Work Where You Wander: The Remote Traveler's Playbook

By Ayla MacEachern featuring Fernando Gago, Julia Zabala Roldan and Mauro Perez

I often get asked if I enjoy working remotely and how I manage to juggle travel, work, and everyday life. While every job and work environment has its ups and downs, for me, the freedom of remote work has become invaluable. I can’t imagine going back to the traditional office grind. The flexibility I’ve built into my life has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It also means I can drop everything and hop on a plane to be with friends or family when needed.

So, how do I stay productive amidst airport noise, spotty wifi on planes, and varying hotel backgrounds, all while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful destinations? The short answer is organization. I meticulously manage my tasks, priorities, and meetings to minimize disruptions for everyone involved. Of course, there are times when I need to reschedule meetings or even miss a few, but I’ve found that proper preparation and clear communication with my team keep everything running smoothly.

Top Success Factors:

1. Organization → Preparation

 - Electronic Notes and Paper Planners: I use both to ensure I jot down everything. 

 - Up-to-Date Calendars: I rely on multiple electronic calendars to keep track of various roles and responsibilities. Viewing them all together helps me see everything at a glance and adjust as needed.

2. Communication, Communication, Communication

 - Regular Updates: I keep my team informed about my work, schedule, and any potential impacts on them. If changes are necessary, I collaborate with the team to find solutions and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Those are my top tips for managing remote work while traveling. But don’t just take my word for it—let’s hear from a few of our team members about their experiences balancing remote work and travel!

Fer Gago - Talent Acquisition Consultant:

One of the greatest benefits of remote work is the ability to see my family more often, despite living in different countries. For instance, I visited my parents in Aruba last year. Though the trip was marred by the airline losing my luggage, the time zone difference allowed me to stay on top of work, meet deadlines, and make multiple trips to the airport to retrieve my bags. It was a hassle, but it showcased the adaptability remote work offers. Even when things don’t go as planned, you can still manage work and personal life effectively—a key reason I love the remote work lifestyle.

Julia Zabala Roldán - Talent Acquisition Consultant:

I do not consider myself a digital nomad, but one of the most significant perks of remote work is the incredible flexibility it offers, allowing me to work from virtually, and literally, anywhere, enhancing my productivity while enriching my personal life. For instance, I can visit my brother in Spain without needing extended leave or disrupting my professional responsibilities. Navigating different time zones helps me work efficiently across borders, often finding overlapping hours that make meetings and projects more dynamic and efficient, and also giving me enough time to explore and wander through unknown cities. For example, when traveling, I like setting up my workspace in different charming cafés in Sevilla, Spain, while also taking breaks and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of its historic streets. However, working from different places, like coffee shops, comes with its own set of hiccups - occasional WiFi issues, differing local work habits, loud background noise when you’re in a meeting. For instance, I once had to quickly relocate from a café with unreliable internet to a packed Starbucks to join a crucial meeting, rushing from one place to the other considering the distances between the two places.Despite these minor setbacks, working from diverse locations adds a refreshing change of scenery to my routine and helps me stay connected with loved ones across the globe. This arrangement allows me to immerse myself in new cultures and experiences, turning each day into a unique adventure and broadening my horizons in ways I never imagined.

Mauro Perez - Talent Acquisition Consultant:

Remote work offers immense freedom but requires a lot of responsibility and organization. Living in Europe with friends and family scattered across different cities, I often find myself navigating trains and airports. Planning ahead and mapping out my week is essential to avoid problems like poor internet connection or noisy environments. While some might find humor in memes of people taking calls from unusual places, I prefer a more organized approach. By prepping my calendar, identifying locations with reliable internet, and using my portable router, I ensure a smooth remote work experience and quality time with loved ones. Balancing remote work and travel isn’t always glamorous, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. If you have your own tips or experiences to share, we’d love to hear them!

All in all, balancing remote work with travel is an art that combines meticulous planning, effective communication, and flexibility. The freedom to work from anywhere in the world comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to seamlessly blend work with exploration and personal life. From organizing tasks and schedules to staying connected with teams and loved ones, the key lies in staying proactive and adaptable.

As remote work continues to evolve, it’s clear that with thoughtful preparation and a bit of creativity, you can make the most of both your professional responsibilities and your adventures.

If you have your own strategies or stories about balancing remote work and travel, we’d love to hear them. Share your experiences and tips in the comments!