You finally did it. You broke free of the fluorescent lighting, the cubicle farm, and the soul-crushing commute. You packed your bags, got your remote work setup dialed in, and now you’re answering emails from the back of a camper van parked near a scenic overlook. Maybe you’re a blogger in a bustling café in some charming European city, sipping a cappuccino as you write your next story. Either way, you’re living the dream (or at least, you hope to be).
Because here’s the thing about running a business while traveling: the fantasy is all ocean views and effortless Zoom calls, but the reality? It’s scrambling to find a WiFi signal strong enough to send a single Slack message. It’s battling jet lag while trying to sound coherent on a client call. It’s realizing that the “ultra-reliable” global shipping service you carefully selected? Yeah, they just lost half your inventory somewhere in customs.
So, if you want this whole “work while you wander” thing to actually, you know, work, you’re going to need a plan. Here’s how to keep your business running, no matter where the road (or sky, or sea) takes you.
Make Friends With Reliable Internet
Let’s start with the non-negotiable: WiFi. Your business cannot function without it. Sure, you might think, “Oh, I’ll just use my phone’s hotspot,” but unless you’re shelling out for a global data plan that rivals the GDP of a small country, that’s going to get real expensive, real fast. And relying on free coffee shop internet? Risky. One bad connection and your video call goes from “professional entrepreneur” to “potato-quality pixel blob.”
The solution? Get your own wifi hotspot with an international data plan. There are plenty of options, from Skyroam to GlocalMe, that will keep you connected without draining your wallet. If you’re staying somewhere longer-term, research eSIM cards. Many countries offer dirt-cheap unlimited data plans that put U.S. internet prices to shame.
And one more thing: always, always download important documents before you travel. The one time you assume you’ll have WiFi is exactly when it will fail you.
Diversify Your Revenue Streams
Even if you have an established website, relying on just one sales channel is asking for trouble—especially when you’re traveling. What if your primary platform crashes? What if a sudden algorithm change tanks your traffic? You need backups.
That’s where third-party platforms come in. Selling on Etsy, Amazon, or Shopify? Great. But also consider branching out to other e-commerce hubs or service-based marketplaces. The more places your business exists, the more resilient it is when something inevitably goes sideways. Plus, these platforms often handle the logistical headaches—inventory management, shipping, customer service, and global ecommerce payment processing (so you can focus on the work that actually excites you).
Automate Everything You Can
Traveling means time zones, unpredictable schedules, and the occasional unavoidable blackout period (hello, overnight flights). If your business requires you to be constantly present to function, that’s a problem.
So, automate. Schedule your social media posts in advance. Set up email autoresponders so clients know when they can expect a reply. Use accounting software that auto-generates invoices. If you run a blog, batch-write posts so they publish while you’re off exploring. The goal is to make your business feel as smooth and seamless as if you were sitting at your desk back home (even when you’re halfway up a mountain with no cell service).
Build a Remote-First Support Team
Even if you’re a solo entrepreneur, you need backup. What happens if your laptop dies in the middle of an important project? Or you get sick and can’t work for a few days? Having a support system, whether it’s a virtual assistant, a fulfillment center, or just a trusted friend who can step in during emergencies, will make all the difference.
And if you’re working with a team? Make sure everyone is on the same page about communication expectations. Use Slack, Asana, Notion (whatever works) to keep workflows organized, and always have a plan B (or C) in case things go haywire.
Slow Down (Seriously, Just Try It)
Here’s a truth no one tells you about digital nomad life: if you try to work at the same pace you did in an office, you will burn out. Quickly. The temptation is to go full-speed ahead, balancing a packed travel itinerary with a full work schedule, but that’s a recipe for exhaustion (and probably some truly questionable work output).
Instead, embrace the slow travel approach. Stay in places longer. Set realistic work hours and stick to them. Make peace with the fact that you might not be able to do everything—and that’s okay. Your business will survive if you take a few hours off to actually enjoy where you are.
The Takeaway
Running a business while traveling isn’t effortless, but it is doable, if you prepare. Lock down your WiFi, diversify your income, automate everything, build a support network, and pace yourself. Do that, and you’ll be able to enjoy the adventure without constantly worrying that your business is crumbling behind the scenes.
And honestly? Isn’t that the whole point?
Leave a Reply