3 Big Cons of Working While Traveling… (& Gadgets to Help)
Don’t live with the cons of working while traveling. Here are gadgets that can help…
Working on the go is more popular than ever before. People are living in short-term rentals for weeks or months at a time, then move to a new destination. Or selling their homes to work remotely from an RV as they travel the country.
The rise of remote work, being a digital nomad, makes traveling more often and for longer possible. But working while traveling certainly has its downfalls.
The good news is, you don’t have to endure these cons with gritted teeth. There are cool gadgets to help you minimize the cons of working on the go. We’re going to tell you all about them.
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3 Cons of Working While Traveling & the Gadgets That Help
Technology has made it possible for more people to work while traveling, and, by golly, technology can help those people even more. You just need to know the latest gadgets, products, and apps that make work travel easier.
So, we’re going to talk about the 3 biggest cons and provide resources to help you minimize their negative effects.
Con #1: Bad (or No) Internet
As widespread as the internet is these days, you quickly realize on the road that it’s not as widespread as you think. There are still LOTS of destinations with bad or no internet at all.
This is also true for the places you rely on to supply you with internet, like hotels and airports. They may tout “free wifi” or upsell you on high internet speeds, but they often fail to deliver. Their internet speeds are often dismal and completely unreliable.
Your best option is to not rely on outside sources to provide your internet. Thankfully, there are a few ways to take internet with you wherever you go:
1. Use Mobile Hotspot
Many cellular phone plans offer mobile hotspot. In many cases, it’s a setting on your phone that you can activate or deactivate whenever you need to use your cell phone as a hotspot for your other devices. When activated, your other devices (i.e., laptop) can piggyback off your phone’s cell service.
If your cell phone doesn’t have mobile hotspot or it’s not good enough, you can get a portable hotspot device. This dedicated device is usually more powerful than your phone’s hotspot and spares your phone’s batteries. Many international travelers use these.
2. Use a Cellular Booster
Depending on your mode of travel, a cell booster might be a viable option for you. They’re a great option if you travel by RV or can pack them along with you.
A booster does as the name suggests: it boosts your cell’s signal, extending it and strengthening its coverage. This allows you to use your phone’s internet or hotspot in more places.
Our sister site, RV Lifestyle, offers a couple of articles to help with this solution: Do RV Cell Phone Boosters Really Work? and 7 Best RV Cellular Boosters for 2022.
3. Use Wifi Finder App
If you want to forego carrying your own internet around, you can use a wifi finder app to locate wifi around the world. WiFi Map is the leading app in this arena.
But for safety’s sake, consider using a VPN if you go with the Public WiFi option.
Con #2: No Dedicated Workspace
Another downside of working while traveling is no dedicated office or workspace. Keeping things organized and easily becomes a challenge.
If working remotely from an RV, we recommend 6 essential tips, including a designated work space, set hours, and dressing for work. Some of those tips carry over to any kind of work while traveling.
How to solve the problem of no designated workspace depends on what kind of work you do. So, here are some great products that can help keep you organized on the go.
1. Perry Ellis 8-wheel Spinner Mobile Office Bag
This mobile office is an all-in-one suitcase perfect for the weekend traveler. The main compartment is deep enough to hold a couple of outfits, plus has pockets for a 13.5” laptop and other valuables.
Its front organizer pocket holds accessories and smaller items.
2. Portable 2-Level File Box and Organizer
If you must take hard-copy files, merchandise, or other bulky equipment wherever you travel, this file box on wheels is for you. It’s collapsible when not in use but has a sturdy, waterproof, fireproof, and easy-to-roll design.
3. AutoExec Car File Master & Desk
If you travel mostly by car or truck, then this auto organizer desk is a must-have. It fits snugly in your passenger seat and gives you easy access to files, pens, a writing surface, and more.
AutoExec comes in a few different models, so you can select the perfect one for your needs.
You can also check out these Top 10 Minimalist Travel Backpacks.
Con #3: Distractions
The last thing you usually want to do while traveling is work. You’re in a new city or even a new country and find it difficult to focus on the tasks at hand.
Thankfully, the following gadgets and apps help you stay on track.
1. Noise Canceling Headphone or Earplugs
The sounds of a new place can easily distract. Even if they’re not loud, they’re new, which puts your brain on high alert. To overcome these audible distractions, invest in high-quality noise-canceling headphones.
Or, to save on space and add convenience, you can opt for reusable noise-canceling ear plugs instead.
2. Use Scheduling and Focus Apps
A scheduling or time management app is exactly how it sounds. It helps you prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and more.
You clearly see what you need to do and when, often accompanied by helpful notifications. Plus, they provide rewarding feedback that shows your productivity, checked-off lists, and more.
Here are leading organization and time management apps:
A focus app helps you avoid distractions and stay on task. Some set timers to improve productivity, while others block distractions.
Here are a few popular examples:
- Be Focused- Pomodoro Timer on Apple and Google Play
- Noisili– customize your sound environment
- Freedom– website and app blocker
3. Focus-Supporting Product
The problem with apps is they are on your phone, which is the biggest distraction of them all. You can get the same benefits as the aforementioned apps with non-distracting products.
Here are a few products that can help you focus:
What Gadgets Help You Work While Traveling?
Please share what gadgets and apps keep you on task while on the go. See the comments below!
Here are Your Quick Links to all the New Travel Tech
