Work from Anywhere: How to Crush Your To-Do List and Still Explore the World
Being a digital nomad sounds dreamy - and let’s be real, it is. Morning emails from a rooftop café. Lakeside walks between Zoom calls. Local food cart cuisine for lunch. But making the work-travel lifestyle actually work takes some intention (and strong Wi-Fi).
Whether you're settling into a new city for a few weeks or hopping countries every month, here's how to stay productive and soak it all in.
Choose Stays That Get Remote Life
Not all lodging is created equal. When booking your next spot, make sure the place you call home is work-friendly:
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi (check reviews - not just the listing)
- A real desk or table you won’t wreck your back at or public space with a set up that is comfortable for you
- Quiet vibes if you’ve got calls or creative work to do
- It might seem like a no-brainer, but always confirm that your place is fully furnished. There’s nothing worse than arriving for a long-term stay and finding an empty apartment.
Bonus points for co-living spaces or extended-stay hotels (👉check out The Saddlery Madison) that cater to remote workers - they’re great for community, comfort, and keeping structure.
Make a Routine That Works With You
The freedom is amazing but it can also backfire. Avoid burnout (or the opposite: zero productivity) by creating a flexible schedule.
Set core work hours you’ll stick to and schedule your fun around them. Try apps like Notion or Google Calendar to juggle time zones and keep your week on track. Tools like Toggl are gold for time-tracking and avoiding distractions.
Don’t Forget to Actually Travel
Remote life isn’t just about working from different places - it’s about living them.
Work hard, but don’t forget to unplug. Try the “4-3” approach: four full workdays, one flex day, and two full days to explore. Check out local art walks, food tours, or waterfall hikes - whatever fills your tank. Sites like Culture Trip or Atlas Obscura are great for uncovering local gems.
Stay Social (Online and IRL)
Being on the move can get lonely – unless you’re intentional about staying connected. Keep in touch with your team through Slack, Zoom, or quick check-ins – but don’t forget to build community where you are. If you’re staying in a hotel, strike up conversations in common areas or see if there are social events happening onsite. You can also check out coworking spaces, hit up local events on Meetup, or try apps like Bumble BFF to connect with fellow nomads and locals. A few good connections can make a place feel like home – even temporarily.
Pack Smart, Travel Smarter
Your gear is your office - keep it light and functional.
• Pack multi-purpose clothes you love – and don’t forget to check the weather
• Bring tech essentials and backups – chargers, adapters, power banks, and maybe even a travel Wi-Fi hotspot
• Store important docs safely in the cloud – you never know when you'll need access on the go
• Toss in a compact travel yoga mat or resistance bands – staying active keeps you grounded
• Don’t forget blue light glasses – your eyes will thank you after long screen hours
• Carry a small notebook or journal – perfect for notes, ideas, or reflecting on the journey
And always, always double-check Wi-Fi speeds, time zones, and local customs before you land – no one wants a surprise blackout in the middle of a deadline.
Know When to Slow It Down
Even in the most beautiful places, burnout is real. If you’re feeling off, take a beat. Stay longer in one place. Schedule a no-laptop weekend. Give yourself time to breathe and reset.
Slower travel often means deeper experiences and fewer logistics to juggle.
Final Vibes
Living the remote life isn’t just about cool workspaces and travel pics. It’s about finding a rhythm that lets you chase your goals and your curiosity. When done right, it’s not just a lifestyle – it’s a mindset.
Don’t be afraid to explore the unpopular. You’ll be amazed what you’ll find in lesser-known cities – hidden cafés, inspiring locals, and experiences that aren’t in any guidebook. Sometimes the best discoveries happen where the crowds aren’t.
So pack your bag, charge your laptop, and lean into the adventure. Your best work – and most epic memories – might just happen at the same time.
