Many people dream of exploring the world, but feel they have to choose between a career and adventure. You don’t have to. With the rise of remote work, there are opportunities to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you want to work on the beach in Bali or in a cafe in Lisbon, travel and work remotely? It’s easy to achieve your dream.
You’ll learn the benefits of combining work and travel, where to find a permanent job in travel, how to plan your schedule, and the best tools to stay productive.
Benefits of Combining Travel and Work
Working from different locations is not just about beautiful Instagram photos. It can actually improve your life. One of the main benefits is flexibility. You don’t have to spend all your time in the office. You can set up your laptop anywhere with Wi-Fi to work.
Another benefit is the cultural exposure. Visiting new places expands your horizons. It will spark creativity in your work. Some workers find that they are more inspired when they are surrounded by fresh landscapes. Financially, working remotely abroad can make sense. Some places have a lower cost of living. This will make your salary seem more substantial. This approach assumes that you can afford a nice lifestyle.
Finally, there is work-life balance. Without a commute, you get extra hours during the day. You can explore a new city in the morning, but still log into your work platform when needed
The best companies that encourage remote work and travel:
- Automattic (WordPress).
- Buffer.
- GitLab.
- Toptal.
- Zapier.
Top Remote-Friendly and Travel-Friendly Companies
Not all employers are open to employees working from another country. But there are leaders who actively support remote work abroad. These firms understand that talent is not tied to one location.
| Company | Industry | Travel Policy |
| Doist | Productivity | Fully remote, async culture |
| InVision | Design | Work from anywhere |
| Shopify | E-commerce | Remote-first approach |
| Deel | HR/Payroll | Supports global hires |
| SafetyWing | Insurance | Built for nomads |
Tech companies dominate this space. Other industries are starting to work in this direction, too. Customer support, marketing, and writing jobs often require location flexibility. Freelancing platforms (Upwork and Fiverr) allow you to take on projects from anywhere in the world. Try to find employers who value results more than being in the office. Many companies are now posting full-time positions, so keep an eye out for these.
How to Plan Your Work and Travel Schedule
Consider time zones when traveling while working remotely. If your team is based in New York, working from Tokyo can take place at night. Europe often provides the balance for workers in the US.
Internet reliability is another factor. Cities with strong digital nomad scenes, like Chiang Mai or Lisbon, usually have excellent infrastructure. Always check for internet connectivity before booking a hotel room.
Work and Research Balance
Treating each day of remote work like a vacation can lead to burnout. Schedule your work hours the same way you would at home. Use evenings and weekends for adventures.
Short-term rentals are better for focus than hostels. A quiet place helps you stay productive. Coworking spaces are also worth the investment if you need structure.
Managing Logistics
Health insurance, visas, and taxes become more complicated when you’re mobile. Some services, like SafetyWing, offer travel-friendly health insurance. A tax professional can help you navigate residency regulations.
Packing lightly makes things easier. A durable backpack, versatile clothing, and a reliable laptop are essentials.
Tools to Stay Productive on the Road
To stay on track while still having time to explore new places, you need the right technology. Good apps and gear make remote work travel practical and convenient. Slack and Microsoft Teams keep you connected with your colleagues.
Video calls stay clear with Zoom on a weak coffee shop Wi-Fi. Always test your connection before important meetings. Organizational tools like Notion or ClickUp help you keep track of projects. They’re perfect for breaking down big tasks into manageable chunks when you’re juggling work and adventure.
Distractions are everywhere when you’re living the digital nomad lifestyle. Apps like Focus@Will play focus-boosting music. A physical timer works, too. Set it for 45-minute work sprints, take a break to wander around the local market.
Don’t forget to back up. Google Drive or Dropbox will protect your files if your laptop falls. A lightweight portable charger will keep your devices running on long trips. Time zone issues are a productivity killer. World Time Buddy shows you overlapping work hours with your team. Sync your calendar across all your devices to stay on top of deadlines.
Noise-canceling headphones can be a great addition to your hostel. A foldable laptop stand will save your neck during marathon work sessions. The right setup means you can do great work from anywhere in the world. These tools make working remotely abroad feel less like a compromise and more like total freedom.
The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t always glamorous. You may face unreliable WiFi, loneliness, and time zone issues. With the right preparation, these challenges can be overcome. Take your time if you’re new to working remotely abroad. Try a month-long trip. If you’re happy with it, you can start planning longer trips. Try a few routines to see which ones help you work effectively.
Over time, you’ll find a rhythm. You might prefer to travel slowly, staying longer in each place. Or you might thrive on constant movement. There’s no one right way to do it. The freedom to explore and earn is incredible. With more companies supporting location-independent positions, now is the time to try working while traveling.