Working Remotely While Traveling
Finding remote jobs, convincing your employer, reliable WiFi, time zone management, and staying productive on the road.
Remote work while traveling sounds like the dream, and for people who do it well, it mostly is. The catch: “doing it well” requires more discipline, planning, and tolerance for bad WiFi than the Instagram version suggests.
Making It Work with Your Employer#
If you already work remotely - you’re halfway there
The question is whether your employer cares where your laptop is. Some don’t. Some have policies about working from specific countries (tax, data security, insurance reasons). Ask before assuming.
If you’re office-based but want to go remote - present a plan, not a request
A trial period of remote work, a proposal showing how your productivity won’t drop, evidence that your role doesn’t require physical presence. Some companies have formal remote work policies; others need convincing.
The time zone question - this is the real constraint
If your team is in New York and you’re in Bangkok, you’re 11-12 hours ahead. Early morning meetings in Bangkok are evening meetings in New York and vice versa. Some roles can handle async communication; others can’t. Be honest about this before booking your flight.
Finding Remote Work#
Job boards
We Work Remotely, Remote.co, FlexJobs, Remotive, LinkedIn (filter by remote).
Most common remote roles
Software development, design, writing/content, marketing, customer support, project management, consulting, teaching/tutoring online.
The freelance path
Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal for project-based work. Build a portfolio before you leave - landing clients from scratch while traveling is stressful. See our freelancing guide for more.
The Workspace Problem#
Working from your hostel bed sounds romantic until you try it. You need: reliable WiFi (not “our WiFi sometimes works”), a comfortable seat, reasonable quiet, and a power outlet.
Your options
- Coworking spaces ($5-15/day, $50-200/month) - the best option for productivity and social life
- Cafes - buy something every hour or two, don’t be the person nursing one coffee for six hours
- Your accommodation - works if you have a private room with a desk, doesn’t work in a hostel dorm
- Libraries - free, quiet, reliable, underused by travelers
Coworker.com lists coworking spaces worldwide with reviews, pricing, and photos. In nomad hubs like Chiang Mai, Lisbon, and Medellín, there are dozens of options. In smaller towns, a cafe with good WiFi is your coworking space.
Staying Productive#
The novelty of a new city is the enemy of productivity. Everything is interesting, everything is distracting, and your routine doesn’t exist yet.
What works
- A strict morning routine (work first, explore after)
- Blocking your work hours and protecting them
- Working in the same place at the same time every day - routine breeds focus
- Using focus apps or website blockers if you’re easily distracted
- Planning your exploration for after work hours and weekends
The 80% rule
Accept that you’ll be about 80% as productive as you are at home, at least initially. Factor this into your workload planning.
Legal and Tax Considerations#
Most countries’ tourist visas technically don’t permit any form of work - including remote work for a foreign employer. Enforcement is essentially zero (nobody checks what you’re doing on your laptop), but it’s worth knowing. For legal status, look into digital nomad visas (see our digital nomad guide). For taxes, you almost certainly still owe them in your home country. Talk to a professional.