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Do you know what one of my favorite things about working remotely is? My ability to work from ANYWHERE in the world as long as it has power and an internet connection. Over the last two months, I’ve mostly been working from home, but I’ve also headed to other locations for a week at a time knowing that I needed to get work done. As we move into summer I’m hoping to take a few working staycations throughout Florida. Who says just because I work from home that it has to be MY home?
Today I’m sharing my top 5 things that you MUST pack for a remote work vacation. Even if you are staying at the beach, you need to make the most of your “work hours” so that you can enjoy the rest of your time.
1. Your work machine & its various attachments – I know this might seem like a no-brainer, but you need to make sure that you have EVERYTHING you need to get your work done. Laptop, charger, mouse, phone, phone charger, camera, camera charger, extra batteries, etc. The last thing you want to do when you get to your destination is to have to try and track down a store to buy something you left at home.
2. Power Strip/Extension Cord – Just because they have Wifi it doesn’t mean that you won’t EVER need to plugin. And just because you have a nice space to work at, it doesn’t mean that there will be outlets close by. So make sure that you have a power strip and/or extension cord to make sure you are prepared for whatever you may find at your vacation destination.
I like this one because its a surge protector, has USB ports, AND you connect it to your Echo dot if you bring it with you (see #4).
3. Snacks & Drinks – Even if you aren’t staying somewhere that has a kitchen, you should still bring snacks and drinks. Being in a new place, possibly by the beach, can potentially be very distracting. Don’t let your stomach add to those distractions! Make sure that you are prepared for your workday with snacks and drinks to help you make it through. It takes away one more “reason” for you to step away from your work. Your 15-minute break to run out and get a snack can EASILY turn into a 2-hour adventure. Save those for the weekend!
*Don’t forget about the beer and wine! Depending on where you are staying it may be hard, or expensive, to find what you want. Be prepared and bring a few tasty beverages with you!
4. Music! – I listen to music all day when I work. Even when I went to an office to work, you’d always hear music coming from my office. Music keeps me on track. Without some sort of “constant” while I’m working I tend to get easily distracted by random noises around my house. Next thing I know I’m in the kitchen washing dishes because I heard the ice maker and it reminded me I had dishes in the sink. Not good!
I like to bring my Amazon Echo Dot with me since I can use it anywhere and everywhere to listen to music. Plus, I can always have Alexa (or Jimmy Fallon) tell me a joke if I need a little pick me up.
5. Wifi Extender – The last thing you want is to get to your lovely new home away from home and realize that the table on the patio overlooking the beach is JUST out of range of the Wifi.
I honestly don’t know what I did without this thing. Basically, it’s a tiny little device that you plug into the wall. Once you set it up to be connected to the wifi at your location, it can extend the signal by up to 3X. I got this Netgear one for my mom’s house and now I have one that travels with me.
I’m heading to Atlanta at the end of the month for an extended stay with my bestie and her family, but thankfully I won’t have to worry about bring most of this stuff since I’m staying with them. Then again… maybe I should pack a bottle of wine since she has two kids under 3! 🙂
