Remote work has transformed how—and where—we work. With nothing but a laptop and a reliable internet connection, millions of professionals have embraced the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. This shift has given rise to a new wave of modern nomads: remote workers who travel.
Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or new to remote work, this guide explores how to travel while staying productive, where to go, and what you need to succeed.
Why Remote Work and Travel Are a Perfect Match
Before the pandemic, working from a beach in Bali or a coffee shop in Lisbon seemed like a fantasy. But today, it’s a viable lifestyle. Here’s why remote work and travel complement each other:
- Flexibility: You control your schedule and environment.
- Work-Life Balance: Travel keeps life exciting and prevents burnout.
- Inspiration Boost: New surroundings foster creativity and problem-solving.
- Global Network: You meet like-minded people in coworking spaces, cafés, and hostels.
Still, this lifestyle isn’t all sunsets and smoothies. It requires intentional planning, structure, and the right mindset.
Top Destinations for Remote Workers
These locations consistently rank as digital nomad hotspots due to their infrastructure, affordability, safety, and quality of life:
1. Bali, Indonesia
- Pros: Low cost of living, vibrant expat community, amazing coworking spaces like Dojo and Outpost.
- Cons: Time zone may be tricky for U.S. workers, occasional internet outages.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
- Pros: Safe, sunny, great Wi-Fi, and rich in culture.
- Cons: Costs rising due to popularity.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Pros: Affordable, great food, nomad-friendly with established coworking spaces.
- Cons: Hot and smoky season (Feb–Apr) can be difficult.
4. Medellín, Colombia
- Pros: Pleasant weather year-round, solid infrastructure, strong community.
- Cons: Perception of safety (though it has improved significantly).
5. Mexico City or Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Pros: Time zone alignment with the U.S., great food scene, affordable.
- Cons: Fast-paced lifestyle in big cities; beach towns may be more relaxed but touristy.
Tips to Travel Successfully as a Remote Worker
1. Prioritize Internet Reliability
The most essential tool for a remote worker is a stable and fast internet connection. Before booking an Airbnb or hotel:
- Ask the host for an internet speed test screenshot.
- Use coworking spaces or cafés with known good Wi-Fi.
- Consider a global SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for backup.
2. Set Clear Work Hours
To stay productive:
- Stick to a schedule, even if it shifts with time zones.
- Use tools like Google Calendar or Notion to manage tasks.
- Communicate your availability clearly with clients or colleagues.
Pro tip: Work early and explore in the afternoon.
3. Stay Organized with Productivity Tools
Use apps like:
- Slack or Zoom for communication
- Trello, Asana, or ClickUp for project management
- Notion or Evernote for note-taking and planning
- Google Drive or Dropbox for file storage and sharing
4. Balance Work and Exploration
Don’t fall into the trap of working all day without enjoying your surroundings. Plan for:
- Half-day adventures
- Weekend getaways
- “Slow travel”—stay longer in each place to reduce stress
5. Choose the Right Accommodation
Remote worker-friendly accommodations offer:
- A desk or workstation
- Quiet environment
- Strong Wi-Fi
- Proximity to cafés, coworking spaces, or public transport
Look for Airbnbs with “laptop-friendly workspace” tags or book hotels offering business amenities.
6. Join Digital Nomad Communities
Traveling solo doesn’t have to be lonely. Connect with others through:
- Facebook groups (e.g., Digital Nomads Around the World)
- Meetup.com events
- Coworking spaces with community events
- Nomad-focused platforms like Nomad List or Remote Year
Balancing Taxes, Visas, and Legal Stuff
While the lifestyle is freeing, you still have to deal with logistics.
1. Understand Your Tax Obligations
- U.S. citizens must file taxes no matter where they live (though the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion helps).
- Consult an accountant familiar with expat/nomad taxation.
- Consider countries with favorable tax treaties or nomad incentives.
2. Look Into Digital Nomad Visas
More countries now offer remote work visas, allowing extended stays without dodging tourist restrictions. Examples include:
- Portugal’s D7 Visa
- Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa
- Costa Rica’s Rentista Visa
- Brazil and Croatia’s remote work visas
Each has unique requirements regarding income, insurance, and documentation.
3. Get Travel + Health Insurance
Choose insurance designed for remote workers and long-term travelers, like:
- SafetyWing
- World Nomads
- Remote Health by SafetyWing
These often include health coverage, tech theft, and even COVID-related issues.
How to Stay Mentally and Physically Healthy While Traveling
Remote work and travel can be isolating or overwhelming at times. Here’s how to stay grounded:
- Maintain a routine: Wake, work, exercise, explore, rest.
- Prioritize sleep: Especially when crossing time zones.
- Exercise: Use YouTube workouts, join local gyms, or simply go hiking or walking.
- Eat mindfully: Try local cuisine, but maintain balance.
- Mindfulness & Mental Health: Use apps like Calm or Headspace; journal your experience.
Recommended Gear for the Traveling Remote Worker
- Lightweight laptop with good battery life
- Universal travel adapter with USB ports
- Noise-cancelling headphones for calls
- Portable stand and external keyboard/mouse for ergonomics
- Durable backpack with compartments
- Backup SSD drive and cloud storage
- Power bank (preferably 20,000mAh+)
- Cable organizer and tech pouch
Is This Lifestyle Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Can you manage time well without supervision?
- Are you comfortable with change and uncertainty?
- Can you stay productive in unfamiliar environments?
If the answer is yes, you may thrive as a remote worker traveler.
Conclusion
Traveling while working remotely is more than a trend—it’s a movement reshaping how we think about work-life balance, career fulfillment, and the meaning of “home.” With the right tools, mindset, and preparation, it’s absolutely possible to explore the world while building your career.
Whether you’re working from a bamboo hut in Southeast Asia, a mountain lodge in the Andes, or a beachside café in Portugal, the world is yours—just don’t forget to hit “send” on that client report before the sunset hike.
