By Beth Rush
Working from anywhere in the world can offer the ultimate freedom, but it isn’t risk-free. Avoiding the common mistakes many digital nomads make keeps you safer and makes for a more enjoyable journey. Luckily, we’ve got tips.
Here’s what you should know before you depart to protect yourself and work at your productive best, no matter where you call your “office.”
1. Not Putting Safety First
Your safety is paramount when travelling overseas. Take the proper steps to ensure you have the supplies you need, including backups. Getting stranded in a “safe” country can still be a fiasco if you find yourself with no money or means to access your accounts.
One of the best tips for digital nomads? Make electronic backups of important financial information, such as the contact numbers for your financial institutions and your account numbers. Include insurance information as well. Secure cloud storage is your best bet, as you can access your records from any device.
Securing your hotel room is another must. Keycard mishaps occur frequently, and relying on your deadbolt isn’t always enough. You can buy backup locks and doorstop alarms that keep out intruders or alert you if someone opens your door while you sleep. It’s best to leave valuables like jewelry at home, but you can invest in travel safes — the ones at the hotel aren’t always foolproof.
Do you know where the Canadian or American embassy is? How to contact local law enforcement if you are the victim of a crime? Do your research and make a safety plan for what to do in emergencies.
Finally, leave an itinerary with someone who remains stateside. It’s also wise to establish regular check-in times back home, typically weekly, although you can do so more often and should if travelling to troubled regions. If you fail to call or message, the folks at home know to notify the authorities.
2. Carrying Too Much With You
You’ll need the tools of your trade, of course, but schlepping along too many suitcases is hard on your back and costs a small fortune when you check your bags.
Instead, learn how to travel light by creating a capsule wardrobe consisting of several basic mix-and-match pieces in complementary shades. Include one lightweight pair of “grubs”—like a cotton tee and boxers—you can wear in your hotel to keep your other clothes cleaner and cut down on laundry.
Shoes take up a lot of space, but you can reduce your load and do a bit of good if you have the means. Perhaps you only need a pair of dress shoes for one occasion but will typically wear your sneakers. Take your tennis shoes in your bag, but pick up the dressier pair at a shop in your destination. (And after your event, perhaps donate them to a local charity that helps people in need dress for success).
3. Neglecting Your Health
Many people who travel for short-term vacations skip their typical diet and exercise routines with little harm. However, you must take care of your health when you’re a long-term digital nomad, starting with your flight.
Long overseas flights increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis and can result in painfully swollen feet and ankles, even in folks with zero circulatory woes. The change in altitude and lack of movement causes fluids to build up in your extremities, especially your legs.
Wearing compression socks helps, as does performing ankle rotations and pointing and flexing your feet to keep your blood flowing. If possible, get out of your seat and move around as much as you can. Staying hydrated reduces fluid retention risks by increasing circulation, but you should avoid beverages with alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate you.
Before you depart, research your dining options. Maintain a healthy diet by asking about ingredients and food preparation methods. Doing so is also a great way to practice your language skills, as good food is a universal tongue that brings people together, and mastering phrases such as “What is in this dish?” takes little practice.
Figure out a way to stay fit, too. Exercising boosts your energy levels and sharpens your mind for your digital nomad work. If your hotel lacks a fitness facility, seek a nearby gym or find walking and jogging paths. A lightweight pair of resistance bands and a yoga mat lets you tone and stretch from anywhere.
4. Exchange Woes
Getting a bad exchange rate taps your travel budget quickly. Before you depart, do online research to locate the best places to go. Airport kiosks and foreign exchange houses often choose high rates. Your best bet is to go through your bank or credit union while still at home.
Other options for financing your travel include using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. As many banks are international, you may also be able to withdraw local currency at an ATM.
5. Plugging In
Digital nomads need to charge their gear, but the outlets in foreign countries may look unusual. You’ll need at least one plug adapter—possibly several, depending on the tools you use. Additionally, keep in mind that some countries ban VPNs, so make sure you’re able to access proprietary information safely before departure.