The GypsyNesters

It isn’t so far fetched now for millions of people to be enjoying working on the road. From solo-travelers to full families. It is now possible to travel and work. In fact, it has never been easier than it is now. Making it work for you might not be something you have entirely worked out yet, but here are some tips, suggestions, and tricks to help you make your nomadic lifestyle a reality.

Why Do It?

The idea of being in an office working is something that many people find comforting and enjoyable. Others, however, have a yearning to spread their wings and explore the world. Being financially smart about could mean saving a lot of cash before you go. Or perhaps all it takes is you learning how to make money on the road.

Consider the fact that most companies only give a maximum of 28 days of holidays that need to be spread over the year. You can buck the trend and make it 28 days that you are in your home a year instead. Remote working gives you a sense of freedom.

Mindset

Most of us are born and raised into the uniform, 9-5, alarm clocked life. And that is a brilliant life if you enjoy it. So breaking away from that mindset, doesn’t happen overnight. The motivation and discipline is something that you are still going to need in order to get your work done. But the alarm clock might just remain a thing of the past.

There are downsides to working on the road too. So going into it assuming that it will be all sunshine and daisies probably isn’t the best idea. You can lose your equipment, delayed flights, need to work at strange hours, and a lack of WiFi can be a struggle too.

However, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will be with it.

Saying Goodbye

When you have to say goodbye to your current working situation, the trepidation is likely to kick in. Leaving a secure paycheck for freelance working can be exciting and daunting when you simply work from home. Travelling brings a more significant element to it. Something that you should consider doing ahead of time is building up your freelance network and client list.

The better your network, the less likely it is that you will struggle for work. And, when you aren’t tied into a contract, you are free to work with whoever you like and make money in a variety of different ways.

Remote Working or Travel Job

These aren’t the same thing. Travel jobs are typically jobs that are linked to the place you are staying for a while. For example, you are in Thailand for a while you can start working on a farm, or teaching English there. Remote working is linked only to you. As you can open a laptop in Belgium, New York, or Iceland, and your work is available. You can combine the two if you want to stay in one location for a while. In general, though, we are talking about remote working.

Equipment

There are a few things that you are going to need to be able to work remotely. Assuming that you do one of the more typical remote jobs:

• A laptop – something light and in good condition
• HDD – the back up in case anything should go wrong
• Tablet – option extra but useful for making notes, watching movies and more while you’re on the road and don’t want to get your main laptop out
• Mobile phone – You might choose to have one for work and one for personal. Whichever you choose, consider a network like SMARTY to keep your costs low while you’re on the road.
• Camera – If you are traveling, it would be a travesty not to collect images from your journey. Also, you can build an online portfolio or social media following
• Sturdy hand luggage bag
• Reuseable coffee cups and water bottle
• Charging block and cables for your phone and laptop
• Headphones – so you can block out local noise and get your work done
• Thumb drive – extra back up, and storage if you need it
• Travel plugs
• Pocketalk Translator – super fast translation into 74 different languages

Travel

There is a very slim chance that you will be jetting from location to location in the space of a few days. It is more likely you stay somewhere for a number of weeks, and then move on. So you will need to scout out somewhere to work. Local coffee shops, co-working spaces, and the corner of your apartment or room will all work fine. Just remember to check the WiFi before turning up with your laptop if you have deadlines to get work delivered.

Co-Working Space

While in the effort to break free form the traditional working style is your ideal scenario, you might find the lack of people around you or having no colleagues can be rather lonely from time to time. Co-working spaces are great for arranging meetings or being around people who are also working. There is usually a monthly fee, but many also have the option of using the space for a day here and there for a slightly increased price.

You will often find there are a number of digital nomads using the space too, which means you can build up your global network as you travel.

Remote Working Options

There are numerous options now for people who want to earn money while traveling the globe. And the best thing is you can mix and match over time. Your skills will develop to such a point you can take a range of different projects and clients. Here are some great options for you to consider and start laying the groundwork for.

Content/Copywriter – If you have knowledge in any area, you can leverage that for higher paid work. If you don’t, you can still create a lucrative career from writing copy. There are a number of places you can advertise your skills, as well as pitching for work that you find online. You can quickly write great pieces and stick to strict deadlines too. You’ll need to use a couple of tools like Grammarly and Copyscape to make sure your work is of a high standard, and completely unique. Everyone needs content, and once you have a regular client, you will have constant work.

Teaching English – Or your native language. You can create a space online and teach language via skype. You’ll have booked appointments with regular clients. If you know more than one language, you can offer translation services to clients too.

Social Media Management – if you are a dab hand at creating quick and effective content, then your social media skills can be of use to many different companies. You’ll need more than just a basic understanding of the social media platforms and how to reach the right audience while adhering to the brand’s guidelines.

Webdesign – Website building starts off as a hobby for many people, but over time you can get really good. That experience and skill can be used to help businesses set up their websites or for you to be able to redesign theirs. High-quality and intricate jobs that require more coding and time will be higher paid.

Virtual Assistant – Bloggers, influencers, and other freelancers often hire virtual assistants to help them manage their workload and clients. You’ll be handling everything from research and data tasks to booking travel and organizing meetings for your clients. It is a varied role but very rewarding. Often these will be long term contracts, and you will use and learn a wide range of skills too. Clients might require an hour or so, to a few days of work. Incredibly flexible.

Travel Writer – while you might start off with your own blog or travel website, you may find that you can get paid offers to write content, review hotels and restaurants, and more. This is, of course, the ideal scenario. You’ll need to pitch to travel magazines and websites to start the ball rolling, but once you have a list of places you are going, you can provide great insightful articles. If you use your own blog, you can include affiliate links, host sponsored content, and sell eBook travel guides to create some passive income too.

When you decide to see as much of the world as possible and make an income when you do it. You need to have a rough plan before you start. Saving some of your income from your current position is a great start. Working on a supplementary income for a while until it is 50-75% of your income, or covers what you need in terms of flights, insurances, and accommodations will help too. One of the most important things to think about is ideally how much time a day or a week you want to dedicate to working and how much to explore.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

– Anthony Bourdain

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Paris has an excellent reputation as one of the best cities in the world for food lovers. If you find yourself heading to the City of Lights, then make sure to treat yourself to some of the best food that the city has to offer. Knowing exactly where and what to eat can be tricky with so many great choices in Paris, so consider going on a Paris food tour.

Many foods in Paris have long historical roots, and learning about those roots will help you enjoy the food even more. Others have been brought into Paris from other regions of the country because people in Paris want the very best foods possible. Consider these five foods that you must try in Paris.

Oysters

Trying oysters in Paris needs to be on your list. Just crack open the shell, add a little lemon juice and let the oyster slide into your mouth. You will find oysters at many different locations, but some of the best are found at Dessiner in the 17th arrondissement from September to April. You will find a variety of oysters, including salty oysters from Utah Beach in Normandy, France, green oysters from Marennes-Oléron, France, rare huîtres plates oysters from Brittany, France; Étang de Thau, France, oysters that are raised in fresh and seawater and finely textured Arcachon oysters. You can expect impeccable service and great food from this oyster bar.

Macarons

Macarons are another food that you simply cannot leave Paris without trying. Legend records that Catherine di Medici, who eventually became the wife of King Henri II, brought these cookies to Paris from Italy in 1533. Many Parisian restaurants have perfected the art of making them, but you will want to try them at the original Charles Dalloyau location on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. This location has been making macarons at this location since 1802. Ahead of opening this chocolate shop that is also known for its outstanding opera cakes, the family served as the royal pastry chef to King Louis XIV. The best macarons are made with 70 % Venezuelan cocoa, Bergamot tea, or champagne-cognac.

Duck Confit

Duck confit is made by salt curing the duck meat for at least 48 hours before slowly roasting it in its own fat. While you can find a version of duck confit on almost every restaurant’s menu, the best is served at Josephine Chez Dumonet in the 6th arrondissement. In this typical Parisian bistro, you will not find any hard outer crust to their duck confit. As soon as you enter, you will think that you have arrived on a Hollywood set because of the Bentwood chairs and lacy white curtains, and you will be treated like a star at this restaurant that also serves outstanding beef bourguignon. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.

Baguettes

Austrian August Zang brought the first steam oven to Paris in the early 19th century, and he is credited with introducing Paris residents to the croissant. In 1920, Paris lawmakers passed a law that bakers could not work between 10 PM and 4 AM, which created problems trying to get the bread ready for breakfast customers. In turn, entrepreneurs created baguettes because the long slender breadsticks would rise and bake faster. Today, many urge that this food should be listed as a cultural icon by UNESCO. You can find the best baguettes at Boulangerie Maison M’seddi in the 13th arrondissement. This baguette that received top honors at the Meilleure Baguette de Paris in 2018 credits his family’s secret recipe for his success. During the competition, baguettes are judged on taste, appearance, aroma, baking, and texture.

Camembert

Marie Harel receives credit for making the first camembert cheese in Normandy, France, in 1791, on advice she received from her pastor who she was hiding during the French Revolution. If you can find it after it has just been made, then it has a bland crumbly texture, so you will want to wait until this cheese is aged as it becomes exceptionally creamy. Camembert cheese that is ready for consumption has a hard-outer rind that is a white fungus called penicillium candidum. This cheese that pairs perfectly with a light red wine can be purchased from many cheesemongers in Paris, but the best comes from Marie-Anne Cantin. This cheese shop has been open since 1950, and the same family operates it today. She has formed close relationships with cheese producers throughout France and in Portugal, so be sure to sample different cheeses when you are there buying Camembert.

A food lovers’ dream vacation is a trip to Paris where you can find delicious foods at many locations. You may want to start with an appetizer of oysters or order a more substantial amount for the main course. You may also want to have duck confit as your main course. Baguettes are an excellent bread that you will want to try when you are in Paris. Consider finishing your meal with a macaroon or some outstanding Camembert cheese.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Starting Up

The 11,400 km² range located in New South Wales offers many sights and iconic places to visit. Maybe you’ve visited the ranges before, or it is your first time. The climate in the Blue Mountains varies, with evening temperatures getting down to -3⁰C, and getting upwards of the mid-20s during the day in summer. Packing warm, moisture-wicking clothing will leave you feeling fresh in these conditions.

A Classic Torch

Most people realise at some point they’re going to need LED torches whilst escaping on an outdoors adventure, whether you’re an avid camper or a weekend warrior. A Fenix torch for hiking will differ from generic torches in that it will be more durable and ideally have extended battery life and brightness. These features will be useful in low light conditions away from camp. You may want a head torch when exploring the Red Hands caves (found in the Lower Blue Mountains), as it gets quite dark in there!

Suncare

Seasoned hikers will understand the importance of sun care. A good investment for any is a good sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing. Check out the UV index, to assess the risk for UV damage. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UV-A and UV-B coverage) as well as one that is cosmetically elegant. Invest a bit more in a good one! You’ll be more likely to use it when it sits well on your skin. Also, don’t forget to reapply, you won’t want to be getting burnt whilst photographing the three sisters.

Pack a Nutritious Lunch

Remember to keep spare water handy! Even in the cold conditions of the Blue Mountains, you will still sweat. If you feel dehydrated, it’s already too late! Calorie dense snacks such as trail mix or energy bars can help provide a quick fix of energy without adding too much weight to the pack. Formulated bars are also great to replenish lost nutrients during the vigorous hike. After breaking a sweat hiking all day, you’re going to want some replenishing food back at home base. A common misconception is that hiking food is bland and average tasting. Wrong! Spice it up and remember to pack a little extra. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, you can pop into the Blue Mountains Buttery, a home for delicious baked goods. Not to mention their famous Bee Sting Cakes!

Other Essentials

For winding down after a long day or night of trekking, you’ll most likely want some lighting handy at home base. Other items that are sometimes overlooked include a first aid kit, a good pair of hiking boots, a multi-tool, spare toiletries, polarised sunglasses, and a mirror (to keep you looking beautiful, of course).

Further Exploring

If you wish to plan your trip a bit better, you may want to understand the terrain and conditions beforehand to help prepare for the hike. Understanding the location and carrying an updated map of the various walks and zones you can explore will keep you from feeling lost! Most smartphones will have an accurate GPS however you may want a hard copy of the maps for the out of range areas. A common hike is to follow the smaller ranges including the Bell Range, the Explorer Range, the Mount Hay Range, and the Woodford Range. These vary in height, all roughly about 1,000 metres tall! After a long couple of days hiking, you might feel you need a night in away from the camping. A stay at the iconic The Man from Snowy River Hotel will leave you feeling settled and at home.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

If you take daily medication, then you’ll need to bring it with you on any vacations that you decide to go on.

This is particularly relevant for older folks because 39% of seniors are on 5 or more prescription drugs. Having a daily medication regimen should not exclude you from traveling, but you will need to take your prescriptions with you.

This isn’t a major hurdle, but understanding the rules for traveling with medication is a must. Knowing this will make it easier for you to get through TSA and on the plane without a hassle.

Let’s take a look at some advice for traveling with prescription medication to make packing for your next trip simple.

Understand Restrictions

The first thing you need to understand is the restrictions regarding prescription medication. There are a few different elements to this.

For starters, you should understand what is and what isn’t allowed on an airplane. Just about any federally legal medication is fair game, but something like medical marijuana is not.

This means that you can bring any prescription pills and liquids, even those bigger than 3.4oz, with you. If you do bring liquid with you, then you’ll need to disclose this to a TSA officer.

The big exception to this is if you’re traveling internationally to a location where a specific medication is illegal. For example, Adderall is illegal in Japan and cannot be brought there.

Because of this, you need to also consider the local laws of wherever you’re traveling so that you aren’t unknowingly violating them. Do some research before you fly to save yourself from the hassle.

Store Medication in Original Containers

Another useful tip is to keep your prescriptions in their original container.

This isn’t a downright requirement, but it will make things easier should any questions arise. If you’re asked to prove that you have a prescription for your medication, a bottle with your name on it will simplify the process.

Usually, this won’t be an issue, but it’s smarter to be prepared just in case. It’s unlikely to have your medication confiscated, but you’ll at least save time should anyone ask you questions.

Again, if you have medication in liquid form, you’ll need to show it to a TSA officer if it’s over 3.4oz. Anything else is fine and doesn’t need to be expressly declared. Your medication will be screened via x-ray unless you ask for a physical examination instead.

Use Your Carry-On

You should also store your medication in your carry-on bag. There are two important reasons for this; easy access and preventing loss.

If you’re storing your medication in a carry-on, this means that you can use it whenever you need it. This is helpful for longer flights where you’ll likely need to use it mid-flight. On the other hand, if you stashed your medication in a checked bag, you won’t be able to use it.

The other problem with this is that you can’t watch your prescriptions during the flight. Airplane luggage is often lost or delayed and this can ruin your trip if your medication is with it. It’s extremely unlikely that you lose your carry-on bag, which makes it a much safer storage choice.

Bring Extra Dosages

The final tip to keep in mind is to bring extra dosages with you.

Even if there is a set end date for your vacation, you never know what will happen during the trip. There is a possibility that your flights are delayed or you may choose to stay longer.

Alternatively, if you use medication on a by-need basis, then having extras is almost a requirement. For instance, you may need medication for allergies. If you have a flare-up, then you might need more than your routine calls for.

Because of this, you’ll certainly want to have extras with you rather than running out mid-trip. It’s difficult to find a prescription when you’re away from home and it will likely be expensive when you find it.

There’s no harm in bringing along a few extra pills and it’s much better to be over-prepared than stranded in need.

Closing Thoughts

Traveling with medication may be a necessity for you but fortunately, it’s easy to bring along. With careful preparation, you can breeze through TSA and have what you need for your whole trip.

Before you leave, make a point of learning about any medication restrictions for the location that you’re traveling to. When you’re packing, keep all medication in their original containers, store it in your carry-on bag, and remember to bring extra dosages with you.

Vacations are meant to be enjoyed, but you shouldn’t neglect to take your medication! Be prepared for your trip by properly packing any prescription pills and liquids that you’ll need during your stay.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.