Travelling while you work or vice versa with nomad travel insurance

Combining work and travel

We see stunning places online all the time. And, with remote work becoming more common, many people are asking: “Why not work from somewhere new?”

If you can work from home, you can work from almost anywhere. Your office could be a beach, a mountain cabin or a city café. All you need is a good internet connection, a laptop and the ability to manage your time.

Some people move from country to country. Others stay in one place for a few months. You might need to adjust your working hours to match the local time zone, but that’s part of the adventure.

Why more people are working and travelling?

Thanks to better technology and more flexible work cultures, working while travelling is no longer rare. It’s a growing trend for people in some roles.

Many companies support remote work because it boosts productivity, job satisfaction and employee retention. It’s a win-win.

What is nomad travel insurance?

Nomad travel insurance is designed for remote workers and digital nomads who travel regularly between countries. Unlike standard travel insurance for a single trip, it gives flexible coverage for multiple destinations and trip extensions around the world. It can cover things like medical expenses, flight cancellations, trip interruptions and stolen baggage.

Medical care varies in different countries and can be expensive. And being in a new place can sometimes make you more likely to get ill so if you need treatment, insurance might help pay for it.

Bear in mind, any items you take with you that are owned by a business (yours or your employer's) probably won't be covered by your insurance. This might include company laptops or phones. It's worth considering additional gadget insurance to cover higher-value items to give you peace of mind.

Having the right nomad insurance lets you discover new places, meet different people and even support local economies while doing your job.

As one Tripadvisor spokesperson put it: “Remote work opens up so many more travel opportunities… whether it’s extending a trip for more sightseeing or exploring faraway destinations.”

What kind of job allows me to become a working traveller?

Any role where you can work remotely, whether you're self-employed or work for a company. If you only need a laptop and an internet connection, your job can be done anywhere worldwide. As long as you can complete your tasks at a distance and have the required permission, that is.

What are the top priorities for working abroad?

"There’s a bit more planning required on a working holiday," TripAdvisor tells us. "Not only to ensure your chosen destination is set up for remote working, but also to make the most of your free time in a new country."

Here are a few key things to consider for planning to work abroad.

Visas

You must have a visa to work in a foreign country for an extended period legally. Many countries now provide special working visas, but each country has different rules.

Some visas have stipulations, such as making sure you have travel insurance, so check all requirements and set one up in advance. Organisations like the Digital Nomad Embassy can help you complete your visa applications for a fee.

Taxes

You'll also need to understand your tax liability in any country or countries you’re planning an extended stay in. If you're working for a UK company, you'll pay tax in the UK. But what about the country you'd be living in? The last thing you want is to pay taxes twice.

Some countries don't require you to pay taxes. Currently, Barbados gives one year tax-free to people who make the trip to work and live, for instance. Why do they offer this benefit? Taxation is likely to act as a barrier, and they're willing to give this up for the positive impact your living expenses will have on the economy.

Get advice from an accountant or an international tax lawyer before planning your move. Do your research before making your final decision, as these conditions can significantly affect your earnings.

Time zones

Work out the time gap between your home country and where you’ll be working from. Find the overlapping hours where both you and your colleagues or clients will be working. This will help make sure you’re available at the best times for meetings and collaboration.

Use digital tools to help you schedule your time and communicate effectively. And keep in mind you may need to be flexible to adjust the hours you work, though this may even free you to enjoy your location at better times of day.

Accommodation

You'll be looking for long-term accommodation, which must be affordable. Unfortunately, it might not come with the swimming pool or sea view you'd choose for a vacation. Try researching companies that recommend suitable properties or look for local groups where these rental posts appear. Consider finding a co-living space to share with like-minded people, especially at the beginning when you're finding your feet.

You'll need a home with a suitable workspace and access to the proper facilities. Most importantly, you’ll need a good internet connection. You might have to find a co-working space while you get settled in. But this shouldn't be a long-term plan as they're not budget efficient.

Finding a Airbnb for accommodation can be a good option with them being reputable and offering a great selection of properties to suit all budgets in Europe and beyond.

How do I plan my trip?

The key to success is managing your mental health and avoiding burnout. If you've ever been on a single trip that includes different destinations, you'll know how tiring it can be to pack up your stuff and move continuously. That'll be intensified if this is your new way of living. And moving a lot also increases your costs and set-up times.

Experienced digital nomads recommend staying in one spot for at least a month, preferably three, and using your free time to travel around the area.

Who does this mix of travel and work suit?

It's open to anyone who can work remotely, at any age.

It could be the right choice if you're flexible or settle into a new environment quickly. It could also suit if you’re happy working alone and don't have responsibilities that make prolonged travel difficult.

Think carefully, though, about whether it will suit you if you have a health condition that needs regular medical attention.

If it fits your personality and circumstances, all you need to do is plan and be sure you approach this new way of living in a way that's healthy and positive.

How do I take care of myself?

Don't push yourself beyond what you can handle mentally and physically.

Find balance in seeing it all, working, and finding moments to relax. It's good to have routine and consistency. Perhaps map out days when you won't go exploring and instead tidy your living space, do your washing or watch your favourite show. Other times explore local areas rather than venturing too far afield. And if you work from home already, you'll know the battle of shutting your laptop when work time is over and not letting it bleed into your downtime.

Find a digital nomad group of like-minded travellers willing to connect or meet up and share their experiences and knowledge. A bit of research will put you in touch with these groups or explore co-working and living spaces to meet new acquaintances.

Tripadvisor agrees: “Whatever you’re planning, checking reviews and travel forums is the perfect way to get up to date insight from other digital nomads, from information on co-working spaces and Wi-Fi connection, to all the best spots to eat, drink and explore while you’re out there.”

Read more: Tips for travelling alone

What about the environmental impact of travel?

There are a few ways to lower your footprint. For example:

• Staying in one place longer
• Choosing slower, more environmentally conscious forms of travel
• Support the local community by using authentic local businesses and experiences
• Getting involved with charities or fundraising

It'll help you feel more connected and go a little way towards offsetting your travel.

Remember to make time for fun

Once you've got all the technical stuff in place, it's time to have fun. After all, chances are you’ve never seen these places or experienced the culture before, and there’s likely lots of things to explore.

Try working outside on some days, and soak up the atmosphere while you have lunch, a coffee or a glass of the local beverage. Go on walks during your lunch break. If it suits you and those you report to, take time out in the afternoon and work in the evenings, or whatever hours suit.

Whatever you do, embrace why you chose this path and take full advantage of where you are. You might only do this once in your lifetime, or it might become your new way of life. Whichever it is, make memories that will last forever.