While working remotely is not a new concept, it certainly is becoming the new normal. With the pandemic and the challenges of maintaining safe distances, working from home became a much more viable option. Working from home presents a new range of perks and challenges. Sure, canceling your morning commute is great but keeping that work-life balance in order can be truly difficult when your office is also your home.
In my experience working remote, separating my work from my personal life became almost impossible. I found it hard to focus on my work and even harder to put my work away and enjoy the comforts of being home.
After trying dozens of other options like rearranging my home office and setting schedules, I was losing hope. Then it hit me. What if I don’t work from my home but from some other home? When all I need is my computer and wifi, why not take my work to go?
Remote on the Move
After the sudden epiphany that I don’t need to work from my home, I immediately logged into AirBnB in search of my new home office.
I am lucky enough to live in the perpetually sunny city of San Diego but I still decided to head south for a change of scenery. With the Mexican border only a short drive away, I began to peruse destinations in Baja California and Baja California Sur.
As I scrolled through the various listings, I began to consider what my ideal home away from home should offer. Before you hit the road, definitely take the time to write down what you absolutely need to complete your work and live comfortably for an extended period of time. It’s much easier to make compromises (hello outdoor showers) when you’re on vacation but when work is on the line, it’s best to play it safe.
Things to Consider
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Private Units vs. Shared Spaces. For me, the ideal scenario is an entire unit to myself with the option to share space. I get distracted easily so renting a room in a shared unit is a big no-no.
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Private Bathroom vs. Shared Bathroom. I’ve stayed at my fair share of hostels but when it comes to long-term travel (one week or more), private bathrooms are a necessity.
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Wifi Access. Reliable internet is mandatory for remote workers. Always confirm with your host/hotel that the wifi is not only present but able to perform.
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Dining. Dining out is a big part of vacation but when you’re traveling with the intention of working, it’s best to keep your budget conservative. Opt for a stay that includes access to a kitchen or provides affordable dining on-site.
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Holiday Perks. The whole point of taking your work to go is for a change of scenery and to keep yourself energized and motivated. Be sure to choose a location that has plenty of holiday perks to treat yourself, too.
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Travel Off-Season. Traveling with work is a great time to hit your bucket-list places. Combining work and travel gives you the option to visit destinations off-season. Off-season travel is often more affordable and accessible.
Vacation Vibes
With all of these factors in mind, I landed on an idyllic but functional stay in beautiful Todos Santos, Mexico. Off-season, Todos Santos still has a slight touristy vibe but maintains a peaceful atmosphere perfect for getting your work done.
I was lucky enough to secure a humble studio apartment on a gorgeous working farm property just outside of Todos Santos. The wifi was superb and the stay offered an on-site cafe open to the public – a perfect spot for getting work done!
In my downtime, I was able to walk around the corner to a small bodega for my grocery needs before returning home to the farm or heading to the nearby beach for relaxation. The contrast between sitting down for a hard day’s work and the gorgeous environment of Southern Mexico was exactly what I needed for a boost in my energy and motivation.
Work Where You Want
Working remotely from another location isn’t just beneficial for your mental health and work-life balance, it can also be healthy for your wallet.
If you’re curious about remote work, now is the time to get going. The opportunities to work remotely are boundless and, with the right planning, you can explore the world and get paid while you do it!
