Warm weather and longer daylight hours make summer the perfect time to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. With so much of the world reopened for travel, there's no better season to explore new places while still getting work done remotely. If you've been dreaming of stamping your passport (or just doing workcations in your own backyard), here are our top tips for being a productive digital nomad this summer.
When you'll be working from hotels, Airbnbs, coffee shops, and even parks, having a few key portable accessories is essential. Invest in a lightweight laptop like the LG Gram that weighs just 2.5 lbs yet has a large 17" screen for easy viewing on the go. A compact wireless keyboard and mouse combo also lets you create an ergonomic workspace anywhere.
For hopping on video calls from noisy locales, reliable noise-canceling headphones are a must. We love the Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ears for their crystal clear audio quality and 30-hour battery life that won't leave you scrambling for outlets mid-meeting. Be sure to pack a multi-port USB charger so you can power up phones, laptops, and devices simultaneously using just one outlet.
Staying connected and avoiding pricey day passes is one of the biggest digital nomad challenges when traveling internationally. Setting up an eSIM data plan for your phone solves this issue by giving you high-speed, affordable data in 180+ countries worldwide. Companies like Holafly offer unlimited global data packages at low monthly rates.
Another great option is to buy location-specific packages only for the countries you'll visit through providers like Nomad and Airalo. Starting at just $3, you get high-speed internet from that region's local carriers with no contracts or hidden fees to stress over. This is way cheaper than purchasing international data passes from your regular cell carrier.
A change of scenery can be so inspiring and motivating compared to being cooped up at home. As you travel, scope out cozy cafes, shaded parks, hotel lobbies, or communal spaces that have plenty of outlets, fast Wi-Fi, and an ambient environment for getting work done. Apps like Workfrom crowdsource reviews of the best remote-work-friendly cafes and spaces in different cities worldwide.
Embrace slower mornings by waking up early to knock out a few hours of focused work at your Airbnb or hotel room when it's still quiet. Then you can transition to a coffee shop or coworking space for a scenery refresh in the afternoons. Apps like Croissant make it easy to purchase single-visit coworking day passes to check out different spaces. Scout for places with amenities like private call booths, kitchens, meditation rooms, and community events.
When you're exploring an exciting new destination, it can be easy to treat every day like a vacation and let work slip. But consistently falling behind can stress you out and jeopardize your income stream. Set yourself up for success by blocking out set "office hours" on your calendar each day, treating those times as you would any normal work day.
Create a ritual around your routine during those work blocks, like making a favorite coffee drink or playing your preferred work music playlist to simulate a normal office environment. Then save late afternoons and evenings for all the sightseeing, dining, happy hours, or group activities you want knowing your productivity chores are checked off.
On the flip side, you'll also want to avoid the trap of working 24/7 when there's no clear line between work and travel. Make sure to schedule true breaks away from your laptop to rest and recharge. Take walking tours of a new city, check out local cafes or museums, or get some beach time on weekends. You can sustain the nomad lifestyle long-term by allowing a healthy work-life balance.
Finally, one of the best tips is to immerse yourself in the global digital nomad community. Through websites like Nomadlist, you can connect with others working remotely in the same cities. It's a great way to swap tips, meet up for coworking sessions, or score insider local knowledge on neighborhoods, attractions, and hidden gems. There's nothing better than having a new crew to explore with as you travel!
Whether you're doing short stints as a national digital nomad or exploring new countries each month, summer is an ideal time to experience the remote work/travel lifestyle. With some preparedness tips and a smart routine, you can absolutely balance productivity and adventure seamlessly during the season of sunshine.
