Working Remotely: Where to Begin, How to Choose Where to Go, How to Plan

My top tips for where to begin with planning your travel working remotely! If you wonder where to even go, how to choose your neighborhood, what to think through around Wifi or work requirements… this is for you! Here’s what I’ve learned from being a digital nomad for the past several years, having traveled to 35 countries and counting, so you can take your work on the road and see the world, too!

Top Tips for Planning Working Remotely

Create Your Remote Work Bucket List

To begin your remote work journey, start by grabbing a piece of paper and jotting down your dream destinations. These don’t have to be your final choices, just a brainstorming exercise. I keep a list in the notes app of my phone that’s constantly evolving. It’s a fantastic way to visualize your goals and always have an answer to, “Where should I go next?!”

Group Destinations by Continent

Once you have your list, group destinations by continent. This makes it easier to plan extended stays and minimize long-haul flights. Traveling within a continent can be more budget-friendly and convenient. (This is one of my tips for traveling on a budget in a related blog post.)

Research Visa and Legal Requirements

Before packing your bags, research the visa and legal requirements for the countries you plan to visit. For example, in Europe’s Schengen Zone, you can stay for 90 days within a 180-day period. Beyond that, you may need to address visa and residency paperwork.

Choose Your Style of Neighborhood

When narrowing down your destinations, look for the best neighborhoods within each city or country. Google and travel websites often provide descriptions of neighborhoods, allowing you to find one that suits your preferences, from hipster to upscale to budget-friendly or artsy.

Prioritize Proximity to the Old Town

If possible, one tip I love is aim to stay close to the Old Town in a city. Old towns are where you’ll find authentic local experiences, historic architecture, and charming restaurants. This proximity will enhance your cultural immersion and make it feel like you’re truly in a unique area, versus just another major city.

Utilize Airbnb for Extended Stays

Consider booking Airbnb accommodations for your extended stays. Many hosts offer discounts for longer bookings. Look for listings with good Wi-Fi, and read reviews for insights into proximity to local amenities and public transportation.

Explore Co-Working Spaces

To maintain a productive work routine, explore co-working spaces in your chosen destinations. They provide a dedicated work environment with reliable Wi-Fi. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded individuals and build a sense of community.

While if you’re from the US, you may assume you can setup shop in a Starbucks all day, coffee shop culture can vary widely across countries. Some places encourage laptop use, while others (like France, for example) prioritize socializing. Research local coffee shop customs to ensure you don’t inadvertently disrupt the local experience or find yourself unwelcome for a day of laptop use.

Working remotely and embracing the digital nomad lifestyle is a dream that’s within reach, especially if you learn a skill like copywriting which I share more about here.

Start by creating your remote work bucket list, researching destinations by continent, and understanding visa requirements. Prioritize neighborhoods close to old towns for an authentic experience and utilize Airbnb for extended stays. Don’t forget to explore co-working spaces and adapt to local coffee cultures. Take it step by step, and you’ll soon find yourself living and working in the destinations you’ve always dreamed of.

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