Working remotely while traveling the world is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had, but it’s not without its challenges. One of the most pressing issues I face on a regular basis is creating a functional and comfortable workspace wherever I go. Whether I’m working from a cozy café in Paris, a bustling co-working space in Bali, or a temporary Airbnb in Mexico City, I need to ensure that my workspace supports my productivity without compromising comfort. Over time, I’ve learned a lot about how to adapt to different environments and set up an office on the go. Here are the strategies that have helped me maintain a balance between work and travel while staying productive.
Start with the Right Gear
The first step in creating a remote office that works for you is to invest in the right gear. As someone who’s constantly on the move, I’ve learned that a compact, lightweight, and versatile setup is essential. The core of my remote office is my laptop, and I rely on a MacBook Pro. It’s powerful, lightweight, and has excellent battery life—critical features when I’m constantly traveling and don’t always have access to outlets.
But it’s not just the laptop that makes my setup complete. I always travel with a portable wireless mouse and keyboard. A good mouse is especially important when working from different surfaces like coffee tables or hotel desks. To make sure I don’t strain my neck, I also carry a laptop stand. It elevates my laptop to eye level, ensuring that I maintain good posture, especially during those long work sessions.
One other item that’s become indispensable is noise-canceling headphones. Whether I’m in a crowded café or a noisy co-working space, these headphones help me focus by blocking out distractions. Working from different places around the world can sometimes be overwhelming with all the ambient noise, but with my noise-canceling headphones, I can tune everything out and concentrate on the task at hand.
Ergonomics Are Key
Since I’m constantly working from new locations, creating a comfortable and ergonomic workspace is crucial for my productivity. Over time, I’ve learned the hard way that not all furniture is suitable for long hours of work. I’ve experienced the strain that comes from working on uncomfortable chairs or low desks, and I now prioritize ergonomics in every new place I stay.
When booking accommodation, I always check in advance to see what kind of furniture is available. A comfortable chair is an absolute must for me. Ideally, it should be adjustable and provide good back support. If I arrive and find that the chair doesn’t meet my needs, I’ve become resourceful by using cushions or pillows to make it more comfortable.
Posture also plays a key role in staying productive, and I’ve made it a point to be mindful of how I sit. I try to position my desk and chair so that I’m sitting upright, with my feet flat on the floor. I’ve found that adding a footrest to my setup provides extra comfort and helps alleviate any tension from sitting for long periods. Even when I’m constantly on the move, I still make time for stretching and short walks to prevent fatigue and improve focus.
Maximize Your Work Environment
The environment you choose to work in can have a huge impact on your productivity. Whether I’m working from a café, co-working space, or my temporary living space, I try to select locations that foster both focus and creativity. One of the first things I look for when I arrive in a new place is lighting. Good lighting can boost my mood and keep me energized, so I always seek out natural light if possible. If I can’t find a spot near a window, I use a portable desk lamp with adjustable brightness to ensure that I don’t strain my eyes.
Another aspect I’ve learned to manage is the clutter in my workspace. Having a clean and organized area makes me feel more productive, and it helps me maintain focus. Since I’m often living out of a suitcase, I make sure to pack only the essentials and keep my workspace minimal. At the end of each day, I try to reset my space by putting everything back in its proper place. This way, I don’t feel overwhelmed by clutter when I sit down to work the next day.
If you have the option, I highly recommend creating a workspace that inspires you. Personally, I enjoy being able to look out over the city or having a view of nature as I work. It’s a little luxury that makes a big difference in how motivated and productive I feel. Even though my space may be temporary, I try to create a little corner of calm and inspiration to keep me centered and focused throughout the day.
Use Technology to Stay Connected
One of the most important aspects of remote work is staying connected with your team, clients, or collaborators, no matter where you are. Thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever to communicate and collaborate with others. I use video conferencing tools like Zoom and Slack to keep in touch with my team. These platforms allow me to share ideas and collaborate in real-time, even if I’m on the other side of the world.
Since I often work across multiple time zones, I’ve learned to rely on scheduling tools like Google Calendar and Time Zone Converter. These tools help me coordinate meetings without the confusion that can arise from different time zones. It’s also crucial for me to stay connected to reliable Wi-Fi or use a mobile hotspot to ensure that I’m always online and able to participate in virtual meetings or calls.
Another piece of technology that has become essential for me is a portable webcam and microphone. Having clear video and high-quality audio makes all the difference when I’m attending virtual meetings. It helps create a more professional experience and ensures that I can communicate effectively.
Embrace Flexibility
One of the greatest benefits of remote work is the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere. However, that flexibility also means that your workspace can change frequently. I’ve come to embrace this fluidity, knowing that my office setup will vary from place to place. Sometimes, I’ll work from a lively café with plenty of background noise; other times, I’ll need to find a quiet space to focus on deep work.
Flexibility isn’t just about where I work—it’s also about how I approach my schedule. On some days, I might have to adjust my work hours to explore a new city or meet new people. Other days, I may choose to focus exclusively on work. Being adaptable and open to change has been crucial for me as I balance the demands of my job with the excitement of travel.
Building the perfect remote office on the go isn’t about having the perfect desk or chair; it’s about creating a setup that allows you to stay productive, comfortable, and inspired no matter where you are. By focusing on the right gear, prioritizing ergonomics, maximizing your work environment, staying connected with technology, and embracing flexibility, you can create an office that works for you—whether you’re working from a mountain in Thailand or a beachfront café in Portugal. The key is to set yourself up for success and enjoy the freedom that comes with the digital nomad lifestyle.