Traveling Workation – Know-How on Adapting to New Year’s Backpacker Trends

A Traveling Workation is becoming an extremely popular trend amongst backpackers. If you are on the road full-time, no matter what your job is, you are likely working while traveling.  Some people even call themselves digital nomads or location independent entrepreneurs which means they can work anywhere in the world. Scroll down to find out some interesting tips and ideas on how you can improve your life for the better.

The Challenge

The problem is finding a suitable place to work can be difficult when you are on the move all the time. Does that mean that digital nomads just go looking for an internet cafe? Well, yes some do but many laptop owners have figured out how to create their very own mobile office where they can sit down with all the necessities – laptop, webcam, headphones, and of course a cup of coffee.

The most popular way to work on the go is to buy a co-working hotspot membership that will allow you to find your office wherever you are or if that is too much then at least rent an apartment in some city for a couple of months through Airbnb. This gives you the chance to become like one of those nomads who has worked out how to make everything work together perfectly so they can travel indefinitely without sacrificing their income.  It also means they never have to worry about becoming lonely as socializing is part of their routine which keeps many freelancers happy and motivated.  

How to Have A Good Travelling Workation?

If you are the type of person who enjoys their own space and also values being social, then traveling can be a good way to live as you create your very own work + life balance.  However, if you are the sort of person who loves having constant access to people then going on a solo backpacking tour will not be for you as these tours have been designed to help you build that necessary alone time into your life. If you think you might enjoy this workation style trip where working is just one element of your journey, here are some things to consider:

1. What Kind of Work Opportunities Do I Want to Suit Traveling Workation Concept?  

Remote working opportunities exist all over the world but each country has different laws regarding employment. So it is important to know what your rights are and also what terms you can set out before you head into that country to work.  

2. How Much will I Want to Socialize?  

It depends whether meeting people through work appeals to you or not. If you like interacting with new people each day then joining a co-working space or renting an apartment in a co-living space can be a great way to meet people at your leisure.

3. Will I Need to Take My Equipment?  

If so, do you have a laptop and other devices that allow you to work anywhere? Or would you prefer renting the equipment from someone who knows what they are doing so all you have to do is show up and play? Some nomads just take their working essentials with them while others leave it all behind and get everything when they get there.

4. What Will I Need for Downtime?  

How often can you go out each day without going over your budget or having too much fun every night to go back to work the next morning? Even if staying in one location for a week or more, make sure it has a good balance of where and what you do.  It is important to consider how much time you want to put into work and also into exploring the place you are visiting as you will feel different each day.

The most successful work rationing backpackers know that timing can be everything when it comes to making the most out of their trip so plan well and go prepared so all your pieces fall perfectly into place. Make sure you write down your must-have list before you set off so if anything is missing, buy what is necessary at your earliest convenience.

Best Jobs to Suit the Travelling Workation

Freelance Work Online

When you are a freelancer doing what you are best at, you will find yourself with plenty of work to keep you occupied and most importantly earning enough money for your travels.

It is important to note that being a freelancer does mean working longer hours so it can be tiring but if you have found something worthwhile, then this should not matter at all.  And if you are struggling with what sort of work to take on, here are some suggestions:

• Online Coach  
• Online Marketers  
• Copywriters  
• Social Media Managers   
• Content Creators  
• Freelance Bloggers    
• Photographer/Videographer   
• Designers

Digital Nomad Jobs

If managing your own business online feels too much like hard work then why not join the many other people who are finding success as digital nomads? There are so many work-from-anywhere opportunities out there and you can enjoy your freedom to travel as much as you need to.

Here are some digital nomad jobs you might want to consider:

• YouTuber / Influencer  
• Virtual Assistant   
• Web Developer    
• Graphic Designer or Illustrator    
• Translator   
• Writer or Editor   
• Transcriptionist  
• Interpreter

Working Holiday Visas

If you find yourself without a home and meaninglessly traveling around the world, then why not take up working online on those days you do not feel like exploring? This is where spreading yourself too thin can become difficult as it is hard work to be constantly moving from country to country every few days.

Getting Seasonal Work

If you are the type of person who likes working hard for some time then receiving some well-deserved time off, then look into getting seasonal work that will only be available during a small window throughout the year.

Volunteer Work

This is pretty much the easiest way of seeing the world as you can do what you love and help people simultaneously. Some of the most beautiful places on Earth are those that have been preserved through community service efforts. If this is your passion then take a look at some volunteer opportunities. Click here to learn about Volunteer Tourism.

Identifying Your Goals

When it comes to traveling workations, success will come down to your ability to identify what it is you want out of the trip. For example, are you looking for a new way to fund the next leg of your travels or are you wanting to make money while making a difference in another culture?   You must know this before embarking on any journey so you can accomplish what will make.

How to Find a Job to Adapt to Traveling Workation?  

If you have a specific location in mind, it is much easier to scope out what sort of jobs are available and where they can be found. Use online resources such as LinkedIn, Crew, Workaway, or Remote OK to see if there are any relevant opportunities near your destination. It is also worth noting that many hospitality-based jobs often post their vacancies on Facebook so make sure to check from time to time as these openings may not always be advertised online.

Working Abroad

There are so many amazing countries that offer all types of employment opportunities and Thailand, South Africa, and Australia will provide you with a great work environment. Although most jobs in these places are low-paying, they include free lodging which means that your income is then more than enough to cover your bills. When it comes to getting a job, you are usually required to have regional experience so try looking for a short-term position that should provide the experience you need.

A Bare-Minimum Job

Before quitting your job and jumping on a plane, it is important to get some sort of financial cushion so you do not find yourself stranded. This means taking whatever job you can to ensure that you have a couple of months of rent and food saved up before quitting your job. If this means picking up three part-time jobs then so be it as long as you keep your financial cushion intact.

Working Online with Flexibility

If becoming a digital nomad is more of an interest for you than getting rich quickly, then you should consider getting a part-time job that will suit your plans for traveling. What this means is finding something digital where you can work on your schedule so that if the moment arises, you can take off and go wherever life may lead you.

Where to Work Abroad?

If you are not interested in the hustles and bustles of busy cities and big corporations, try looking in places such as Chiang Mai, Thailand where the cost of living is much lower than in a major city.

Best Workation Accessories

If you are planning on working on the go as a backpacker, here are some of the convenient workation accessories to carry with you.

Laptop and Tablet

Your laptop and the hand-held device will take care of most of your work needs, so make sure they are up to the job.  As for tablets, there is no need to spend too much money on one as you will only be using it when you can’t get online with your main tools such as a laptop or smartphone.

Waterproof Phone Case

If like me, you travel often in tropical climates then water resistance is a must. This means that if you ever find yourself caught in a downpour without an umbrella then at least your devices will remain dry and continue working (hopefully). This great tip comes from personal experience and I cannot stress enough how important this accessory is while traveling!

Solar Powered Charger

Have trouble keeping batteries charged?  This is common while traveling where access to power sources is not always available. Investing in a solar-powered charger should keep all devices up and running without needing to hunt down every charging point along the way. The Solio Classic 2 + Charge 6-in-1 lets you charge 6 devices at once through various electronic tips including iPhone, Mini USB, Micro USB, Nokia, LG, Sony Ericsson.

Surge Protector Power Strip

One of the most important accessories to pack when planning for a traveling workation is a surge protector power strip.  This allows you to connect up all your devices at once without the need for multiple adapters or converters. Not only will you be able to charge all your equipment but also plug in any additional appliances that might come along on your trip. I always recommend taking a small universal converter with two USB ports as this proves essential for charging up phones and laptops simultaneously.

Conclusion

A Traveling workation can be an amazing experience that opens us up to whole new worlds which are filled with endless opportunities. But it can also take its toll if we are not prepared mentally, physically, and financially for this change.

So why not try taking a workation (combination of working and vacationing) rather than quitting your job cold turkey? This could be the perfect solution if you love staying in one place but still want to have enough money to enjoy what life has to offer.