As a freelancer, you might have considered traveling while you work. After all, if you can combine the experience of traveling the world with earning money, why wouldn’t you? You can’t just jump in, though, as there are a couple of factors to consider before packing your bag and leaving home for the big wide world. To ensure you get the most out of your time traveling as a freelancer, use these essential tips.
Book in Advance
First of all, you should book as many tickets in advance as possible. While non-working travelers have the benefit of spontaneity, you must consider your schedule and work wherever you go, which means planning and booking are key. Plus, by booking early, you’re likely to save more money.
Consider the smaller aspects of travel when booking, too, such as airport parking and restaurant booking. For example if you are flying from Atlanta by finding Atlanta Airport parking rates, you’ll reduce the amount of time you spend searching for an airport parking spot, and you’ll save money.
Consider Internet Connection
As a freelancer, an internet connection is crucial for your work, which means you must consider how strong the Wi-Fi connection is in your hotels and local cafés. Fortunately, most accommodations let you know whether or not they have Wi-Fi available on their website, but if they don’t, it’s best to call in advance to check. You don’t want to rely on a wobbly city-center connection when you have a deadline, after all!
Stick to a Sleeping Schedule
Sticking to a sleeping schedule while traveling is not easy. While you can’t always avoid jet lag and you might not be able to fit in a full eight hours each night, it’s still important to be as consistent as you feasibly can. If you have to nap on a plane or a train, try using herbal remedies and searching for the comfiest neck pillow to improve your quality of sleep.
Work While Commuting
If you want to see more of the world while traveling, you’ll need to get creative when finding the time to work. To make the most of every moment, try working while commuting so that you can spend more time exploring your destinations. A portable charger and a lightweight laptop will help you here!
Avoid Tourist Spots
If you want to experience different cultures while saving money, aim for places that aren’t overrun by tourists. For example, while Paris is a dream, there are plenty of small French towns that you can enjoy just as much, without the busy streets and the hefty prices. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also gain a more authentic experience of the places you visit.
Promote Yourself Online
As you are on the go, you will need to make the most of online marketing in order to bag more clients. Social media, email marketing, and SEO content will help you get your name out there without you having to leave your laptop. Plus, you could even incorporate your travels into your marketing strategies! Traveling posts tend to do well on social media, so don’t forget to snap some of your favorite views and memories.
Keep Your Health in Mind
Many travelers go through a variety of illnesses, including the very common travelers’ bug. While sickness is to be expected when living on the go, you must do your best to keep your health in check. Make sure you have your insurance wherever you go, always drink plenty of water, and keep a first aid kit on you. As a freelancer, a week off sick can massively affect your earnings, so do your best to avoid it.
Create a Budget
It can be tempting to spend all your money on eating out at restaurants and visiting nearby tourist attractions (especially when visiting somewhere new) but you must keep your budget in mind. Before you step out into a new city, create a budget that you will stick to religiously. Don’t worry—a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy luxurious treats now and again; it just means you won’t spend all of your money too soon. By being selective and frugal with your spending, you’ll have an easier time getting by.
Find New Clients
While traveling the world, you might just find your next client. You don’t have to constantly be on the lookout for clients when speaking to new people, but if you ever discover that someone you meet might need your business, there’s no harm in offering them a business card or telling them about what you do.
Stick to One Area for a While
If you ever feel like you’re reaching burn-out while on the road, it might be time to stop in one place for a little while—especially if you’ve been non-stop traveling for a long time. The break will give you a chance to slow down, take a breather, and work on your freelancing for the time being. It doesn’t mean the adventures have to end completely, especially if you stop in a beautiful country—it just means you don’t have to spend all your time on trains, planes, and buses. Plus, it’ll give you the chance to make more meaningful relationships with the locals.
Have Savings to Fall Back On
While you will be earning money through your freelancing work while on the road, it helps to have a healthy amount of savings to fall back on. It means that if your work dries up or you become sick, you won’t have to worry about paying for the next hotel or even getting a plane back home. So, before you decide to pack your bags and head on your next adventure, take the time to save up emergency savings.
Make the Most of It!
Not everyone gets the chance to explore the world while working, so make the most of every moment. There will be days when you mess up, days when you’re overrun with work, and days when you remember that you are living the best life you could dream of. If you ever feel lost, think about why you started and how far you have come.
