Kind of on topic, but I'm a web developer who is partnered with a designer in NYC. I'm already working remotely (a few hours away) and it is really great. I'm in my mid 20s and don't have kids or a relationship at the moment. I've always wanted to travel and I'd rather do it while I am young. I've been thinking of taking 6 months and going around the world, staying at any location for 2-4 weeks. I want to continue working remotely at that time but my big concern is that I'm just going to be sitting in a hotel room working at these beautiful places and not have any time to explore. Or the other way around and I will be having too much fun to get any real work done.
Any HN'ers have any experience or stories doing something similar?
Doing what you suggest will be an absolute disaster if you promise your clients you'll be available while you travel. Your concerns about being locked in your hotel room are totally valid, and you'll need superhuman willpower to get anything done. What you can do, however, is set up shop somewhere cheap for 3-6 months and spend your weekends doing day trips. At the end of this period, you will have actually saved money because of your reduced living expenses. Then repeat the same process on anther continent. 2-4 weeks is barely enough time to get your feet wet. You absolutely should do this right now before you get tied down by work and family life. Source: I work remotely and have spent the last 4 years in Brazil, Thailand, and Belize. 3-6 months turns into 1+ years pretty quickly.
Definitely do serious recon on what type of connectivity you will have wherever you're going. I did a month in Europe a couple of years and I was caught off guard by how much of a crapshoot internet access was. Luckily I was not remote-working at the time, otherwise I would've been screwed on a few occasions.
I'd recommend scoping out short term apartment rentals or the like (Airbnb might be a good bed). That way you might be able to get better internet access, as well as access to a host that can give you advice on exploring the city/country you're in.
Look around for hackerspaces or co-working spaces. They are generally inexpensive, and put you in working proximity with local talent and like-minded road warriors.
If you’re going that route, you need to block out certain days or weeks for travel and settling in. You can’t make any promises about communicating or working, unless you’ve already been to your destination.
You’re not going to get anything done on travel days, and wifi + ergonomics are usually spotty if it’s your first time there. Also, there’s lost luggage, jet lag, travel delays, and reservation issues.
Don't forget that you have weekends as well and dedicate them + evenings to visit/do things.
If I were you I'd stay more than 2 weeks though, 4 weeks seems ok, 2 weeks while travelling doesn't seem enough to see everything.
Granted that I never worked while travelling but that's how I'd do it (and also stay longer than 1 month if I really like a place)
That sounds ideal, but I share your concerns. I suppose I would use the heuristic that the amount of latitude/free time you have now will roughly equate to the amount you have overseas. Add or subtract additional time per any logistical issues (network access, syncing with your team, acquiring rent, figuring out groceries/cooking, etc.).
Yep, you can do a lot evenings and weekends, much better than nothing. And to be honest, it's not hard to save up a bit and live more cheaply in another country every few years.
Any HN'ers have any experience or stories doing something similar?