One of the most wonderful things about the modern internet is the power it grants us to work from just about anywhere in the world. It’s now possible, with the help of the right visa and a laptop, to work while moving from country to country.
But life as a digital nomad does have a few downsides. For one thing, you might struggle to control your working environment and to do ‘deep work’, with the same ease that you would in a home office.
Another potential source of concern is security. How can you get online in an unfamiliar country while still keeping your internet traffic safe and secure?
Let’s take a look at a few practices and tools that can be immensely helpful.
Dedicated “Flow State” Coworking Spaces
Some hotels are more suitable for digital nomads than others.The Hoxton chain, for example, has largely swept aside the traditional lobby in favor of a dedicated co-working space. At the same time, you might find ergonomic seating, a phone, and a series of ‘hot desks’ that can be used by guests throughout the day.
It’s essential that you don’t spend all of your time in the same room. Having an office space outside of your rest and relaxation areas might therefore be crucial. By finding one, you’ll be able to strike that all-important balance between your working life and your personal time.
Cybersecurity & The “Safe Signal” Guarantee
If you’re reliant on the Wi-Fi in a hotel, or any other public place, then you’re putting your security at risk. The best hotels tend to partner with dedicated cybersecurity firms to keep the internet clean. But what if an attacker sets up their own hotspot for the purposes of tricking you into connecting? What if the hotel’s security measures aren’t all that they claim to be?
Digital nomads must take responsibility for their own security. They can do this by keeping their software updated and their storage drives encrypted, and by installing a free VPN for PC or Mac.
“Long-Stay” Kitchenettes & Apartment-Style Living
If you’re going to be staying in a given location for months on end, then living out of a suitcase might quickly become tiresome. With the right serviced apartment, you’ll be able to slash your living costs, and benefit from extra facilities like a kitchenette and laundry. You’ll also be able to cook for yourself, and control your personal lifestyle.
Community-Driven Social Programming
When you’re living this lifestyle, you might find yourself at greater risk of loneliness. After all, you won’t have a fixed community around you. Look for any social event you can find. This might be a way of enjoying the culture around you through things like rooftop yoga and local food tours. Networking is a skill that you can develop through practice – so why not give yourself a chance to do so?
High-Speed Connectivity (5G/6G Backup)
If you’re entirely reliant on a hotel’s internet, then you might find yourself unable to work at all when that internet goes down. For this reason, it’s worth looking for hotels with a backup connection based on wireless cellular technology. Other reliability-improving measures, like hard-wired Ethernet ports, are nice to have, too.
