of working illegally and suspicions of espionage or other crimes.
An example is Matthew Hedges, a British PhD student who was arrested in the UAE in 2018 on charges of spying. He had been working remotely for a think tank in the UK while residing in the UAE. The arrest occurred after authorities discovered he had a laptop with sensitive information regarding the UAE government. Hedges was eventually released following seven months in prison, but his situation showcased the dangers of working remotely in a country with a repressive regime.
Another case involved a US citizen who was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2017 for supposedly working for a US company from a distance without a work permit. Eventually, the person was released after the US government stepped in. Still, this case raised concerns regarding the possibility of arrests for remote work in countries with strict labor laws.
It is always better to consult local authorities beforehand when working remotely in a foreign country to ensure you do not break any laws or regulations.
Which countries can you work remotely in while traveling legally?
Many digital nomads choose a country for traveling by considering safety, internet speed, and living costs. Some of the best places to travel and work remotely if you intend on an extended stay include (as of December 2023):
- Canada
- Mexico
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Malta
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Costa Rica
- Thailand
- Sri Lanka
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Aruba
- Barbados
- Cayman Islands
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Seychelles
- Bermuda
- Dubai
- Indonesia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Uruguay
- Cabo Verde
- Mauritius
- Namibia
How do I balance my remote work and travel?
Many people love to travel while they are working remotely. But there are certain aspects you should consider to handle both travel and work successfully. These include:
Know Your Team’s Availability
If you are an avid traveler, you probably keep odd hours. However, it is important to be considerate to your teammates while communicating with them. Try to coordinate your work hours with your team’s most available time and guarantee those hours have stable internet. This will improve collaboration and communication with your colleagues.
Research stable internet locations
Not everywhere you travel to may have a stable or good internet. So, before you hop on a plane, research destinations with reliable internet connectivity to ensure you can work efficiently.
Plan your work hours
Plan your work during peak productivity hours and travel between work commitments. You should also make sure to communicate work-related details while others are available. Always look for quiet workspaces, like a hotel room, during peak work hours.
Travel time planning
When planning your schedule, don’t forget to consider travel time. It’s important to avoid scheduling meetings or tasks requiring high focus during transit periods. Instead, consider staying in one place longer, as this can help minimize disruptions.
Example packing list for remote work
Your work gear and equipment are some of the most important things to consider when planning a remote work trip. Always consider lightweight and easily packable items to create your functional workspace. Some items you can include in your list are:
- Laptop and charger
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Portable Wi-Fi device
- Travel adapter
- Notebooks and pens
- Power bank
- Webcam for virtual meetings
- Ergonomic accessories for prolonged work hours
- Essential documents (passport, visas, work permits)
Conclusion
Traveling while working can take some time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, it is one of the best ways to explore the world. You can also stay at different places longer than on a normal vacation. This will help you learn more about local cultures and have an even more immersive travel experience. Whether you choose the digital nomad lifestyle or a structured remote work-friendly trip, check out Travel-Wise for all your travel needs. This platform offers detailed travel itineraries, travel guides, and numerous other resources to help you plan trips.