These days you can take your job anywhere — a beach, a cozy cabin, or a bustling city café thanks to remote work. No need to wait for vacation days — work happens alongside exploring new places. People are staying longer, soaking in the local vibe while staying productive. Hotels and rentals are catching up too, offering better Wi-Fi and work-friendly setups.
In this piece, we’ll examine how remote work changes travel. You’ll learn about trends and practical tips for working while traveling.
Here are some key trends that are changing how we travel.
A workcation lets you work from a vacation spot instead of your usual office or home. Imagine starting your morning with emails while sipping coffee by the beach, or finishing a meeting and heading out to explore a new city.
Workcations make it easy to enjoy a change of scenery without needing time off from work. Many people now plan trips where they can work during the day and relax or explore in the evenings.
Instead of short trips, people are choosing to stay in one spot for weeks or even months. This trend, called “slow travel,” gives you time to really enjoy a place. You can experience what it’s like to live there — shopping at local markets, meeting the locals, and finding hidden spots most tourists miss.
According to Julian Lloyd Jones, from Casual Fitters, “Staying longer means less stress from packing and traveling, and it’s often cheaper than hopping from one place to another.”
Digital nomads work online while traveling full-time. Many are choosing places like Bali, Lisbon, or Medellín because they’re affordable, have great internet, and are filled with other remote workers.
Some countries now even offer special visas for digital nomads, letting them stay longer and work legally. For people who love adventure and don’t want to be tied down, this lifestyle is becoming more popular than ever.
More travelers are skipping crowded cities and heading to quieter places. Mountain towns, fishing villages, and areas close to nature are becoming top picks for remote workers and people looking for a slower pace. These spots offer the peace to focus on work, plus the chance to enjoy the outdoors without the noise and stress of big cities.
Stephen Babcock, Founder & CEO of CampAlibi.com, says, “There’s something about small towns and open water that resets you. You don’t need traffic, skyscrapers, or restaurants to live well — sometimes all you need is a good fishing spot and a quiet sunset.”
This shift is also helping smaller communities grow. As more people visit these less touristy areas, they support local businesses, discover real local traditions, and help keep these special places alive and thriving.
Remote work allows people to travel on their own terms. You don’t have to plan everything months in advance. You can book last-minute trips, extend your stay if you’re loving a place, or even move to a new spot when you’re ready for a change. This kind of flexibility makes travel more fun and less stressful.
A lot of remote workers are looking for ways to relax and recharge while traveling. “Yoga retreats, nature hikes, and eco-friendly resorts are becoming popular. These trips let people take care of themselves while enjoying a change of scenery,” adds Jenn Denfield, Marketing Director of Emergenetics International.
Plus, choosing sustainable travel options is a great way to give back to the environment.
Here are some benefits of remote work.
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is the ability to take your job anywhere. Martin Seeley, CEO & Senior Sleep Expert at Mattress Next Day, shares, “You’re no longer stuck in an office or at home — you can work from a cozy mountain cabin, a sunny beach, or even a quiet café in a bustling city. This freedom allows you to explore new places without worrying about taking vacation days.”
All you need is a good internet connection and a laptop, and you’re ready to work from wherever inspires you most.
With remote work, you can extend your trips and truly experience what it’s like to live in a new place.
Instead of a quick weekend getaway, you can spend weeks or even months exploring a city, town, or countryside.
Adam Fard, Founder & Head of Design at UX Pilot, mentions, “Staying longer means you can find hidden gems, make connections with locals, and avoid the rush of trying to see everything in a few days. Plus, many rentals offer discounts for extended stays, making longer trips more affordable.”
Remote work gives you the chance to balance your job with adventure. Imagine finishing up a morning of meetings and then spending your afternoon exploring a local market, hiking a scenic trail, or relaxing by the water.
This balance can help you feel less stressed and more fulfilled, as you’re able to focus on both your professional goals and personal happiness. It’s a chance to break away from the repetitive routine of working in the same place every day.
Traveling while working can actually save money, especially if you stay in one location for an extended time. Flights, short hotel stays, and dining out every day can quickly add up on a traditional trip.
But with remote work, you can rent a place with a kitchen, shop for groceries, and live more like a local. Eric Andrews, Owner of Mold Inspection & Testing, highlights, “Destinations with a lower cost of living become an option, allowing you to stretch your budget further while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.”
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to feel inspired. Remote work gives you the opportunity to work from places that refresh your mind and spark new ideas.
Whether it’s the sound of waves, the sight of a vibrant city skyline, or the calm of a forest, different surroundings can improve your focus and creativity. This benefit isn’t just about productivity — it’s about how travel can make you feel more motivated and energized in your work.
Here are some tips to help you balance work and travel with ease.
Not every place is ideal for working remotely, so choosing the right destination is key. Look for places with reliable internet. You don’t want your Zoom calls to drop in the middle of an important meeting. Before booking a stay, ask about Wi-Fi speed or check reviews to make sure it’s good enough for work, explains Kyle Winblad, Owner of Blad Boys Buy Homes.
Time zones are another thing to consider. If your team is in a different time zone, pick a destination where the hours overlap so you’re not working at odd hours. Also, think about how easy it is to get around, where you can shop for essentials, and whether there are coworking spaces nearby. These details might seem small, but they can make your work life much smoother.
Your work setup can make or break your experience. It’s tempting to work from a bed or a couch, but that’s rough on your back — and it’s not great for getting things done. A solid desk, a good chair, and decent lighting can make a huge difference when you're working away from home.
Bill McCormick, President of NRT Specialty Trailers, advises, “If you want to work well on the road, you need a setup that’s built for it. A strong, comfortable workspace keeps you focused and ready, no matter where you are.”
If you’re renting a place, look for one with a proper desk and chair. And don’t forget about lighting — it matters more than you think, especially for video calls. If the lighting isn’t great, pack a small portable lamp to brighten things up and make it easier to stay sharp.
It’s also helpful to travel with some work essentials. A laptop stand, noise-canceling headphones, and a portable charger can make a big difference when you’re on the go. And don’t forget to have a backup internet plan, like a mobile hotspot or a local SIM card with a good data package, in case the Wi-Fi lets you down.
One of the hardest things about working remotely while traveling is balancing work with everything you want to do in a new place. Having a schedule can help a lot. Set regular work hours and stick to them, so you know when it’s time to focus on your tasks and when it’s time to explore.
Clive Gray, from London Review of Suit Tailors, notes, “A good routine will help you get your work done without feeling like you’re missing out on the fun.”
Using Google Calendar or project management tools can help you stay on track. Start your day by focusing on the most important tasks so you can free up time for sightseeing later. And remember to set boundaries — let your team or clients know when you’ll be offline, so you can fully enjoy your downtime.
When you’re traveling, keeping in touch with your team is essential. Let them know your availability, especially if you’re in a different time zone. Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams make it easy to stay connected and collaborate on projects, no matter where you are.
Eli Pasternak, Founder & CEO of Liberty House Buying Group, shares, “Regular check-ins are a good way to keep everyone updated and maintain trust. Whether it’s a weekly video call or a quick message to share your progress, staying engaged helps things run smoothly.”
Just make sure to communicate clearly and let your team know if you’re facing any challenges while working remotely.
Packing is a big part of traveling, especially when you’re working remotely. Start with your work essentials — a reliable laptop, chargers, a portable power bank, and headphones. If you’re traveling internationally, a universal adapter is a must. It’s also a good idea to bring an external hard drive or use cloud storage to back up your work.
For your personal items, keep it simple and focus on versatile clothing that works for both work and leisure. A reusable water bottle, snacks, and a good book or tablet for downtime can also come in handy. The goal is to travel light but still have everything you need to work comfortably.
It’s easy to get caught up in either work or travel, but finding a balance is key to enjoying both. Plan your activities around your work schedule. For example, you can explore local attractions in the mornings if your meetings are in the afternoons. Or, take short breaks during the day to try local food, walk around the neighborhood, or relax by the beach.
At the same time, don’t overbook your days. Give yourself enough time to rest and recharge so you don’t burn out. Bryan Dornan, Mortgage Lending Expert & Founder at Best Home Equity Loan Rates, highlights, “Setting boundaries is also important — turn off notifications and avoid work emails during your personal time. This will help you make the most of your travels without feeling tied to your laptop.”
Traveling while working isn’t always smooth sailing. There will be hiccups, like bad internet, power outages, or noisy surroundings. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan. If the internet at your accommodation isn’t reliable, look for nearby coworking spaces or cafés with good Wi-Fi. For noisy places, noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver.
“Flexibility is key when you’re working from the road. Having a few backup options ready means you stay productive even when things don’t go exactly as planned,” adds Siebren Kamphorst, COO of Rently.
Time zones can also be tricky, especially if you’re working with a team spread across the globe. Use apps like World Time Buddy to manage meeting schedules and avoid confusion. And if you’re traveling solo, loneliness might creep in. Joining local events or connecting with other travelers can help you feel more at home in a new place.
Don’t forget to take care of your health. Make time for physical activity, whether it’s a morning walk, yoga, or trying a local sport. Eating well is just as important. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, cook some of your own meals to stay healthy and save money.
Sleep is another key part of self-care. Adjust your schedule to get enough rest, especially if you’ve just arrived in a new time zone.
Sumeer Kaur, Founder of Punjabi Suits, said, “Taking care of your body and mind will help you stay energized and enjoy your travels even more.”
Traveling while working remotely is an amazing way to see the world without putting your career on hold. With the right planning, like choosing work-friendly places, setting a schedule, and packing smart, you can balance work and adventure.
Challenges like internet issues or time zone differences might come up, but with a little preparation, they’re easy to manage. Remember to take care of yourself and enjoy the journey — whether you’re staying in one spot or moving around.
