Creating the Perfect Productive Environment for Digital Nomads

What makes a perfect productive environment for digital nomads? The digital nomad has the best of both worlds. They get to travel the world and see incredible things, all while receiving a stable income.

However, it’s not always plain sailing. You have to make time and space to concentrate on your work while surrounded by an abundance of landmarks to see and trains to catch.

The key is to create the right environment (even in changing circumstances) where you can focus, while still leaving plenty of time to explore.

Here’s how you can do just that.

A laptop and a backpack. That’s all you need, right?

Not quite.

While it’s true that the average digital nomad travels light, the type of equipment you pack in your bag counts more than you think. A few extras can mean the difference between a constant neck ache and a pleasant working space.

First, consider the type of work you do and get a laptop that accommodates those needs.

For instance, if you’re a graphic designer, then a 16” laptop screen won’t cut the mustard. You’re going to need something with a bigger screen.

Similarly, if you’re a programmer, you will need a powerful, up-to-date laptop that won’t need replacing anytime soon.

Remember, you’re going to be traveling. So, any spare parts or repair services could be thin on the ground. Therefore, purchase a known, reliable brand.

Ergonomics can take a backseat when traveling. It’s obviously not practical to bring your fancy office chair and rising desk along for the ride.

But there are other things you can purchase that will help you work more efficiently. These include:

A laptop stand: You’ll need this to keep your laptop at eye level and reduce the aforementioned neck ache.

Bluetooth keyboard and mouse: Wireless accessories mean you have the freedom to position them in the most comfortable way.

Noise-canceling headphones: While the hustle and bustle of the local market go well with your morning coffee, it’s only going to distract you while you’re trying to work. Use headphones to block out the noise.

Portable charger and power bank: No one likes to be cut off when they’re in the middle of a deep workflow. Keep these in your bag for emergencies.

A suitable bag: Traveling is a lot easier if you purchase a proper bag to stow your electrical items. Also, if you’re going to be around water a lot (sailing in the Bahamas, for example), you will need a sturdy waterproof bag to keep your gear safe.

One thing is for sure: a digital nomad can’t do anything unless they’re connected to the internet.

Travel only to places that you know have good WiFi networks and connectivity.

Invest in a device that will give you connectivity wherever you go.

Consider getting one of the following:

eSIMS: Most smartphones support eSIMS, which allows you to create a hotspot and connect your laptop. Generally, they’re inexpensive and available for a wide number of countries. You can find an eSIM app for Android or iPhone to set it up. However, service quality may vary depending on your location.​

Portable WiFi: Yes, you can now carry WiFi around in your bag! Starlink Mini and Solis Go are both great options for getting secure connectivity wherever you go. However, check if the country you’re traveling to supports these services.

Satellite internet: A costly and slow choice. But it may be your only option if you plan to travel to the most remote areas of the planet.

If you don’t want to deal with extra equipment, then you’ll need to pick places that have good public WiFi options.

Many cafes, hotels, and libraries offer unlimited access but keep in mind you’re sharing it with multiple people. So connectivity might be slow and patchy.

Oh, and always use a VPN when accessing public networks. You never know who might be trying to access your data.

One of the biggest contributors to how productive you are is the environment you work in. Some individuals thrive in busy areas; others prefer complete silence.

One factor we’ll say is important for any workspace is to choose one that offers plenty of natural light. Try also to pick somewhere that has comfortable seating and power outlets—a must to avoid your laptop going dead!

Since the digital nomad became a thing, coworking spaces have cropped up all over the globe.

These are environments set up specifically for working travelers and feature all the bells and whistles you’d typically associate with an office space. Ergonomic workspaces, coffee stations, meeting rooms, ultra-fast WiFi, etc.

These also serve as great hubs for meeting fellow digital nomads and sharing ideas.

Ultimately, they’re the perfect solution if you work best in an office-like environment and want a reliable workspace.

However, depending on where you are, they can be costly to use, and they’re not always going to be present in every location you visit. Also, you never know who else may be using them and how distracting they might be.

Cafes, bars, and even hostel or hotel common areas offer a casual environment that lets you glimpse what’s going on outside while working on your tasks.

For cafes and bars, always check that the owner is happy for you to work there. You may have to purchase a minimum amount of food or drink.

The obvious drawback of working in public spaces is that they are the most distracting environment. So, if your attention is easily swayed, it might not be the best spot for you.

The least distracting place to work will likely be in the accommodation you have chosen to stay in. While you won’t get interrupted, it can be very isolating.

Also, some accommodations only have WiFi in the common areas, so that’s something to consider before you book it.

The beauty of the remote work and digital nomadism lifestyle is that you are free to mix it up! Our pro tip is to use your accommodation for deep-focus work and relocate to a more casual environment for those less demanding tasks.

You’ve just started digging into an important piece of work when suddenly a fellow traveler invites you to go check out an “ultra-cool swimming spot.”

Of course, the temptation is to drop everything and go for a swim. But that means your work gets pushed back to the evening.

Working irregular or inconsistent hours creates its own set of problems.

To avoid this:

Establish a strict routine and stick to it as much as possible. Just like working in an office, set your daily hours and avoid deviating from them.

Absolutely make time for exploring. Factor it into your schedule so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.

Consider time zones, both yours and the people you’re working for. Try to travel to countries where time zones don’t conflict too strongly. You don’t want to be starting work when everyone around you is going to bed.

Take regular breaks. Working solidly for eight hours will eventually wear you down.

Before getting stuck into your work, take a step back and organize your tasks for the week. Then, prioritize them according to the Eisenhower Matrix.

This works by separating your tasks into four quadrants:

Urgent and important: Tasks with deadlines or consequences.

Important but not urgent: Tasks with no specific deadlines but that contribute toward the project’s success.

Urgent but not important: Tasks that need doing but that can likely be delegated.

Not important or urgent: Unnecessary distractions.

You may also want to use project management software such as Trello. This can be a real help in breaking down larger projects or tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

Rather than getting overwhelmed by something big (and procrastinating as a result), you can focus on one thing at a time and visually see your progress.

You may find that some work can be offloaded onto a virtual assistant or other professional.

This typically extends to the repetitive or administrative tasks that don’t help productivity but eat up a lot of your time.

For example, if you’re a freelancer, you’re going to have to do your own bookkeeping. However, there are outsourced companies that can handle that for you.

Or, if you get a ton of emails, why not hire someone to screen them for you and even respond to them?

Most of these services are inexpensive. And you get the time back to work on earning more money, or spend it on sightseeing.

Moving from one place to another can take up a large chunk of time, and working on trains, in airports, and on buses is often challenging. Therefore, try to plan your travel at times when you’re not supposed to be working. For example, travel on the weekend. Overnight buses, trains, etc., are also a good plan because you can sleep in transit and wake up in your new location without losing productive hours.

Don’t schedule important meetings or deadlines on travel days because unexpected delays always crop up.

It’s also a good idea to try to build in a bit of buffer time between arrival and work so you can settle in before you have to focus.

You’ve got your ideal setup in place, but you’re still getting distracted.

Try these tips to keep you focused on your work:

Use the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break.

Switch off phone notifications during working hours.

Use website blockers while you work so you aren’t tempted to surf the net. Freedom and Cold Turkey are good options.

If your hours are flexible, find your most productive time of day and plan your most important work for then. Most people are more productive in the morning, but find what works for you.

Research indicates that digital nomads often experience high job satisfaction, with 79% reporting being highly satisfied and 12% satisfied with their work, which can positively influence productivity. However, the constant travel inherent in the digital nomad lifestyle can disrupt established routines, potentially leading to decreased productivity. Therefore, while digital nomadism offers flexibility and satisfaction, its impact on productivity varies based on individual work habits and the ability to adapt to changing environments.​

A typical digital nomad works 4-8 hours per day, but this is highly dependent on job type, workload, and travel schedule. Freelance digital nomads tend to have more freedom with the hours they work, while those who are employed by a single company have a more rigid schedule.

Digital nomads must pay taxes in their country of citizenship or residence. No matter where a digital nomad travels, they are always obligated to pay the relevant taxes on the income they receive.

How do I become a full-time digital nomad?

To become a digital nomad, you must: 1) Secure a reliable, fully remote job or freelance work 2) Minimize possessions to fit in a travel bag 3) Purchase travel-friendly work equipment (laptop, etc.) 4) Research visa requirements and suitable digital nomad visa countries to visit 5) Establish a work schedule and routine that is easy to stick to while traveling

Barbados stands out as an exceptional choice for digital nomads, offering reliable high-speed internet, a vibrant local culture, and the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp visa designed specifically for remote workers. Additionally, the island’s modern amenities and rich cultural experiences provide an ideal environment for balancing productivity with leisure.

Caribbean countries offer digital nomad visas that allow remote workers to live and work there legally. For example, Barbados has the 12-month Welcome Stamp program, and Curaçao offers the “At Home in Curaçao” program. Each program has specific requirements, such as proof of employment, minimum income thresholds, and health insurance coverage. It’s essential to review the criteria for your chosen destination to ensure compliance. Antigua and Barbuda also offers great options for nomad visas.

​In the Caribbean, Barbados, St. Maarten, and Dominica are popular among digital nomads for their favorable visa policies and appealing lifestyles. Globally, Portugal, Croatia, and Spain offer excellent infrastructure and supportive environments for remote workers. The income needed to sustain a digital nomad lifestyle varies by location; for instance, Portugal requires a minimum monthly income of €2,800 for its digital nomad visa. However, many digital nomads earn between $50,000 and $99,999 annually, which typically supports a comfortable lifestyle in various countries.

Balancing work and leisure as a digital nomad is challenging; maintaining a stable income enables extensive travel, necessitating focused work habits. Implementing strategies such as establishing a consistent routine, setting clear goals, and organizing tasks by destination can enhance productivity. ​

The Caribbean and the Bahamas offer a unique blend of luxury and productivity for digital nomads. To optimize your work environment:​

Select Accommodations with Modern Amenities: Choose luxury resorts and boutique hotels that provide high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces. For instance, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort in the Bahamas offers beachfront cabanas suitable for work. ​

Establish a Structured Routine: Despite changing environments, maintain a consistent work schedule to enhance focus and productivity. ​

Leverage Community Spaces: Utilize co-working spaces to network and collaborate with other professionals. Nassau, Bahamas, offers several co-working spaces with reliable internet connections. ​

Prioritize Health and Well-being: Engage in regular exercise and healthy eating to boost productivity. Incorporate activities like morning beach runs or gym sessions into your routine. ​

Embrace the Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the local culture and environment to enrich your experience and maintain motivation. Exploring local attractions during leisure time can provide a refreshing break from work.​

Thoughtfully combining these elements will allow digital nomads to create a productive and enjoyable work environment in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.