Tips for the nomadic publicist (or any professional)
The ability to live, travel and work from anywhere is a true privilege! And if you’re a wanderluster like many of us at Spiral5, it will probably become your favorite perk of independent consulting.
The work-travel life is not only an affordable way to see the world, but it’s also inspiring, energizing and a great way to establish a global network of friends, colleagues and even business opportunities.
That said, the lifestyle requires a bit of adjusting. I once facilitated a series of panel prep calls with very high-level execs from the backseat of my rental car in Costa Rica. I’ve handled full press announcements for clients at 2 am in Thailand. I’ve taken early morning Spanish lessons in Oaxaca before starting my workday.
Over the past six years that I’ve been combining work and travel, I’ve managed to make magic, as well as many mistakes! Turns out, there are a few key ways to enjoy the experience, and still make sh*t happen from the road (or beach, or jungle, or wherever).
Opt for international phone data. Most carriers now include Mexico and Canada in their monthly unlimited data rates. For other countries, you can add international data for a daily rate. Better yet, sign up with a phone carrier that offers free high-speed data in most countries. I use T-Mobile, and it’s been a lifesaver. There’s nothing quite like getting off a plane in a foreign country and having immediate access to Uber (and your email)! Be careful, though! Many countries, particularly in Central America, have effectively made ride-share apps “illegal” although they’re still technically available when you look at your app. I learned that the hard way.
Keep country hopping to a minimum. I’ve found that it’s best to spend at least 2 weeks in each place you’re visiting. It’s important to feel grounded, rooted and to create a semblance of a routine. Traveling from point A to point B can also be draining, and you’ll often need a couple days to chill before you're ready to dive into work full-time. Staying for 4 weeks or longer is ideal and also helps to manage FOMO. If you have more time, then you can honor the initial excitement of being in a new place without feeling pressure to make a choice between work and fun.
Travel on weekends. Part of what's so powerful about traveling is that the logistics and uncertainty of it all keeps you present. This is great for personal development, not so great for deadlines. As much as possible, make your transitions from Country A to Country B on the weekends, and allow for plenty of time to get settled in. There will undoubtedly be some random Tuesdays that you’re on the road, but as a rule of thumb, you’ll be a lot less stressed out (and more available to your clients) if you travel on a day no one is expecting you to be online.
Even if you think you can work from the plane, or the bus, or in the cab on the way to the airport, more than likely you’ll get very little done. It’s pretty hard to manage a weekly check-in call and 2 urgent emails when you're also navigating a canceled train and spotty wifi.
Invest a little more in your comfort. You’ll need consistent access to fast wifi, quality sleep, and a clean, quiet place to work. Everyone’s capacity for functioning in chaotic environments is different. Know yours! Personally, I can’t stay in a hostel dorm and wake up fresh and ready for a day of work. I always opt for Airbnbs, hotel rooms or - my favorite! - friends’ homes.
Sticking to your budget is, of course, first priority. But if you’re not able to afford the environment that is ideal for your workflow and productivity, best to choose a different location for your work-travel adventures.
Adjust your routine to meet your clients' time zone needs. Traveling around the U.S. and the Americas is the easiest as far as aligning time zones (assuming your clients are in the Americas, as well). However, traveling east to Europe or further east to Asia requires some creativity with your working hours.
While traveling in India and Southeast Asia, for example, I used to sleep late and reserve my mornings for leisure. I’d start work around 3 PM, pause in the evening for dinner, or to hang out with friends, and then I’d be back online by 10 PM until around Midnight or later. What’s challenging about this dynamic is if you’re tempted to indulge during your evening ‘break,’ going back to work is, um, interesting — I’ve totally done it, but I wouldn’t say I recommend it.
Make time to explore (obvi!) As long as you’re reasonable, it is up to you to set your availability, designate work hours and stay on schedule. I recommend grouping calls and meetings into one or two days each week, so you can be more flexible the rest of the time. Taking a lunchtime hike, or catching a museum with friends in the afternoon is totally doable. It does take a bit of self-discipline to then go back to work… but you got this.
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Most importantly, to be a successful nomad it helps to be a naturally adaptable, professional and curious person. It’s likely you wouldn’t be running your own PR business if you weren’t these things -- so get out there, publisisters!
And if the idea of adventuring with a group of savvy women sounds interesting to you, Spiral5 will soon be offering opportunities for members to travel together while developing our businesses and leadership potential. Read more about becoming a member here, and request an application!