Work and Wanderlust: My Tips for Balancing Business and Travel

For the past 11 years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to combine my love for travel with running my own business. From a 3-month adventure across Asia and Australasia to a month-long exploration of Ireland, I’ve discovered the joy of working remotely from some truly inspiring locations.

This freedom to enjoy family life while working was a major driving force behind my decision to become my own boss. I remember the frustration of watching my husband and daughter enjoy their summer holidays while I was tied to a traditional 9-to-5 job. Now, I have the flexibility to design my work schedule around my holiday plans, creating a much more fulfilling balance.

So, how do I make it work? Here are my key strategies:

A Strong Support System: My husband is my rock. When we travel, he takes on a significant portion of the domestic duties – the washing, packing and cooking – freeing me up to focus on work when we’re not out exploring as a family. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining productivity while enjoying our travels.

Early Bird Gets the Work Done: I’ve found that getting up early is incredibly effective. By dedicating 2 to 3 hours to work before the family wakes up, I can tackle urgent tasks and set myself up for a productive day. This allows me to fully immerse myself in the day’s adventures without feeling overwhelmed by work.

Evening Productivity: To round out my workday, I often work in the early evenings. Since we typically self-cater during our travels, I use the time while my husband cooks to put in another 2 to 3 hours of focused work. This allows me to achieve a comfortable 6-hour workday, even while travelling.

Clear Client Communication: Maintaining open communication with my clients is paramount. I provide regular updates on my working hours, location and time differences to ensure they know their deadlines will be met. This proactive approach builds trust and reassures them that their projects are in good hands.

Reliable Connectivity: Good Wi-Fi is essential for remote work. I always ensure our accommodation has a strong connection and I use my phone data as a hotspot when needed. I even purchased local SIM cards during a motorhome trip in 2018, enabling me to work from an off-grid campsite.

General Travel and Work Tips:

Beyond these personal strategies, here are some general tips for balancing work and travel:

Data Security:

1. Use a VPN. When working remotely, especially in bustling cafes or airport lounges, be mindful of data security. Remember, public Wi-Fi can be as risky as a pickpocket in a crowded market. Invest in a reputable VPN (Virtual Private Network). Think of it as a digital cloak, encrypting your connection and shielding your sensitive information from prying eyes. Many providers offer UK-based servers, which can be useful for accessing UK-specific services.
2. Consider using a password manager such as Lastpass so prying eyes can’t watch your keyboard to guess your passwords.
3. Ensure your devices are protected with up-to-date anti-virus software. Remember that most anti-virus programs will cover phones and tablets now too.
4. Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your work data to a cloud-based storage service or an external hard drive. This will protect your information in case of device loss or damage.

Time Zone Management:

1. Use online tools to manage time. If you’re working with clients in different time zones, use online tools like Timeanddate.com to schedule meetings and manage deadlines effectively. Remember that daylight saving time can be different in other countries, so double-check any time differences.
2. Set your devices to local time. To avoid confusion as you travel, set your devices to the local time but use a world clock app to keep track of UK time.

Visa Requirements:

1. Research the visa requirements. Some countries have specific digital nomad visas, while others may require a tourist visa with limitations on work activities. Make sure you have everything in place well before you travel to prevent refusals at the airport or borders.
2. Check ETIAS. The ETIAS system for EU-based travel has been delayed until the last quarter of 2026 but do keep an eye out for news regarding this. Once implemented, UK citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS online authorisation before travelling to the Schengen area.

Travel Insurance:

1. Get travel insurance. Ensure your travel insurance covers remote work activities and any potential medical emergencies. Many standard travel insurance policies don’t cover business equipment, so consider taking out specialist insurance for your laptop and other devices.
2. Get your GHIC card. For those travelling in Europe, the GHIC card is free and gives you up to 5 years’ access to state healthcare in the European Economic Area. The healthcare you receive may not be free at the point of use however, so this isn’t a replacement for full travel insurance.

Balancing work and travel is an achievable dream, not just a fantasy. It requires planning, flexibility and a willingness to adapt but the rewards are immense.  For me, it’s about creating a lifestyle that allows me to pursue my passions while still delivering exceptional service to my clients.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to the Scottish Highlands or a longer adventure across Europe, remember to prioritise communication, security and a healthy work-life balance.  With the right preparation, you can make your work-travel dreams a reality. And if you’re looking for someone to help you manage your business remotely, so you can focus on your adventures, you know where to find me!