The world is there to be discovered – and yet, for many millions of us, it’s always a little too far out of reach, given the holiday time that we’re offered from work each year. This means that, even though we might have dreams of traveling to far-flung destinations, they often remain just that: dreams. This article is about making the most of the ‘new normal’ of remote work in order to hack the travel industry – both working and traveling in the course of the next year. Read on for five tips on working and traveling simultaneously next year.
Connection
All you really need for work – from a hammock, a rattling bus, or a mountainside chalet – is a connection. You always have your smartphone on you – and you’ll bring your laptop away with you too, of course. But you still need that source of internet that’ll connect you to workers overseas and at home. Use a dongle on your laptop to always find connectivity – and make sure you have a SIM card for the country you’re visiting, so that you can hotspot with 4G or 5G internet, too.
Charging
Next up is the charge that your devices will need. Some countries offer the perfect voltage and the perfect charging points – so that you’ll never really need to worry about this. Others, though, have dodgy plug sockets, variable voltage that can break your devices – and of course power cuts that can leave you in the lurch as you work. So, make sure that you carry at least one large power bank with you at all times, which will help you charge when you most need it.
On the Move
You cannot use a laptop when you’re on the move – and it’s difficult to use a telephone, too, when you’re trying to walk or travel from place to place. What you can use, though, is a smartwatch – helping to patch you seamlessly into calls without your having to unpack and use your other technology. However, smartwatches come in all shapes and sizes, so finding the ideal one for your needs is a must. Visit Superwatches to look through their helpful infographic, which is packed full of information about the different Apple watches available to buy, enabling you to easily compare the models. This way, you can find your best option for connecting and communicating from the comfort of a wrist-based device, wherever you are.
Maps and Planning
Traveling is so exciting precisely because you never know where you’re going to end up. Some days you might settle into a hostel or hotel for a number of days – others you’ll up sticks and try somewhere new. But at all times, you need to have your mapping app open and searching for WiFi hotspots, cafes to work in, and hotels that provide desks or connected rooms. This will help you never miss a beat at work as you travel.
Pack Light
Finally, those traveling with their laptop, their smart devices, their chargers, power banks, and other stationary, are probably traveling rather heavy already. This means that you’ll have half a backpack filled with tech and working gear – and the other half will quickly fill up with clothes and books. But we urge you to pack light when traveling and working: buy clothing you need abroad, and remain as mobile as possible while you’re on the road.
These simple tips will help you to travel and work at the very same time in the weeks and months ahead.