All the best tips and tricks for working on the road!
It’s now easier than ever to work from home, something that the recent pandemic has proven. While some companies are moving back to office spaces, many more are embracing their new remote workers. There has also been a rapid rise in entirely remote careers as increasingly advanced digital devices arrive each year. That’s why more people are choosing to become Digital Nomads, someone who works from the freedom of the open road.
Becoming a Digital Nomad can be daunting, but it is an incredibly enriching experience. Change up your regular routine with a new stunning backdrop every day. See incredible views, engage with the world around you, and thrive on the flexibility of life in a campervan. Whether you’re looking for a long-term move or are testing out the traveling lifestyle, here are some tips for remote working in a campervan!
Getting Started
If you want to become a Digital Nomad then you will need a job that can be done remotely and a suitable space where you can work from.
Choosing the Best Job for You
These days, many different careers can be performed online and job websites often let you search for remote postings. If you’re switching to remote work and need experience, try looking through freelance workplaces. Freelance jobs aren’t always steady but they can be rewarding if you build your portfolio. The biggest digital careers are in programming, writing, and graphic design. If you believe you have a natural talent for coding, art, content design, or even social media influencing, take it to the next level as a Digital Nomad.
Picking an Appropriate Vehicle
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your vehicle then it has to be big enough to accommodate your work and home life. This doesn’t mean you need a massive RV but a small truck camper would not be suitable. A campervan, motorhome, or trailer, with a comfortable table and chairs, are the best options for an adventurous remote worker. Jumping straight into the Digital Nomad life isn’t always easy and it can be a big commitment to purchase a motorhome. We recommend testing out if it’s a good fit for you with a 2 to a 4-week rental before deciding on any long-term plans.
Remote Working Essentials
Remote working from your campervan is not that much harder than working from home and there are only a few essentials you will need.
Laptop
The most important item for a remote worker is a sturdy laptop. This could be a conventional laptop, a Macbook, a Chromebook, a tablet, or any similar electronic. Most, if not all, digital careers will need you to use a laptop, so make sure you have one that performs well and runs fast. You can also buy an adjustable laptop stand to make your computer more comfortable for long-term use.
WiFi
If you’re working on the road, you might not always have access to reliable internet. To make sure you stay connected, purchase a dependable WiFi hotspot. Just a small, lightweight box, a hotspot produces a WiFi signal that you can use for all of your devices. You can even use your phone as a permanent WiFi hotspot if your network has a good signal and you have an unlimited data plan.
Portable Battery
If you will be using electronics for most of the day and don’t have access to electricity, you will need a large portable battery. A lot of models have sockets and USB ports to keep all your devices running during the day. Portable batteries can be recharged by your vehicle when it is being driven or at certain campsites for a small fee.
Outdoor Office
Even if you have a good work table inside your campervan, the whole point of becoming a Digital Nomad is to appreciate your surroundings. The best way to do this is to buy a foldable table and a comfortable collapsible chair that you can set up outside your camper. This gives you an outdoor office that can be used whenever you need fresh air or simply want to enjoy a sunny day as you keep busy.
Top Three Tips to Staying Focused
- Find a routine that works for you. Some people work harder in the mornings while others can’t get organized until the sun starts to set. Remote work, especially freelance, offers you the opportunity to set your own schedule. Once you’ve found your best working hours, make sure you stick to them each day.
- Keep work and home spaces separate. This can help you mentally divide the day into work time and relaxation time. This is easy to do if your campervan is big enough but even if you can’t physically move to another space, clean away all of your work items at the end of each day to clear the area of stress. You can also put up some soft fairy lights that can be turned on in the evenings to change the atmosphere in the campervan.
- Do work that you love. The aim of a Digital Nomad is to get the best out of life with the freedom offered by a campervan. But if you don’t have any motivation to work, it can be easy to distract yourself with a more interesting drive. Find a career you’re passionate about, even if you have to work your way up, and it should help you stay focused.
Begin Your Digital Nomad Experience
Working remotely from a campervan can seem like a big change but it is a liberating experience that can satisfy your craving for travel and your need to earn an income. Test out the Digital Nomad lifestyle with a short-term trial in one of our affordable campervans. You can also rent out your own vehicle to our friendly base of campervan fans.
If you need help with ideas for your next outdoor adventure then come back next Wednesday for our guide to the best hiking trails in the Southwest!
