# Roaming Amok > Travel and technology articles for digital nomads & remote workers. Roaming Amok is the personal travel journal of Mitch Malone. It’s primarily a collection of maps and musings from a life spent pursuing travel and adventure. ## Articles ### New Year's Eve in the Arctic Circle: An Adventure Above the Fireworks in Narvik, Norway https://roamingamok.com/articles/new-years-eve-in-the-arctic-circle-an-adventure-above-the-fireworks-in-narvik-norway *2025-11-03 · Travel · by Mitch Malone* > We celebrated New Year's Eve 300km inside the Arctic Circle, watching fireworks from above while auroras danced overhead. Here's why you should too. There's something deliciously absurd about dragging two oversized suitcases up an icy Norwegian mountain at 10 pm on a winter's night, questioning every life choice that led to this precise moment. Yet there we were, Stephanie and I, slipping and sliding our way toward a cabin we couldn't yet see, powered by nothing but champagne-fueled optimism and the stubborn belief that this would all be worth it. Spoiler alert: it absolutely was. Most people celebrate New Year's Eve in predictable ways. A party in the city. A gathering with friends. Perhaps a nice dinner and some champagne at midnight. We decided to do it 300 kilometers inside the Arctic Circle, perched on the edge of a mountain, watching fireworks explode _below_ us while the Aurora Borealis danced overhead. Because why not make things interesting? ## The Journey Begins (With 90% Planning and 10% Hope) I have a confession to make: I'm an obsessive planner. I research train routes with the intensity of someone planning a military operation. I book accommodations months in advance. I create detailed spreadsheets of travel times and connections. I account for approximately 90% of everything that could possibly matter on a trip. And then I completely forget about the remaining 10%. In this case, that 10% was transportation from the bus stop to our mountain-perched cabin. A small detail, really. Who needs to think about the final few kilometers when you've already planned an 18-hour overnight train journey from Sweden? The seed of this particular adventure was planted by YouTuber DownieLive, whose videos of Scandinavian train journeys had us mesmerized. The overnight train from Sweden to Narvik via Boden looked like the perfect combination of adventure and transportation—our two favorite things rolled into one cozy, moving experience. We're the kind of travelers who believe that getting there should be just as memorable as being there, and this train journey promised to deliver. We shared the journey with friends who were heading to a different corner of Norway, which made the first leg even more special. The train itself was everything we hoped for: tight sleeping cabins with small bunk beds that made you feel like you were in a proper European rail adventure, not just traveling but _experiencing_ something. The cafe served simple food that tasted infinitely better because you were eating it while gliding through frozen Swedish and Norwegian landscapes. At night, tucked into my narrow bunk with the gentle rocking of the train, I felt perfectly cocooned. It's one of those travel moments that confirms you're doing exactly what you should be doing—even if "exactly what you should be doing" involves sleeping in a space roughly the size of a coffin. I slept incredibly well. ## The 10% Strikes Again Arriving in Narvik around 10 pm after eighteen hours of train travel, we were simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated. The kind of tired where everything seems slightly surreal, but you're too excited to care. We transferred to a bus for the final stretch, loaded down with suitcases that contained enough gear to travel for an entire year. (Why travel light when you can travel prepared for every possible weather scenario?) That's when the bus driver delivered the news: he'd be dropping us in town, and taxi or Uber services were essentially non-existent at this hour. We looked at each other. We looked at our suitcases. We looked at the mountain where our cabin allegedly existed. The math wasn't encouraging. But here's the thing about travel: sometimes you get lucky. I'd spent the bus ride chatting with the driver, and whether it was charm, pity, or just Norwegian kindness, he offered to take us up the mountain as far as his bus could safely go. This act of generosity—this small kindness from a stranger—would make all the difference. He navigated the increasingly icy road as far as his large bus could manage, which turned out to be within a couple hundred meters of our destination. Close enough to see the lights of civilization, far enough that we'd have to earn it. ## The Final Ascent (Or: How We Learned to Love Dragging Suitcases) Standing on that frozen mountain road, our breath visible in the Arctic air, we faced our Everest: an extremely icy, quite steep hill with our overladen suitcases. The bus driver turned around because his vehicle could no longer safely navigate forward. We, apparently, had no such good sense. Thankfully, months of traveling through cold European destinations meant we were properly dressed for this particular brand of adventure. We'd also developed the kind of relationship where you can look at your partner mid-crisis and just start laughing. Because really, what else are you going to do? We stepped carefully onto the ice, then began the delicate dance of dragging heavy suitcases uphill while trying not to fall flat on our faces. It was intimidating, yes. Slightly terrifying, absolutely. But we were so close to our destination that the absurdity of the situation just made us laugh harder. Every careful step forward felt like a small victory. Every time a suitcase slid backward, we'd steady it and keep going. This was happening. We were making it happen. The overwhelming gratitude we felt for that bus driver's kindness pushed us forward. We were inspired and excited, even as we were physically struggling. This is what we'd signed up for, really—adventure with a capital A. The kind of story you know you'll be telling for years. ## The Reward (After One More Small Challenge) We finally reached the cabin, triumphant and slightly out of breath. Then we discovered the electronic lock was frozen solid. Of course it was. The universe clearly felt we hadn't quite earned our reward yet. We stood there in the Arctic cold, entering the correct code repeatedly while the mechanism stubbornly refused to cooperate. Eventually, we had to wait for someone to arrive and let us in. It was the perfect capstone to our "adventure" in getting there—one final hurdle before we could collapse into comfort. But when that door finally opened, everything transformed. The cabin was extraordinary. Ultra-modern with a "tiny house" aesthetic where every detail had been carefully considered and immaculately executed. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered completely uninterrupted views of Narvik spread below us—the lights of the small city twinkling in the extended darkness. The cabin was perfectly heated, a welcome cocoon of warmth after our frozen arrival. A large, comfortable bed promised the kind of sleep we desperately needed. Every design choice, every fixture, every element spoke to someone who understood exactly what visitors to this remote location would want and need. We'd positioned ourselves here deliberately, seeking isolation above this incredibly remote city. We wanted to be far from crowds, far from the typical New Year's chaos. We wanted something different. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/a2d24214-b978-44de-a4c5-b6c34fa38f3a/0W0A1336.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4667POL2WDV%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232336Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQC2azWgvWc5T2soBDiYfkKI0yqww1T746YT9pWsrhJjKQIhAIYesfceaQUKL5ALe3hY2UCl%2BO44uli6yb%2B9EgfRuNoEKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1IgyaiPupcJwkSFzejeIq3AOt9NrK93wro5c6jLMUwpNjMu1Swt4BU9YIt32EkzbcQQ2okgf450ylS77wLK16TWtQLXSVl6yjWeiibg3JSNIJW%2B0K%2BHlr57Xg85KMF3Q3uAWpJUKp5iUNNx7Wo4yFIXdkJUYr0v0bia4eFrlzmtU2Gfwee4HAU%2F9VBYbn98dzSaDJqAT27KXNRyeuSVTfSIAPxOu6WRxYa0DgP%2FmYxtWCVpgnPPGb81yXdZEY9Su2mAIcwDqv%2F%2FuBgYDdy5QJXaBz4S6YBhdsldljw%2BTuPkhRMrRdiRTjKeQ215W%2F1zyxjXPGGFIyB87vOu%2Bg7xW3RGsDbkn%2BX8M92zM2opwWE2%2BrDj9nCS%2FwkE1ZwPea3kMhwqfR9qTjQKQMu2y%2F%2F280Dkt4iK8e4jU4Tkvm6%2B2caz8%2Fnrq4cK6baA3XiuTreXx7iXtxAJyEbinv5ND9OI0lRMC%2F7ZB0MXxNX3W0Xv%2BUBgsMF9AWS0vdBjVmB9mIt%2FRRDPZoejLyI0wvOXEYMXRiXrTG0DrptcPacPXl8zodwgiPiHnfyjIclPgQqT0fAEzsh3nk5P3otgwKihYLbG5%2BFNlVmgqE%2B1ETtqhO7%2BDs1%2FyPPU%2FJa2IJjioteGfDNjuI3DMtIbVqYrcq6HH8iTCfyOLUBjqkARP6vEewupjWSw%2BMluIg6j7uPSegZCMo6uAHBfgae94iK99on0lmzuuIAhGaxGdRUvxBwTN2gYYUKhgVLf44nKyu1evjV9L5jjb9CaPCIa851UPShtPw627y2AcleidvTXy52%2FQQEt90tztCUqbzrxefnqjBlix5AbSxbWhMB1%2BFqdB0UXgSQG03W8C1Kwcf%2F8fOUw2GeNAgYJIRUDGcqDKAPEXR&X-Amz-Signature=cee6f023f0a1a951e1de2d67a087a5d95afc92086d4c2e5f297c701012fb0b53&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ## Dancing Lights and Arctic Nights Narvik in late December exists in a peculiar twilight. The sun makes only brief, teasing appearances, creating a sense of endless night that's both incredible and slightly disorienting. It's a darkness that makes you recalibrate your understanding of time and light. We settled into a rhythm of pure indulgence: fantastic champagne, French and Italian wines, cheese and crackers, and delicious food we'd prepared ourselves. Two days and two nights of simple pleasures in an extraordinary location. The auroras blessed us both evenings. The first night offered a glimpse—the Aurora Borealis making a subtle appearance, beautiful but modest. Coming from Tasmania where we've occasionally witnessed auroras ourselves, we weren't disappointed, just patient. The second night—the night before New Year's Eve—the sky decided to put on a show. The auroras danced. They truly danced. Ribbons of green and purple light undulated across the Arctic sky in one of the most remarkable displays we'd ever witnessed. We stood at those enormous windows, warm inside while the light show unfolded outside, and just watched in awe. It was one of the farthest north either of us had ever traveled, deep in the Arctic Circle, and nature was celebrating our arrival in the most spectacular way possible. In all our aurora experiences—including one display in Tasmania that might have _just_ edged this one out—this ranks among the very best. The video and photos we captured hardly do it justice, but they serve as reminders of that perfect night when the sky came alive. ## A New Year's Eve Like No Other On New Year's Eve itself, Narvik held a large fireworks ceremony. But instead of being down in the city, looking up at the explosions of color like everyone else, we were positioned high above it all. From our mountain perch, we looked _down_ at the fireworks. They burst below us while aurora activity continued in the sky above. We stood there with our champagne, watching Narvik celebrate, feeling removed from it all yet completely connected to something special. It was surreal and perfect and exactly the kind of unique experience we'd hoped for when we first watched those YouTube videos and started planning this journey. ## Why You Should Do This Too Here's what I've learned from years of seeking out unusual travel experiences: the getting there really is half the adventure. The overnight train that rocks you to sleep. The kind bus driver who goes out of his way to help. The icy hill you have to climb. The frozen lock you have to wait for. These aren't obstacles to the "real" experience—they _are_ the experience. Yes, I'll probably always forget about that last 10% of planning. And yes, it will probably always work out in the end, often in ways better than I could have planned. That bus driver's kindness meant more than a scheduled taxi ever would have. The struggle up the mountain made the warmth of the cabin even sweeter. If you're considering how to spend a future New Year's Eve, let me suggest this: go somewhere that requires some effort. Somewhere that takes you out of your comfort zone and into a completely different world. Take an overnight train that makes you feel like you're in a movie. Find a cabin on the edge of the world. Watch the sky dance with light while fireworks explode below you. The Arctic Circle isn't going anywhere. The train still runs. The cabins still perch on those mountains. And trust me, dragging your suitcases through the ice makes for a much better story than catching a taxi ever would. Just maybe, unlike me, remember to plan that last 10%. (But honestly, where's the fun in that?) --- ### Remote Worker Routines for a Better Life https://roamingamok.com/articles/remote-worker-routines-for-a-better-life *2024-05-14 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > Daily remote worker habits from a 13+ year remote working veteran. --- ### Takeaways From The Atlassian 1,000 Days of Distributed Report https://roamingamok.com/articles/takeaways-from-the-atlassian-1000-days-of-distributed-report *2024-05-13 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > Key takeaways from the 1,000 Days of Distributed at Atlassian report from a veteran remote worker. --- ### A proposed alternative to returning to the office https://roamingamok.com/articles/a-proposed-alternative-to-returning-to-the-office *2023-11-25 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > Remote work is far from being a trend and becoming a requirement for talent attraction. So what do you do instead of asking your team to return to the office? --- ### Money saving tips for long term travelers and digital nomads https://roamingamok.com/articles/money-saving-tips-for-long-term-travelers-and-digital-nomads *2023-09-29 · Travel · by Mitch Malone* > Saving money on the road is incredibly hard in 2023, but with these travel tips you’ll get some exciting new experiences while saving money as you travel. At the start of 2023 I decided to spend most of 2023 and some of 2024 traveling and working around the world. This has been a goal since my remote working journey began over 10 years ago, but no matter how important it has felt in that time it never quite happened. Between the day-to-day of working and living my life in the best way I can, this goal that felt as important as the air I breathed stayed unchecked on the tick-list waiting for the time to come. Finally, after the impact of Covid canceling some plans in 2020, I am currently half way through a year abroad. Traveling for an entire year is quite expensive regardless of how frugal you are, but I am going to list some things here that will definitely help any long-term traveler save money. Some of these items save a few dollars a day, some save thousands a week, but all are a worth putting into your arsenal if you want to maximize your time abroad. I’ll avoid certain obvious ones about cheaper hotels, hostels, red eye flights, etc. but instead focus on things that come easier with long-term travel and _ideally_ offer some hidden bonuses to exploit while you’re saving money. # Incidental Food ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/0ed6ecae-e1dd-4970-a5d6-9c4bbfc7e3ec/priscilla-du-preez-EWcWW951w5M-unsplash.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466TO45F5PI%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232337Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFSCUEbEy0%2Fx116VeFMEfSohLNWakdoERgYVO0%2FOBUQVAiBjzJ7afzzwd7VCcvKl7zK%2B0FBhp7mIBVkMODXWZ%2Bxl3CqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMDJTi0LvfY%2FGa47dNKtwDXfZHG9t4N%2FWtA3EefJt6ivgqNjTo9uXdVp%2Bd%2FUSJy1YS5m4oRbvQr4O5i4Np1Ho4K6mMfRNscgVe2tzsk%2B%2FmaomiMxlGbCkV0dqZtOQurEOXGNQ8dWnl7Sq2YZLOwRTPX%2BgFhdnhRPj4uc6zzkM9DsV5l6ntH2s90QQsqFI%2BUDN7UFAjoWhQ5hXoJebjhVeB4WCUeD7%2BQ1Ma0wV6bMHiLMLQthIP4fvyFdomqsGSWIXyAa%2FPaiBJsOZu0TZLiuqnRIk078wr1zLzE17OMX35kO0LVOUCa4WowyakRTbxSiA8L%2FsvfGaBnTSVFWZbuhat7TETJAsxvtIhx9RcbhFSrIA49M6gs9mhy0aT8dOsdsltBlVPyD26LpOqhiTrIASVsvrt3hcG8D5Ja8zmQKizkcqOKMS1RXiltjUeXZPzuBAojxJZPwbluUfIl2QlmWXOFYnj8gfGcRRHx3%2FZDuCFRHX%2B3luWueHBpGjKjgEyX4uhMfRpZHq7SyFHbweXaX7uXC1Of37yZMHFYtWbzOq0%2FELIo1c7%2BnWaG1fwpSRGBUL9vUUKAixcNMNYlQvhYY%2FYrI8NkFfyiQdd9XAVKivIslxzgybAgGbChuDzstyCgnA6WSjXqifotZpiL7Iwysni1AY6pgG3iF3TqpL1EGp2qWsyvnB2CvoOfSEshfE54ltMXTYAS3dsnlCW2Lv6JTOAgNIvWmVMteQ4pyBjuJAY9oNBKEIyYN9APTaIRn6uTmNdcc5ilzzfADzxnRFrmh%2B5wmzmJOFp2GZfs8sS5eHDIbxc9mvO70PXD2Y3N4MQQMuHNbkGUQTDvlcriq92ycqJuNfEyFGIxfNNjzZUChrWRsJuhBrMEC1EcAby&X-Amz-Signature=ef4e60f1ca336caf6fa0657e4c0d8ccab0fde20e0c4a0ee33c0752431c843609&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) - **Financial impact:** $20+ a day. - **Difficulty:** Easy. When exploring a new city you’re likely to be confronted with a cornucopia of new foods to try — _Prague has ice cream cones made of donut, do you know how good these look?!_ — but if you can resist these items both your bank balance and waistline will thank you. My tip is to make an allowed list of items to sample by deciding exactly what local treats you want to try before you arrive. Once you’ve written this down try and stick to it, and for alternative snacks it can be worthwhile packing fruit and nuts, especially if you can “borrow” them from your hotel breakfast bar. Another way to enjoy local food you’re excited about is to sign up for a food walking tour via AirBnB or similar. These generally take place away from tourist-centric areas for a more local and authentic feel, they’re cost effective, and you have the chance of meeting some people while you stroll. **Editors note:** I was tempted to provide each item with an environmental impact score, but this is hard to quantify. Having said this, almost every item in this list is a huge plus for the environment as well as for your savings account. # Make your own coffee with AeroPress ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/0a640b90-6401-4db7-85f9-217a0a818731/dylan-mcleod-_rv7tr0EbmQ-unsplash.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466TO45F5PI%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232337Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFSCUEbEy0%2Fx116VeFMEfSohLNWakdoERgYVO0%2FOBUQVAiBjzJ7afzzwd7VCcvKl7zK%2B0FBhp7mIBVkMODXWZ%2Bxl3CqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMDJTi0LvfY%2FGa47dNKtwDXfZHG9t4N%2FWtA3EefJt6ivgqNjTo9uXdVp%2Bd%2FUSJy1YS5m4oRbvQr4O5i4Np1Ho4K6mMfRNscgVe2tzsk%2B%2FmaomiMxlGbCkV0dqZtOQurEOXGNQ8dWnl7Sq2YZLOwRTPX%2BgFhdnhRPj4uc6zzkM9DsV5l6ntH2s90QQsqFI%2BUDN7UFAjoWhQ5hXoJebjhVeB4WCUeD7%2BQ1Ma0wV6bMHiLMLQthIP4fvyFdomqsGSWIXyAa%2FPaiBJsOZu0TZLiuqnRIk078wr1zLzE17OMX35kO0LVOUCa4WowyakRTbxSiA8L%2FsvfGaBnTSVFWZbuhat7TETJAsxvtIhx9RcbhFSrIA49M6gs9mhy0aT8dOsdsltBlVPyD26LpOqhiTrIASVsvrt3hcG8D5Ja8zmQKizkcqOKMS1RXiltjUeXZPzuBAojxJZPwbluUfIl2QlmWXOFYnj8gfGcRRHx3%2FZDuCFRHX%2B3luWueHBpGjKjgEyX4uhMfRpZHq7SyFHbweXaX7uXC1Of37yZMHFYtWbzOq0%2FELIo1c7%2BnWaG1fwpSRGBUL9vUUKAixcNMNYlQvhYY%2FYrI8NkFfyiQdd9XAVKivIslxzgybAgGbChuDzstyCgnA6WSjXqifotZpiL7Iwysni1AY6pgG3iF3TqpL1EGp2qWsyvnB2CvoOfSEshfE54ltMXTYAS3dsnlCW2Lv6JTOAgNIvWmVMteQ4pyBjuJAY9oNBKEIyYN9APTaIRn6uTmNdcc5ilzzfADzxnRFrmh%2B5wmzmJOFp2GZfs8sS5eHDIbxc9mvO70PXD2Y3N4MQQMuHNbkGUQTDvlcriq92ycqJuNfEyFGIxfNNjzZUChrWRsJuhBrMEC1EcAby&X-Amz-Signature=800352aa3f55fa4cabea8465dab3016533738030546b1e4717a8c5699d8d85c4&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) - **Financial impact:** $10+ a day per person. - **Difficulty:** Easy. If you’re like me and can’t live without coffee you’re likely spending a lot of money at cafés. An Americano in Paris can cost as much as €10 (that’s USD$11, AUD$15 or GBP£8.67) but the same coffee made in your own lodgings will cost less than €1. The AeroPress Go (not an affiliate, not an add) is the answer for making great coffee on the road. It’s a high quality, durable, and simple coffee maker that comes with everything you need to make coffee aside from the ground coffee itself. I could go into great detail about how to make the coffee, but it would be far simpler to watch [James Hoffman’s ultimate recipe on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6VlT_jUVPc). Essentially the Aeropress works like a French press, except that it’s small and packable for travel. If you love café culture and enjoy coffees out you shouldn’t stop doing that, but packing an Aeropress and some ground coffee will absolutely save you money daily. Generally speaking it’s easy to find acceptable beans in most supermarkets or grocery stores, but quality beans can also be acquired at many cafés. I’ve also taken coffee internationally several times without any challenges, but do check local import laws if you’re traveling with coffee to ensure you’re allowed to do so. # House Sitting / Dog Sitting - **Financial impact:** $200+ a day, 100% impact on travel time and budget. - **Difficulty:** Medium - Hard. I recently wrote an article on [house and pet sitting](https://nomadmo.re/blog/travel/house-sitting-for-beginners-with-trustedhousesitters), but suffice it to say this is one of the largest financial impacts on my year abroad. With the costs of hotels, AirBnBs and even hostels as high as they are in 2023, this is guaranteed money in the bank. Definitely read the full article for more information, but sitting essentially looks like this: you take care of someones home and pets while they travel, and in return you get to stay for free and explore their local area (generally in the presence of amazing pets). Pet sitting has been incredibly rewarding and satisfying, and although it can be a little hard to get started, once your profile is built out and you have some reviews it does get easier. # Walking More - **Financial impact:** $10-20+ a day. - **Difficulty:** Easy. One of the best things about traveling long term is the extra time you have to enjoy it all. It feels very different and far more gratifying to get to know the area you’re staying in by foot. While you likely cannot walk _everywhere_ you might want to go, this is a terrific way to both save money and get fit at the same time. My tip for walking more is to make sure your maps app (generally Apple Maps or Google Maps) defaults to walking directions instead of other forms of transport. I often find that whenever walking directions are less than half an hour there is almost zero impact in end-to-end commute times with walking versus ride-sharing or public transport. # Live like a local - **Financial impact:** It depends. - **Difficulty:** Easy. [This is another item I’ve written on before](https://nomadmo.re/blog/digital-nomad/digital-nomad-guide-to-living-like-a-local), but it’s worth mentioning again. When you’re on holiday it feels great to say yes to every extravagance and enjoy all that a place has to offer, but with longer term travel you can really burn out on all the junk food and alcohol that seems to bombard you when walking through tourist hotspots. Instead take some time to learn how the locals eat, drink and live, and try and take part in their experiences more. # Pack a drink bottle ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/e6a7c264-bdc3-4c5b-aef2-595f87a1ae37/2021.11_-_MLT_-_Original-6.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466TO45F5PI%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232337Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFSCUEbEy0%2Fx116VeFMEfSohLNWakdoERgYVO0%2FOBUQVAiBjzJ7afzzwd7VCcvKl7zK%2B0FBhp7mIBVkMODXWZ%2Bxl3CqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMDJTi0LvfY%2FGa47dNKtwDXfZHG9t4N%2FWtA3EefJt6ivgqNjTo9uXdVp%2Bd%2FUSJy1YS5m4oRbvQr4O5i4Np1Ho4K6mMfRNscgVe2tzsk%2B%2FmaomiMxlGbCkV0dqZtOQurEOXGNQ8dWnl7Sq2YZLOwRTPX%2BgFhdnhRPj4uc6zzkM9DsV5l6ntH2s90QQsqFI%2BUDN7UFAjoWhQ5hXoJebjhVeB4WCUeD7%2BQ1Ma0wV6bMHiLMLQthIP4fvyFdomqsGSWIXyAa%2FPaiBJsOZu0TZLiuqnRIk078wr1zLzE17OMX35kO0LVOUCa4WowyakRTbxSiA8L%2FsvfGaBnTSVFWZbuhat7TETJAsxvtIhx9RcbhFSrIA49M6gs9mhy0aT8dOsdsltBlVPyD26LpOqhiTrIASVsvrt3hcG8D5Ja8zmQKizkcqOKMS1RXiltjUeXZPzuBAojxJZPwbluUfIl2QlmWXOFYnj8gfGcRRHx3%2FZDuCFRHX%2B3luWueHBpGjKjgEyX4uhMfRpZHq7SyFHbweXaX7uXC1Of37yZMHFYtWbzOq0%2FELIo1c7%2BnWaG1fwpSRGBUL9vUUKAixcNMNYlQvhYY%2FYrI8NkFfyiQdd9XAVKivIslxzgybAgGbChuDzstyCgnA6WSjXqifotZpiL7Iwysni1AY6pgG3iF3TqpL1EGp2qWsyvnB2CvoOfSEshfE54ltMXTYAS3dsnlCW2Lv6JTOAgNIvWmVMteQ4pyBjuJAY9oNBKEIyYN9APTaIRn6uTmNdcc5ilzzfADzxnRFrmh%2B5wmzmJOFp2GZfs8sS5eHDIbxc9mvO70PXD2Y3N4MQQMuHNbkGUQTDvlcriq92ycqJuNfEyFGIxfNNjzZUChrWRsJuhBrMEC1EcAby&X-Amz-Signature=e5bd94567781b69be17e7edccf0d16e78552b5c50b98d012230c844ce37e50e0&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) - **Financial impact:** $10+ a day. - **Difficulty:** Easy. Your body needs as much as 3L a day [according to research at Harvard](/2e23d7d179ad81daa011c9a1a4bd72cf) and carrying a drink bottle with you is the easiest way to ensure you’re consistently drinking throughout the day. While there are certainly regions in the world where water quality is questionable, most first-world countries have drinkable and generally quite acceptable tasting tap water. With study after study confirming that tap water is safe and good for you, this isn’t just a travel tip but a tip for life. While I said I wouldn’t write about the environmental impact of each item on this list, it’s hard to overstate the impact of not buying single use plastic bottles every day. [Nalgene](https://nalgene.com/) have some amazing drink bottles if you’re after something that will last you a lifetime, but if you’re after something a little more stylish and small bag friendly you can’t go past [Memo Bottle](https://www.memobottle.eu.com/). # Meal sharing - **Financial impact:** $30-60+ a day. - **Difficulty:** Easy. I have my days where I can be a ravenous eater, but it’s still hard not to notice that meal sizes in many restaurants are getting out of hand. The downside of this is that you might be tempted to overspend and overeat, but there is an opportunity to exploit the growing plate size by meal sharing. If you’re traveling with a close friend or a partner this is a super easy one to do — decide on something you both like the look of and split it. In my experience this maybe works out 8/10 times, but for the 2/10 times where you’re still hungry afterward you always have the opportunity to order more food, or go for a walk to see what street food might be available. **Meals that split well** - sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, schnitzels. Anything on the large or simple side will split well between two. **Meals that don’t split so well - **soups and salads are pretty obvious choices, along with anything you suspect might be a little _too_ small. --- ### My Top 5 Travel Hobbies https://roamingamok.com/articles/my-top-5-travel-hobbies *2023-09-26 · Travel · by Stephanie Malone* > The perfect travel hobby is something that doesn’t take up much space, and is engaging but at the same time relaxing. Discover my top 5 hobbies for holidays and travel so you will never be bored! The perfect travel hobby is something that doesn’t take up much space, and is engaging but at the same time relaxing (to balance out sight-seeing and adventures). I am an avid collector of hobbies and thankfully some of them transfer well to a life on the road, even living out of a suitcase. Take up one or more of these activities while traveling or add them to your everyday life to extract a little extra joy from idle moments! 1. Reading Let’s start with one of the classics - we have all had the mental image of heading off on holiday with a good story to read by the pool, or in-flight up-skilling by finally finishing the latest professional read. And there are just so many amazing books out there! You can choose from fantasy, drama, biographies, history; the list of genres is endless. Depending on how long you are traveling for and how much space you have, you can either take a physical book or an e-reader. For me the Kindle is a clear winner, as living out of a suitcase means that space and weight are very important, and for someone who reads at least a book a month I simply can’t bring enough books with me. Second hand book shops and Op Shops are also great ways to find reading material while traveling, then you can simply donate the book again once it has been read. If you’re into fantasy, my top recommendation is always Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, and lately I have been reading and loving Will Wight’s Cradle series. ![An 8 hour train journey is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a great read!](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/46748ba6-4cbf-4d0e-bf3b-b63edce97382/IMG_6897.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466THDOYHGL%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232337Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQCdaZf6I3zrqDDU6MPuioHV8UNfBRqabeybhWlaMkRYFgIhAPkzZn6bCF4crvcTCxoySkuYjd%2BHMMQMmgzjDQl%2FFSeiKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1Igx%2Fu%2FoGX1dBjPNd2ZYq3AMf5CnZwTrS7XLvXpPcnHi1%2F1qdgyx4EYsWhzRdaQzU0I%2FcVl4yxkqksFvLT3JrgMShXC91fwT3BgiJwawX%2BihYhqa4iDmEWdPQrVQ45oGA4iiPne18sJyqIIZV%2F8AlZJPeTj4koT%2BIp9NWdOMoMw0BKHDFu%2Fr9m6DCUGzjG%2B1BjKYxu5RuzWIzTMfk4GdNb5gDr4%2B9AMUqiHwPMzY%2BIA7kv82vpMJIrA6oflB06g2%2FZnFsvUMzlsgVREissA56Q6wxd8YZhfU3cYWVP6o2%2Fi8uIhpYvaW4USiT0gSLOb06j56I9O7K52hwt5haKzNGYb5ozJ9XbSUyzcO2NdqDkJiz5vFw%2FBTXrd9GOajjwvVoBWkisMq1LOotK%2Fh6QMCdtbz5WKNx8wvIv8MhWvCJP3sXAhpv8I1DruI3jXURdaR%2Fk4%2F5yzk42otMqX322JRnXfO3Z2SW5qPFlPWTm%2By2smxzAMUwxPWtrNbm%2BZGRLrCQpEbvTtANui3EvocGia0xpR%2FBG3264kd7Q%2BTtXx9TXsi%2BQF3vFIGqQR%2FV5gaMfgqM9cFoz2wHF6SLJ1CynQTFBD0AtxgjG1ucHbuA6eJ7%2BF6HjTY%2Foc%2BrguV67c%2BYmhjNKpfPBIihJeH38y2PLDCzyOLUBjqkASF9Rnq1P71M8zF7kCB9i6fL0%2FekeLcD3nvok69kMX4FZxoe3mSRXxni1Nnto2Wtk0Iq3MQoEYGloAqMp4w6tn9fqM%2F12GFXzkZY1q%2FHn6IOjBjEV1aEdPqTnPVLjE4HA%2FdoP%2FwlVsiXq3kSY5xerXwhSaebPAJpsL4jzpcAjBSVKyxzkAB0EUieaCLXecY%2Fgkya%2B3eBXtP3N%2B4aTxDLEMjGBLxT&X-Amz-Signature=9e47e96d7497ff9a10c6f93fe0e7f72be1e1151a07d01a3194abc798ad71bc78&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) 1. Knitting / Crochet Unlike some other hobbies and pass-times, this one requires some learning! This can mean learning how to knit or crochet during your travels to return with a new skill, or honing your skills first then focusing on a specific project while away. Vacay sweater, anyone? Knitting joins reading as one of my top in-flight activities. This year I have been making socks, which only use small knitting needles (I use wooden ones to avoid any pesky check-in luggage issues), and can be easily worked on in compact situations like you find yourself in on a flight. They also take many hours to make so you won’t be running out of things to do on long-haul flights! ![A pair of socks I knitted while traveling through Europe.](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/b564ee13-2bbf-4208-93f3-30c52948e38d/IMG_5616.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466THDOYHGL%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232337Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQCdaZf6I3zrqDDU6MPuioHV8UNfBRqabeybhWlaMkRYFgIhAPkzZn6bCF4crvcTCxoySkuYjd%2BHMMQMmgzjDQl%2FFSeiKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1Igx%2Fu%2FoGX1dBjPNd2ZYq3AMf5CnZwTrS7XLvXpPcnHi1%2F1qdgyx4EYsWhzRdaQzU0I%2FcVl4yxkqksFvLT3JrgMShXC91fwT3BgiJwawX%2BihYhqa4iDmEWdPQrVQ45oGA4iiPne18sJyqIIZV%2F8AlZJPeTj4koT%2BIp9NWdOMoMw0BKHDFu%2Fr9m6DCUGzjG%2B1BjKYxu5RuzWIzTMfk4GdNb5gDr4%2B9AMUqiHwPMzY%2BIA7kv82vpMJIrA6oflB06g2%2FZnFsvUMzlsgVREissA56Q6wxd8YZhfU3cYWVP6o2%2Fi8uIhpYvaW4USiT0gSLOb06j56I9O7K52hwt5haKzNGYb5ozJ9XbSUyzcO2NdqDkJiz5vFw%2FBTXrd9GOajjwvVoBWkisMq1LOotK%2Fh6QMCdtbz5WKNx8wvIv8MhWvCJP3sXAhpv8I1DruI3jXURdaR%2Fk4%2F5yzk42otMqX322JRnXfO3Z2SW5qPFlPWTm%2By2smxzAMUwxPWtrNbm%2BZGRLrCQpEbvTtANui3EvocGia0xpR%2FBG3264kd7Q%2BTtXx9TXsi%2BQF3vFIGqQR%2FV5gaMfgqM9cFoz2wHF6SLJ1CynQTFBD0AtxgjG1ucHbuA6eJ7%2BF6HjTY%2Foc%2BrguV67c%2BYmhjNKpfPBIihJeH38y2PLDCzyOLUBjqkASF9Rnq1P71M8zF7kCB9i6fL0%2FekeLcD3nvok69kMX4FZxoe3mSRXxni1Nnto2Wtk0Iq3MQoEYGloAqMp4w6tn9fqM%2F12GFXzkZY1q%2FHn6IOjBjEV1aEdPqTnPVLjE4HA%2FdoP%2FwlVsiXq3kSY5xerXwhSaebPAJpsL4jzpcAjBSVKyxzkAB0EUieaCLXecY%2Fgkya%2B3eBXtP3N%2B4aTxDLEMjGBLxT&X-Amz-Signature=003baa8e7912923d7ed553c352f5307c5702d48af9ba7a76c3753593fe7bb461&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) 1. Photography What better way to immerse yourself in experiences than with photography! You don’t need a professional camera set-up for this, as most people now have a phone in their pocket with a fantastic in-built camera. It is about the intention behind the photos more than the equipment - keep an eye out for buildings and streets that are aesthetically pleasing, quirky signs, unique fashions, or anything that makes you feel inspired and creative. Stopping to take a carefully considered photo when you notice something such as this keeps you in the moment, and gives you a way to relive the memory once your travels are over. I often take photos with my phone, however I also use a digital Fujifilm camera as I enjoy the process and the look that these photos have. Recently I also purchased a second-hand film camera, adding an extra layer to my search for photos as I only take one image at a time and don’t see them for potentially months as I need to use a roll of film then have it developed. It is like an art project that can be completed while traveling! ![Taking a moment to photograph the streets of Bali.](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/00cf0b32-c4aa-4936-a876-4cfe371e79bf/0W0A7822-Edit.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466THDOYHGL%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232337Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQCdaZf6I3zrqDDU6MPuioHV8UNfBRqabeybhWlaMkRYFgIhAPkzZn6bCF4crvcTCxoySkuYjd%2BHMMQMmgzjDQl%2FFSeiKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1Igx%2Fu%2FoGX1dBjPNd2ZYq3AMf5CnZwTrS7XLvXpPcnHi1%2F1qdgyx4EYsWhzRdaQzU0I%2FcVl4yxkqksFvLT3JrgMShXC91fwT3BgiJwawX%2BihYhqa4iDmEWdPQrVQ45oGA4iiPne18sJyqIIZV%2F8AlZJPeTj4koT%2BIp9NWdOMoMw0BKHDFu%2Fr9m6DCUGzjG%2B1BjKYxu5RuzWIzTMfk4GdNb5gDr4%2B9AMUqiHwPMzY%2BIA7kv82vpMJIrA6oflB06g2%2FZnFsvUMzlsgVREissA56Q6wxd8YZhfU3cYWVP6o2%2Fi8uIhpYvaW4USiT0gSLOb06j56I9O7K52hwt5haKzNGYb5ozJ9XbSUyzcO2NdqDkJiz5vFw%2FBTXrd9GOajjwvVoBWkisMq1LOotK%2Fh6QMCdtbz5WKNx8wvIv8MhWvCJP3sXAhpv8I1DruI3jXURdaR%2Fk4%2F5yzk42otMqX322JRnXfO3Z2SW5qPFlPWTm%2By2smxzAMUwxPWtrNbm%2BZGRLrCQpEbvTtANui3EvocGia0xpR%2FBG3264kd7Q%2BTtXx9TXsi%2BQF3vFIGqQR%2FV5gaMfgqM9cFoz2wHF6SLJ1CynQTFBD0AtxgjG1ucHbuA6eJ7%2BF6HjTY%2Foc%2BrguV67c%2BYmhjNKpfPBIihJeH38y2PLDCzyOLUBjqkASF9Rnq1P71M8zF7kCB9i6fL0%2FekeLcD3nvok69kMX4FZxoe3mSRXxni1Nnto2Wtk0Iq3MQoEYGloAqMp4w6tn9fqM%2F12GFXzkZY1q%2FHn6IOjBjEV1aEdPqTnPVLjE4HA%2FdoP%2FwlVsiXq3kSY5xerXwhSaebPAJpsL4jzpcAjBSVKyxzkAB0EUieaCLXecY%2Fgkya%2B3eBXtP3N%2B4aTxDLEMjGBLxT&X-Amz-Signature=add6ba5f6a48dbb663ffce10e351e1b2bbec432119d5e7b75838bf76fc55bf80&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) 1. Writing Journaling, blogging, story telling, letter writing or even planning. Writing is a hobby that doesn’t require much equipment and can mean different things to different people. To get the most out of writing while traveling, choose a medium that brings you joy and inspiration - do you have a certain pen or notebook that make you happy, or does it feel nice to engage in creative writing on your laptop? You could even find a notebook or nice paper for letter-writing on your travels. 1. Yoga Where to even begin describing how much yoga has helped me out over the past few years of travel? I love to give my body a simple but thorough stretch-out after flights, workouts, or after long days walking as I explore new places. Creating a quiet space to enjoy my yoga session can also allow my brain to unwind after loud, crowded spaces and the extra mental energy that goes into navigating somewhere new. All you need to get started is a small patch of carpet, a yoga mat, a towel on the ground in a nice outdoor space, or some floor in a hotel gym, and an internet connection. There are so many great beginner to advanced yoga tutorials online, simply choose how much time you want to spend (usually 30 minutes to an hour) and find a video of this length on YouTube. Sometimes you might try a few before you find an instructor or a sequence that you love, but stick with it and you will find that fitting in yoga sessions while traveling is simple and rewarding. Relax and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings with these hobbies - you don’t even need to wait until your next holiday or travels, start now! --- ### How to Create a Personalised Travel Itinerary https://roamingamok.com/articles/how-to-create-a-personalised-travel-itinerary *2023-08-23 · Travel · by Stephanie Malone* > A how-to guide for creating your own travel itinerary for long and short holidays and trips I have planned action-filled weekends, multiple days exploring many of the biggest cities around the world, country-wide road trips, and more. If you can think of a length of holiday, I have probably created an itinerary for it! My favourites have included a week-long climbing trip around Tasmania, Australia, a two week road trip around Iceland, and two days in Vienna, Austria. One of my favourite parts of the holiday and travel planning process is working on an itinerary. I find the research inspiring and I get so excited for upcoming trips when I see my plans laid out! So rather than trusting a stranger to plan the ins and outs of your next adventure or using a generic itinerary, try following this guide to create your own personalised travel itinerary. These tips work whether you are starting to plan with a set number of days in mind, or if you want to create the perfect itinerary and let it dictate the amount of time needed. ![The view from the Arc de Triomphe, Paris](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/d6e63519-f609-4c6b-a101-857214023279/DSCF4505.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466S3MQNPAY%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232339Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIBdLVuIm45k%2FAgjoppMWg7b2B7QiC%2BHp7HGt%2FV2%2FVEphAiAKTt1KvDNP2k4oxxeNW30dQcASuksFIjXi6SwBVGeJNiqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMCnYXLSib3GjpIo%2F6KtwDArB1ym%2FB8sHBD9vRC8Ha6UMkWGhVhhld%2BcDiOt3rP1wH7ry6KkJtnRxhES5YEJSw34PH3nNu2dlZPQRxhAI81LtwV%2BZmHkHV0VM5778g8t30P8%2BpvRsZX4uL8W8EWIKJpmvC4OS1%2FjdVQNU1kDZwofXa9mHQmNZXBe0AlzEWYsWNf1xc5vewUPL68%2Bv4ZNJGm9DvC%2B1axNjSNHz2emHaFCdv1VZSKPG3UMj6zsxo4wGqBshdUkyEjNGDtbVt97aM%2Bna7e%2BU3FdgCcZW2HDTiGvHwcjTL8EOWLMeTzv4ga1Ym5jdxvyl54S1Qv4pcfRCRvgzRL2%2FOASgApYOS78OQGgtBgM34pG6UXWJQ2r6pmP8dZR8UJ%2BjKEk92I3sSbxeZMhxCzMr4lvgY4DXXN4yFIfSziG2xfUPi2aSrJo26uEh91Fpps%2BD9v7I5FPzT%2Bi4BC7t0%2FqnMtZ%2FMGCFS%2FgtzxSJZ0WCvqrfZI%2BVeS%2FNSthQq%2B0VKZUMXd3AzevC5kx2NIgt7BkhQHtulxZRnRS72U%2FE52LkkebD4aM64IQYOgM8A%2BioYPb7V38RoZHR3v7YRRWbsUyd270k5x3J078iqhqF2Ls25UIE5e%2BPjpGEUyw7LoVxlGoojVJskBG4w58ri1AY6pgGtd4gpoxXAXtYpMsvlHlSVHNv9smaHq2y6uO5u6F%2B9wJgFns0o56GvVhOZ0vcjqKttLBsKvv3%2BvCYuZ9NJdm%2BawxW78kb15IfEFRdZwpv88RwbayQ5To9oOehUh2Q6jsJ5epNWV3xt%2FuO4DiftwIJNuVTyFNhQm3ce3mNFAqdWbqDJ%2FAp8scuvy8YuRvT3pXAjVxqSM6tRKEZJbZnDRB9IehHnX6m1&X-Amz-Signature=727a7793eaa5cfdf10e1993d776cbcbaad73a15590084eaf25806dc080b75c42&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ![Tower Bridge, London](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/641d1ac0-b926-4dbf-9953-f992bb365236/DSCF4338.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4667HR5ZNIF%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232339Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFOyqolxMpEz43Y9B0xfkAbfyqPfx1bW8KOAmnIGgfL7AiBDnAcEJYKV6AI3r1S5gx%2FJyce9GjIQ0FyKeXVNAiME%2FSqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMp70XKO%2B7xFO9cIRIKtwDy0Otvmc5CRjro%2Fz%2FCzuT%2Fp3DCiqXsboUgoD1%2FlV5UhvR8eUOxrereF%2BcqgbHMsN2rUKbLMM1gPejaEE3TMitCURNmKnPdTXoAKGY3Z22PcaeylRsqjyPgUdLVJtFjAYHUKT6%2FC0FAnlmIYgDarB1%2FVPEtvvpxq4%2Fq7mVPeaGVwDjAHdB6RSxzRMEhoRQZkcV18uSbOFl8xlPX17Uxm%2BoQTQN3fcVavYX0aYzsQ%2FYoFLQmkqu%2FlRoEvXnvafc1nBfjnlUuVkN1Fmcyz%2BcaT%2Fs%2Fo372Mkv1huJJBX7IcBW0xQY5UaJ1R5blXjk3EL9T2rVIDbOpMkFVrsAYUJ5staQgNk%2F2jWdeYT6OAlrrzZ9I77WtKoZ2fVmLVGX053auXZfhepSvpaV462GB13l5HeSMzisWnmDqVNdeJHN1FMs2qs5tiBvExc5KySYt2AmK2oeqRoWKPfBSHHZV6NC%2B02Eqmsn6onin3cvkVpBuuEhnX4XfozMNve2zty8qKuR0wPLfcIVMCSEL2toLaEg5kwQSXeVYO%2F3gx4qad434CbennQzh1fIjBqfLqKxIkvE1OF%2BeyLoy6cbzYkO6eO2BVlHbrOqmOkKdTqtaZKMka424yLrugjZIlMPL4sFG4Qw8Mji1AY6pgE41tTzMD5i2Pmz38yw3ngOwHgsu8zyOHBTA5xHGXrcUyg02sjo%2F3teKd5aD1%2BjdKxPOGOt%2BR2wE7DQxm2viYVgUZdbHh0tgNz3tCOUJ0BGZaZ3wfGXYUHk07Yp08I8yPip75khKikvfhXMZ%2FGLU65xxWJNWjzDHpUlnHEDub7jJnplzLH1doaNB8k7hpDejRymIbSquF1aneYVGBEOyXs9AABY%2FuWC&X-Amz-Signature=c3c6ff2cb3a4973c46cfd3c587a14de3befc7892eb371f23efd16b53ffbcbb30&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ![Svartifoss Waterfall, Iceland](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/ad7f568f-ee8a-43ed-b7a8-9c9dad531a3c/DSCF4444.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466SW6XBYLT%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQDayWfagiERENlB4LDf%2F%2B19gb29J74y6mAnGXaGGnN5IgIhAI8QZ3gmaCCqseIPopVkdt0IXH1GFbRDMyEFVWQfW05wKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1IgxrRPEMPWybpSQ4QtUq3ANZzwIpElFFj3WE%2B4JGxyDXB3WggF5dMuUBjEFEpj2xHA6Jc%2FZZOAczX0ZyI37Y9V2LTn5JRrHmEd5mV%2BLMw1O7WRqTYjio0aNgIHXpdYPHN12Ukk05DWhRrBHCTaagsqHL3xoXntxaZXz%2F08KPEq3ZHWD%2F%2F%2FsOrEzDNmNNZgPaemK3FEHxiqqjwhKz%2FN1Zr%2BYOraw%2FVBnSRnSsuJ6yVvUeMNw7ITQ9QxKQFXQcs9XD13XsSiDDnOmR4crj8nIrPHZj1BCT55dqH%2BSWTa2URPOcteZe7EWuECKF4Ny8LX7k22WjZ%2FVpF%2Fb%2BISLpQr86xw7Iq3IqW%2BBEK0k9yTTDwWm9gcjEasb0iuyka910kdx%2FrkV6v%2FEmQ34yDolF0cWC65PvprVVeRumUDqQv5%2FoxUozm3JJAQTj09LsY4s6YFpZf771tXxXSCbSNpBrvqJuvKBjj2rxpXUEwwuEzssvXEJUajfM4zwWSUKvTtYXdCWRfRxXZXKrwinjg5YUFCrku3Cia8zDsYzTKENlOa26QJrR5V6bIzSEMzkziAev9a13pxyWiX6NIXKsbFNtiMwamM1fQ0cYu3viUfPjfPfHBUdRMS8pkpkHIedUIfzipv42SEeB%2FV2UkZe10IsvqTCpyeLUBjqkASYG0iZXlxV1Cv4asmpKgvxIfjoTHf%2F9ULKOji%2BQwgwW%2FgcT%2Fz8y60tiNDEdR9yzRw1LonRj3%2Fl0BGIKcd%2FpHy9aQlXjK1jbxIgmyQYuYv1ZZeB6lPLrImovkSp0ejtIv09D3sQcNv9yYZ8dKPLGVwvpR9G7AAhx0geyy3uVpnztdWNiMBlHmyG%2FfV62cuKTbgaLTmpZNwz1DSZnc1C4HgDJ1Gxp&X-Amz-Signature=5fdc4365e01d57cdaeed0de7ed915b0d83682be5a1e808734d3acb91ede4354a&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ### Researching - Start by learning about your destination/s. Take to books and the internet, or have a chat with friends who have been there. Use a variety of articles for your research, such as a blog post on the best food and drinks of the area, a list of the top things to do, and an article on the history of the place you are going as this can detail points of interest. Take note of what interests you the most - I like to include a wide variety of activities and sights to get the most in-depth appreciation of a place as possible however this really is your chance to personalise your plan. - Once you have a list of the activities and places where you want to go, check the location of each activity on a map. You want to group activities that are close by into the same day. This will also show you how much travel time you need to factor in to your itinerary - As you start to make your plan more specific, ask yourself “What are my specific needs each day?” You might be working while traveling, in which case certain times of the day need to be kept clear for work. You might be an avid foodie who wants to factor in cafes, restaurants and all of your meal times to avoid missing out on the best bites a destination has to offer, or maybe your goal is to learn about new cultures. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/c9980497-463d-4341-a8b6-61383184a415/DSCF3971.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466QMD4NXME%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232338Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIGGYvO5DvbCAU%2BUJWXH0Xs5w9pN2NBz%2FzBdsrGJsDrYjAiEAmWqBjR7Ec1YbVorjXspiaN7bEkC12Dh%2F%2BXwL08KSc3QqiAQIz%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDATB8s%2BAY%2FICgw8GcCrcA%2BaJMvvDB5vjoUitxBkAQmr9ocTj8ofcf%2FsPbvw%2Fi%2BypMAysbPQVSaLneBbRjReC4eRqELJ92ixzMAJnZnJa94qauE8FraXrw8MCBb9upWlv5YLTMA63GIuEJDfVfOt%2BXPMvwOgRGnjJSe%2Bdbt8WXuB%2FioBmJt%2F02Xy73iI9mDPPXcXk5JKtE1FLGPYRnT9v2%2FERovmBSe1bivwqy5QixEzYqVK2yNj3mJf%2BtGWH7qerxInmagYlalu6otZIjOlb2hiwZ4U8kGFZIfSFPsQc74Yc0uLJQbIuEd13ajWm2JbNFkXNdDgPLswnyRptUzmbkJx7lXoC4DXqtFgY4iuVHAheSomlgSPY1Am6fMCw59nRsRkF0Y%2F1yPGcS5Z7YxLQqQOU3NhMAa4P%2FdRbUPk0PcgCDu3KBeW614xn9vl6w8WKcH3%2BFQM18llvnKV8XMegKxTqI520MILfYxUvb%2ByFob1Cgt7wVIa8G7OUCZjyCc9TFser1X7DtwcZiPXLhL9NjVdZlx5gRF%2BCiSxIOYuUDWUjV99TOB8%2BdfCDDxdtbSjJnLkThZ7mYw0v2PExXsM82hnSQ%2F9cZlyc68YMcavWLXdhAZKq01cMQnlG9ybmGnrKX5H26ZXeVsY8EYHwMI%2FK4tQGOqUBQmEZNq%2FZJZF9YP%2F48Xkt%2BS8w%2Bb4pZ3L4VgJt5sOnpoAdvIbLZbF2UyV9AiHILr2m7BLV4sCqsV3prFEzPM0I%2FqM8auS1rHwrH0NB7LlyIo6nmu26vvOSc7rWLtT6RurENbuOvUSiep6eZQOoZCXBwVEkvF4Kb3DDi8X315htjql%2BpvYw%2BUEdZD%2BOhe0DekpyagFgQCRZkequzyAKf0nuBVc2usaI&X-Amz-Signature=6fb0df167d2e68900a1ebe1929078f87f281358d9633fe8d738cbbfb69d61c6c&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ### Consider before shying away from tourist attractions - I get it, sometimes you want to holiday to get away from it all. I love those kinds of holidays as well, and as someone who spends most of their life traveling I definitely need a break from crowds from time to time. But before you dismiss any activities in your destination for being “too touristy”, consider how you will feel if you miss out. This might be your only chance in this destination, so you might decide that dealing with crowds is worth it. The best thing you can do in this situation is consider the environmental impact and your personal feelings towards the attraction, and make an informed decision. - Sometimes an area is popular with very good reason - the Eiffel Tower was extremely busy when we visited but I had no regrets when looking out over the city. - For some activities that attract a lot of tourists, a way to appreciate them without being swarmed by crowds is to visit during quiet times, such as early in the morning or later in the evening. This is especially the case for destinations in nature - start your hike before most people wake up and you will have the paths to yourself (while being safe of course!). ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/99b361c7-e551-4760-ae83-05f69edcd38f/DSCF4020.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4665OIFOBMX%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQCeASdu9KOIKXU0h1oB0oJ1aj%2FtKaWSaTVsEurs16OY8QIhAOEAKblkkGfGwCs6QtAlX%2B7HsFCjdnHOFstxD9uoT1OnKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1IgyBZXstNmbwv2FyJ2sq3APeyUFxSoIXjQf%2FVteEoXafjnR4TLCAznGuU%2BSpFEQiSneadYkVbjRRMGjmcy0Yc8P%2FsKy9Zx%2BFXhLvrjvry43Fpu9faFEeXgcmFemDGj3yPlrgYys2g8poFe%2B92%2BkeC8%2BfkwsgRmzfIjbM4vm59Y7injfgMsc3nZEYv7UO6ea02AEs3TVTdDypBCvfYdVyiwh%2ByIg9Na15GefEV4FT6j3cYDOUJhLhsT6%2FcD6IfDYgM0ENkZ0ZiTtrFnqH%2F51hsrDDRP89YX7G7TYxB9pLL%2BjOPBmQy64E%2Bri%2FroA3jpXGl%2Fkx%2B36BuGKgME%2FKoftfKde9Q%2FxRwpxBOeguM%2BOOBt7METmj1iZUZq6Vy4jov0%2Fkj4NAfYB924FQQQA0uzprqKMoMphZF8JH%2FSNNkyWpFQ6aItFYkTLcCKPMcSJUvvp3hVez2dEzbig0r2Cb8XyOpZGpFGsZE6GLOgimP6p2ud7ySEQSos5z4QuJad2NkjugDjGOMglPyhl8D5putijZwDUaGbUQ9zUhagNBId9mb%2FmgTC3Je%2FHUAMsN6EObeJXeMMz48MafGGS8Z7bvBSFH7GV3vAH95jNyP1sLpKWSEguw97BYdZjPupy55iNG4Ld0YMFOKKf%2FVjJGIoqZpTDNy%2BLUBjqkAQC719lALeYcgoh2n6fGJCzDMA7%2BSH67nqt2A%2BFgalAtZXq9li8RIMCdQgt08TlqlYBKL5FdxSlcikklx82jfR7wvWOemQheuJSLVG%2BulAlKn76Zd63T1jXgGSrO%2FVVEiHVsZQ30Sb4d2wE92%2F1o%2BlSC3ZSRF79IcsneTrzC2RFexEL88OP7P%2FRB%2BCFzBTU1rjtEw0G%2BNZ3%2BxFqAiKPQc8cqNFTa&X-Amz-Signature=52771416aafd7be63df3e02374c206acb8018dd2fa89ce87d223297414fc9980&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/cc86b3b9-6304-4f37-9e9f-86584d97d94a/DSCF4031.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466RLELXRS4%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQCP5wGKGYUetCV6fGfaUsnw%2Fwo7DeOr1wpwUzYyn85mrwIgV%2FAsu6Bv3igVkexPuw854jUwFn9cjalhpwziQt2lUR8qiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDBZs7dWOexU5qPn%2FjSrcA4EU4WtvY%2FbWxDeF4UXDfLNJp5cAFR%2F6eAafR1aBtjQ1%2FJc4tFby0dmn7MG%2BSGhaVHI7qXk%2Bi%2BJWYBMqc4bDdXMMImNbp3uwpBMT3tp54vYvtLt5MD7Zt1KKNL4hOYHYgRX6WZssQg1X63oNN2UCu5%2F0uhnZutXBeNBB7FsriVPMh7o9dJ3m3LXqzb6A9P24XnLZ3O4tAShfTaCGXxuFzS%2Blygo%2B3yGQajsNSMqkxZN0FxIf5Q9o3Gr1E%2FGWSHK87FUUozgMiVHmq752jmkROUBkSQ7hwOwIC7wvAZWE582shoUSQE8dOcwk2n87yJ82e%2Bbmya6VQ4ru%2FmuHnlqdp25DiS%2BPpn3PXEJAwiK4RuljH3CaRZw7lZHww4a3o706XC1SsPH1nNtC5291%2FpW3yObW1FDH%2FHpwDLpCfyalu7GVNGibwy2J%2BPLWGhRfVBSgIIXdWYqkVJIKQh2vuSjeajXNNW96VkPv%2BW5ssOtvINbDuEfb0kUe7kH6kTLcs4BOV2Fa1m0zmbmNZF4Cca%2Baqfj7K5IsR6vETeePJNIbyKwq7ZhUnVHCSDc4VOiMGDv8bgsoG7TC4T5mqEOLEBi%2F92rp10k1B%2FRMIaDqu2Sor%2F2nAoQHJ43BNMl5mS%2BrMPnJ4tQGOqUBFZQlpPImKOZxrnzN9kslWSw2D7TEA93SpTvufwy2gA7lCEIJs39fDH0qoWR1KNbfndaTPyinUeShSjiehxFNEzSrf%2FIvclvsjTC8dmY8eCt%2FBO6no7%2F65g0lYk6bOY8EKmKsWZtObQgdP46J0dXu%2Fgy1ZLrsm7bgMrT8vkovsHpogem7JovZ9VSQr48Q4UOVl4MqkbfDQ38Tvk0WzpiwT%2FjSj4B%2F&X-Amz-Signature=302d4bc76c8a940f9e0064067d25124940ece71dbbf251e0cdeefd146e6c6de2&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) _The lower shopping area and walking paths around Fushimi Inari Shrine were absolutely packed with tourists when we arrived, but the further we walked the quieter it became._ ### Don’t forget the rest days - Remember not to overdo it! Everyone’s pace and energy levels are different, so make sure to cater for your own personal needs (or the needs of those traveling with you). For longer itineraries it can be a good idea to factor in rest days (its better to decide in the moment that you don’t need a rest than to finish your holiday exhausted), and you don’t want to pack too much activity in a single day. Not only can this get tiring, but it means removing the option to stay longer at a particular location or take your time where you feel the desire to linger. When I created a one week itinerary for Tokyo, Japan, I let excitement get the best of me and in the end I had to miss out on a day of activities to squeeze in some rest and recovery. While I can now happily say I walked over 100km in Tokyo, at the time exhaustion was trying to take me over! - Resting doesn’t have to mean doing nothing, either. Maybe there’s a park, beach or cafe at your destination where you can relax for a while. When visiting cities I love a long sit at a cafe with a coffee and sometimes a book, somewhere with a view so that I can watch the world and the people go by. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/5157ed97-9aab-46f2-8eb6-b38ae3338b1c/0W0A0649.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466QMD4NXME%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232338Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIGGYvO5DvbCAU%2BUJWXH0Xs5w9pN2NBz%2FzBdsrGJsDrYjAiEAmWqBjR7Ec1YbVorjXspiaN7bEkC12Dh%2F%2BXwL08KSc3QqiAQIz%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDATB8s%2BAY%2FICgw8GcCrcA%2BaJMvvDB5vjoUitxBkAQmr9ocTj8ofcf%2FsPbvw%2Fi%2BypMAysbPQVSaLneBbRjReC4eRqELJ92ixzMAJnZnJa94qauE8FraXrw8MCBb9upWlv5YLTMA63GIuEJDfVfOt%2BXPMvwOgRGnjJSe%2Bdbt8WXuB%2FioBmJt%2F02Xy73iI9mDPPXcXk5JKtE1FLGPYRnT9v2%2FERovmBSe1bivwqy5QixEzYqVK2yNj3mJf%2BtGWH7qerxInmagYlalu6otZIjOlb2hiwZ4U8kGFZIfSFPsQc74Yc0uLJQbIuEd13ajWm2JbNFkXNdDgPLswnyRptUzmbkJx7lXoC4DXqtFgY4iuVHAheSomlgSPY1Am6fMCw59nRsRkF0Y%2F1yPGcS5Z7YxLQqQOU3NhMAa4P%2FdRbUPk0PcgCDu3KBeW614xn9vl6w8WKcH3%2BFQM18llvnKV8XMegKxTqI520MILfYxUvb%2ByFob1Cgt7wVIa8G7OUCZjyCc9TFser1X7DtwcZiPXLhL9NjVdZlx5gRF%2BCiSxIOYuUDWUjV99TOB8%2BdfCDDxdtbSjJnLkThZ7mYw0v2PExXsM82hnSQ%2F9cZlyc68YMcavWLXdhAZKq01cMQnlG9ybmGnrKX5H26ZXeVsY8EYHwMI%2FK4tQGOqUBQmEZNq%2FZJZF9YP%2F48Xkt%2BS8w%2Bb4pZ3L4VgJt5sOnpoAdvIbLZbF2UyV9AiHILr2m7BLV4sCqsV3prFEzPM0I%2FqM8auS1rHwrH0NB7LlyIo6nmu26vvOSc7rWLtT6RurENbuOvUSiep6eZQOoZCXBwVEkvF4Kb3DDi8X315htjql%2BpvYw%2BUEdZD%2BOhe0DekpyagFgQCRZkequzyAKf0nuBVc2usaI&X-Amz-Signature=024c0cb1cb63a49ab1ab99d688586142fc3f048f14103d4e4c52bbbb64c0f9bb&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) _Relaxing my legs while enjoying an amazing lunch in Prague? Yes please!_ Piece this all together and you have your own personalised itinerary! Based on your personality this can be a free-form guide, daily lists, or an itinerary complete with the time of day for each task. --- ### The Joy of Doing Nothing in Malta https://roamingamok.com/articles/the-joy-of-doing-nothing-in-malta *2023-08-18 · Travel · by Stephanie Malone* > This story explores the idea of spending time relaxing in the medieval city of Malta, and living like a local in Malta by immersing in the new style of Maltese culture. During the planning phase that precedes any travel, it is easy to be consumed in the excitement of the best, most adventurous, most fun-filled destinations. Articles provide you with lists of activities, numerous stunning destinations, the “perfect” packing list, and of course the best options of luggage to put it all in. But what about the best place to do nothing at all? Somewhere with the culture and atmosphere in which you can just… stop? This year has been a big, bold whirlwind, in the best possible way. I left my home country of Australia in February for a huge adventure starting in Asia, stopping off in the Middle East, and now winding its way through Europe. Amidst this year of travel came the opportunity to visit Malta, an island that had captured my attention and intrigue despite how little I knew about the country or its culture. Before arriving I already felt inclined to approach Malta a little differently than my previous destinations, forgoing the all-encompassing itinerary in favor of simply waiting to arrive and making plans based on how I felt in the moment. ![One of many cruise ships visiting Valetta, Malta, leaving the harbour](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/3e71aafb-6694-479f-ab1f-95f5a0e359e4/DJI_0234.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466QKRSCCDR%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIC5sMIYlVcjl%2FJ8u9KKEvQZUyPPWBQdtJlWJvYD8lU9CAiEA0GzpnQvK4tNGmsSiJy2wuaUTNdUT6Fac4GV6iUYksYQqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDOFPOgfAtGN8z6Fo8ircA6beYp0oFjlKlKA0Xh2iJgCngcYwNWeFjh%2FTq4lU%2BPBGz%2Bqzi9P9rOAuKFcstw%2FoWCKeaM2kJuEXHboKpfqQqEKpjWwtYnnU7jKwPfkFxy8JwRx%2BF%2F1%2FZNypWJdLGuh4QoVRGgS8%2BQKkDvVNXYtX%2BaSONIBeY2lgGceTyxir64Aq%2FUS1v9xl3uyc7LMiknwJrHwBbDlwDpHt3dxDH5576PP0765yCAERZunMMmpPIgPVG3cuPzP%2BxIPWzmabW7VHf9jfaHCTpcYtOuNLBb14SS5ii%2B1M%2FmT8wehFn1q3KhAfAxSsJtse1n%2FPEJwOYvokUMDFaIM72%2FugbwvOjUQx7d8rJs8v8ytlF0uKKctXVx8cULJDBhOpmkeG6qq9OT6g4Ba%2BSLVnMOANOcraOUAcBmNCM5kXBb4qGXk2VK4DcElCAZFhjZK4MV0KO9gwA8EQY2IOrZP%2F5rWn%2F6Xj5aYAK%2FMs5RVKh2iDYJyMjqIyLcDfNOzN0rs2iIlp5eKZ17kAp4JuPxAu%2F1qT1NLoAP%2FuiRKD7bqDWll4gzb2Fo7WFNT7iXIqPalFKZ0jz4CwO7Q%2FN%2BXjDiuiw7bjSeBgNsqa75hId6nR5el4ka3qJaHiOzyYyIxeLEWEkHZEnrXAMJXI4tQGOqUBi%2F9GaJK02QuTRnPi2c1H9IUR1szPM8XiCG%2F2jficRLda6J%2FJm9DTPZxuOeyL4VyyndZdWq%2FT%2Fy%2FJfi29ckDzivkY9mcc8RaCMZymojja2peMLPXfMkQw7lFkpkG55fX9L0VCaWmeucrLEH2wrDCONG3iC4hiPkLbHOY5bTgNTUdpyTAStYTk484e5Vw20YTxkU8wQy3ba6hLF542kPdXaTGNB0aJ&X-Amz-Signature=0468513f418041ba8261b90b05fdb002f4e971e2f8d0a2411bdf59951fbad68a&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) There are quite a few options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Malta. Of course you _could_ stay in the capital of Valetta or hot-spot Sliema with the rest of the tourists - it would mean plenty of restaurants and bars and nightlife. That’s the choice of the cruise ships which arrive and depart almost every day. But a 10 minute ferry or an even quicker water taxi (both with a very reasonable ticket price) will take you across the bay to the Three Cities, where life has a noticeably more relaxed pace. Traditional ideals abound and siesta reigns from midday to around 4pm as everyone retreats indoors from the heat of the day. I was fortunate enough to be staying in the house of a new friend while she went off on her own adventure, which meant two weeks in amongst the locals in an apartment within Senglea, one of the Three Cities. Staying in her home meant I was living _where_ the locals are living, so I endeavoured to also live _how_ the locals are living. Find out how I do this with Mitch’s [**article on living like a local**](https://nomadmo.re/blog/digital-nomad/digital-nomad-guide-to-living-like-a-local)**.** ![The journey across the bay on a water taxi is a wonderfully scenic one](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/ca519a4d-d706-4789-bd7a-d4d2f76880f6/0W0A0633.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466QKRSCCDR%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIC5sMIYlVcjl%2FJ8u9KKEvQZUyPPWBQdtJlWJvYD8lU9CAiEA0GzpnQvK4tNGmsSiJy2wuaUTNdUT6Fac4GV6iUYksYQqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDOFPOgfAtGN8z6Fo8ircA6beYp0oFjlKlKA0Xh2iJgCngcYwNWeFjh%2FTq4lU%2BPBGz%2Bqzi9P9rOAuKFcstw%2FoWCKeaM2kJuEXHboKpfqQqEKpjWwtYnnU7jKwPfkFxy8JwRx%2BF%2F1%2FZNypWJdLGuh4QoVRGgS8%2BQKkDvVNXYtX%2BaSONIBeY2lgGceTyxir64Aq%2FUS1v9xl3uyc7LMiknwJrHwBbDlwDpHt3dxDH5576PP0765yCAERZunMMmpPIgPVG3cuPzP%2BxIPWzmabW7VHf9jfaHCTpcYtOuNLBb14SS5ii%2B1M%2FmT8wehFn1q3KhAfAxSsJtse1n%2FPEJwOYvokUMDFaIM72%2FugbwvOjUQx7d8rJs8v8ytlF0uKKctXVx8cULJDBhOpmkeG6qq9OT6g4Ba%2BSLVnMOANOcraOUAcBmNCM5kXBb4qGXk2VK4DcElCAZFhjZK4MV0KO9gwA8EQY2IOrZP%2F5rWn%2F6Xj5aYAK%2FMs5RVKh2iDYJyMjqIyLcDfNOzN0rs2iIlp5eKZ17kAp4JuPxAu%2F1qT1NLoAP%2FuiRKD7bqDWll4gzb2Fo7WFNT7iXIqPalFKZ0jz4CwO7Q%2FN%2BXjDiuiw7bjSeBgNsqa75hId6nR5el4ka3qJaHiOzyYyIxeLEWEkHZEnrXAMJXI4tQGOqUBi%2F9GaJK02QuTRnPi2c1H9IUR1szPM8XiCG%2F2jficRLda6J%2FJm9DTPZxuOeyL4VyyndZdWq%2FT%2Fy%2FJfi29ckDzivkY9mcc8RaCMZymojja2peMLPXfMkQw7lFkpkG55fX9L0VCaWmeucrLEH2wrDCONG3iC4hiPkLbHOY5bTgNTUdpyTAStYTk484e5Vw20YTxkU8wQy3ba6hLF542kPdXaTGNB0aJ&X-Amz-Signature=c8b56afc3fd27ac5f7930e04671539a40a41383c6b4e997d6edcca1d7f0f9892&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) It’s summer so the temperature is hot, but the medieval streets are laid out in straight lines to capture breezes. This well-considered city planning works perfectly, though even in the alleyways the temperature climbs enough to justify the daily midday escape to the indoors. Forced downtime in a year that has been so full of excitement and adventure can seem like a shock, but it was a very welcome change. My fast-paced personality learnt that sometimes a nap is ok. A waterfront stroll of an evening just to find a gelato? This is a cultural immersion of the most authentic kind. When a particularly hot evening is encountered, that must mean its time for a swim in the bay - where you can either find yourself totally alone or floating alongside locals cooling off and socializing. ![The sun setting on boats docked alongside Senglea, Malta](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/7a6c3166-b895-418d-b1e6-c09d3c7c6d8c/DSCF4628.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466QKRSCCDR%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIC5sMIYlVcjl%2FJ8u9KKEvQZUyPPWBQdtJlWJvYD8lU9CAiEA0GzpnQvK4tNGmsSiJy2wuaUTNdUT6Fac4GV6iUYksYQqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDOFPOgfAtGN8z6Fo8ircA6beYp0oFjlKlKA0Xh2iJgCngcYwNWeFjh%2FTq4lU%2BPBGz%2Bqzi9P9rOAuKFcstw%2FoWCKeaM2kJuEXHboKpfqQqEKpjWwtYnnU7jKwPfkFxy8JwRx%2BF%2F1%2FZNypWJdLGuh4QoVRGgS8%2BQKkDvVNXYtX%2BaSONIBeY2lgGceTyxir64Aq%2FUS1v9xl3uyc7LMiknwJrHwBbDlwDpHt3dxDH5576PP0765yCAERZunMMmpPIgPVG3cuPzP%2BxIPWzmabW7VHf9jfaHCTpcYtOuNLBb14SS5ii%2B1M%2FmT8wehFn1q3KhAfAxSsJtse1n%2FPEJwOYvokUMDFaIM72%2FugbwvOjUQx7d8rJs8v8ytlF0uKKctXVx8cULJDBhOpmkeG6qq9OT6g4Ba%2BSLVnMOANOcraOUAcBmNCM5kXBb4qGXk2VK4DcElCAZFhjZK4MV0KO9gwA8EQY2IOrZP%2F5rWn%2F6Xj5aYAK%2FMs5RVKh2iDYJyMjqIyLcDfNOzN0rs2iIlp5eKZ17kAp4JuPxAu%2F1qT1NLoAP%2FuiRKD7bqDWll4gzb2Fo7WFNT7iXIqPalFKZ0jz4CwO7Q%2FN%2BXjDiuiw7bjSeBgNsqa75hId6nR5el4ka3qJaHiOzyYyIxeLEWEkHZEnrXAMJXI4tQGOqUBi%2F9GaJK02QuTRnPi2c1H9IUR1szPM8XiCG%2F2jficRLda6J%2FJm9DTPZxuOeyL4VyyndZdWq%2FT%2Fy%2FJfi29ckDzivkY9mcc8RaCMZymojja2peMLPXfMkQw7lFkpkG55fX9L0VCaWmeucrLEH2wrDCONG3iC4hiPkLbHOY5bTgNTUdpyTAStYTk484e5Vw20YTxkU8wQy3ba6hLF542kPdXaTGNB0aJ&X-Amz-Signature=a68945a2709859013645a573479ea9c1b71328e69b2a95c7a2629d18fd80ff85&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Cats sprawl out on doorsteps and on top of cars in a visual representation of the relaxed attitude of locals. Dogs bark from picturesque balconies warning off passers by who might want to disturb their alone time. Simple acts like observing frequent choruses of church bells, hearing the ricocheting sound of ceremonial canon-fire from across the bay, and observing fireworks that are lit both day and night to scare off evil spirits, become daily highlights. ![This cat is truly a local, spending the midday heat napping on a monument](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/66996752-7818-4c12-ba42-6a5ffab3062f/DSCF4610.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4665M5NPKNP%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232342Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIGvihok7MyZH6PIEwb4%2FfauzLXyyLioFZcRxMBoCg2pJAiAEPe651vqGNiRXaE6GgdILQTftjUJSc%2FJFQy39U6BcOiqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMJJxbpGhiH5V4zBtIKtwDhfJ5MCBil08Ov0KFw9V3s2FwyxdCjUEIJPJ%2FcdzID2wmhdtGtGydOI9C49kn%2BDXYXQuFuCpVVPzj5f4jkAvJrMk5vzkZgRM3f8A%2BaPGh99LV5wSQZ0TaykVw9rL9X0QDulQ9RZ71wrEscjxJgmnRBov4AnR0XoKEKE38y%2F%2Fek2v4R08sUGPtCCQB5H0OGsGi1lwCMZOqZd4HQWqw5oi2WQAXTOFGrgXU9kcfvlgRBqK1jldND3OHrwzOnEmb87JWUSquXRfU9320HoulxZypXE1uxsPRaK4yIX50FHyzIkIehHzsrVlz%2BbQ3FulVworyU63txcmzuFYBlNWT902dsyhe0hBuQpqjwng%2BJ1ZQ2iwl1tSyLl7PagZuLtbJ%2BKmmxmmSi0oSVfo9mrN1Xe08YjCTWbnuNGS4EQ1fpXi7UBywQSJ%2FDF1wJpV%2BUlp3qNerbBtMjYQOwXkhJXfYWfhOqpl8HDrTverx8KNlz1goZZE6FAARS7VH6pT7ecOSB8dhG18Zw9isk1qUYpVhcZWDlGvhTFLXftRgpO9tTdAuxu9ZlGosoCht8Bmyy%2BO176%2BSF5eaSVSB%2BJyCuTfGoHNcIlvCrvxqu6ApoCCuOiSOzTAqrllUJA24vql5fB4wjMvi1AY6pgGpFm3%2BV48x5cMQALndYKhD9t46x0g0rV2k3p%2B5dhGPlRhdU7O%2FhG2IAQ1hmnH7%2B1K5a%2FUi7iUPNQRd66gKDGvZrQO55cLqjG7Mj5ySdB4bh1EN9HSKfJjkPpeA5F%2FkipMuztn%2Fddbc5IHXW37RhvHkfr%2FlhvdrE8BG0SpRwiggYc3TLZwDbmYAbPei89%2FNcnaGFDFStPSudiOzaTSNNl9Xn6MG%2BDcg&X-Amz-Signature=ae7570e7b541a56c4a768727bddd7b90fa140feb898e19f57e9bbd0acbc98902&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ![When in Malta, take plenty of time to appreciate the decorative doors](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/174548dd-5b8d-4baa-b942-4daf4c537edf/DSCF4603.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4667ED2URAR%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232342Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDHp4Hzz38utKAIQr%2FhQ9FwZcHC48lyk7sGtk5Z7XAvdgIgPedrvX%2FVny%2F5Vyvm19o8DVddcPCZ9470blo%2B4VbpVPUqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDI2PJ3Zy25CZ1cTtEircA%2FEecfxFY9fzWsGbofCq%2B0gyGbSJegnvwB2UPMaRjap5PkLcsc9rdItWNStRDo1uhv0DKhoCvWo1F8aJ9bszsuIXW9albEMP3nJ5xFz8DEvGrtzKPqL5a6e6WO%2F4smpu8AL5mQXnFnqdmwYTnxulUSCNQ93rU%2FqvgY%2BiHcToooJH2sSoPnWpN%2FWgIcu0ZtIoyjhaktFK9uQ7sWQXobvlC5yh%2FdW9rXBXNo%2FTnDsOPSHLKVDcZbmJD9Utdz35FyWA6eIFfCpnRv1qjDQYsjhBfC2Cyx6Or6SVIoP%2B8HE0cFi0XqG1bTJd4lrEkixku9EQqqabPA2b5IEQqmR4oq3K0UQZCLvvaiKH46HYbnKtMzaRATbmP1TvEKHs%2BsmJJ10x3SFSR6nSAI6NiJ7%2BLWCCue7JoLmCS1RDNWYevimRHLvLIagROHK1BkoIqV6B0Zq1xEvkMpyFFhPJbu%2FrzxmiUa9Nm4sQ2%2Fqwc1EW4n5xg5h%2FccCwN%2FfsIirKK2qJxYGxxN1upCdfWcl6bK%2FoPfnRBpQUpmqVi%2Bi2srIB3tlWkygMpSpXspGqtKGOIuXGR9Gso3jnuXZnlamA65oWL6yNYNy0o%2FWOIkmZ%2FCuktjgnbfIp%2FBCTq%2FdNCpDnrjRxMLLI4tQGOqUBBsu%2FX%2B4xRqbBeDPFXwtpeXIOsAqhRELFlubekh86EUlyP%2FX6U0mqCvvLWsy%2FdB8TNH21OrN6FOP0Ru2C%2FGL%2BejWl8puMd%2FNYcqaqqjQ4DsbRp0aZg3elWjh43XBNVV9tBoXfTC7lI9S71Agf6%2Fv9vKAeckSnH8iCoKQfKMqv4uLujL56o0vqaoKggQYbg3yeOEhF9cyHuXlil2IPE7rBUO98ZFkI&X-Amz-Signature=4df8cec40bd8c5685d90e9a8d85cead1b49c445224c9f52bdc8eb30ddaa9ded7&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) At this point I feel like it’s very important to note that the locals don’t care about you here. If that sounds shocking, believe me it was anything but. When no-one is taking notice of you or letting you affect their life, it takes off mental pressure. They aren’t here for me, I am not here to capture their attention, lets just all exist and be ok with that. I feel safe, content and my body can begin to release tension that has slowly been building while exploring major cities and ticking off bucket list items for the past few months. Yes, this is the perfect place to be doing sweet nothing at all. As the afternoon rolls in I’m off for a dip in the ocean, ready to bob around in the wake of the next departing cruise ship and numerous ferries heading into Valetta. I will think about what I feel like for dinner and whether its a red wine, rosé or Kinnie kind of day. If I look closely I will be able to see the crowds at the Barrakka Gardens above the saluting battery, looking across at the picturesque Three Cities, admiring how peaceful and traditional the area seems. They’re not wrong. ![The view of Senglea and Valetta from the Three Cities boat harbour as the sun sets](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/fd020522-1c1e-4eb6-8c8c-19cc42939a5f/DSCF4632.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466QKRSCCDR%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIC5sMIYlVcjl%2FJ8u9KKEvQZUyPPWBQdtJlWJvYD8lU9CAiEA0GzpnQvK4tNGmsSiJy2wuaUTNdUT6Fac4GV6iUYksYQqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDOFPOgfAtGN8z6Fo8ircA6beYp0oFjlKlKA0Xh2iJgCngcYwNWeFjh%2FTq4lU%2BPBGz%2Bqzi9P9rOAuKFcstw%2FoWCKeaM2kJuEXHboKpfqQqEKpjWwtYnnU7jKwPfkFxy8JwRx%2BF%2F1%2FZNypWJdLGuh4QoVRGgS8%2BQKkDvVNXYtX%2BaSONIBeY2lgGceTyxir64Aq%2FUS1v9xl3uyc7LMiknwJrHwBbDlwDpHt3dxDH5576PP0765yCAERZunMMmpPIgPVG3cuPzP%2BxIPWzmabW7VHf9jfaHCTpcYtOuNLBb14SS5ii%2B1M%2FmT8wehFn1q3KhAfAxSsJtse1n%2FPEJwOYvokUMDFaIM72%2FugbwvOjUQx7d8rJs8v8ytlF0uKKctXVx8cULJDBhOpmkeG6qq9OT6g4Ba%2BSLVnMOANOcraOUAcBmNCM5kXBb4qGXk2VK4DcElCAZFhjZK4MV0KO9gwA8EQY2IOrZP%2F5rWn%2F6Xj5aYAK%2FMs5RVKh2iDYJyMjqIyLcDfNOzN0rs2iIlp5eKZ17kAp4JuPxAu%2F1qT1NLoAP%2FuiRKD7bqDWll4gzb2Fo7WFNT7iXIqPalFKZ0jz4CwO7Q%2FN%2BXjDiuiw7bjSeBgNsqa75hId6nR5el4ka3qJaHiOzyYyIxeLEWEkHZEnrXAMJXI4tQGOqUBi%2F9GaJK02QuTRnPi2c1H9IUR1szPM8XiCG%2F2jficRLda6J%2FJm9DTPZxuOeyL4VyyndZdWq%2FT%2Fy%2FJfi29ckDzivkY9mcc8RaCMZymojja2peMLPXfMkQw7lFkpkG55fX9L0VCaWmeucrLEH2wrDCONG3iC4hiPkLbHOY5bTgNTUdpyTAStYTk484e5Vw20YTxkU8wQy3ba6hLF542kPdXaTGNB0aJ&X-Amz-Signature=2bad9473eb56118594e110619b38efa62d830a6b50bb8ff97bced2455972fc13&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ![Locals appreciating the sun set, with a gelato in hand](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/08e026a9-4919-4a06-9e28-aaebb37bf94c/DSCF4645.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466QKRSCCDR%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232341Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIC5sMIYlVcjl%2FJ8u9KKEvQZUyPPWBQdtJlWJvYD8lU9CAiEA0GzpnQvK4tNGmsSiJy2wuaUTNdUT6Fac4GV6iUYksYQqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDOFPOgfAtGN8z6Fo8ircA6beYp0oFjlKlKA0Xh2iJgCngcYwNWeFjh%2FTq4lU%2BPBGz%2Bqzi9P9rOAuKFcstw%2FoWCKeaM2kJuEXHboKpfqQqEKpjWwtYnnU7jKwPfkFxy8JwRx%2BF%2F1%2FZNypWJdLGuh4QoVRGgS8%2BQKkDvVNXYtX%2BaSONIBeY2lgGceTyxir64Aq%2FUS1v9xl3uyc7LMiknwJrHwBbDlwDpHt3dxDH5576PP0765yCAERZunMMmpPIgPVG3cuPzP%2BxIPWzmabW7VHf9jfaHCTpcYtOuNLBb14SS5ii%2B1M%2FmT8wehFn1q3KhAfAxSsJtse1n%2FPEJwOYvokUMDFaIM72%2FugbwvOjUQx7d8rJs8v8ytlF0uKKctXVx8cULJDBhOpmkeG6qq9OT6g4Ba%2BSLVnMOANOcraOUAcBmNCM5kXBb4qGXk2VK4DcElCAZFhjZK4MV0KO9gwA8EQY2IOrZP%2F5rWn%2F6Xj5aYAK%2FMs5RVKh2iDYJyMjqIyLcDfNOzN0rs2iIlp5eKZ17kAp4JuPxAu%2F1qT1NLoAP%2FuiRKD7bqDWll4gzb2Fo7WFNT7iXIqPalFKZ0jz4CwO7Q%2FN%2BXjDiuiw7bjSeBgNsqa75hId6nR5el4ka3qJaHiOzyYyIxeLEWEkHZEnrXAMJXI4tQGOqUBi%2F9GaJK02QuTRnPi2c1H9IUR1szPM8XiCG%2F2jficRLda6J%2FJm9DTPZxuOeyL4VyyndZdWq%2FT%2Fy%2FJfi29ckDzivkY9mcc8RaCMZymojja2peMLPXfMkQw7lFkpkG55fX9L0VCaWmeucrLEH2wrDCONG3iC4hiPkLbHOY5bTgNTUdpyTAStYTk484e5Vw20YTxkU8wQy3ba6hLF542kPdXaTGNB0aJ&X-Amz-Signature=8fb91a8b33c672161cff5a6f8400c2b5a657f780b519e2b500be053fdce736f8&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) --- ### The Imperfectionist: The four-hour work day https://roamingamok.com/articles/the-imperfectionist-the-four-hour-work-day *2023-08-04 · Productivity · by Mitch Malone* > After reading a terrific productivity article about how less-is-more I thought I’d share it here with some thoughts. First off, hat tip to [Tim Ferriss](https://tim.blog/) for this gem. I picked up the link to this article from his newsletter, _5-Bullet Friday _which you can sign up to at the top of his website. This article really breaks down for me one of the fundamental truths about productivity and life — sometimes you need to embrace some minor imperfections in order to truly succeed and be happy. With so many books written about maximizing your team, it’s really refreshing to see a writer tackle productive self-care and taking care of your personal needs. --- ### Travel the world by house and pet sitting with Trusted House Sitters https://roamingamok.com/articles/travel-the-world-by-house-and-pet-sitting-with-trusted-house-sitters *2023-07-05 · Travel · by Mitch Malone* > Embarking on the responsibility of looking after someone else's pets brings about a myriad of experiences. This will get you started with house and pet sitting around the world and beyond. Taking on the responsibility of looking after someone else's pets can be intimidating at times. It also provides a different kind of travel that brings about a lot of fun and bonding, but the inevitable challenges can’t be overlooked; there is far more to taking care of an animals needs than just feeding them and providing a roof over their heads. As I write this article I am sitting in Senglea, Malta, one of the three cities opposite the nations capital of Valletta. I have a fresh cup of coffee on my work table, and Angel is sitting on the floor relaxing after the hour long walk I took her on this morning. Angel was rescued in Thailand by my new friend [Sarah](https://lifepart2andbeyond.com/), and while I’ve only been here a few days it’s been a very unique travel experience. > Caring for animals can also provide a unique set of travel experiences all of their own. # What is house and pet sitting? My partner Stephanie and I are currently using a website called Trusted House Sitters, which specializes in housesitting for animal owners and lovers. In exchange for the love and care of the homeowners animals, travellers like myself are able to gain free accommodation, often in some idilic locations. The process of becoming a sitter with Trusted House Sitters looks like this 1. [Sign up and create a profile](https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF276385/?utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=refer-a-friend&utm_campaign=refer-a-friend) 1. Request sits that are suitable to your skills as a sitter and animal lover (more on this later) 1. Wait for confirmation of sits, then finally; 1. Make your travel arrangements. Think of it like AirBnB, but instead of paying for your stays with money, you pay with love and care of someones pet. # Motivations for house and pet sitting From the home and pet owners I’ve met so far no one expects you to be doing it _just_ for the animals, but this should really be a strong factor in your motivations for house and pet sitting. Ideally you want to be someone who loves spending time with animals, it’s not only better for the pet but you’re far more likely to enjoy the experience yourself. Another potential motivator is having access to unique travel experiences. It can be really exciting to book flights, hotels, day trips and spa days, but if you’re a long-term or frequent traveler it can be even nicer to slow down and experience a city more fully. Most house sits aren’t going to be in tourist areas, so you’re far more likely to get a local experience that is hard to get on a more traditional holiday. See my article on [living like a local](https://nomadmo.re/blog/digital-nomad/digital-nomad-guide-to-living-like-a-local). Finally, the most obvious motivator is money. For 16 days in Senglea, Malta, the living expenses for my partner and myself are flights and meals, many of which we’re making ourselves in the kitchen. Other than this we will enjoy a few meals out at local restaurants, a walking tour in Valletta, a scuba diving day trip, and that’s about it. # Drawbacks and challenges When taking care of someone elses animal there are definitely drawbacks to be mindful of. The time commitment required in pet care can be quite extensive . Unlike house plants or other belongings, animals need daily feeding, cleaning, and emotional interaction. I’ve found that 1-2 hours a day minimum of exercise time seems to be appropriate for most animals, and they require at least a similar amount of time of affection and generally having someone around. Animals can be unpredictable, and emergency situations may arise that require immediate attention, making the task more time-consuming than initially anticipated. Moreover, looking after an animal can bring emotional challenges. It's common to develop a strong bond with the animal under your care. Saying goodbye when the owner returns can be a heart-wrenching process, sometimes leading to feelings of loss and emptiness. # What owners want This is by far the easiest part to answer - the owner wants three main things from a sitter. 1. **Cleanliness and care** - take care of their home, leave it all as you found it. 1. **Love and affection** - _actually_ take care of the animal and all their needs, and enjoy spending time with them. 1. **Being kept in the loop** - this is the most important thing for most owners, and the other two are magnified tenfold by this one tip. Discuss with the owner how much they’d like to be kept in the loop and live up to those expectations. A photo and a message morning and night is a very small price to pay to make the home owner _love you_ and give them the confidence that things are going well. # Some extra quick tips After a handful of successful five star house sits, here are some of the tips I’ve found helpful for successful house sits. - **Keep the owner in the loop** — this is already mentioned but it’s worth mentioning again. Unless the homeowner wants to be left alone, this is super critical. - **“It is what it is”** — most animals are incredibly unique, and while you’re most likely going to love taking care of the pets, there will also be habits that you may not like. My advice is to learn to love it all for the time you’re there. - **Go slow when you can** — house sits can be for a single night or weeks at at time. It’s my personal preference to do sits of more than 1 week to really have the time to slowly enjoy the area, the sit, and get to know the pet I am taking care of. --- ### Digital nomad guide to living like a local https://roamingamok.com/articles/digital-nomad-guide-to-living-like-a-local *2023-06-01 · Digital Nomad · by Mitch Malone* > Travelling as a digital nomad and remote worker is expensive business, but learning to live like a local and find alternative experiences can make all the difference. Occasionally I grapple with the negatives of tourism. A recent trip to Canggu, Bali, though amazing, reminded me that many people travel without locals or their lifestyles in mind. For some people their aim is to visit a country and behave the same way they would in their own country. It's baffling to me, someone who lives to explore different cultures and local ways of life. Isn’t that one of the most fascinating things about travel? As a digital nomad you have the wonderful privilege and opportunity to travel the world like a local. But what exactly does the term “travel like a local” mean? Why should you try to travel in this way? And what is a good way to balance your own lifestyle with that of the people you are interacting with? With those questions in mind here are my thoughts on how to travel like a local when you’re a digital nomad. # What does traveling like a local mean? Sometimes when traveling it’s just so important to take a step back from all the experiences you may have and see the destination for what it is. The life of locals and how they interact with a geographical space is what makes travel so fascinating. One of the ways you can be more meaningful when you travel is to live more like someone who is from or lives in that place. This can come to encompass a whole array of norms and activities. Traveling like a local essentially boils down to the idea of doing what the people do. Would the average local take the bus or a taxi? If the answer is the bus, acknowledge that it might take you a little longer to reach your destination but embrace the local life of a morning bus commute. Eat what locals eat, dine where locals dine. If you are brave enough try to eat and dine with the locals, try and engage in a way that will open up more opportunities for you to meet locals. In terms of food, don’t just head to that fancy establishment made famous on TikTok, try and ask a local what their favorite restaurant is and eat there. Anyone who has spent time in Vietnam will know that the best restaurants are not fancy restaurants, rather any place where you sit on a plastic stool, they will always wind up serving the most delicious authentic food. It is always best to embrace all the cultural challenges and difficulties you could face whilst being in a new environment. Yes, there is often a language barrier, but grab a phrase book before you travel or get on Google Translate and figure out a few short, helpful phrases. If you are visiting the souks of Marrakech, be armed with some Arabic phrases which will let you haggle like a local. Just knowing how to say, “thank you”, “please”, or “good morning” will help you feel more immersed in local culture. ![image](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1584132905271-512c958d674a?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=85&fm=jpg&crop=entropy&cs=srgb) Traveling like a local also means staying where locals would stay, or as close to this reality as possible. Don’t book a high end hotel, instead search for an Airbnb or homestay that will allow you to stay in locals’ homes. If that’s not possible then try and book accommodation in local neighborhoods rather along main tourist streets. > Another bonus of staying in AirBnB or local stays instead of hotels is that you won’t have to share the Wifi with others. Fast internet is a staple requirement for most digital nomads. You may also consider the time of year that you visit a specific destination. Some areas of Greece for example are overrun with tourists during the peak summer months, so, if you want those local experiences, you can instead visit in the off-peak season. Having less tourists around means more interaction with locals and more ability to see the authentic side of Greek life. Also isn’t it just the worst when you travel to a destination only to step outside and hear a litany of American accents? As a digital nomad you should be quite flexible so picking and choosing your destinations based on this factor shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience. # But why travel like a local? Let’s face it, this might not be an authentic reason for traveling like a local, but it will alleviate some pressure on your bank account. You will save money on accommodation, transport and eating! When digital nomadism becomes your life, you have to also come to terms with the fact that each destination you travel to isn’t a generic vacation destination for you anymore. These are places where you are going to live. Living like a local is a great way to stay healthier as you make food choices that are more aligned with your regular diet. There’s none of that beach body workout so you can indulge on your two week vacation, traveling is your life now, it’s good to stay on track and keep healthy. Besides, isn’t traveling like a local just fun and filled with culture? Finding the ins and outs of people’s cultures, what makes them tick and why they are connected to the place you are visiting is just exciting. Though we may choose to ignore it a little more often than we should, we all know the impacts traveling has on the environment. But traveling like a local life is a good way of reducing your carbon footprint whilst living a digital nomad life. No participating in mass consumerism, excessive consumption and supporting local businesses is something you can do to reduce your impact, however small it may feel. # Balance is best With the aforementioned reasons in mind, it is still really important that you get what you want and need out of a digital nomad destination. You can effectively create a great balance between local experiences and other excursions and opportunities. Whilst living in local accommodation you can still see those top tourist attractions, after all that’s what probably lured you there in the first place. If there’s a top restaurant you want to visit you shouldn’t feel guilty if you want to try it. Making the most out of your time in a country is essential in providing a happy work life balance. And traveling as a digital nomad specifically is all about balance, as is life. --- ### Spain’s Digital Nomad visa is now live https://roamingamok.com/articles/spains-digital-nomad-visa-is-now-live *2023-05-25 · Digital Nomad · by Mitch Malone* > More and more countries now have digital nomad centric business visas, Spain being one of the most recent to join them. This article breaks down the visa for anyone thinking of spending extended time in Spain. We are entering a new world where digital nomadism is a real thing. People are increasingly switching to professions or reinventing their current profession in a way that enables them to be location independent. With this shift in lifestyle governments and immigration departments have seen the potential for new economic opportunities with the birth of the digital nomad visa. Estonia is often cited as the first country to offer such a visa and eagle-eyed digital nomads have been enthusiastically awaiting new announcements of countries providing their versions of this visa. One such country that is on many people's bucket list is Spain, and guess what? As of January 2023 the country opened its borders to those digital nomads looking to set up life in sunny Spain. This article will provide you with a quick guide to Spain’s digital nomad visa, what to expect, the requirements and the opportunities making a move to this European country will provide. # Who is it for? Spain has introduced this digital nomad visa as part of an initiative to entice entrepreneurs and foreign investment. This visa is for non-EU/EEA remote workers and freelancers. So, calling all U.S, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens who have been dying to set up a life in Spain, this one's for you. # How long can you stay for? Spain’s digital nomad visa entitles visitors to live and work in Spain for an initial 12 month period (if you are applying from outside of Spain), which is then renewable for up to five years. Perfect for those looking for a taste of Spain and plenty of time to live in a few areas. What is more, your time spent in Spain on a digital nomad visa will count towards your application for permanent residency (which can be applied for after 5 years of being a remote worker). After you’ve received your residency card you are then eligible for free travel within the EU! Then the world, I mean Europe really is your oyster! # What are the requirements for the visa? So, what are the requirements for this type of visa? Firstly, it is important to note that you can apply for this visa as an “employed worker” whose company is outside of Spain or as a “self-employed worker” who has clients around the world. You must prove in your application that you have had a relationship with your clients for more than 3 months prior to your application. As is the case with all visas there are a number of boxes you need to tick and paperwork to provide. Here is a list of the main criteria: - The company(s) you work for must be outside of Spain (if inside Spain can only account for 20% of your total earnings) - Proof of 3 month relationship with clients before application - Contract with the company for 1 year - Proof of 3 years of work-related experience or proof of a graduate or post graduate diploma from a reputable university - No criminal record (declaration of no criminal record must be supplied for the last 5 years) - Filled in application form - Pay the administration fee (€75 plus consulate fees) - Private health insurance policy (which covers Spain) - Bank certificate proving the possession of €25,000 (an additional €9,441 for each family member) - Meet the minimum income requirements of between €2,000 and €3,000 per month. There are two ways of applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa. You can apply from your country of origin, through the Spanish embassy or consulate. This would allow you to receive a 1 year visa which would then be modified at a later date. Or you can apply as a tourist from within Spain. This would allow you to gain a three year permit that can be renewed. The word tax usually affords a long groan, especially from those who live abroad. It is often a hassle and more than a little messy. People staying in Spain for more than 183 days are considered to be tax residents even if they work for a foreign company. However, under this visa scheme there are tax benefits. During the first four years of a remote worker's stay in Spain they are entitled to a reduced tax rate of 15%, provided that they earn below €600,000 a year. The normal rate is 24% so it’s a big incentive for those digital nomads looking for more economical destinations. # Why move to Spain? Once you’ve reviewed the nitty gritty of the visa requirements you will have more of an idea whether Spain is a feasible digital working country for you. Now it’s time to decide if you actually want to move there. There seems nothing more idyllic than finishing work for the day and immersing yourself in the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean. Places like Tarifa provide digital nomads with an idyllic beach lifestyle, city lovers will love Valencia and those craving an island experience will revel in the idea of moving to Mallorca. The good news is Spain is set up for this digital lifestyle. Places like Barcelona are already teaming with those digital nomads who are utilizing the city’s technological modernity and cultural opportunities. With high speed internet and numerous coworking spaces throughout the country there’s no stopping you now the digital nomad visa has been released. Companies like OneCoWork already have three well established co-working spaces across Barcelona and if that’s not your scene there are endless cafes and outdoor spaces to knuckle down to work or allow those creative juices to flow. This coupled with Spain’s diverse landscape, wonderful coastline and charming architecture and culture, Spain is a real no-brainer. Spain has joined the likes of Italy, Greece, Croatia and Portugal in taking full advantage of the remote work revolution whilst simultaneously boosting their tech scene. I have no doubts that digital nomads around the world will be jumping at the chance to move to Spain. There’s no doubt that remote working is bringing about a better and fairer world and the implementation of more digital nomad visas around the world is increasing opportunities for freelancers and remote workers as well as local economies. --- ### Remote Worker 101 https://roamingamok.com/articles/remote-worker-101 *2023-05-12 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > A guide for remote workers who are struggling or are new to the transition of in-person to remote work. **Remote Worker 101** Perhaps you are considering working remotely or maybe you’ve just started out, well here are some essential tips to help you be productive and successful. Remote work isn’t always as idyllic as it is portrayed. Whilst it is a fantastic way to work that many people never regret, it's good to know what you can do to make the experience as efficient as possible. Some of these tips might seem simplistic but you will be surprised how quickly you can slip into bad habits when working remotely. # 1. Establish a routine Routine is important in many aspects of life but especially with remote work. The structure of clocking in to the 9 to 5 job is gone, you’re now on your own. Make sure you establish a set schedule for your work and also your breaks. This will help you to be more focused and productive throughout the day. Although your starting time may now be more flexible, it's best to create a good morning routine to give your day that much needed structure. Sure, you don’t need to be as rigid in your routine as if you were still going to the office, but routine does help. # 2. Create a designated workspace No matter where you are in the world or your reasons for remote working it’s important to find a quiet and comfortable place to work. Sure, you can work from a desk at home but consider this, does it inspire you? You now have the flexibility of not being confined to a mundane, gray walled office so in terms of workspaces the world's your oyster. You could find a coworking space close to where you stay or set up for the day in a local coffee shop or create an inspiring workspace in your living quarters. No matter which you decide, make sure it will allow for minimal distractions and maximum creativity. # 3. Use technology to your advantage Technology has made so many aspects of our daily lives so much easier and the same can be said for remote working. Since the pandemic remote working has become increasingly popular and therefore the tools and applications we can use have developed too. Apps like Microsoft Teams and Slack have revolutionized the way that people communicate remotely. Slack allows you to form channels with your colleagues and communicate as you would do in the office but online. This can help you and your colleagues stay organized, communicate effectively and manage your workload effectively. It’s not just applications that are thriving as more people move to remote work. The development of physical tools like standing desks have come on leaps and bounds. # 4. Stay connected with your team Although you are now working remotely it's still important to stay in touch with people you work with. This can be on a social level as well as a professional level. Choosing to work remotely means you’ll have to put in that little bit of extra effort to stay connected and informed about the goings on at the office. Try scheduling 1:1 meetings with colleagues to check in. This will help you align your goals, stay focused on projects and keep you on track for those daily tasks. It is also a good idea to organize or suggest a team get together. Whether the whole team is working remotely or just a few people it can be important for you personally as a remote worker and the whole team to stay bonded. Whether it’s drinks with colleagues or a full blown team building session it’s a good idea! # 5. Take breaks Breaks are so important. In fact, they are so important, take a break now! When you are working to an important deadline, breaks can sometimes feel obsolete, but they really do help. Long term, taking breaks is one of the most effective things you can do to increase productivity. A short break of around five to 15 minutes can do the trick. It is advised to take a longer break of around 30 minutes every two to four hours for the most productive work output. # 6. Manage your distractions Whatever form they might take, distractions are not beneficial for a productive and healthy work environment. It is super easy to get distracted at home and in other environments like coffee shops. The best thing to do with distractions is first figure out exactly what they are and then you can see how you can manage them. Another good tip is to have a clear and tidy desk. If you don’t need your phone for work, then put it out of sight. It’s amazing to see how clear your mind feels when your workspace is distraction free. # 7. Stay active Regular exercise is good for your physical and mental health. It is also essential for remote workers as it helps you stay focused and relieve stress. Scheduling exercise whether it be a morning walk to start your day, a gym workout or a soccer session helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Exercising helps in creating two distinct spheres, remember you are no longer going to an office to work so going to the gym creates that difference in social spaces that is very much needed. # 8. Set boundaries Boundaries and routines have a certain amount of crossover. Setting a schedule with clear boundaries is fundamental in creating a good balance between your work and personal life. Working remotely, and especially if your new workspace is in your home immediately blurs those work life lines. By finishing work at a set time and creating established working hours and times with colleagues can help you and the people around you understand your work-life boundaries. Working remotely your life is going to look a little different. You’ll have to experiment with the best ways to do things to get it right for you. But by following these tips you can hopefully make the transition to remote work smoother and more successful. If you are new to remote work, here are some tips that may help you to be productive and successful: 1. Establish a routine: Having a set schedule for work and breaks can help you to be more focused and productive. 1. Create a designated workspace: Find a quiet and comfortable place to work where you can minimize distractions. 1. Use technology to your advantage: Take advantage of tools and apps that can help you to stay organized, communicate with your team, and manage your workload. 1. Stay connected with your team: Regular communication with your colleagues can help you to feel connected and stay informed about what's happening in the office. 1. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks can help you to avoid burnout and maintain your focus. 1. Manage your distractions: It can be easy to get sidetracked when working from home, so it's important to identify your distractions and find ways to manage them. 1. Stay active: Regular physical activity can help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 1. Set boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life, so that you can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance. By following these tips, you can make your transition to remote work a smooth and successful one. --- ### How Distributed Leadership Can Speed Up Your Company's Decision-Making https://roamingamok.com/articles/how-distributed-leadership-can-speed-up-your-companys-decision-making *2023-04-27 · Leadership · by Mitch Malone* > If you are the leader of an organization, you may feel the weight of your decisions on your shoulders. If you don't make the right decision, you might be worried about what that means for your team and company overall. # How Distributed Leadership Can Speed Up Your Company's Decision-Making As a leader in your organization you may feel the unenviable weight and pressure around decision making. The pressure to ensure your decisions are informed and correct is high, and you may find this resulting in a slowing down of time to decision (TTD for those in the know). The good news is that you’re likely _not_ always the best person to make every decision, and be instilling skills of good decision-making throughout your organization you will reduce a personal burden while empowering your team. Nowadays, distributed leadership has replaced one central decision-maker with a system that allows employees at all company levels to contribute their ideas and offer suggestions about how to move forward—all without waiting for permission from above. Distributed leadership can speed up your company's decision-making process, but it can also improve the quality of your company's products and services, resulting in more satisfied customers and more revenue overall. ## Rules For Distributed Leadership When it comes to distributed leadership, the structure is not just an afterthought but is included in the plan at the very beginning and ingrained in your company culture. Employees need to know that they have a voice, and it should be clear to everyone what role each person has in the leadership hierarchy. The rules for distributed leadership can vary widely based on how flat or deep your company culture is, but you'll want to ensure there are guidelines for making decisions when leadership isn't available. For example, if the CEO goes out of town for a week on business and his replacement calls an important meeting—but no one shows up because nobody knows who's in charge—that's a problem. You'll also want to outline when a leader should step in, such as when employees are stuck or if they are having difficulty getting decisions approved. For example, some leaders reserve decision rights for themselves in areas of high risk while allowing their team members to make calls on more mundane matters. In addition, it's important that any new hires understand your company culture and know-how decisions get made at your company—and who has ultimate authority over what. For example, a new hire might be unaware that he needs to run every major decision by his supervisor before proceeding; if he doesn't follow those rules, he may upset other workers or even fail to secure key permissions from corporate leadership. ## The Top Things To Consider When Starting With Distributed Leadership Businesses with a distributed leadership structure have staff members dispersed throughout an organization. Instead of a traditional hierarchical structure with managers making decisions and assigning tasks, these companies have developed a new way to collaborate and make quick decisions at every level of an organization. Such businesses have found that by working in teams across all levels, problems can be solved faster, and employees feel more engaged with their work because they are involved in it from start to finish. Companies considering distributed leadership should consider three things: training, internal policies, and external communications. Training for everyone in your organization will ensure everyone knows what their responsibilities are within the distributed leadership model—and also know how to handle any issues as they arise. The next step is developing internal policies, such as a code of conduct and rules for making decisions. This will help make sure every employee understands exactly what is expected of them, and it'll be easier to correct people who don't follow those rules Finally, businesses should plan external communications carefully when using a distributed leadership structure so all staff members can work together effectively and know how they fit into the big picture. ## Benefits And Drawbacks Of Distributed Leadership While some leaders believe a centralized approach is crucial for decision-making, distributed leadership provides several benefits, such as faster decision-making and reduced costs. Centralized leadership structures may take a long time to reach a consensus on an issue or resolution. Meanwhile, distributed leadership gives employees time to resolve conflicts and issues in their work teams before presenting solutions to management. In centralized structures, all information about projects has to funnel up through one leader; however, when multiple leaders are empowered in distributed systems, each has access to different pieces of information that can be pieced together across teams—resulting in faster decision making. Furthermore, distributing power among many leaders reduces bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with having one authority make decisions for everyone. When there is a single decision-maker in a centralized structure, they may have to consult several people before making a decision—which can take time and slow things down. In distributed leadership structures, employees are empowered to act quickly without asking permission from the management; they can act based on their knowledge of their team's needs and goals. However, while distributed leadership structures provide benefits such as faster decision-making and reduced costs, they also come with drawbacks. When distributed leadership is poorly implemented, it can lead to poor communication and coordination across teams, resulting in delayed projects or other problems. Another drawback of distributed leadership is that it requires strong team management skills. Having leaders who are empowered to make decisions at their discretion means that leadership positions are very demanding, and not everyone is suited for them. At times, a centralized structure can be more effective than distributed leadership in certain cases—for example, if your company doesn't have much experience with empowering employees to act on their own without prior approval. When implemented well, however, distributed leadership structures provide faster decision-making than centralized approaches and better retain employees because they take an active role in how their work gets done. ## Tips For Implementing Distributed Leadership In Your Team Or Company Have a clear sense of mission, vision, and values. It's much easier to empower people if you have clarity about what you want. Keep in mind that not all values are created equal—some may contradict each other. Make sure people know which is most important and be willing to choose one over another when necessary. Check-in regularly with your team on how they are doing: Give them opportunities to ask questions and share concerns so that they feel comfortable bringing up issues early on rather than bottling them up until they become huge problems. Encourage conversations that offer new perspectives and expose different viewpoints on a subject. This fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and teamwork. When someone has an idea, instead of just adopting it or dismissing it out of hand, share your thoughts on how to improve upon it or make it work within your vision for the company. Be clear about what you want your company to look like in 5 or 10 years and ask them how they think achieving that vision might be possible. Encourage them to come up with as many ideas as possible rather than trying to work in a vacuum. --- ### European cities embracing remote work with digital nomad villages https://roamingamok.com/articles/european-cities-embracing-remote-work-with-digital-nomad-villages *2023-04-03 · Digital Nomad · by Mitch Malone* > Many European cities are embracing foreign workers by allowing digital nomads to work from specialized villages. This is our top 5 digital nomad villages in Europe. With the international growth of digital nomadism, it’s not much of a surprise that digital nomad villages have begun to emerge. So, what exactly is a digital nomad village? Well, it doesn’t have to be a village per se but more an organized community or area that caters for the lifestyle of digital nomads. These digital nomad villages provide amenities useful to those on the move. They have coworking space, co-living arrangements, extended stay rentals, fast internet, and lots of recreational activities to keep those nomads entertained. Digital nomad villages are still in their infancy but here are five amazing destinations that will keep you going on your nomadic work journey until more countries catch onto this great concept. # **Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal** Ponta do Sol is Portugal’s answer to every digital nomad’s question “Where should I go next?” Located on the southern coast of Madeira, Ponta do Sol has emerged as a digital nomad village as a result of the pandemic. Though it’s known as the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira is somewhat of a hidden gem for tourists and digital nomads alike. What makes Ponta do Sol unique is that they haven’t waited for digital nomads to come. Unlike Canggu in Bali or Chiang Mai in Thailand, Ponta do Sol has set up life for digital nomads before they’ve started coming. Nomad Village as it’s known, officially launched in February 2021. In February 2022 there were 100 people living in this area. The aim was to blend local communities and culture with foreign digital workers, and it’s worked out perfectly. Their coworking space in the center of Ponta do Sol is free to use. Madeira is also believed to have the highest fixed internet speed in the entire country. What is more, the search for accommodation is effortlessly easy. # **Digital Nomad Valley, Zadar, Croatia** Zadar is the oldest continually inhabited city in Croatia, and wouldn’t it be good to live there as a digital nomad? Zadar’s working village is called Digital Nomad Valley and its around 30 minutes’ walk from the downtown in the neighborhood of Borik. They run a 6 month co-living project which aims to entice online workers. The Valley has two hotel resorts Falkensteiner Funimation Hotel and Falkensteiner camping. These community facilities offer you accommodation, including gym facilities, coworking spaces, and a wellness center. Their cabin-like accommodation has a luxury IKEA-like finish to it and provides you with everything you’d need for a more than comfortable stay. There's even a beautiful decking area where you can enjoy breakfast in the sun. Around 65% of guests visiting Digital Nomad Valley are solo nomads. This is therefore the perfect place to meet other solo travelers. You will instantly have access to like-minded individuals who will more than likely want to start exploring the city with you. # **Tallinn Digital Nomad Village, Estonia** Have you ever thought about living in Estonia? Estonia is rapidly becoming a popular travel destination and it's easy to see why. Tallinn, the nation’s capital is situated on the shores of the Gulf of Finland and is a wonderful place to live. Cheap flights, wonderful cities and the infrastructure to support digital nomad lifestyles brings Estonia higher up the list of nomad working destinations. Tallinn is the first remote working community in Northern Europe. Run by the company WIP, this digital nomad village allows you to experience the charming coastal city of Tallinn whilst not having to worry about all the necessities of digital nomadism. One of the things that Tallinn Digital Nomad Village flourishes at are coworking spaces. You can rent out a vast array of board rooms, meeting rooms, and individual working spaces. WIP are also in partnership with Tallinn Hotels to attract digital nomads to their wonderful accommodation. The Tallinn Digital Nomad Village aims to connect a network of digital nomad workers with local services that cater for their specific needs. # **Bansko,  Bulgaria** Bulgaria’s digital nomad hotspot is in mountainous Bansko in the Pirin National Park. This is one of those destinations that as digital nomads you will be pinching yourself, wondering how it’s possible that you get to live there. Bansko has it all. When the snow hits, the area is transformed into Bulgaria’s best ski and snowboard location with more than 75 km of trails. In summer there is hiking galore, as well as museums, historic landmarks and hot springs. Though Bansko boasts a small town, tight-knit community feel, it’s still big enough to feel like you are discovering new things. Bansko is a great location for digital nomads because there are a plethora of coworking spaces. Some of the top coworking spaces include _CoWorking Bansko _and _Alt-Space. _You might be living at 1,200 meters above sea level, right below Vihren Mountain but Bansko caters for digital nomads who need strong internet connections. Bansko offers that idyllic mountainous lifestyle that might on immediate thought feel out of reach for those digital nomads, but this is an incredible place to base yourself at least for a winter and summer season if not longer. # **Trento, Italy** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/e3ba1af5-9270-407d-acc5-0f3ae2c43e72/Untitled.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466WJ4CHOZY%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232344Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIBaqw5rH1f5xwu8MW88rsIg82Shzp1QRb4zntFPvLHIvAiB3W1lz5wLGR0XlrQAH5V%2B%2FtiyVCTmrlj4NzRJ5rG0YlCqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMfNds3CZuv3CuI1QjKtwDKoxju4mMU3mkwD8PA%2Fo5UyZOCtkbklx9HxRFZRidUwFAvUBphpV4Rb97O8piZF8qW28aGAhSTe6VvHNcJRRqrvCgIWHWpGKxkrekl92SE936jcxC0srgxr1h0PuZ5Mua3argds%2FMtKhlIYPPSe9zbTAmcvfUm%2FJVL4s7eh%2BeiZHxjmkLbcGA5iV0IT%2FhUVU9M4ZlkaDV2wcctmfViq1mki7%2BsktnqwXOW7y6ToWoxmAurhxMAwnX%2BhVpsYbkQXVyD1aQeTrGw1oUWbdWBYXmY98mXvMvbdyl3pZL7Ru7WP9ILzdUtY4vrb1ruVeWhkBC5ixGgq9oOXJmHiXde864ZpziCUnSc1ELyNDweSdjd%2Bs4TFQB70Tn0pc0Ryaswr2BUHI71V%2BMAxaUJTjc0VicaVekWwB8Izm%2FMdVUqRr0CcSDrDM9FBVGvh6wzJY4a4i6ddelfJ6kPdHuz0R%2BQqHnnUG6m8wkbzNXigWi%2FEJvfwGv7sPKWajaJYl5AKgAeHgxqy%2B0wyEN9lKKuUrWIexoQeRuiehmvyamz9bISOTy%2FQRqPnJfLn%2BtV%2BLKhH7hS0zL38bsW2VKUSUifPqYYvkpXWGzg35cmPwabf6Vdv1RlFohOJ4twnLO8rN9IFYw%2Bcni1AY6pgHTtwMBMzRkV9faMRQ7kBpr3LHzYEz3bf2%2FWXvI%2BY9%2BxJM4ZdEzqXfHPy8%2FZBMMYlmEkn8z1OysQ4c2iutA9fU4Z3Jg%2BuAsbHJh1SwDpN3Ied45bpQVxngugU8eRgjWjf4kkgBdJphxxAOhn4B%2B8%2ByzER5reWeiQENx5faRKM8xb4gqazGlCxjlvdKO7VInkpNBC2OJYENwltWhtUMK5sLn7RhRDh6P&X-Amz-Signature=0855d8a90ab873b0e64a43917e5a8ce020be4cd191c43046f80be50a5e7cac03&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Take one look at Trento and you will be packing your bags and booking your tickets. Trento is an autonomous province of Italy in the north of the country. It is a truly breathtaking example of Italy’s natural beauty and historic sites. [Trento Remote](https://trentoremote.com/) offers a sort of assisted digital nomad lifestyle. You can book to be a part of their digital nomad program which includes an array of benefits. You pay per month for a hassle free assisted work environment which includes: - Utilization of coworking space (the biggest in the region) - Opportunity to meet fellow digital nomads - Support in getting a visa (if required) - Help finding the best Italian lessons (if desired) - Activities will be organized for the community once a week Trento provides digital nomads with access to all the coworking spaces in the area, meaning you can work and then explore 15th century buildings and incredible local sites. Trento’s digital nomad community is fully comprehensive and offers that hassle free start to setting up your life in a new country. A digital nomad village is an established community that caters to the needs and lifestyle of digital nomads. This can encompass a specific region or small village with amenities such as coworking spaces, coliving arrangements or extended-stay rentals, fast internet connectivity, and a diverse range of recreational activities. --- ### A month in Bali as a digital nomad https://roamingamok.com/articles/a-month-in-bali-as-a-digital-nomad *2023-03-27 · Travel · by Mitch Malone* > I recently spent a month in Canggu on the south coast of Bali in Indonesia. Pronounced “chang-goo,” this resort village is becoming one of the trendiest parts of Bali to visit. Canggu seemingly attracts young travelers with its hip vibe, endless sun, and incredible surf. I recently spent a month in Canggu on the south coast of Bali in Indonesia. Pronounced “_chang-goo_,” this resort village is becoming one of the trendiest parts of Bali to visit. Canggu seemingly attracts young travelers with its hip vibe, endless sun, and incredible surf. If you are considering vacationing in Canggu or even living there as a digital nomad, here's a real guide to Canggu from someone who has actually been there! # **Canggu Highlights** To quickly entice you to Canggu here are some of the best things I did whilst visiting the town. Whilst they are by no means the only things to do in Canggu they were some of my favorite experiences from my month on the island. Whilst there are many enjoyable things to do in Canggu like going surfing, visiting the Tanah Lot Temple, and hitting the beaches, sometimes the simple things are what you really remember from a trip. One of the best things about Canggu is how walkable it is. Everything you need is in the immediate area and even if it’s a little further afield it’s so nice to walk around the streets of Canggu. For those solo travelers it also feels safe in Canggu, so walking alone in the day is no problem. Even when the sun starts beaming down on you the coastal breeze makes it enjoyable. If you are a foodie, then you absolutely must visit Canggu. Literally everywhere you turn there is an exquisite food place. Even in my month-long stay I wasn’t able to try nearly as much as I wanted to. The highlight of my culinary delights was definitely eating at _Inklusiv Warung_. This is one of those places where you come away not just having eaten excellent food but also with bags of positive energy. _Inklusiv Warung _translates to “Inclusive Eatery”, and it certainly is that. In an interior of rainbow filled walls many of the wait staff are Deaf or marginalized individuals. In Indonesia the Deaf community still struggles with basic rights and employment so this is a fantastic initiative by the owners. You just cannot go to Canggu without visiting the beach at sunset. Canggu has three beaches in total with many just outside the village’s boundaries. These beaches are Batu Balong, Berawa and Echo Beach. One of the best beaches for sunset is Echo Beach. You can grab snacks and drinks from one of the local warungs (small family-owned eatery) and sit on the beach whilst the sun sets. You just cannot beat a Balinese sunset! There are some great beaches to visit in the area but one of the best for sunset is Echo Beach. # **Bali Highlights** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/1b0cef49-915f-40fc-bf53-5d01dd31b879/IMG_7413.jpeg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466XOP6OSZ3%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232344Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQDV2M%2BKMLvsak8xTC0VkKvplu4WbT0xRgdFOP%2F7Sbb2TQIhAPwBlJYHWd2NlhRQ695iGAb2kej2jYeU%2FeS1LiM4vUZnKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1IgxolhWXR9fPy9HSQ9sq3AOC%2FEogmYL1Z4VzUEsZdynj%2FH%2Fz4i0z5Ty8pyd%2FnnLRtII3UpXTJM%2FiO9ji85WdFDetbxmHmGWwHK8lOsLckZuX3l2iGTYEasOCn0Hvqd0Khulm5z%2BObjwKhLRLQwBsMHx%2BqCzVNGgI4saGfAa5QnpYBYn93JEQaYpflf8dqi1l6TR9bvDFPdWgZlzdKZ03E1H4PiNVQqColnJwdoSFWW7qkD2xorvEilVDE8Z5z4duIycdldCitar%2BHbzx0PmtrfsJ4a2HJYyZvhXXe1cdz3Q%2FWhKjfj80dRqXvRox4%2BkxBLOmeGV48nCu9zzNyZ3SbYsL6gpDFOxp56q4Z0TqmwU%2FS0%2Fv54MORTSsnfvOIab8k2MAoXViyQG0Kgt%2FoY2MVr9mkSdfYW9%2Bx17gcW6y3Lxg9M%2Bl8aFXBm0nMAUMZotoGztdzaHKKMq1whg8d0lGrvwYkhVyo5VEL8PMBdzVBg%2F3ngPoo%2BnIElGo%2F42yQHlp87yuQPocMpM7MQM%2BXmYQ0buqEhlQlOmQFUIXqhe7n9GNZLLuSis7TXO7%2BBuU3t4Wfix4X5UaZzM%2B1S%2FFp3gbXhMfzfdWqDw5f2oHGfNC98AvSiYozk%2F6HhFKvw0hE9l%2BPJ8L0hY7CsJynX%2FaKTDHyOLUBjqkAQhdFxlXyamlr1qQMLErDMLR80jsm17wRi09NrJjZYmMgvS5d2Sb59zVHasNCYm%2FXI4HNKC5QsELovztjNNnduqFazg6TPaqLsAMqxf6m%2BpSLFSfwO5dClnG2GcAw0K5uPq2qc3sXoSbdfpRT3NOycFk4uVB9HhnVR8p3IIfFgDmES%2By6L9lUGJv40o%2FF15BbuX1kLp1Lw7iC843vq1Bx0AGISY7&X-Amz-Signature=a26515ee1b8c77b2c57cb92942c16d40bf1069a363eb6957303f7dea5fb28be2&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Bali itself is a treasure trove of attractions, nature spots, and culture. Whilst there are a ton of things to see and do in Bali, here are three of my favorite experiences from my time on the island. Calling all swimmers and underwater enthusiasts! Free diving at the Nusa Penida is an unforgettable experience. You may not know your own capabilities yet when it comes to holding your breath under water, but humans are surprisingly good at it if you know how. There are places on the Nusa Penida where you can learn to free dive, or if you are experienced you can head out to see Indonesia’s underwater delights. Not only are there a diverse range of fish but there’s also Temple Point, an underwater Buddhist temple. A popular tourist attraction but one well worth seeing is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This nature reserve/temple is home to around 340 monkeys, specifically long-tailed Macaques. The site is pretty big so you can wander around for quite a while searching for monkeys (which are very easy to find) and cute babies. Remember to keep your wits about you in the forest as these monkeys are well known thieves. There are signs with rules around the forest, it's definitely worth taking note of them. Of Indonesia’s 147 volcanoes, Mount Batur is perhaps the most iconic. Located in the Kintamani highlands on the northeast part of the island, this volcano is a must see. You might be thinking, gosh I didn’t prepare myself for a 1,717 meter high hike. Not to worry you can actually head up Mount Batur in a convertible. You can take a VW jeep right up the volcano. On your way you will pass by rice paddies, temples, and quaint local villages. The views from the top of Mount Batur are simply breathtaking, completely otherworldly. You literally get to stand above the clouds and marvel at the views of Mount Agung in the distance. Oh, and the added thrill of knowing you are standing on an active volcano is enough to blow any geographer lover's mind. # **The Downside of Canggu** Time for the real part of this Canggu guide. While overall Canggu is a fabulous destination, there were some pretty major downsides to life in a popular Balinese village. Sadly, as is the case with many beautiful destinations, Canggu has become extremely tourist focused. I felt like it was hard to absorb Balinese culture in Canggu. This ability to learn about local life is much more accessible in the equally popular Ubud. Whilst on the topic of tourists it must be said that many of the tourists in Canggu behaved pretty poorly. I had an overwhelming sense that the tourists visiting were completely indifferent to locals and their culture, instead thriving off the ‘expat lifestyle’. This was difficult to see, especially because I am someone who likes to absorb themselves in other people’s cultures. Another surprising downside to life in Canggu was the smoking. Whereas in many other places around the world smoking is not the norm, it kind of felt like it was in Canggu. Smoking seemed to be taking place everywhere in Canggu including inside cafes and restaurants. Never liking to end on a negative note, it has to be said that Canggu is an excellent place to visit and one I would recommend for any trip to Bali. Whilst tourists and tourist culture have somewhat damaged the area its beauty is still able to shine through. After spending a month in Canggu, Bali I thought it would be great to do a wrap up blog post. Prefer it not to be bullet-listed like it is below, but I’ve added some things I enjoyed **Canggu Highlights** - Super walkable, everything you need is around the area and it’s enjoyable to walk around even when it’s quite warm - Amazing food everywhere - “Inklusiv” was a highlight (a cafe they employs deaf and marginalised individuals, truly amazing) - Watching the sun set over the beach **Other Bali highlights** - Free diving at Nusa Penida - Monkey forest in Ubud - Visiting Mount Batur via convertible **Lowlights / Down Sides** - It’s hard seeing an area so tourist-focused, it was a little hard to get much of the Balinese culture in Canggu, which was different in Ubud - Cigarette smoking is incredibly common, even in cafes and resataurants - Tourists in Canggu generally behaved either quite poorly or indifferent to locals, which is hard to see --- ### 10 European co-living spaces worth considering for your next nomad trip https://roamingamok.com/articles/10-european-co-living-spaces-worth-considering-for-your-next-nomad-trip *2023-03-20 · Digital Nomad · by Mitch Malone* > Here are some of the best co-living spaces we found in Europe to check out. As remote work continues to gain popularity, coliving has emerged as a popular choice among digital nomads. By definition coliving is a way of living where travelers choose to stay together in houses or apartments. Often digital nomads are traveling alone and therefore fostering a sense of community right where you live can be highly stimulating. Finding the right coliving environment can provide you with a wealth of opportunities for learning, networking and building relationships with people from around the world. Coliving goes beyond combining living and working spaces, it has the ability to spark ideas, solve problems and generate intellectual conversation. If you are searching for places that offer top-notch coworking spaces, a welcoming atmosphere, high-speed internet and thrilling travel experiences look no further. We have curated a list of the top 10 European coliving spaces that are well worth considering for your next digital nomad destination. # **Normandy, France** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/180b43c9-f84b-4a49-98d1-b7b613e6f4ef/Untitled.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666CHAVJ6H%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232345Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDz4pGccUOoZbCerhfCNdfcbQ4JxRVVRlADoOrIAkvvEQIgG42qjcd0xYOxnQFQTi8FSkxsMME8hGohbaMMv0QoqnUqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDA2WwiTkeyr2KlnNJSrcAympcJys8HysU%2F7GrPXlltdL4pMVwW5wuzuS%2BSIftU48GhogTKQhuVBEZRbNS0fi8JKJyLyi%2BX8KhuC4mCicaX8%2FDvWLS4AkQbsBKusLwM8adwD2%2BVytvouriokUzGaNkWzOTZ4DSvQLBK%2FtnOlcAzQMNYV6HEFjbyYlHomSYcYp%2FEhmm6hr1lI9w1vzR1lYtQsC2oV9rPnNWkoSAnNq4MRuOm9OubUBjeGnTVLf76cP8l8LeYCIpo4bmcra2Pszx2B60zWGz4CyqFW6etI%2BKh01yvjHq4g1zvwYv%2F%2FUJeWbfG%2FZEJSdLPuDN3lBXQAMRwDStSqTjEijmu4vFQEMP1MYOsBtCvKnNKLlz0kvLwweSjKR8GqvbAaRXYn1lDqrzefqI6X%2B2KY6RxPJrwhlFmUQwgB7jZdCJLGscXZH0Bwo%2F5Nms8ZRYJO2qQ3wWXLP2e0rYtmw5yH4jYKzlV62P5juNp33gcGMDBbFkCtaC6owXXyveVgKSMarFaJka5wmBTorbM%2By5JeFrJKwHPVZmyBU4xduGSLR7w8NBYPp4ebi6CZUQLJsS2cgWJm5%2Fizb%2BC1PjTCbTQHTM17tZYUReghozHKCYYEapIRCGC5nfax0ZZzhjrrWmg6uTGrOMIDL4tQGOqUBUw2KGsb8SdqUjA9Xyya%2F03y%2FUNX%2BgFEb3RHke3yZ67E6l3spk%2B%2BqfOGjy7DQEtDc79qNdKoE8CvBMQq0pZz0FW6ehWALZHaBtwtYfEZYqNNcOeGqAjYq7YFaHjWIzn4VyiwGnu1FuyyvL1mRDmcYY1QRY86qJ4o9lyZPP3F%2Bar1tLLZl7sUPHSXym0MEaAhj%2F9Ujq%2FieOmIPiJ23nPdYCn31DOZn&X-Amz-Signature=05df7f458f9d3655ad85f1d6daef4d246518f954e8e03794e30e0583b2b38210&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) There is no disputing that France is an incredible destination for digital nomads, but have you ever thought about living in a French Chateau? [Chateau Coliving](https://chateaucoliving.com/) is a 12th century castle in the heart of Normandy. The whole chateau is set up for remote work and provides the quietness needed to get your tasks done as well as hosting fun social activities. This is the ultimate grand example of a successful coliving space. Set in 80 hectares of park land the property is filled with deer’s, rabbits, and horses. The property's land even turns into an island in winter! # **Grimentz, Switzerland** [ESCAPE](https://www.ourescape.co/swiss-escape) provides freelancers, digital nomads, and teams a place to come together to live, work and create. With Swiss ESCAPE you can wake up in Grimentz, one of the Alps untouched jewels. Your coliving chalet is surrounded by mountains where you will have instant access to hiking, ski lifts and mountain biking. You will not only be surrounded by the beautiful Swiss countryside, but you’ll be able to speak to like-minded individuals and get to know people you might never have imagined meeting. You’ll have access to fast internet, a dedicated Zoom room, a coworking area and guess what…the ski lift is just 2 minutes’ walk away. # **Peniche, Portugal** Peniche in central Portugal is described as being inseparable from the sea. This little slice of Portuguese heaven is an unimaginable place to live and work. [Selina CoLive](https://colive.selina.com/) allows you to live on a month-by-month basis in their wonderful coliving spaces. Booking at Selina CoLive allows you to choose your accommodation, attend wellness classes (yoga and meditation), have access to a global network of colivers, access to coworking spaces and enjoy on-site facilities like the swimming pool, library and movie theater. With destinations around the world including South America, Australia and Asia you can even switch destinations up to three times a month, providing you with ultimate flexibility. # **Javea, Spain** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/ad004b63-20b3-4ff2-9ef9-4997a8b20ef6/bg-copia.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666CHAVJ6H%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232345Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDz4pGccUOoZbCerhfCNdfcbQ4JxRVVRlADoOrIAkvvEQIgG42qjcd0xYOxnQFQTi8FSkxsMME8hGohbaMMv0QoqnUqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDA2WwiTkeyr2KlnNJSrcAympcJys8HysU%2F7GrPXlltdL4pMVwW5wuzuS%2BSIftU48GhogTKQhuVBEZRbNS0fi8JKJyLyi%2BX8KhuC4mCicaX8%2FDvWLS4AkQbsBKusLwM8adwD2%2BVytvouriokUzGaNkWzOTZ4DSvQLBK%2FtnOlcAzQMNYV6HEFjbyYlHomSYcYp%2FEhmm6hr1lI9w1vzR1lYtQsC2oV9rPnNWkoSAnNq4MRuOm9OubUBjeGnTVLf76cP8l8LeYCIpo4bmcra2Pszx2B60zWGz4CyqFW6etI%2BKh01yvjHq4g1zvwYv%2F%2FUJeWbfG%2FZEJSdLPuDN3lBXQAMRwDStSqTjEijmu4vFQEMP1MYOsBtCvKnNKLlz0kvLwweSjKR8GqvbAaRXYn1lDqrzefqI6X%2B2KY6RxPJrwhlFmUQwgB7jZdCJLGscXZH0Bwo%2F5Nms8ZRYJO2qQ3wWXLP2e0rYtmw5yH4jYKzlV62P5juNp33gcGMDBbFkCtaC6owXXyveVgKSMarFaJka5wmBTorbM%2By5JeFrJKwHPVZmyBU4xduGSLR7w8NBYPp4ebi6CZUQLJsS2cgWJm5%2Fizb%2BC1PjTCbTQHTM17tZYUReghozHKCYYEapIRCGC5nfax0ZZzhjrrWmg6uTGrOMIDL4tQGOqUBUw2KGsb8SdqUjA9Xyya%2F03y%2FUNX%2BgFEb3RHke3yZ67E6l3spk%2B%2BqfOGjy7DQEtDc79qNdKoE8CvBMQq0pZz0FW6ehWALZHaBtwtYfEZYqNNcOeGqAjYq7YFaHjWIzn4VyiwGnu1FuyyvL1mRDmcYY1QRY86qJ4o9lyZPP3F%2Bar1tLLZl7sUPHSXym0MEaAhj%2F9Ujq%2FieOmIPiJ23nPdYCn31DOZn&X-Amz-Signature=e2f65b17688f47811695f03745282801b1c4e9e35102557c33e73143b6f0b72c&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) [Sun and Co](https://sun-and-co.com/) run an excellent coliving community in Javea, Spain. Also known as Xabia, this coastal town is in the province of Alicante. You will be living alongside other location independent professionals feeding off each other’s creative energies. There’s an array of coworking spaces you’ll have access to. There are a variety of common areas to host presentations, relax with friends, meditate and dine together. You can choose to live in private accommodation or shared quad or double rooms. Sun and Co strive to create a thriving international community and their 20% return rate shows that people love their set up. # **Ixelles, Belgium** Ixelles is one of Brussels' beautiful municipalities. The area is known for its boutiques, chic restaurants and art nouveau buildings. Located on one of the hippest streets in Brussels you could be living and working in this trendy[ coliving space](https://coliving.com/spaces/behttona#gotomedia). The house is tremendously decorated and it seems to attract fun, like-minded individuals. There’s always a focus on sustainability and green thinking so if that’s your vibe this could be your next digital nomad destination. **London, England** London is certainly a city set up for digital nomads but there is also a flourishing coliving community.[ The Collective Old Oak](https://www.thecollective.com/locations/old-oak) is an example of a coliving space that caters to your work and lifestyle needs. This coworking space is in West London just a 20 minute tube ride from Central London and close to Notting Hill. Whether you are looking to stay for a few nights or months there’s a space for you. There’s a swimming pool, gym, coworking spaces and all bills and WiFi are included in the price. # **Lofoten, Norway** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/ba427618-c718-4dab-8679-1c8d967441a1/image00001-2.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666CHAVJ6H%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232345Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDz4pGccUOoZbCerhfCNdfcbQ4JxRVVRlADoOrIAkvvEQIgG42qjcd0xYOxnQFQTi8FSkxsMME8hGohbaMMv0QoqnUqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDA2WwiTkeyr2KlnNJSrcAympcJys8HysU%2F7GrPXlltdL4pMVwW5wuzuS%2BSIftU48GhogTKQhuVBEZRbNS0fi8JKJyLyi%2BX8KhuC4mCicaX8%2FDvWLS4AkQbsBKusLwM8adwD2%2BVytvouriokUzGaNkWzOTZ4DSvQLBK%2FtnOlcAzQMNYV6HEFjbyYlHomSYcYp%2FEhmm6hr1lI9w1vzR1lYtQsC2oV9rPnNWkoSAnNq4MRuOm9OubUBjeGnTVLf76cP8l8LeYCIpo4bmcra2Pszx2B60zWGz4CyqFW6etI%2BKh01yvjHq4g1zvwYv%2F%2FUJeWbfG%2FZEJSdLPuDN3lBXQAMRwDStSqTjEijmu4vFQEMP1MYOsBtCvKnNKLlz0kvLwweSjKR8GqvbAaRXYn1lDqrzefqI6X%2B2KY6RxPJrwhlFmUQwgB7jZdCJLGscXZH0Bwo%2F5Nms8ZRYJO2qQ3wWXLP2e0rYtmw5yH4jYKzlV62P5juNp33gcGMDBbFkCtaC6owXXyveVgKSMarFaJka5wmBTorbM%2By5JeFrJKwHPVZmyBU4xduGSLR7w8NBYPp4ebi6CZUQLJsS2cgWJm5%2Fizb%2BC1PjTCbTQHTM17tZYUReghozHKCYYEapIRCGC5nfax0ZZzhjrrWmg6uTGrOMIDL4tQGOqUBUw2KGsb8SdqUjA9Xyya%2F03y%2FUNX%2BgFEb3RHke3yZ67E6l3spk%2B%2BqfOGjy7DQEtDc79qNdKoE8CvBMQq0pZz0FW6ehWALZHaBtwtYfEZYqNNcOeGqAjYq7YFaHjWIzn4VyiwGnu1FuyyvL1mRDmcYY1QRY86qJ4o9lyZPP3F%2Bar1tLLZl7sUPHSXym0MEaAhj%2F9Ujq%2FieOmIPiJ23nPdYCn31DOZn&X-Amz-Signature=4affa1969d5ada323a9bb9fa1a25f8e50c93078ae2861670324161fcd023df08&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Lofoten is an archipelago in Nordland county in Norway.[ The Arctic Coworking](https://www.arcticcoworking.com/) Lodge in Lofoten is a truly incredible space for digital nomads. Arctic Coworking Lodge is a serene location for remote work. It’s a place to be at one with nature. Your work productivity levels will be high because you will be dying to get outside and explore. The accommodation feels classically Norwegian with a wooden natural feel. The office space is equipped with desks, meeting rooms and free coffee. Looking at your surroundings in the remote mountains you might not expect fast WiFi, but Arctic Coworking Lodge delivers. # **Makrinitsa, Greece** Makrinitsa is a village in eastern Greece above the town of Volos. This[ coliving space](https://coliving.com/spaces/vsvykbxn) is situated in a complex of 19th century mansions. You will be living your digital nomad life to the fullest as this area was once a popular vacation destination for the ancient Greek gods. This coliving village is equipped with literally everything you could possibly need and more. There’s a café, wellness center, movie room, on-site Mediterranean restaurant, rooftop terrace, bar, library and more. They’ve created a super homely vibe and a place for people to spark ideas off each other. # **Amsterdam, Netherlands** [Zoku](https://livezoku.com/) runs four coliving home/office hotels in Europe. Their Amsterdam branch is ideal for individuals or teams who work remotely and want to visit for just a few days or months. Perhaps the best aspect of Zoku’s Amsterdam location is the social space. They couldn’t have built a more enticing place to work and relax. They have a ‘Kindred Spirits Bar’ which serves coffee, an assortment of tea blends, as well as spirits! It’s the ultimate high energy break room and in the evening it turns into a place of sophisticated discussion and laughs. Zoku Amsterdam even has a restaurant. One coworking space even has a table tennis table. Apart from the fact you’ll be meeting new people and wanting to explore the city, there is no need to actually leave Zoku, they have everything to make your stay comfortable. # **Mokrin, Serbia** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/7d48de57-cf19-435a-b736-64a1c8792bc1/000045-5-OB.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666CHAVJ6H%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232345Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDz4pGccUOoZbCerhfCNdfcbQ4JxRVVRlADoOrIAkvvEQIgG42qjcd0xYOxnQFQTi8FSkxsMME8hGohbaMMv0QoqnUqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDA2WwiTkeyr2KlnNJSrcAympcJys8HysU%2F7GrPXlltdL4pMVwW5wuzuS%2BSIftU48GhogTKQhuVBEZRbNS0fi8JKJyLyi%2BX8KhuC4mCicaX8%2FDvWLS4AkQbsBKusLwM8adwD2%2BVytvouriokUzGaNkWzOTZ4DSvQLBK%2FtnOlcAzQMNYV6HEFjbyYlHomSYcYp%2FEhmm6hr1lI9w1vzR1lYtQsC2oV9rPnNWkoSAnNq4MRuOm9OubUBjeGnTVLf76cP8l8LeYCIpo4bmcra2Pszx2B60zWGz4CyqFW6etI%2BKh01yvjHq4g1zvwYv%2F%2FUJeWbfG%2FZEJSdLPuDN3lBXQAMRwDStSqTjEijmu4vFQEMP1MYOsBtCvKnNKLlz0kvLwweSjKR8GqvbAaRXYn1lDqrzefqI6X%2B2KY6RxPJrwhlFmUQwgB7jZdCJLGscXZH0Bwo%2F5Nms8ZRYJO2qQ3wWXLP2e0rYtmw5yH4jYKzlV62P5juNp33gcGMDBbFkCtaC6owXXyveVgKSMarFaJka5wmBTorbM%2By5JeFrJKwHPVZmyBU4xduGSLR7w8NBYPp4ebi6CZUQLJsS2cgWJm5%2Fizb%2BC1PjTCbTQHTM17tZYUReghozHKCYYEapIRCGC5nfax0ZZzhjrrWmg6uTGrOMIDL4tQGOqUBUw2KGsb8SdqUjA9Xyya%2F03y%2FUNX%2BgFEb3RHke3yZ67E6l3spk%2B%2BqfOGjy7DQEtDc79qNdKoE8CvBMQq0pZz0FW6ehWALZHaBtwtYfEZYqNNcOeGqAjYq7YFaHjWIzn4VyiwGnu1FuyyvL1mRDmcYY1QRY86qJ4o9lyZPP3F%2Bar1tLLZl7sUPHSXym0MEaAhj%2F9Ujq%2FieOmIPiJ23nPdYCn31DOZn&X-Amz-Signature=cde9646eced4abe5351f65e824100fc8f37a47411eadf998fac5c916b29d7f0f&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) How about living in Mokrin, Serbia? Mokrin is the largest village in the municipality of Kikinda in northern Serbia. [Mokrin House](https://www.mokrinhouse.com/) is the _“meeting place of progressive ideas and the people behind them”_. Situated right in the middle of a village this modern coliving space provides digital nomads with simple but stylish rooms. There’s a pool, a gym, a yoga room, games room, plenty of outdoor space and of course an array of different workspaces. As remote work continues to gain popularity, coliving has emerged as a popular choice among digital nomads. Coliving goes beyond simply combining living and working spaces. By choosing the right coliving environment, one can benefit from opportunities for learning, networking, and building relationships with individuals from various parts of the world who share similar interests. If you are in search of a place that offers top-notch coworking spaces, a welcoming atmosphere, high-speed internet, and thrilling travel experiences, you've come to the right place. Here, we have curated a list of the top ten most amazing coliving spaces in Europe. --- Normandy, France Grimentz, Switzerland Peniche, Portugal Javea, Spain Ixelles, Belgium London, England Lofoten, Norway Makrinitsa, Greece Amsterdam, Netherlands Mokrin, Serbia --- ### Top tips for new remote workers https://roamingamok.com/articles/top-tips-for-new-remote-workers *2023-03-13 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > Top tips for new remote workers to help you be productive and successful. How to remain focused while working from anywhere and avoid bad remote habits. Perhaps you are considering working remotely or maybe you’ve just started out, well here are some essential tips to help you be productive and successful. Remote work isn’t always as idyllic as it is portrayed. Whilst it is a fantastic way to work that many people never regret, it's good to know what you can do to make the experience as efficient as possible. Some of these tips might seem simplistic but you will be surprised how quickly you can slip into bad habits when working remotely. # **Establish a routine** Routine is important in many aspects of life but especially with remote work. The structure of clocking in to the 9 to 5 job is gone, you’re now on your own. Make sure you establish a set schedule for your work and also your breaks. This will help you to be more focused and productive throughout the day. Although your starting time may now be more flexible, it's best to create a good morning routine to give your day that much needed structure. Sure, you don’t need to be as rigid in your routine as if you were still going to the office, but routine does help. # **Create a designated workspace** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/fba8d86e-93b1-4dec-8b6f-07423ee5b673/domenico-loia-hGV2TfOh0ns-unsplash.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466WRNVOYRH%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232345Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCICxD4t2b9CSLzM1ALSIZ7oBkX4bBe7OYmKlkJxF56fVSAiB8xd5RHXl5bcT%2Fq37Uz770VKLZBvw2BcC329DohHx23iqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMt8u%2FZ07QM3pTGa1QKtwDu5tmigiD5NKAc0976kcuS3w724uNb%2FA2yZwMAuqrtW5KxGFQTjc1WuJJLrZa5s9q5zJx8pOEfnXnDaVZQAIcSsB0YXTuoqsQT9GdppIHN3HG6wj45ry4qX8m23sAx%2BOB1lw09%2BW8QkU9IzgPfozAAYOAsKpUkjdC1e4TO9Z1ic8lAEvZF28BTMkoySlZwOpILyEIynGGGOMX3QNGGAMP8S7l69fI39%2FKcd4kmaQ%2Bv9vVsVh8B8UyYZjaPuUawwfXV%2FyCpJnu%2F4B13h2doeBO%2FmZlKIywmv6jNu%2BaW6dw20Ut8gwJ8%2BI8vd97dAkb%2FWjGdVMaTg3JdDSzZGLPQkxdqDVAIit2cmeyxY6cNWJd7YpfETZc4h5etBYavco6SLO8NGdClERRdcfcttWqjrht0I4cZaELQIXjhgev8QTIIgTzBrZqtB3AILy9p6gx0DTOn13GJyqadZEI%2FVRoMfv0oWOOhJz8l3HZm8EvAlmj4HjOw3HA11i%2F8dzDdjLDIzbRj5yjhM8jcIHQ2Gvw%2FWx%2FyUX1ADo3T9VIxkPclWLoV1Mh%2B%2FjYWP5pp%2FJAyrN7Y5YKyYF58h873Lqc8JgD2xhUUkK8KOL32oGEly4Hgh6pXdxIEh3wFL1VW46j4Ngwm8ji1AY6pgFgS1pz%2BAj5H1Do9RRvJG%2BWlyUjHtYzRoImEHzPk6ZKCEwfoIuV0IEBVlpBpgOLHx73JwWOPWazm0fmXoFReB5W3z%2BgnyjAXXYMqFUwdZ6wOszBe%2BqDAgmP4eEN4r8P8ppwDhG52CtuPI%2BDBzqibW%2F6JOk9ZI8tfkfk4pqsvgDZI40qe6CfXdBBik8USu%2Fp9JkdS7pVqpoyiUoRmDQTKmO8Q1uSfwGW&X-Amz-Signature=4277617bd856f77eaf1bdea06be34b2f73ea05a01d1fe0dfcfe728968295ad07&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) No matter where you are in the world or your reasons for remote working it’s important to find a quiet and comfortable place to work. Sure, you can work from a desk at home but consider this, does it inspire you? You now have the flexibility of not being confined to a mundane, gray walled office so in terms of workspaces the world's your oyster. You could find a coworking space close to where you stay or set up for the day in a local coffee shop or create an inspiring workspace in your living quarters. No matter which you decide, make sure it will allow for minimal distractions and maximum creativity. # **Use technology to your advantage** Technology has made so many aspects of our daily lives so much easier and the same can be said for remote working. Since the pandemic remote working has become increasingly popular and therefore the tools and applications we can use have developed too. Apps like Microsoft Teams and Slack have revolutionized the way that people communicate remotely. Slack allows you to form channels with your colleagues and communicate as you would do in the office but online. This can help you and your colleagues stay organized, communicate effectively and manage your workload effectively. It’s not just applications that are thriving as more people move to remote work. The development of physical tools like standing desks have come on leaps and bounds. # **Stay connected with your team** Although you are now working remotely it's still important to stay in touch with people you work with. This can be on a social level as well as a professional level. Choosing to work remotely means you’ll have to put in that little bit of extra effort to stay connected and informed about the goings on at the office. Try scheduling 1:1 meetings with colleagues to check in. This will help you align your goals, stay focused on projects and keep you on track for those daily tasks. It is also a good idea to organize or suggest a team get together. Whether the whole team is working remotely or just a few people it can be important for you personally as a remote worker and the whole team to stay bonded. Whether it’s drinks with colleagues or a full blown team building session it’s a good idea! # **Take breaks** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/46e567bf-bb3d-43b5-bcec-ceaaf068a36e/chad-madden-p-7TtH69twY-unsplash.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466WRNVOYRH%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232345Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCICxD4t2b9CSLzM1ALSIZ7oBkX4bBe7OYmKlkJxF56fVSAiB8xd5RHXl5bcT%2Fq37Uz770VKLZBvw2BcC329DohHx23iqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIMt8u%2FZ07QM3pTGa1QKtwDu5tmigiD5NKAc0976kcuS3w724uNb%2FA2yZwMAuqrtW5KxGFQTjc1WuJJLrZa5s9q5zJx8pOEfnXnDaVZQAIcSsB0YXTuoqsQT9GdppIHN3HG6wj45ry4qX8m23sAx%2BOB1lw09%2BW8QkU9IzgPfozAAYOAsKpUkjdC1e4TO9Z1ic8lAEvZF28BTMkoySlZwOpILyEIynGGGOMX3QNGGAMP8S7l69fI39%2FKcd4kmaQ%2Bv9vVsVh8B8UyYZjaPuUawwfXV%2FyCpJnu%2F4B13h2doeBO%2FmZlKIywmv6jNu%2BaW6dw20Ut8gwJ8%2BI8vd97dAkb%2FWjGdVMaTg3JdDSzZGLPQkxdqDVAIit2cmeyxY6cNWJd7YpfETZc4h5etBYavco6SLO8NGdClERRdcfcttWqjrht0I4cZaELQIXjhgev8QTIIgTzBrZqtB3AILy9p6gx0DTOn13GJyqadZEI%2FVRoMfv0oWOOhJz8l3HZm8EvAlmj4HjOw3HA11i%2F8dzDdjLDIzbRj5yjhM8jcIHQ2Gvw%2FWx%2FyUX1ADo3T9VIxkPclWLoV1Mh%2B%2FjYWP5pp%2FJAyrN7Y5YKyYF58h873Lqc8JgD2xhUUkK8KOL32oGEly4Hgh6pXdxIEh3wFL1VW46j4Ngwm8ji1AY6pgFgS1pz%2BAj5H1Do9RRvJG%2BWlyUjHtYzRoImEHzPk6ZKCEwfoIuV0IEBVlpBpgOLHx73JwWOPWazm0fmXoFReB5W3z%2BgnyjAXXYMqFUwdZ6wOszBe%2BqDAgmP4eEN4r8P8ppwDhG52CtuPI%2BDBzqibW%2F6JOk9ZI8tfkfk4pqsvgDZI40qe6CfXdBBik8USu%2Fp9JkdS7pVqpoyiUoRmDQTKmO8Q1uSfwGW&X-Amz-Signature=4b08beb2a608fa59d2d67f7864055103422fb90fba6561934cca3ab3e6951652&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Breaks are so important. In fact, they are so important, take a break now! When you are working to an important deadline, breaks can sometimes feel obsolete, but they really do help. Long term, taking breaks is one of the most effective things you can do to increase productivity. A short break of around five to 15 minutes can do the trick. It is advised to take a longer break of around 30 minutes every two to four hours for the most productive work output. # **Manage your distractions** Whatever form they might take, distractions are not beneficial for a productive and healthy work environment. It is super easy to get distracted at home and in other environments like coffee shops. The best thing to do with distractions is first figure out exactly what they are and then you can see how you can manage them. Another good tip is to have a clear and tidy desk. If you don’t need your phone for work, then put it out of sight. It’s amazing to see how clear your mind feels when your workspace is distraction free. # **Stay active** Regular exercise is good for your physical and mental health. It is also essential for remote workers as it helps you stay focused and relieve stress. Scheduling exercise whether it be a morning walk to start your day, a gym workout or a soccer session helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Exercising helps in creating two distinct spheres, remember you are no longer going to an office to work so going to the gym creates that difference in social spaces that is very much needed. # **Set boundaries** Boundaries and routines have a certain amount of crossover. Setting a schedule with clear boundaries is fundamental in creating a good balance between your work and personal life. Working remotely, and especially if your new workspace is in your home immediately blurs those work life lines. By finishing work at a set time and creating established working hours and times with colleagues can help you and the people around you understand your work-life boundaries. Working remotely your life is going to look a little different. You’ll have to experiment with the best ways to do things to get it right for you. But by following these tips you can hopefully make the transition to remote work smoother and more successful. If you are new to remote work, here are some tips that may help you to be productive and successful: 1. Establish a routine: Having a set schedule for work and breaks can help you to be more focused and productive. 1. Create a designated workspace: Find a quiet and comfortable place to work where you can minimize distractions. 1. Use technology to your advantage: Take advantage of tools and apps that can help you to stay organized, communicate with your team, and manage your workload. 1. Stay connected with your team: Regular communication with your colleagues can help you to feel connected and stay informed about what's happening in the office. 1. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks can help you to avoid burnout and maintain your focus. 1. Manage your distractions: It can be easy to get sidetracked when working from home, so it's important to identify your distractions and find ways to manage them. 1. Stay active: Regular physical activity can help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 1. Set boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life, so that you can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance. By following these tips, you can make your transition to remote work a smooth and successful one. --- ### Signs you may not be ready to be a digital nomad https://roamingamok.com/articles/signs-you-may-not-be-ready-to-be-a-digital-nomad *2023-02-28 · Digital Nomad · by Mitch Malone* > Being a digital nomad isn’t for everyone. Here are some of the signs you may not quite be ready to take your life on the road. Digital nomads are either seen as completely crazy or living the ultimate dream. If you find yourself daydreaming of working whilst traveling, then you may be considering joining the ranks of the ever growing digital nomad community. With so many decisions to be made and lifestyle changes to implement we want to break down a few key points that will help you decide whether digital nomadism is really for you. The truth is digital nomadism isn’t all sunshine, hammocks, and cocktails on the beach. Breaking free from the 9-5 job can seem so appealing that sometimes people aren’t sure what they are getting themselves into. As awesome as being a digital nomad is, there are a lot of things that need to be considered Before setting out on your new path. So, if you read this whilst packing your bag, then great you’ll be going into the experience with confidence. If you decide it’s still not time to make the transition don’t worry, it’s just motivation for when you’re finally ready! # Are you able to work remotely? This may seem like a glaringly obvious place to start but it's imperative in becoming a digital nomad. You need to be working remotely and generally speaking you will be working online, hence the “digital”. Perhaps you really found your rhythm and groove working from home during the pandemic and your boss may be happy with you continuing working out of the office. If you enjoy your job and have thought through the logistics (meetings/time differences) then this is a feasible option. Perhaps you don’t have this flexibility in your current role so you will need to start looking for a new job. This job must be one that you are passionate about and can be done anywhere in the world. Many digital nomads decide to work for themselves in freelance roles. If you have a talent and motivation to work for yourself this can be a great choice. Writing, teaching, web developing, programming you name it there’s probably a market out there for your talents. Working for yourself and dictating your own workload and hours is a great way to inject extra freedom into your life. # Do you find it easy to motivate yourself? If the answer to this question is no, then you should take a moment and have a real think about whether digital nomadism is for you. We are not talking about the occasional lack of inspiration or motivation, that’s natural. But if on a day-to-day basis you are unmotivated, a digital nomad lifestyle probably isn’t suited to you. To get the most out of the digital nomad lifestyle, you need a certain level of discipline and motivation. Do you worry about getting your tasks done outside of working hours? Would you miss the pressure of having a boss looking over your shoulder? Well, you might need some character adjustments before you can effectively manage your own workday. Being nomadic means, you might be working with people in different time zones or needing to schedule your workday around traveling between destinations. Some days you might even need to put in a few more hours so you can take the next day off for sightseeing. Being motivated enough to see the bigger picture is pivotal for a digital nomad life. If you are unsure whether you are able to do this because you’ve always conformed to a societal structure, then start implementing some changes in your current work life to see if you could manage. # Are you always seeking out new places and experience? Nomads are notorious for seeking out new and exciting places to visit. If you don’t have that constant desire to explore then living without a fixed address may not be for you. Most digital nomads have a story to tell about how and when they began a life of wandering. If you love the _idea_ of the nomadic lifestyle but can’t yet imagine leaving your friends, family, even your home then perhaps you’re not yet in the right stage of your life to begin this endeavor. Digital nomadism is more than just a holiday or adventure, it’s a lifestyle. A way of living that is completely unique, incredibly fun, exhausting at times but most importantly worth the sacrifices. # Do you have long-term relationships? Whether we’re talking about romantic or platonic relationships, heading into a digital nomad life does place a potential burden on the people you love. Traveling around the globe, living in different time zones and not returning home often can place an inevitable strain on your relationships. Of course, many expatriates are professional video callers and always remember to wish their parents happy birthday but sometimes connecting with people back home can be difficult. When you embark on a nomadic lifestyle it’s important to understand your ultimate aims. Is this a yearlong thing, is this going to be your lifestyle until you reach a certain goal or is this how you intend to spend the foreseeable future. Factoring in the longevity of your digital nomad life and the people you love is an important consideration. # Are you comfortable being alone? Having just mentioned relationships it seems only natural to pose the questions: are you comfortable being alone? If you can’t imagine not seeing workmates every week or visiting your family and friends, then you may want to give digital nomadism a second thought. Working alone is one thing but if you set out on a life of digital nomadism alone then you will really be alone. Inevitably you will make awesome friends along the way, you may even tag along on people's travel itineraries, but inevitably you will be getting flights alone and living alone at many points on your journey. That’s not to scare you away from this lifestyle just to prepare you for one of the toughest aspects. The world is increasingly being set up for digital nomads however, co-working spaces are becoming more accessible and are proving invaluable for working travelers. As long as you throw yourself into life, embrace new cultures, and manage your time effectively, digital nomadism might just be one of the best decisions you make. --- ### Remote Worker Self Care https://roamingamok.com/articles/remote-worker-self-care *2023-02-24 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > As a remote worker you’re going to find yourself challenged in a bunch of new ways. Here are some ways to take care of yourself working from home or from the road. **Remote Worker Self Care** It turns out that the first time I ever wrote about mental health in remote working environments was back in 2011, with an article titled  [Good Habits for Working From Home](https://mitchmalone.io/2011/11/03/good-habits-for-working-from-home/). Funnily enough, over a decade later much of the article appears to have stood the test of time. A while ago Linktree announced it was giving their employees some extra days off to combat Covid Blues™ (my words, not theirs), a generous and wise move in my opinion. Everyone needs a break, some time off to recoup and replenish motivation levels and creative juices. Having written this article on an extended weekend I have to say I feel pretty good right now, so let’s call it anecdotal evidence that having some space from work really does help. I have been a remote worker for more than 10 years now and so I’ve developed a bunch of “rules” to ensure I don’t just burn out. Some of them are more absolute than others, and some I fail at regularly, but I think everyone needs to put together a self-care toolbox and maybe these will help. **1.**   **Notifications** In true Getting Things Done (GTD) style, I am starting with the easiest self-care tip and working from there. Notifications can be a tool for good and for evil, so use them wisely. Here are my notification tips to help you use them in a productive and mindful way: - **Set expectations with your colleagues** – Having clear expectations sets you up for everything else. Being clear about when you will and won’t be contactable will save you a lot of stress later on. You should set out how it's best to contact you, and set clear boundaries in the workplace for communication. - **Turn off your Apple Watch (or similar) notifications** - These notifications may be helpful in reminding us to do things but even if you don’t realize it, checking a notification can pull your attention for even just a moment. Notifications can also interrupt meals and our intentional free time. - **Set a Slack notification schedule** – Slack, a business communication app is a highly useful function if it’s being used correctly. Slack is best used asynchronously. There should be no reason for you receiving chat notifications outside of your working hours. This is also a great platform for teammates to be able to message you a question where the answer isn’t urgent, but they don’t want to forget their thought. You can happily look at their query when you are next available. - **Limit phone notifications** – By switching off notifications for all but a couple of apps you can really begin to feel at peace and certainly more productive. By doing this I give myself less pressure, but colleagues, friends and family are still able to contact me if they need. **2.**   **Note Taking** Even seasoned remote-working professionals are subject to an overabundance of inputs. Inputs that were once face-to-face are now incredibly data and text heavy. Often remote working can feel like you are facing a barrage of inputs and communication that need to be meticulously organized in order for you to progress, or maybe even start your day. Having a system to deal with this bombardment of inputs, to do lists, and tasks, is critical in ensuring good self-care. My top tip is to first take notes, then review them, then make action points. - **Taking notes** – I believe that remote working can only really become successful when you have a system in place for note taking. Gone are the days when in-office social cues stimulate your brain and remind you to do things. Now you need a system. (Pro tip: Look into using Zapier. Zapier allows users to integrate all their web applications for a more cohesive and fast-flowing working day. For example, you can quickly add saved Slack messages to a to do list, so you don’t forget them. - **Review notes** – Note taking is great but if you are not actively reviewing your notes what’s the point. Making time each day to review your notes is critical for taking action on what you’ve written. I generally read all my notes later in the day before wrapping up the day’s work on time. - **Making action points** – To relieve stress and plan your day and your goals it is important to turn your notes into learning and action points. An entire article could be written on action points but for now keep this in mind. Your _actions_ are the only things that your colleagues or employer will judge you on. So, knowing what these actions should be will help you become more efficient and hopefully create less stress. **3.**  **Taking Time** It’s a well-known tip that taking time away from your desk is important but before you skip this point thinking “I already do this”, here me out. I will skip the “why” and jump to “how” you can effectively do this. - **Exercise** – Please, if you do nothing else on this list, schedule a short time in your calendar each day for exercise. Whether you go for a walk around the block, do some yoga in front of the TV, or go for a full-blown cardio fest at the gym just do _something_ that gets you away from your desk. - **Socialise** - This can take numerous forms depending on your preferences, your ability to meet up in real life, and how much Zoom time you’ve had that week. Working remotely, you can soon forget how important it is for your mental health to get up and go and speak to people. Worst case scenario, book a watercooler chat once a week with a colleague. I highly recommend using [Donut](https://slack.com/apps/A11MJ51SR-donut) on Slack for this. Lastly, if you are genuinely pressed for time and making a moment for these things is hard, here's a tip. Find one task in your week that you can automate and head outside for. Always remember you are worth it, and your mental health needs to be protected. **Share Gratitude with Colleagues** Sharing gratitude with colleagues is hugely important at Linktree and honestly something I will take with me wherever I go. We would have these “All-Hands” meetings that were companywide and aimed to give employees a voice. On Zoom we would form sub-groups of 5-6 people to celebrate milestones, say what we were grateful for or what made us happy during the working day. It might sound a bit cheesy at first but once you get into it, it really provides some positive and uplifting energy. --- ### Good habits for working remotely https://roamingamok.com/articles/good-habits-for-working-remotely *2023-02-09 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > Here are the top habits you should develop to be a successful remote worker. **Three Challenges of Working Remotely and How to Combat Them** Recently I embarked on a role change whilst also deciding to move companies. There were a myriad of reasons why I opted for this move but one of the most important was that as a front-end engineer I needed to be challenged. Not long ago, I started an amazing opportunity with _We Are Hunted_, a software company, working on fixing a variety of bugs on their main site. I am also working on a top secret project, which is so top secret, and I am so excited about it that I will say no more before I get myself into trouble! In this transition to my new role, I have also made a big lifestyle change that has been all too familiar to many over the crazy pandemic years…I am now working from home. Living and working in Sydney for a Brisbane-based company has brought about an array of generic first timer work-from-home issues as well as some considerations that I know fellow engineers will understand. I quickly acknowledged some pretty significant lifestyle challenges with working remotely. So, here are some hacks I have implemented to make myself more productive, healthier and to not drive myself completely crazy! **How to stop blurring time? ** One of the biggest perils of working from home is that the lines between home and work are instantly and shockingly entangled**.** You might set out with the ideals of early rising discipline, a perfectly planned schedule, and a productive working space, but just one slip up can make that all turn to sh*t! You can work all night and sleep in late, as long as you are meeting deadlines, and attending meetings who will know? Well, you will. One of the biggest challenges with working remotely and particularly from home, is forgetting to live! Remember that 9-5 job with weekends off, it might have been hell but at least you had two distinctive spaces and two classifiable times. You must remember to live, because guess what, that’s probably one of the reasons you opted for this change of lifestyle in the first place. To rectify this issue, I began setting calendar reminders. Not 8:30 am meeting reminders or to do list alerts but rather calendar mementos to LIVE! I have been known to set reminders to eat, to exercise, to get up from my desk and move, to chill out, to call my friends, and even to remember to pour a generous glass of wine. This might seem a little juvenile to some and there might be a huge lack of spontaneity with your day being played out with the constant sound of alarms, but when you do your first 20-hour day you’ll be setting yourself an alarm to thank me for this tip. **Taking breaks and finding inspiration.** Finding inspiration can be difficult at the best of times, but now you are working remotely with no one to bounce ideas off. Sometimes this can be one of the toughest elements of working alone, there’s no one to share problems with or just generally chat to. We’ve all had that situation when simply speaking a thought out loud to someone allows you to unclog all those creative juices and immediately see a way forward. Well, I’ve managed to solve this problem in two ways. The first is to get to know other people who are working from home. Adding them to your Skype or Zoom list and having just a couple of two-minute calls throughout the day could be that spark of inspiration you were searching for, or it could simply just make your day feel like it had an ounce of normalcy. The second solution is using an application called Time Out (for Mac OS X) or [Workrave](https://workrave.org/) (Linux). These apps allow you to take microbreaks and ensure that you step away from your desk. The simple implementation of 15 second breaks and larger 10-minute breaks every few hours makes all the difference. Oh, and talking of desks you should definitely look into getting a standing desk. Standing desks are an absolute game changer, not only are they good for your physical health (reducing risk of heart disease and back pain) but they also have proven to help your mood and energy levels. **Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing.** If you’re going to work from home, then you will need to schedule time for exercise. Whether it’s a gym membership, a running partner, or just daily scheduled walks you need to get the hell out of your “office”. We all know exercise is perfect for keeping us physically fit and mentally stable. Always ensure you keep healthy food in your cupboards, or healthy snacks like fruit on your desk so you are only tempted by good foods. Whatever you do, just don’t be that person who nobody saw for six months and now weighs a gazillion kilos and looks like someone from The Walking Dead. Depending on the sort of job you have, you can also incorporate exercise into your work as well. Yes, you’ll have your scheduled exercise breaks but if you are making a phone call or updating a supervisor why not take a walk at the same time? Making these simple changes can improve our mental and physical health tenfold. Another good ethos to live by when working remotely is to act like you are going to work! Say you used to walk to work? Well, instead why not take a morning walk around the block before settling in for work in your remote location. That lunch break you used to take. There’s nothing to say you can’t still take it, whether you hop in the car or walk to a café or supermarket just creating this routine and mindset will help you no end. The challenges facing those choosing to work remotely will be different depending on your personality and the job you are doing. But trying to implement healthy work and life habits is essential in creating a productive and happy remote worker. --- ### Transitioning from Remote Work to a Digital Nomad Lifestyle https://roamingamok.com/articles/transitioning-from-remote-work-to-a-digital-nomad-lifestyle *2023-01-27 · Digital Nomad · by Mitch Malone* > Break down of the differences between remote work and being a digital nomad, and some of the questions to answer before you head off on the road. Are you currently working remotely but daydreaming of rice paddy fields in Bali or the beaches of Rio de Janeiro? Then perhaps the digital nomad lifestyle is for you. Many top destinations around the world are now catering for a digital nomadism. Cities offer widespread access to Wi-Fi, coworking spaces and even Digital Nomad Visas. If you are considering transitioning from remote work to digital nomadism, then now is the time. Before you take that leap and book a one-way ticket to paradise however, there are a number of factors you need to consider for your transition to be as smooth as possible. ## **What to Expect From a Digital Nomad Lifestyle?** The key thing to understand about being a digital nomad is that you are not a remote worker nor are you a traveler. As much as exploring islands in the Philippines or hiking in the Andes will become part of your life, you need to remember you are still working! Being a digital nomad requires you to juggle that innate desire to travel with fulfilling all your work commitments. Whilst remote work allows you stability and routine, it takes some planning and discipline to become a successful digital nomad. Starting a digital nomad lifestyle requires a lot of adjustments and planning to create the perfect balance. The beauty of embracing digital nomadism is that you aren’t location dependent.  As long as you can find good, reliable internet in a peaceful work environment the possibilities are endless. It’s always a good idea to do some research about internet connectivity before you head off to a country. See what fellow expats are saying, seek advice on the best internet providers. There are believed to be more than 35 million digital nomads worldwide. This digital nomad trend has resulted in more countries opening up to this sort of work. There are now 43 countries who offer the Digital Nomad Visa, from Belize to Bermuda, Iceland to Indonesia. A digital nomad lifestyle allows for independence and freedom. You can absorb cultures from around the world whilst earning a steady income. What’s more, the new challenges and experiences you’ll face as a digital nomad will allow for a lot of personal growth. From potential challenges with visa, internet and language it's best to be prepared for your new life as a digital nomad. Here are four things to consider when starting out as a digital nomad. ## 1. Plan Your Working Week Digital nomadism may conjure up spontaneous images of working on a beach or in a café sipping coffee, but the reality is you need structure. Taking some time to plan your working week will allow you to be more productive and able to enjoy life a little. Planning where you will work, what you will do each day and when you will take time off will help you enjoy your new lifestyle. Though most seeking the ideals of digital nomadism long to kick the 9 to 5 life to the curb, its structure does have its perks. Waking up each day to start work at the same time and being in an environment where you can switch to “work mode” really helps. ## 2. Reliable internet with redundancies It may be the most glaringly obvious priority of any digital nomad’s life but don’t underestimate the need for reliable internet options. Having multiple sources of internet is the best way to live a productive stress free life. You may be staying in accommodation with Wi-Fi but it’s always best to buy a local SIM with data bundles as well. You should also consider the possibility of using multiple network providers. In places like Zambia for example having access to their three network providers allows for contingencies if one network fails. Whether you teach online, work for yourself or an employer, there’s nothing worse than internet trouble. Besides, you’ll want to get your work done quickly so you can enjoy exploring. ## 3. Where Are You Going to Work? So, you have settled on your first digital nomad destination, but have you considered where you are actually going to work? Sure, you can work from your accommodation, but this will get tedious quickly and it’s always good to have that separation from work. You can begin by searching for cafes with a good environment and most importantly charging sockets. Soon however the novelty of working in a coffee shop will wear off and you’ll want to look for alternative places to keep your creative juices flowing. Whilst coworking spaces can’t be found everywhere they are becoming increasingly popular around the world. Coworking spaces offer you all the work environment amenities you’ll need on a short-term contract basis. Coworking spaces allow you to feel that office like environment but with flexibility and no eagle-eyed boss watching your every move. Companies like Impact Hub, Regus, and WeWork have locations in hundreds of countries, including parts of Africa and South America. ## 4. Time Zones and Logistics One of the first things to consider when picking your digital nomad destinations is time zones. Does your work require you to be in a certain time zone? Most digital nomads still have clients or employers in their original country of origin, so it’s something you need to consider. If your job requires you to attend online meetings and meet deadlines at specific times, then the closer you are to home the better. Moving to Southeast Asia and facing a 12+ hour time difference is going to require a lot of adaptation and sacrifice. Traveling to places closer to home, with similar time zones is more practical. Remember you will also need time to adapt to the change in lifestyle when arriving at each new destination. Facing all the usual hurdles of moving abroad whilst also working crazy late night hours will leave you exhausted. If you do decide to move further afield there are plenty of apps and websites, you can use to keep track of your deadlines across different time zones. If your work requires you to be interacting with the whole world, consider locations that utilize Central European Time or Central African Time. --- ### Popular Digital Nomad Destinations in 2023 https://roamingamok.com/articles/popular-digital-nomad-destinations-in-2023 *2023-01-13 · Digital Nomad* > The Nomad More top 5 destinations to be a digital nomad in 2023. Taking the leap and choosing to start a digital nomad lifestyle is a big decision. But choosing where to work is equally as difficult. With so many enticing destinations, how do you pick where to start and where to go next? This list of five popular digital nomad destinations will help give you some inspiration on where to travel. From the chaotic city of Bangkok to the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, there are plenty of places to choose from. Being a digital nomad requires some specific considerations when selecting a country or city to live in. You’ve got to consider internet speed and workspaces as well as cost of living, safety and all the usual cogitations. These top destinations offer the perfect balance of work and play for first time and experienced digital nomads. ## **Lisbon, Portugal** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/cda7d1a8-2921-433b-940d-78d870f40e59/Image_1_-_Lisbon.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB46663VYHSW2%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFnaYScW2rZTCpJA6UbUZfAfJhA%2B%2BIAZc9YA%2BPkukAv7AiAYHn%2Bwbk16ihNJVup6Z%2BYZBgvpYiAl3vaIKAeRSDHCtCqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIM2Pw%2Baj1WMybXm7K5KtwDwGFsjQvgCptq6f83kc5MPVv6o7ldabfJiVtVnHS0EPpavMadpvaGKbqJST3KnopnNVKcrU0X6JC6EjbzEnUlFkXFUloxQf71C4aTcpCAuxIuIriqNXK9mZCqyAI2NquvmT2Im59BSbOZricZO1zbeavhv3LNvVXiwcIw3mtJa%2FqhldzawtWQzEZ13ndggciJa%2BMM%2FJjxsX4DgjSjCVFWO%2BdftVTr9LZ1MSBWogXYAY5ZZe1Jav24ANcxkj%2BLgy%2BqSZTrAqUK9JTcVpOl1KbFzJNAdF2xWG63WQRn8ZYOcqAImczgOtyhwyLmKVm4Q7C4kECH6dbXcLqVnxYggI6%2FXu2dHpTuAmvF2vIcnp08MaK7J%2B6CgRDMrTFlqTldlJvzFol5UhKaa6%2FFBkh7%2FynubWInk65LBhQ6lV5LhLu2G2L3MTrn3O8fORR%2B%2BlG8YD8DHBTnnBmiohYqoVIFPE2eWyujlEsgJjYKDg6XC626hefu1RANnrKGQAgUyYysEZYk9Cv%2B2LXMQtipMYg%2BXB0bUYgcBfc5qZL56%2FOecbWzWuFtIQlu5IWihhEFPDH6BAO%2FnExQs6J38ORAETjidZAJ86Ev554LZOIFzbAOAL1YDFVXh595wsv%2FYI2aoHswp8ni1AY6pgHaYoVg3fs4yA%2BOjEEvJmxtqSEfIG02ZCQQyQOAvMfAZFxAHvVXMdvQEhQJjc495p3L3MzDKwPaf2U70sNziY80HnJqd7kdPEYdji%2FbOwv5XI%2FlTz%2BwWB%2BKR%2BJt9%2FQPUKpmDe8sHuapuenSKw6IdofBscqe%2FUVWUQbqzwPffhiC%2BWDk9sYFYd233yDmNZKyB%2BQojKGbSLWym5MWQ43a7aMQtPuopHb1&X-Amz-Signature=f215df763763c3d093b6c49980c7309e989a13813a203276985006a74b61fed2&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Lisbon is an excellent European destination to consider moving to as a digital nomad. Digital nomads appreciate Lisbon’s lower cost of living, fantastic work life infrastructure, recreational activities, and cultural heritage; all making it an appealing place to work from. Firstly, Lisbon is an excellent place to base yourself for further travel around Portugal. You can easily take weekend adventures to the Algarve, Porto, and Nazare. When you are not working there are also a plethora of things to do in Lisbon. There’s the market, St George’s Castle and Praça do Comércio, one of the most photographed places in Lisbon. You know you’ll have fun in Lisbon, but what is it like to work as a digital nomad in the city? It’s good news on that front, as Lisbon has some fantastic coworking spaces for you to knuckle down and get your tasks done. There’s _Avila Spaces_ located in the heart of the city center. It’ s lovely interior and large windows will certainly get your creative juices flowing. They also have a fully stocked kitchen, free unlimited coffee, and fast Wi-Fi. ### Pros - Great workspaces - Affordable public transport - Digital Nomad Visa available ### Cons - Crowded in peak season ## **Bangkok, Thailand** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/54166c1f-3352-49b3-8173-05d364409ddc/Image_2_-_Bangkok.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB46663VYHSW2%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFnaYScW2rZTCpJA6UbUZfAfJhA%2B%2BIAZc9YA%2BPkukAv7AiAYHn%2Bwbk16ihNJVup6Z%2BYZBgvpYiAl3vaIKAeRSDHCtCqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIM2Pw%2Baj1WMybXm7K5KtwDwGFsjQvgCptq6f83kc5MPVv6o7ldabfJiVtVnHS0EPpavMadpvaGKbqJST3KnopnNVKcrU0X6JC6EjbzEnUlFkXFUloxQf71C4aTcpCAuxIuIriqNXK9mZCqyAI2NquvmT2Im59BSbOZricZO1zbeavhv3LNvVXiwcIw3mtJa%2FqhldzawtWQzEZ13ndggciJa%2BMM%2FJjxsX4DgjSjCVFWO%2BdftVTr9LZ1MSBWogXYAY5ZZe1Jav24ANcxkj%2BLgy%2BqSZTrAqUK9JTcVpOl1KbFzJNAdF2xWG63WQRn8ZYOcqAImczgOtyhwyLmKVm4Q7C4kECH6dbXcLqVnxYggI6%2FXu2dHpTuAmvF2vIcnp08MaK7J%2B6CgRDMrTFlqTldlJvzFol5UhKaa6%2FFBkh7%2FynubWInk65LBhQ6lV5LhLu2G2L3MTrn3O8fORR%2B%2BlG8YD8DHBTnnBmiohYqoVIFPE2eWyujlEsgJjYKDg6XC626hefu1RANnrKGQAgUyYysEZYk9Cv%2B2LXMQtipMYg%2BXB0bUYgcBfc5qZL56%2FOecbWzWuFtIQlu5IWihhEFPDH6BAO%2FnExQs6J38ORAETjidZAJ86Ev554LZOIFzbAOAL1YDFVXh595wsv%2FYI2aoHswp8ni1AY6pgHaYoVg3fs4yA%2BOjEEvJmxtqSEfIG02ZCQQyQOAvMfAZFxAHvVXMdvQEhQJjc495p3L3MzDKwPaf2U70sNziY80HnJqd7kdPEYdji%2FbOwv5XI%2FlTz%2BwWB%2BKR%2BJt9%2FQPUKpmDe8sHuapuenSKw6IdofBscqe%2FUVWUQbqzwPffhiC%2BWDk9sYFYd233yDmNZKyB%2BQojKGbSLWym5MWQ43a7aMQtPuopHb1&X-Amz-Signature=19ccb0cf1ffa92caad90b6d4a7cb18cf043657b8b0af9193510d128f0d6ec858&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Bangkok is a digital nomad destination where there is something for everyone. It’s a crazy, hectic, an assault on the senses, but an exciting city. In comparison to Western capital cities, Bangkok is the perfect place to have a good quality life on a lower budget. There are a ton of coworking spaces in Bangkok where you can get work done whilst socializing with other digital nomads. _Hubba_ is a well-known coworking space with two locations in Sathorn and Ekkamai 4. There’s also the coworking chain _The Hive_ that has spaces across Asia. A digital nomad life in Bangkok is what you make of it. You can live frugally in this big capital city, or you can end up spending a lot of money on foreign restaurants and activities. If there’s something true about Bangkok, it’s that there is always something to see and do. ### Pros - Tons of things to do - Coworking spaces - Incredible food ### Cons - Lots of traffic ## **Canggu, Bali, Indonesia** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/411f8349-3e7c-4755-9408-108a137c29e5/Image_3_-_Canggu.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB46663VYHSW2%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFnaYScW2rZTCpJA6UbUZfAfJhA%2B%2BIAZc9YA%2BPkukAv7AiAYHn%2Bwbk16ihNJVup6Z%2BYZBgvpYiAl3vaIKAeRSDHCtCqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIM2Pw%2Baj1WMybXm7K5KtwDwGFsjQvgCptq6f83kc5MPVv6o7ldabfJiVtVnHS0EPpavMadpvaGKbqJST3KnopnNVKcrU0X6JC6EjbzEnUlFkXFUloxQf71C4aTcpCAuxIuIriqNXK9mZCqyAI2NquvmT2Im59BSbOZricZO1zbeavhv3LNvVXiwcIw3mtJa%2FqhldzawtWQzEZ13ndggciJa%2BMM%2FJjxsX4DgjSjCVFWO%2BdftVTr9LZ1MSBWogXYAY5ZZe1Jav24ANcxkj%2BLgy%2BqSZTrAqUK9JTcVpOl1KbFzJNAdF2xWG63WQRn8ZYOcqAImczgOtyhwyLmKVm4Q7C4kECH6dbXcLqVnxYggI6%2FXu2dHpTuAmvF2vIcnp08MaK7J%2B6CgRDMrTFlqTldlJvzFol5UhKaa6%2FFBkh7%2FynubWInk65LBhQ6lV5LhLu2G2L3MTrn3O8fORR%2B%2BlG8YD8DHBTnnBmiohYqoVIFPE2eWyujlEsgJjYKDg6XC626hefu1RANnrKGQAgUyYysEZYk9Cv%2B2LXMQtipMYg%2BXB0bUYgcBfc5qZL56%2FOecbWzWuFtIQlu5IWihhEFPDH6BAO%2FnExQs6J38ORAETjidZAJ86Ev554LZOIFzbAOAL1YDFVXh595wsv%2FYI2aoHswp8ni1AY6pgHaYoVg3fs4yA%2BOjEEvJmxtqSEfIG02ZCQQyQOAvMfAZFxAHvVXMdvQEhQJjc495p3L3MzDKwPaf2U70sNziY80HnJqd7kdPEYdji%2FbOwv5XI%2FlTz%2BwWB%2BKR%2BJt9%2FQPUKpmDe8sHuapuenSKw6IdofBscqe%2FUVWUQbqzwPffhiC%2BWDk9sYFYd233yDmNZKyB%2BQojKGbSLWym5MWQ43a7aMQtPuopHb1&X-Amz-Signature=0b777a914e7301fa50afdf09d282586e69868e3f73ee31525d63f24949a1f335&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Canggu is a resort village on the southern side of Bali close to Denpasar. Canggu is surrounded by terraced rice paddy fields and is known for its popular beaches and good surfing conditions. Living in Bali allows you to live that idealistic digital nomad life, surrounded by lush rainforest, wildlife, and outdoor activities. This area of Bali has become really popular with digital nomads in recent times.  Canggu offers the perfect balance between work and play. You can work in their coworking spaces or in a number of quaint cafes and then unwind at a yoga class or surfing at the beach. By living and working in Canggu you are not only striking a balance between city and village life, but you also get the island experience too. Whether you are working in a café or a coworking space there is always somewhere with fast internet. ### Pros - Safe place to live - Good internet speeds - Work-friendly cafes ### Cons - Unreliable healthcare ## **Chiang Mai, Thailand** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/afc522e8-ef23-4fe4-8044-19b924cf7a5c/Image_4_-_Chiang_Mai.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB46663VYHSW2%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFnaYScW2rZTCpJA6UbUZfAfJhA%2B%2BIAZc9YA%2BPkukAv7AiAYHn%2Bwbk16ihNJVup6Z%2BYZBgvpYiAl3vaIKAeRSDHCtCqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIM2Pw%2Baj1WMybXm7K5KtwDwGFsjQvgCptq6f83kc5MPVv6o7ldabfJiVtVnHS0EPpavMadpvaGKbqJST3KnopnNVKcrU0X6JC6EjbzEnUlFkXFUloxQf71C4aTcpCAuxIuIriqNXK9mZCqyAI2NquvmT2Im59BSbOZricZO1zbeavhv3LNvVXiwcIw3mtJa%2FqhldzawtWQzEZ13ndggciJa%2BMM%2FJjxsX4DgjSjCVFWO%2BdftVTr9LZ1MSBWogXYAY5ZZe1Jav24ANcxkj%2BLgy%2BqSZTrAqUK9JTcVpOl1KbFzJNAdF2xWG63WQRn8ZYOcqAImczgOtyhwyLmKVm4Q7C4kECH6dbXcLqVnxYggI6%2FXu2dHpTuAmvF2vIcnp08MaK7J%2B6CgRDMrTFlqTldlJvzFol5UhKaa6%2FFBkh7%2FynubWInk65LBhQ6lV5LhLu2G2L3MTrn3O8fORR%2B%2BlG8YD8DHBTnnBmiohYqoVIFPE2eWyujlEsgJjYKDg6XC626hefu1RANnrKGQAgUyYysEZYk9Cv%2B2LXMQtipMYg%2BXB0bUYgcBfc5qZL56%2FOecbWzWuFtIQlu5IWihhEFPDH6BAO%2FnExQs6J38ORAETjidZAJ86Ev554LZOIFzbAOAL1YDFVXh595wsv%2FYI2aoHswp8ni1AY6pgHaYoVg3fs4yA%2BOjEEvJmxtqSEfIG02ZCQQyQOAvMfAZFxAHvVXMdvQEhQJjc495p3L3MzDKwPaf2U70sNziY80HnJqd7kdPEYdji%2FbOwv5XI%2FlTz%2BwWB%2BKR%2BJt9%2FQPUKpmDe8sHuapuenSKw6IdofBscqe%2FUVWUQbqzwPffhiC%2BWDk9sYFYd233yDmNZKyB%2BQojKGbSLWym5MWQ43a7aMQtPuopHb1&X-Amz-Signature=e8d872d2541da172fa54bfa7b0b3efe824b8c40348991750824c4e21baf42a2e&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Chiang Mai has become a top destination for expats and digital nomads alike. Located in the mountains in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a cultural hotspot surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The city of Chiang Mai alone has more than 300 Buddhist temples! Digital nomads are drawn to the city because of its relatively cheap living costs, laid back lifestyle, remote work facilities and access to nature. The only downside of living in Chiang Mai is “burning season”. Between January and March farmers burn their fields which creates dire air pollution. But the perk of being a digital nomad is you can plan to be in Chiang Mai between April and December to make the most of this incredible Thai city. Don’t let the pollution put you off, Chiang Mai is a digital nomad destination not to be missed. ### Pros - Good internet speeds - Low cost of living - Large nomad/expat community ### Cons - Burning season ## **Buenos Aires, Argentina** ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/6b0d0238-2b9a-444f-8363-2f44da8e3f75/Image_5_-_Buenos_Aires.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB46663VYHSW2%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIFnaYScW2rZTCpJA6UbUZfAfJhA%2B%2BIAZc9YA%2BPkukAv7AiAYHn%2Bwbk16ihNJVup6Z%2BYZBgvpYiAl3vaIKAeRSDHCtCqIBAjQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAAaDDYzNzQyMzE4MzgwNSIM2Pw%2Baj1WMybXm7K5KtwDwGFsjQvgCptq6f83kc5MPVv6o7ldabfJiVtVnHS0EPpavMadpvaGKbqJST3KnopnNVKcrU0X6JC6EjbzEnUlFkXFUloxQf71C4aTcpCAuxIuIriqNXK9mZCqyAI2NquvmT2Im59BSbOZricZO1zbeavhv3LNvVXiwcIw3mtJa%2FqhldzawtWQzEZ13ndggciJa%2BMM%2FJjxsX4DgjSjCVFWO%2BdftVTr9LZ1MSBWogXYAY5ZZe1Jav24ANcxkj%2BLgy%2BqSZTrAqUK9JTcVpOl1KbFzJNAdF2xWG63WQRn8ZYOcqAImczgOtyhwyLmKVm4Q7C4kECH6dbXcLqVnxYggI6%2FXu2dHpTuAmvF2vIcnp08MaK7J%2B6CgRDMrTFlqTldlJvzFol5UhKaa6%2FFBkh7%2FynubWInk65LBhQ6lV5LhLu2G2L3MTrn3O8fORR%2B%2BlG8YD8DHBTnnBmiohYqoVIFPE2eWyujlEsgJjYKDg6XC626hefu1RANnrKGQAgUyYysEZYk9Cv%2B2LXMQtipMYg%2BXB0bUYgcBfc5qZL56%2FOecbWzWuFtIQlu5IWihhEFPDH6BAO%2FnExQs6J38ORAETjidZAJ86Ev554LZOIFzbAOAL1YDFVXh595wsv%2FYI2aoHswp8ni1AY6pgHaYoVg3fs4yA%2BOjEEvJmxtqSEfIG02ZCQQyQOAvMfAZFxAHvVXMdvQEhQJjc495p3L3MzDKwPaf2U70sNziY80HnJqd7kdPEYdji%2FbOwv5XI%2FlTz%2BwWB%2BKR%2BJt9%2FQPUKpmDe8sHuapuenSKw6IdofBscqe%2FUVWUQbqzwPffhiC%2BWDk9sYFYd233yDmNZKyB%2BQojKGbSLWym5MWQ43a7aMQtPuopHb1&X-Amz-Signature=1863dfff384eb61570b5665047aad38230fc3dcd655d5599b38475ac4d828229&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Perhaps you fancy jet setting off to South America? Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires is an excellent digital nomad destination. Buenos Aires is frequently cited as one of the best cities for digital nomads in Latin America. It is even a good city for those who are new to the world of digital nomadism. So, why is this city such a great place to live and work? Buenos Aires has all the conveniences you could possibly want, and the low cost of living means you can live a very pleasant lifestyle. There is also a significant digital nomad community in Buenos Aires. Digital nomads from all different sectors congregate in coworking spaces and cafes are frequented by laptop yielding individuals. The other perk of heading to Argentina is that U.S. citizens are entitled to a 90-day visa which can be renewed by doing visa runs across the border to Uruguay. Being based in Buenos Aires means you can easily travel Chile, Brazil and Uruguay as well as traveling within Argentina. This city is ideal for flexible digital nomadism and exploring Latin America. ### Pros - Low cost of living - Great coworking spaces - Array of amenities ### Cons - English isn’t widely spoken --- ### Eat Street Northshore https://roamingamok.com/articles/eat-street-northshore *2022-05-18 · Travel · by Stephanie Malone* > If you’re into fun music, tasty food inspired by every corner of the world, and neon lighting, you need to visit Eat Street Northshore when you’re next in Brisbane. If you’re into fun music, tasty food inspired by every corner of the world, and neon lighting, you need to visit Eat Street Northshore when you’re next in Brisbane. ## So, what is eat street? Eat Street Northshore is a permanent structure made from a massive 180 repurposed shipping containers, that comes alive every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. The containers are filled with food vendors and art installations that make you feel like you’re exploring the most amazing back alleys of some fantasy city. It’s one of those places that’s just as enjoyable if you’re 6, 21 or 60! Fantastic live music was playing on two of the stages while we were there, with a variety of music and dance acts each night to watch while enjoying your food and drink. The whole venue felt very communal and just straight up enjoyable. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/a6d677ee-cc39-4375-af47-fd6f77ebefae/DSC07004-Edit-1024x683.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466YQZGHU5P%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQC8GJ6BFQGG9rR%2BypwHZtvDvnB5c1Su2OGxfGR6XjHg%2BwIgIBoTvfxeFqdX4gWJvYUL4hiH%2BBRpoR8EF1B6ckgj1koqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDCgzDGec6rqWJ03MDCrcA3QsZb89fAbqkN%2BkPE20RW5mzySOchprFkYOsgMxzt3ADvqk815MmYGHHrvjG%2BOYI0uAcSr9yJbaQ%2FKcQBUq4DheyyFQWKeJCMJ2BB0NEj8I7J16%2Fckh6ef9YStOEG1OuixhW3%2FvLkw%2BpDc21P3KYyiyBOYWEfI9%2FLYP6lp47qZLdQekX%2B1qtpuBIrXPULdy1n7cRWbnaLzbBYyepdRrdjWKf66%2BS%2BHYEZUz5wf353gpGLRj5PKFUvofAKo8Vu6uSBx9MGHb%2FAtf7vScUf7hvGJOW8rMWKbqewC3lHQJLL%2FZEpfpCHpCa136ler2GcZkrTYIHDQEiOEYrS8TsOlkNHprL1MWtHWvF%2BUkghQ0oajmrxU5q8iRxB%2FUNKJPlVlO6IbfGJwCcBge8TvC06iSGrh9IcNVYioOuAHgaeDJqCdKyyxasdNNYFL5D37E4JsNgxCiwgRuWBJ3HqdO8R9JrbvHxLn5QbBE0BUEysfCAxAmN4LiMK1ZwOVP6t0%2FnMgxW6Yh1Tc6fK1lMy3GCG4jlkd%2Ff%2B0HIAw%2BebzEd8W%2F6h1iJcuXFIsKdBEZCx170cJHlX4%2B4kfM9swykpEYUqWe2jrE0PBSSwvO9rPP95LhZQ2Qs6nu%2FYp9jY0FzO23MJXJ4tQGOqUBBkRLNBYtV8FBKAfT3y9Cxhdh2TVpdqcOv182KPBq93z4tU3C1ggEP2bM5HJHlvDky5KWloO3drlkX6Zv808rEQX7ITyfFUlpWaJx2DQ7UW7ugRPK9pYK1bW7IkO8z3KNMZnEQQjg%2Bd%2FQdVmgJG%2Bmjh7l%2FGZlP5%2FgDzx%2BoG51C%2FXa%2BWZIsGduAQWebYpF9aRPDNpm%2F92lgeQaS3gjDhSp%2BPz%2BQpIX&X-Amz-Signature=e0e6b81ce33059f6a9f63a6a369af3a15e03ec6ade3396f117b1032b609fa7a0&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Loving the Laneways Something we personally love to see is that Eat Street take their environmental impact very seriously, and have implemented changes to reduce waste. They have also partnered with community initiatives to have a positive impact; your oyster shells will go to helping restore an artificial reef in Moreton bay, cans will go to the children’s charity Variety to help with projects, and upper level containers are being used for hydroponic farming to develop new practices. And if that’s not impressive enough, all of your food is served in compostable materials. Wow! ## What we ate We started the evening with Shanghai Juicy Dumplings, followed by Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, then a slice of Pepperoni Pizza, before moving on to the all-important desserts! Click on each image below for vendor details for each dish we tried. Our first dessert was Caramel Biscuit Doughnut Fries from the Doughnut Bar. Without a doubt this was my favourite of the night - the chip-shaped doughnut sticks covered in ice-cream and topping were ridiculously tasty and fun to eat, and you can watch them be made right in front of you! The night was finished with Salted Caramel Popcorn from Popper Pete’s Popcorn, another amazing treat. We also drank some homemade lemonade from Dutch De Lites - it was so sweet and refreshing! The details; - Located 15 mins from the Brisbane CBD - Plenty of free parking - we arrived early and had no trouble finding room for our long wheel base sprinter (we are about 7m long) - $5 entry fee for participants 12 years and over, or $15 for a family of 4 adults - Open Every Friday and Saturday 4pm to 10pm, and Sunday 4pm to 9pm --- ### Our Van Life Food Tips https://roamingamok.com/articles/our-van-life-food-tips *2021-05-05 · Food · by Stephanie Malone* > Our top tips for eating healthy, tasty and affordable food while traveling in a van. While food doesn’t run our lives, it is definitely something that we give a lot of consideration to. We consider where it comes from, why we are eating it, and whether or not each meal is one that we can make ourselves. Making meals ourself is, in my opinion, our most important habit as it has helped us get the most out of our nomadic lifestyle and gain a really positive attitude towards our food and eating habits. Of course it’s more than fine to be a ‘foodie’ who loves to travel and try different cuisines, or eat at cafes and restaurants, but when you are traveling full time this generally isn’t financially viable. ## Take your kitchen with you Having a converted van or a caravan with you throughout the day means always having a kitchen on hand. You don’t have to ‘pause’ your daily adventure to go and find somewhere to eat - you already have the food and now it’s just a case of seeking out that perfect spot to enjoy it. Using your own kitchen to its full potential is also a great way to save money, which is often a focus of the Van Lifers. See below for some of our  favourite “Adventure Day” foods. We travel with our trusty lunch containers and have a few different sizes that nestle neatly into each other to save space. On the occasions we need them we have zip lock bags too. We tried using beeswax sandwich wraps but they weren’t a great option for us as they attract ants and don’t seal food well when in a backpack all day. On the days when you choose to buy a meal out - we suggest that you think local. When overseas, smaller eateries off the main streets can have food that is not only wonderfully authentic but also is generally lower in price as they aren’t targeting tourists. And if you do decide to go somewhere a bit more ‘fancy’, iconic or special, let yourself enjoy it! When in Bangkok we enjoyed local eateries and street food, but also had to check out [rooftop restaurant] based on a recommendation. The views were jaw dropping and the food was amazing, and we allowed ourselves to relax and have an elegant evening knowing we had earnt it with our usually  frugal lifestyle. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/c1660e3d-d517-4409-9c5f-ea01a1ccb826/4.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666JPKNTOX%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQDWUVfs%2BRQyKdE602x2Sjb22T%2BOpi0EoxS5FN2%2BiZ7lFQIhANQcJhFWbdNsmLKCCNgal%2FGE44M3C4Jg25Q1pUh71mJfKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1IgzShnnxGXYFSOIMICgq3ANw7NXo8RV7Vn35EEPJRPsgxvfBCNOvVa90PgswTvEm%2B1%2FTWYfdyb8bm3jX6Nd%2BsSR54KRdItX4LQ%2FGNmmBS9OMiVKJ%2FLpA%2BvpgywY6E2nJcAp7Pn%2B1BsapCtJ2ztu%2BPWJbpaGDI%2BZ2KfHQwr73rGqkFuM2chf6yLJ2WNBKPy5lBNNqWTGc%2Bq6biOEV9rh6j3%2F6uEbn6tFeCdH9mM05nSt1wkmHDou51NmPKzCz%2FA5AoqIhZ3%2FK7ObLJibhGHwrVWwkmSG9o0HYKa1Ao4plFmI4d9hpJE5DndOmiq1Vsg%2FPwRIop%2BZ9JDYkjHas8ivzWY8Q6CHBWVsVHob8qdcAU59Whul0j3LsUYfb3nnbYbDNPO%2BuxmaKTj%2F4MYQlVNIhALPH2w3t%2FfuwN0gAR8qqzBXiex99VQhsYfp1rhUfipnc8AA2FTmbfwtiDcGPhG3%2Bu5iF8LUknJfoKMMZ4YwyV6J2cBYVoXdPCU9SYUBeisThLPGmIqeQ5ldhxiq%2FmCjGhs%2FW79L7HjVLiPUiLkblibGj6yDYZW6J6B8dVXN8%2B54bnq%2FMy6WL%2B3e71ppquhfmMg3l59eHKB92iSG%2B5OWzB02fCMgce8vPQvPHzuNyPKeTtk6wMSFizRQubXC2czDHyuLUBjqkAVlYyj4RQFSzhO1KbhsB31QnZ9VQ1BaoyyVTZBBnEswSlZazyb1luN6HGQ7EIUF%2BPZBhr0VIQLIM5k79VVsYPJ4j25Ih2uRaONqxvX3IZlPs4pcUMFAo7kAprYdUe9g%2FTHTgCRWhEzXF6%2Bs1n5Xfwl7mFOvu7vDEpNaZ3tD0JdbN9bYpMfeBPbhi2czcTHTRYRLyMycpsAiWhyx5uDqTB8atnnYi&X-Amz-Signature=f373255099332c80342ef15c99cda41c132036f0a7d66403977ec313649e2151&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ## Our favourite Adventure Day foods - Salad with tuna or salmon. Light and fresh, you can keep the fish seperate in a container or tin and pour it over the top when you’re ready to eat! We usually bulk our salads up with avocado, cheese and walnuts. - PB&J. We have our own special twist on this American classic, using Mayver’s Dry Roasted Peanut Butter (if you haven’t tried that one, we highly recommend it) with a jam made from fruit and chia seeds. Using a very generous amount of toppings means that just one or two sandwiches can be really filling and as calorie-dense as needed. - Mixed nuts. A simple on-the-go snack that can be thrown into any backpack - perfect! - Snack bars. We always keep some nut bars, Clif bars or similar products stashed in backpacks and climbing bags. You never know when you’ll need an extra energy hit or lunch addition, and there are so many tasty options that you’ll really feel like you’re eating a treat. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/75d46c0e-4ea3-4576-afdb-4134a1212515/5.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666JPKNTOX%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQDWUVfs%2BRQyKdE602x2Sjb22T%2BOpi0EoxS5FN2%2BiZ7lFQIhANQcJhFWbdNsmLKCCNgal%2FGE44M3C4Jg25Q1pUh71mJfKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1IgzShnnxGXYFSOIMICgq3ANw7NXo8RV7Vn35EEPJRPsgxvfBCNOvVa90PgswTvEm%2B1%2FTWYfdyb8bm3jX6Nd%2BsSR54KRdItX4LQ%2FGNmmBS9OMiVKJ%2FLpA%2BvpgywY6E2nJcAp7Pn%2B1BsapCtJ2ztu%2BPWJbpaGDI%2BZ2KfHQwr73rGqkFuM2chf6yLJ2WNBKPy5lBNNqWTGc%2Bq6biOEV9rh6j3%2F6uEbn6tFeCdH9mM05nSt1wkmHDou51NmPKzCz%2FA5AoqIhZ3%2FK7ObLJibhGHwrVWwkmSG9o0HYKa1Ao4plFmI4d9hpJE5DndOmiq1Vsg%2FPwRIop%2BZ9JDYkjHas8ivzWY8Q6CHBWVsVHob8qdcAU59Whul0j3LsUYfb3nnbYbDNPO%2BuxmaKTj%2F4MYQlVNIhALPH2w3t%2FfuwN0gAR8qqzBXiex99VQhsYfp1rhUfipnc8AA2FTmbfwtiDcGPhG3%2Bu5iF8LUknJfoKMMZ4YwyV6J2cBYVoXdPCU9SYUBeisThLPGmIqeQ5ldhxiq%2FmCjGhs%2FW79L7HjVLiPUiLkblibGj6yDYZW6J6B8dVXN8%2B54bnq%2FMy6WL%2B3e71ppquhfmMg3l59eHKB92iSG%2B5OWzB02fCMgce8vPQvPHzuNyPKeTtk6wMSFizRQubXC2czDHyuLUBjqkAVlYyj4RQFSzhO1KbhsB31QnZ9VQ1BaoyyVTZBBnEswSlZazyb1luN6HGQ7EIUF%2BPZBhr0VIQLIM5k79VVsYPJ4j25Ih2uRaONqxvX3IZlPs4pcUMFAo7kAprYdUe9g%2FTHTgCRWhEzXF6%2Bs1n5Xfwl7mFOvu7vDEpNaZ3tD0JdbN9bYpMfeBPbhi2czcTHTRYRLyMycpsAiWhyx5uDqTB8atnnYi&X-Amz-Signature=0b7d27ae527d7d9c01e901e26e85b38dad79dbdd7be379d7121100493e3a7a0e&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ## Fun food options - Visit a pick-your-own farm and spend the time to pick berries, fruit or vegetables - Go to the nearest Farmers Market to try local produce and support local small business - Eat with a local - make friends on your travels and let them show you their favourite spots ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/0e2d6d88-8faa-4abe-a291-111318c12723/6.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666JPKNTOX%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232347Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQDWUVfs%2BRQyKdE602x2Sjb22T%2BOpi0EoxS5FN2%2BiZ7lFQIhANQcJhFWbdNsmLKCCNgal%2FGE44M3C4Jg25Q1pUh71mJfKogECND%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEQABoMNjM3NDIzMTgzODA1IgzShnnxGXYFSOIMICgq3ANw7NXo8RV7Vn35EEPJRPsgxvfBCNOvVa90PgswTvEm%2B1%2FTWYfdyb8bm3jX6Nd%2BsSR54KRdItX4LQ%2FGNmmBS9OMiVKJ%2FLpA%2BvpgywY6E2nJcAp7Pn%2B1BsapCtJ2ztu%2BPWJbpaGDI%2BZ2KfHQwr73rGqkFuM2chf6yLJ2WNBKPy5lBNNqWTGc%2Bq6biOEV9rh6j3%2F6uEbn6tFeCdH9mM05nSt1wkmHDou51NmPKzCz%2FA5AoqIhZ3%2FK7ObLJibhGHwrVWwkmSG9o0HYKa1Ao4plFmI4d9hpJE5DndOmiq1Vsg%2FPwRIop%2BZ9JDYkjHas8ivzWY8Q6CHBWVsVHob8qdcAU59Whul0j3LsUYfb3nnbYbDNPO%2BuxmaKTj%2F4MYQlVNIhALPH2w3t%2FfuwN0gAR8qqzBXiex99VQhsYfp1rhUfipnc8AA2FTmbfwtiDcGPhG3%2Bu5iF8LUknJfoKMMZ4YwyV6J2cBYVoXdPCU9SYUBeisThLPGmIqeQ5ldhxiq%2FmCjGhs%2FW79L7HjVLiPUiLkblibGj6yDYZW6J6B8dVXN8%2B54bnq%2FMy6WL%2B3e71ppquhfmMg3l59eHKB92iSG%2B5OWzB02fCMgce8vPQvPHzuNyPKeTtk6wMSFizRQubXC2czDHyuLUBjqkAVlYyj4RQFSzhO1KbhsB31QnZ9VQ1BaoyyVTZBBnEswSlZazyb1luN6HGQ7EIUF%2BPZBhr0VIQLIM5k79VVsYPJ4j25Ih2uRaONqxvX3IZlPs4pcUMFAo7kAprYdUe9g%2FTHTgCRWhEzXF6%2Bs1n5Xfwl7mFOvu7vDEpNaZ3tD0JdbN9bYpMfeBPbhi2czcTHTRYRLyMycpsAiWhyx5uDqTB8atnnYi&X-Amz-Signature=f7b8d68ab27e86e2fb91ff5d315ab2cb42866bfb484626abe8ef846a8452f708&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) --- ### Happy International Women’s Day https://roamingamok.com/articles/happy-international-womens-day *2021-03-10 · Adventure · by Stephanie Malone* > International Womens Day is a great chance to reflect on the amazing women in our lives! International Womens Day is a great chance to reflect on the amazing women in our lives! I am very fortunate to have a life where I feel free to pursue my dreams and can live where and how I want. This is something not everyone has and I definitely don’t take it for granted that I had an easy upbringing and supportive family. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/75012a4d-3592-4c67-abb1-2059c2cd1675/11.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666CI6RHPO%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232348Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDb21eg9meQAES5IFN65Fe7KtO9c%2F%2Fz12%2FJrzgov3Ou%2BwIgD2iVIwKs707qnSq7EJeT2ySI8%2F7vKF7ZDrfUTXXm9n4qiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDN%2BPGFvl12svr4r8DyrcA5ELh1xbBywK0%2Fe8V1knki1Eu3OTimOd5ISOzjjUNGvnIzW%2FxNX1eRl9eWfn6UqI2bE1BgyzMicWNJPIccNKZsMOJbWi2M0dTG09WqA3o4ek0Yl26cSpRhKwYWV5lLupispZq5m3N6FCDz6oGR0lCEml6WZ%2Biv8jYkTOagnkpc0Hob4eC9SYcatXAFfBRfED8waNVYa6YfxmuuejI5988q2iBOllhK190fbe1ujaNEA6WrAtmIgO4UqNmBi5L6uTCi6NPSC%2FTwgAqZmqNzmWQhJ6ztqfMbOgX2k%2FZMW%2Fh9BlxNq2AEOglMOJzD942D8zaYpTNEJAhyblkZa%2FoBP8699WYDjYHL9PDyAOEIXiC8MGCYbyvB1WZ2CM0hbcIu%2F0KMxZsH0KTnsDD5HeaI9QxgAenDxlKS4XObpG6cSxKz%2FmR4I93JxVUtDinLrs%2FK%2FVPMsLmIs94qhRJWTmSMzeY0M3ci07CyQvQ0mMBplTVESUDGwF9jMxil1QntBNuXtAcgRMCGFBf%2BsnmzgGufMMIfuD8Aku2UdCYF3YqeRu2dhF6IrG597nm2hqbc2K%2BDwD%2B%2FMM%2Bg5s1KPLakoMNryek4fx1lRu0MW%2F7kY9pili%2B9q9c%2BIWM1PLuRwnMALpMOvJ4tQGOqUBBDaGSRFOJallFYXf71hVRGDqOTiqn9uix6mxQ42cs3SS9bRZOcl5KWOW%2BZKppJg1CmpDGjnkbdbxdGToISWC3eeWt36O3eNilZdptDpUzxLNhWjs%2Bp8oZGmLctnJrFh7xzpn4kxOmg6BsVUF8wvViBXph83K1FmmCiBnQyGIsVI3fE7BUCldPQTg1fsViN22qDFp8hQ6Lkquy4rK6Xw6n39DozqP&X-Amz-Signature=b9f39bb030054e3273a6b7b607272315baba5a8ffe6af0d1ffcca621c3e5ae3f&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) Growing up I was very fortunate to have parents who didn’t push any gender stereotypes onto myself or my sister - sure we had our dolls to play with, but we also were welcomed in the garage to help Dad work on cars, or to try building things with the scrap wood we found laying around. We were given RC monster trucks, telescopes and bikes for Christmas and were always encouraged to play and explore. I was given free rein to be who I wanted to be which I will be forever grateful for (though I do often wish my parents hadn’t let me chop literally all of my hair off in grade 3…) ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/ce6add2d-c45c-41e8-91d2-dbb087b53253/14.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB4666CI6RHPO%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232348Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDb21eg9meQAES5IFN65Fe7KtO9c%2F%2Fz12%2FJrzgov3Ou%2BwIgD2iVIwKs707qnSq7EJeT2ySI8%2F7vKF7ZDrfUTXXm9n4qiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDN%2BPGFvl12svr4r8DyrcA5ELh1xbBywK0%2Fe8V1knki1Eu3OTimOd5ISOzjjUNGvnIzW%2FxNX1eRl9eWfn6UqI2bE1BgyzMicWNJPIccNKZsMOJbWi2M0dTG09WqA3o4ek0Yl26cSpRhKwYWV5lLupispZq5m3N6FCDz6oGR0lCEml6WZ%2Biv8jYkTOagnkpc0Hob4eC9SYcatXAFfBRfED8waNVYa6YfxmuuejI5988q2iBOllhK190fbe1ujaNEA6WrAtmIgO4UqNmBi5L6uTCi6NPSC%2FTwgAqZmqNzmWQhJ6ztqfMbOgX2k%2FZMW%2Fh9BlxNq2AEOglMOJzD942D8zaYpTNEJAhyblkZa%2FoBP8699WYDjYHL9PDyAOEIXiC8MGCYbyvB1WZ2CM0hbcIu%2F0KMxZsH0KTnsDD5HeaI9QxgAenDxlKS4XObpG6cSxKz%2FmR4I93JxVUtDinLrs%2FK%2FVPMsLmIs94qhRJWTmSMzeY0M3ci07CyQvQ0mMBplTVESUDGwF9jMxil1QntBNuXtAcgRMCGFBf%2BsnmzgGufMMIfuD8Aku2UdCYF3YqeRu2dhF6IrG597nm2hqbc2K%2BDwD%2B%2FMM%2Bg5s1KPLakoMNryek4fx1lRu0MW%2F7kY9pili%2B9q9c%2BIWM1PLuRwnMALpMOvJ4tQGOqUBBDaGSRFOJallFYXf71hVRGDqOTiqn9uix6mxQ42cs3SS9bRZOcl5KWOW%2BZKppJg1CmpDGjnkbdbxdGToISWC3eeWt36O3eNilZdptDpUzxLNhWjs%2Bp8oZGmLctnJrFh7xzpn4kxOmg6BsVUF8wvViBXph83K1FmmCiBnQyGIsVI3fE7BUCldPQTg1fsViN22qDFp8hQ6Lkquy4rK6Xw6n39DozqP&X-Amz-Signature=a3835b2c5f9177da74ec90e5a150cc3f84393d970e3182d7b8e847f601bff4c4&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) It’s no real wonder that I’ve grown into a confident adult who loves to try new things - with a mum like mine you learn that it’s always a good time to try something new. When I was in high school we both signed up to belly dancing classes just to do something different, and later we tried pole dancing together which we both loved so much we continued (I still love finding pole fitness and dance classes along our travels to take part in). My parents fill their weeks with hiking, kayaking, archery, car racing, bouldering and cycling - just to name a few hobbies! Mum and I share so many interests, it’s always a treat to catch up with them and share our current plans and adventures. I take inspiration from women around me and have truly amazing friends. Some are mums, some are adventurers, some probably couldn’t find matching socks this morning and I love them all for their individual personalities! A real moment of female empowerment for me recently was an all-girls climbing trip to Sisters Beach, Tasmania. It was a diverse group who had met through the climbing and bouldering scenes in Launceston and we had a weekend of camping, card games, snacks and some serious climbing. Everyone climbed their hardest and really did their best, creating the most amazing vibe that I’ll be recounting for years to come. These are just a few ways that I appreciate and admire the women in my life - really I don’t think there are enough words to truly express how I feel. So happy International Womens Day to all of you crushers, slaydies and warriors! --- ### Why we over invested in solar (and why maybe you should too) https://roamingamok.com/articles/why-we-over-invested-in-solar-and-why-maybe-you-should-too *2021-03-10 · Van Life* > If you’re considering adding solar power to your van this article is for you. One of the most common questions we see people ask about setting up their van is around how much solar they need to get by. This generally ends with lots of calculations, confusing and conflicting opinions, all followed by a dizzying array of considerations. The math tends to be quite simple, but it gets overly complicated the more scenarios you factor in. The basic breakdown looks like this — you calculate how much power each of your primary devices use within a day, ensure you have the appropriate amount of power **stored** to support this, and then ensure you have enough solar to replenish. The problem with this is that so much of this math exists in a vacuum, so to speak. It caters for best case scenarios, sunny days, limited change in consumption patterns. And this is why people tend to argue and disagree, why some people with a certain capacity seem to get by while another struggles. When we bought our first caravan we thought we went pretty crazy with capacity. We had 100Ah of stored power along with 150w of solar and it was honestly pretty great - on a fair day of holidaying and traveling this was more than enough, but when we started working from the road this proved to be a little more difficult. ![image](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/f88c96b7-dc24-49c2-874b-fa673aa6c322/9.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466SQXJLM73%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232348Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIDMNSaEDoRZIlwQQRY4wjVesTn1WUMKyDFJyQ9%2BKc2GxAiEAnn5MbZl0vXJegKYZ%2Fs7HmKwa7hL98bYpJb6Glt%2Bf%2BAkqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDCZtbwfKhiTcvM%2BsuyrcAxA6JFNd%2B2mZMctMGCWqX25JZC%2BSS5aY4q2yoLkRMZ3nLpCATgKvX24iUpdG5PJlpTeL0OJPP%2BrgCQpVlsAWnW0Ns2PXd%2FiQbLyA%2BZwUI05KqatcvAcdYUQnoRPTq4m1wf22nqei%2F30Ut1DaH3KXJaTESytGr8PcOcpxzaYlehKO7L7zehJOlkgm2sa%2BDrfHcd0fcwKf9QH3p8H5r0sNW4RkfAwZJ8C1WLzH9HQqJiM%2FkXWM4NLRtxMD4GkJe9W4C%2BL%2B5BTwKqaLfdLOzpxJjtFgj%2BLcAf9AANoyGP8igc54j450mr4PBow%2FIqZDmElxX6RY2TKSLUelOutVbmwLtRwhRzli%2BAt6D%2BSAUKa4ZnfPeD64LUt%2FC5hnyKWRRncVKfjfqqpB5oFPwUnOJwh%2BX%2B6Grfqh2YjsVJbco86MC2Z1RvSQnayuWbmY9WCzhWwfqsVjbgdoEAo6BWE1RrOPgBlZGfN0AWIcTPNDoapmHRCza64S4JfTFIZ1buSyrG2E4ZkHTEj9wmtyHzChFuoRksJYAEUi3qqAnY%2Bbt9UlPmOtGshuzrhAtgWI7QzP4u%2FmJvO1I6jo2NFVkHblqQI01Z1nHegIIJ2OnHlWgwe%2FFqCS7MeaPl5DhUye2wDoMPzK4tQGOqUBDsReE1FW%2FwoPKma1Q%2Bof7J3Lo7gFn1fJv6Eos%2F%2F6vs1Vm9m%2BubvfADqD7WmQcXWPxPSlb0YXVQ%2Bf2GWWSLz%2BnNDBzGEIAP6eAUOSXeA076A67QphDIiJve7wKIaXj8H%2FqAWoth%2FBUUqXpaU00%2Bn4ZgdnPnjwJBFMeexyCLSu8lhpkIj%2FYCIGoo6INOBY2EqoGOAGR%2FsqQ4GqzIl3QjvFu0p1%2FnNc&X-Amz-Signature=90a052c90ddad6ecd2438d1b6a607ce0926d5149ae4b76122271999b1b7a07c5&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) It was then that we decided to simply “max out” to a certain degree and remove the uncertainty. Why? Because when you’re low on power and you need it you basically end up spending money, negating the money you save on your solar setup. Generally speaking when you’re quite low on battery you’re left with very few options for running your devices — you generally need to pay for a powered camping site, borrow some power at a café, find a willing friend, or steal power somehow. For us, this meant paying for powered camp sites far more often than we liked. So instead of calculating our consumption we decided to focus on the costs of running short on power — specifically paying for camp sites and missing out on fun because you had to go in search of power. In the end we decided if we have enough power to not pay for camp sites for longer we’d end up better off in the long run, which has generally held true to this day. In fact, we haven’t paid for a camp site since we moved into the Trakka and aside from restricted camping areas we feel fairly confident we’ll only be doing so when we really feel like it. --- ### 5 Tips for Starting Your Van Life Journey https://roamingamok.com/articles/5-tips-for-starting-your-van-life-journey *2021-02-24 · Van Life · by Stephanie Malone* > Some of our top tips for living in a van full time as a remote worker. We are often asked about what tips we have for living in a van, or things we have discovered along our own travels that could be useful to others. So we have put together a quick and simple list that will get you started on your journey, or will at least give you some food for thought if you’re considering an extended holiday or making the switch to van life. If there is anything we didn’t cover here that you would like to know more about, drop a comment below! > You don’t really miss those extra pairs of shoes or a TV when you are being fully immersed in your surroundings 1. Fill and organize your van with intention Before heading out in your van, start your packing with just the absolute necessities. Then move on to things that are most important to you but not necessary to live everyday life and go from there! This is a simple way to organise your priorities as most people will not fit every single possession into the space a van has to offer. We may have had to give up some of our belongings (some temporarily, others permanently), but in packing our van we focused on what we really love and value which means having all of the climbing and hiking gear we could want. You don’t really miss those extra pairs of shoes or a TV when you are being fully immersed your surroundings. ![Stealthing with respect](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/01ae52de-4d6d-4d9f-b68e-f67c510ee15f/16.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466Z7PLVIBV%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232348Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDGnySIil1YHgx6Oc9JpMjSMhdmL%2FCa3brBOkCIpHupiAIgSVA%2FmBY%2BPKcUWjTSch5mfbgnBePyHrBw0yBh79vSJVwqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDNfSSrwS7Y1bYJ%2Fe%2FCrcA%2BE%2FipXcS%2FOyfzpz6VsUkwtAEqpKNtw334euz%2BIt2383cGe3OElPDDopeFPGPzLVMayylcGbE0nPKg5sJrwI84qiXwmtijErMCV%2F7OysjGgyHLPjBRmB19WwAGC%2BCEp01TYrIzcOUS1KLmhB0Fx3ASmZLQyFohJoTT2BbNY1fCsgA2%2BssdNPvKkjA0GK19Pt32W627J8%2BrLjrJ7Nkj9y4xMcnoMgpwt0Fam1b%2BqTZ%2BAm6NaS2nX2pRLwWk9hl6sxDJ0GG7bKktWaN2EFnmcai635U%2BBTq1%2B6sHq3ub45tPcnh%2BTC8%2BHCZ1V6Q8xzSpxQVKPe%2BSe2DsRHPz5I7FIDLeqNIF4iqAd8g4vqTlkfMqy16Rb5zrBGQKCKQTbZGFQY3cIfuRPtj0fmbYMaVtFENyE%2FGzxKQuozIBgqxZ5biRfLPIC5aWjPEt%2BtchmGJeVHKvWVrI01tnCGKQZUJXr0r%2BtKUKhAvpvQtRTxjBz%2Fa%2BHH9XBkS5AGtBP8s8jaMDRs%2B8uqzCcot9cnV5tS%2B92ZgnKD3Occa25ATX1jIFV1VmIgYw0iWmttJW3ISKMicnkuNI1ki9Fe9saxkVbcDPtZKkvNYmSuOcnFFZVBQ%2F%2BmK%2FGvFmM%2F7WrhEq08lo4VMOPI4tQGOqUBxaJSgBe0xDwYTODwKHTnyWaGGEuP6wnaCjeUw%2BGWLKCLausfUT4AjG2X7m%2Ffk%2FS1rlh0JV1T0SMGTeePUfJcpj6TB7F6c6D%2FMqLM%2BHss9oYXPyUVgVJwrkkUKX7350qZZLAIH2L1drDV5zbAQ0iRWqo321AwmxLnpkyBOGOd%2Fe9UzRqiBEPbs4TGAQNZnby3Svvn7W1lLObw2djYdrnxBBFs1Kdd&X-Amz-Signature=682e92bc94a7c569a25dfc4186ba22d6ee9c93d3e3c89574141e1d5ec731fb4a&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ![Stephanie driving the Trakka in regional Victoria](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/b82abd92-f6a9-48fd-b048-69a077a12919/18.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466Z7PLVIBV%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232348Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDGnySIil1YHgx6Oc9JpMjSMhdmL%2FCa3brBOkCIpHupiAIgSVA%2FmBY%2BPKcUWjTSch5mfbgnBePyHrBw0yBh79vSJVwqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDNfSSrwS7Y1bYJ%2Fe%2FCrcA%2BE%2FipXcS%2FOyfzpz6VsUkwtAEqpKNtw334euz%2BIt2383cGe3OElPDDopeFPGPzLVMayylcGbE0nPKg5sJrwI84qiXwmtijErMCV%2F7OysjGgyHLPjBRmB19WwAGC%2BCEp01TYrIzcOUS1KLmhB0Fx3ASmZLQyFohJoTT2BbNY1fCsgA2%2BssdNPvKkjA0GK19Pt32W627J8%2BrLjrJ7Nkj9y4xMcnoMgpwt0Fam1b%2BqTZ%2BAm6NaS2nX2pRLwWk9hl6sxDJ0GG7bKktWaN2EFnmcai635U%2BBTq1%2B6sHq3ub45tPcnh%2BTC8%2BHCZ1V6Q8xzSpxQVKPe%2BSe2DsRHPz5I7FIDLeqNIF4iqAd8g4vqTlkfMqy16Rb5zrBGQKCKQTbZGFQY3cIfuRPtj0fmbYMaVtFENyE%2FGzxKQuozIBgqxZ5biRfLPIC5aWjPEt%2BtchmGJeVHKvWVrI01tnCGKQZUJXr0r%2BtKUKhAvpvQtRTxjBz%2Fa%2BHH9XBkS5AGtBP8s8jaMDRs%2B8uqzCcot9cnV5tS%2B92ZgnKD3Occa25ATX1jIFV1VmIgYw0iWmttJW3ISKMicnkuNI1ki9Fe9saxkVbcDPtZKkvNYmSuOcnFFZVBQ%2F%2BmK%2FGvFmM%2F7WrhEq08lo4VMOPI4tQGOqUBxaJSgBe0xDwYTODwKHTnyWaGGEuP6wnaCjeUw%2BGWLKCLausfUT4AjG2X7m%2Ffk%2FS1rlh0JV1T0SMGTeePUfJcpj6TB7F6c6D%2FMqLM%2BHss9oYXPyUVgVJwrkkUKX7350qZZLAIH2L1drDV5zbAQ0iRWqo321AwmxLnpkyBOGOd%2Fe9UzRqiBEPbs4TGAQNZnby3Svvn7W1lLObw2djYdrnxBBFs1Kdd&X-Amz-Signature=3aac4cbac6de9df10133464ecb258789c263e77f96267b29a4b927acbd9992c3&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) ![Overinvest in solar](https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1ad54b82-5fe4-44a8-a20e-a396d3107f98/80217af3-087f-42af-87b3-5914fdddfdc1/17.jpg?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAZI2LB466Z7PLVIBV%2F20260902%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T232348Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAcaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQDGnySIil1YHgx6Oc9JpMjSMhdmL%2FCa3brBOkCIpHupiAIgSVA%2FmBY%2BPKcUWjTSch5mfbgnBePyHrBw0yBh79vSJVwqiAQI0P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgw2Mzc0MjMxODM4MDUiDNfSSrwS7Y1bYJ%2Fe%2FCrcA%2BE%2FipXcS%2FOyfzpz6VsUkwtAEqpKNtw334euz%2BIt2383cGe3OElPDDopeFPGPzLVMayylcGbE0nPKg5sJrwI84qiXwmtijErMCV%2F7OysjGgyHLPjBRmB19WwAGC%2BCEp01TYrIzcOUS1KLmhB0Fx3ASmZLQyFohJoTT2BbNY1fCsgA2%2BssdNPvKkjA0GK19Pt32W627J8%2BrLjrJ7Nkj9y4xMcnoMgpwt0Fam1b%2BqTZ%2BAm6NaS2nX2pRLwWk9hl6sxDJ0GG7bKktWaN2EFnmcai635U%2BBTq1%2B6sHq3ub45tPcnh%2BTC8%2BHCZ1V6Q8xzSpxQVKPe%2BSe2DsRHPz5I7FIDLeqNIF4iqAd8g4vqTlkfMqy16Rb5zrBGQKCKQTbZGFQY3cIfuRPtj0fmbYMaVtFENyE%2FGzxKQuozIBgqxZ5biRfLPIC5aWjPEt%2BtchmGJeVHKvWVrI01tnCGKQZUJXr0r%2BtKUKhAvpvQtRTxjBz%2Fa%2BHH9XBkS5AGtBP8s8jaMDRs%2B8uqzCcot9cnV5tS%2B92ZgnKD3Occa25ATX1jIFV1VmIgYw0iWmttJW3ISKMicnkuNI1ki9Fe9saxkVbcDPtZKkvNYmSuOcnFFZVBQ%2F%2BmK%2FGvFmM%2F7WrhEq08lo4VMOPI4tQGOqUBxaJSgBe0xDwYTODwKHTnyWaGGEuP6wnaCjeUw%2BGWLKCLausfUT4AjG2X7m%2Ffk%2FS1rlh0JV1T0SMGTeePUfJcpj6TB7F6c6D%2FMqLM%2BHss9oYXPyUVgVJwrkkUKX7350qZZLAIH2L1drDV5zbAQ0iRWqo321AwmxLnpkyBOGOd%2Fe9UzRqiBEPbs4TGAQNZnby3Svvn7W1lLObw2djYdrnxBBFs1Kdd&X-Amz-Signature=7cd7115a48d1b7d404caf72884ad6d1d152191d18a0624c8b837c19a1078eac2&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject) 2. Over-invest in solar When it comes to solar, it is better to have extra capacity than to be desperate for power. When considering the kind of consumption you will have, think about what appliances you need and what they will run on (water heater, fridge, stove and so on). This varies from van to van and may be something you have complete control over, or something you have no control over if you are purchasing a vehicle that it already fitted out. Once you have considered the appliances and features of the van, have a think about how you yourself will be using power. As we work from our van, we need to be sure that even with our fridge running on solar there needs to be more than enough power left over for charging laptops and running our modem router. 3. Learn how to find and take care of free camps So far in Australia we haven’t been anywhere that doesn’t have some form of free camping option available, and there are generally a few ways that you can find these “free camps”. Our favourite apps to use are [WikiCamps](https://www.wikicamps.com.au/) and CMCA Connect - having more than one way to find camps is important as they don’t all list every possible option. As for taking care of free camps, we would recommend reading and following the [Leave no Trace guidelines](https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/). This is a non-nonsense 7 step guide to being the best possible camper and outdoors person you can be! Another resource for ethical outdoors practices is We Are Explorers, who have great articles such as [10 Tips To Tread Softly in Our Wild Places.](https://weareexplorers.co/leave-no-trace-tread-softly-wild-places/) 4. Avoid planning every day of your travels While this may not work for everyone, we have found that having some flexibility in our plans is beneficial. When living on the road full-time its great to have the ability to fall in love with a location and decide to spend an extra week there (or to find that you dislike an area and want to move on as soon as possible!). This is also a great tip if you like to make friends on your travels as it can give you the freedom to say yes to that last-minute climbing trip or to dinner at their local hangout. 5. Stealth with respect A pretty common practice in for vans is to occasionally stay in non-designated camping areas (often referred to as “stealth camping”, or “stealthing”). This is generally not going to be an issue provided you follow some simple etiquette and behave as inconspicuously as possible. This ultimately means abiding by “[Leave No Trace](https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/)” rules (being sure to take all rubbish/waste with you and not damaging anything), being quiet and respectful of the surroundings, and as the name suggests, being _stealthy_. --- ### Spotify introduces Working From Anywhere https://roamingamok.com/articles/spotify-introduces-working-from-anywhere *2021-02-23 · Remote Work · by Mitch Malone* > Spotify show the world once again why they’re leading by introducing work from anywhere. As a digital nomad in the tech industry I love staying fairly close to trends around companies choosing to offer remote working, or better yet, making it a part of policy. In 2011/2012 I had the pleasure of working with the Spotify team on some projects during my days at We Are Hunted and I really loved the company vibe and culture. They were innovators playing to win in the music space, and whether you loved or hated their service (personally, I am a fan) they were hard to ignore. > Part of our DNA has always been controlled chaos. So, in the spirit of this, we’re trying this out knowing that there are likely to be some adjustments to make along the way. I took the time this morning over a coffee to take a read over their most recent HR blog article on Working From Anywhere (WFA) and I really enjoyed having a read. Not only is this incredibly good for digital nomads, but I think as we see this trend become more widespread we will see new innovations bought on by bringing together people from around the world. Moving your work force from on-site to remote, or remote-optional is a pretty huge step, and companies definitely won’t always get this right on the first try. But I do believe this type of move has incredible impacts on staff autonomy, access to talent, and general employee well-being. --- ### Ticker TV Interview https://roamingamok.com/articles/ticker-tv-interview *2020-10-24 · Press · by Mitch Malone* > While working as the CTO at Linktree I had an interview on Ticker TV about working from a van. YouTube Recording of Ticker TV Interview October 24, 2020. Nulla vitae elit libero, a pharetra augue. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Donec sed odio dui. Nullam id dolor id nibh ultricies vehicula ut id elit. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod. Morbi leo risus, porta ac consectetur ac, vestibulum at eros. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum. Cras justo odio, dapibus ac facilisis in, egestas eget quam. Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Maecenas faucibus mollis interdum. Nullam id dolor id nibh ultricies vehicula ut id elit. Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod. Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum. --- ### Smart Company https://roamingamok.com/articles/smart-company *2020-09-03 · Press · by Mitch Malone* > “Five tips for managing a remote workforce, from a CTO who works from a decked-out caravan while traveling Australia.” --- ### Daily Liberal https://roamingamok.com/articles/daily-liberal *2020-09-01 · Press · by Mitch Malone* > “Mitch Malone talks about remote working and living life on the road” From the [Daily Liberal, Dubbo](https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/6938731/living-the-nomad-lifestyle-whilst-maintaining-a-career/): Mitch Malone talks about remote working and living life on the road. > Remote working has become a popular way of life for many employees with businesses having to shift to a different way of operating due to COVID-19 and the requirement of social distancing where applicable. --- ### Getting through airport security in record time https://roamingamok.com/articles/getting-through-airport-security-in-record-time *2020-02-01 · Travel · by Mitch Malone* > Here are our tri I wouldn’t describe myself as a frequent flyer or anything quite so high-and-might, but I do travel enough to notice how hard it seems to be for some people to get through security. Through a combination of factors I see a lot of people bumbling with their equipment and generally feeling embarrassed and overwhelmed. Getting through airport security doesn’t have to be difficult or frustrating, but it does require a bit of planning and forethought before you get to the front of the TSA line. I’m going to break this down into two pieces; one is about _what_ you have with you and the other is about how to manage it. ## Choosing the right carry-on bag I am a complete and unapologetic gear nerd. I’ve tried so many different back packs, carry-on suit cases, and more. I’ve even done the minimalist travel thing where I carried on everything I am traveling with. For this scenario I am going to assume you’ve checked in your major luggage and you just have your carry-on vitals with you. When selecting a carry-on bag you need to ensure two major needs are met. The first is that you can have quick and easy access to anything you’re required to get out – this pretty much just means laptop access. The second is that you need a small amount of spare space in the pack for things like belts, watches, etc. as you approach security. Now I have tried every type of carry-on bag known to man, but nothing beats a quality backpack. As long as you choose something with a good laptop sleeve and plenty of organisation you really can’t go wrong. ## Getting through security Now let’s talk about actually getting through security. I’m going to assume you have a decent backpack, you’re neatly packed and you don’t have any dangerous items. The next step is to actually make your way through security without any issue. ### The approach Approaching security is actually the most important piece of the puzzle in order to get through security. During this phase you’re going to ensure you’re ready to throw your bag through the scanner and walk through. During the approach to security you’re going to stop a lot in the queue. Take this time to remove any metal and electronics from your person and stash them into your backpack. Watches, change, keys, phones, belts, etc. just take it all off and stash it into the bag. ### The arrival Once you’ve removed everything from your person that might hinder your security experience it’s now time to remove your laptop (if applicable) and liquids bag (again, if applicable) and having them ready. As I get to the security check I aim to have my backpack in one hand, my laptop/liquids in the other. Then it’s just a matter of placing them on the belt and walking through. If you’ve been struggling to get through security quickly and unmolested hopefully this will hopefully help the next time you travel by air. --- ### Climb Nowra https://roamingamok.com/articles/climb-nowra *2019-10-06 · Adventure · by Stephanie Malone* > Climbing outdoors in Nowra couldnt be easier than meeting Rob at Climb Nowra. Stephanie and I have been rock climbing indoor (bouldering and top rope) for about 6 months now and it’s quickly become a part of our life. We talk about it a lot, we spend a lot of time finding new gyms and cool places to climb, and it’s generally become a great part of our relationship. As we travel further and further around Australia it’s becoming harder to find climbing gyms, so we recently decided to take it upon ourselves to start outdoor rock climbing and begin building a base that allows us to climb anywhere we like. This weekend we decided to take the leap and do a real rock climbing day, so we contacted Rob from Climb Nowra and pressed the button. Meeting Rob at his home was immediately disarming. He was curious about our climbing experience but he was also curious about us as people and the whole way it feels as though Rob is _feeling you out_ to see where he should take you climbing and how hard he can push you. We drove about 5 minutes through Nowra and found ourselves at _The Grotto_. Surprisingly, it feels as though we’re still in town, but suddenly we find ourselves walking down a path with climbing faces all over the right hand side. We walk through close rock formation slots, we pass anchors on walls, unfinished climbing projects, and quick draws still in the walls from climbs past. It’s amazing how easy it is to get lost in this moment, and as an outdoors person you can’t help but fall in love with the area. Finally we arrive at our climbing spot and Rob takes some ## Maps ### The Full Travel Map https://roamingamok.com/maps/the-full-travel-map > By 2024 I will have visited over 30 countries and over 280 unique cities. I love travel, it’s a huge part of my life, and I love working from the road. People always used to say never describe something as your “passion” on your resume or in a job application but sometimes passion really is just the right word to depict how you feel about something. To say I am passionate about travelling, exploring and learning about new cultures is probably an understatement. I would say I am utterly obsessed with travel actually. Discovering new places, re-discovering old haunts and feeling fully immersed in the travel experience is what it’s all about for me. I have been remote working for more than 10 years; long before COVID created a new global culture of working from home. It was and continues to be the best decision I made. It has allowed me to travel in a more mindful way, whilst having real “experiences” rather than a time sensitive and hurried vacation. Though this journey started long before 2019 it was then that I started to track every location I’d been to. My interactive map is not only useful for you to check out my travels but it’s also a lovely visual reminder of where I’ve been. Since 2019 I have travelled to four continents and to multiple destinations along the way. I’ve embarked on a four-year Australian van adventure, a European trip that took me to seven countries, a five-country Asian escapade, a North American excursion and a visit to the Middle East. When exploring my interactive world map, you may notice that I haven’t just documented every destination I visited but actually where I stayed. The way I have lived as a digital nomad is perhaps to some equally as interesting as the destinations I have visited. In Australia I was staying in either a campervan or caravan trailer so I stayed at caravan parks, rest areas, farm stays, and even car parks. Country hopping in Asia was of course impossible with a campervan so hotels, AirBnB’s, and residences were used as a home on the road. In Europe, Canada and the U.S. I stayed mostly in hotels. As a remote worker or a digital nomad travelling goes far beyond just the vacation experience there are a myriad of other considerations you need to factor into your plans. If you have begun the remote working journey but are looking to switch to a digital nomad set up check out this[ blog post](https://nomadmo.re/blog/digital-nomad/signs-youre-not-ready-to-be-a-digital-nomad). As awesome and rewarding as digital nomad and remote working life is, it’s not for everyone and once you really get into the logistics of travelling and working it might be that you need some guidance. At Nomad More it’s all about providing you guys with advice from someone who has actually done it…me! With the ever-evolving world of technology (AI and ChatGPT included) it’s hard to know whether people who are offering help in these travel and work-related fields have actually ever been there. In order to create the most authentic and appreciative travel experiences possible I have always looked to the local view point. Having that source from a local or someone who has actually been there and done it, always gives you some encouragement and makes you feel like you are heading into a fun and yet thought-provoking travel experience. This is what my passion for travel is all about. --- ### 2019 - Australia https://roamingamok.com/maps/2019-australia > After more than 10 years as a remote worker I was longing for more as a digital nomad. So, I took the leap and set off on a 4 year adventure around Australia! To some, the idea of an Australian road trip would be daunting. From stories of large creeping critters, spiders the size of your face and the fact there are more deadly snakes than in any other country, there’s no wonder that people opt for a perceivably safer start to their digital nomadic life. However, the chances are if you are reading this then the idea of a lengthy Australian adventure is only igniting the fire inside you to immediately head to Skyscanner and book a one-way ticket to Aus! After more than 10 years as a remote worker I had a sudden realization –  remote work doesn't mean working from home, it means working from anywhere! Once you learn to think outside of the confines of societal “rules” the world really is your oyster, or at least between 2019 and 2023 Australia was my oyster. This is my longest trip so far, my biggest adventure. I'd been tied to a house, a home-office, a routine for so long but it was time to try something new. At the start of this endeavor, I was working full time as the Head of Engineering at [BlueChilli](https://www.bluechilli.com/), a startup accelerator and incubator. With the blessing of our leadership team, I started working from the road. Skip forward 4 years and I had visited 228 unique locations in Australia and every state except Northern Territory. I’ll be humble and not call myself an expert on Australian roadtripping, but I also wouldn’t decline your call as a “phone-a-friend” on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire if a question came up. From the small resort town of Exmouth on Western Australia’s North Western Cape to Daydream Island in Queensland, I’ve traveled the entire coast (and visited Tasmania because it would be rude not to). Most of my nomadic Australian road trip was completed in a camper van or with a caravan trailer. I learnt a lot about creating a balance between exploring, travelling and working. I was working full time leading software and product teams; the only difference was I was doing it with a view! If you thought that remote working from one location was invigorating then try the flexibility of being primarily on four wheels with the freedom to go anywhere with an internet connection. Talk about living life. Of course, digital nomad and remote working life isn’t as idyllic as the images you see of business people working on tropical beaches (that’s unfortunately ridiculously impractical), but the freedom it gives you is completely real. Plenty of rock climbing, awe-inspiring hikes and incredible views were on the agenda for my trip but the freedom of remote work really does allow you to create your own ever-changing adventure. Few people will object to the fact that Australia is an astonishing country to visit. Even if you are an Aussie, you’ll know how many incredible places there are to see. Sometimes being a digital nomad really does feel like you won the work lottery and a trip down under (especially for as long as I did it) is not only an excellent place to start on your remote work journey but it will no doubt inspire many more trips in the future. --- ### 2023 - Asia https://roamingamok.com/maps/2023-asia > Remote working from Asia to Australia was incredibly rewarding and exciting. Our trip spanned 5 countries and ticked off a major bucket list destination… Japan! Between February and May 2023, I embarked on a trip from Asia to Australia. In true Nomad More style, this wasn’t just a holiday but rather a remote working adventure. This Asian trip was not only thrilling and fun in itself but it ignited a spark to start our year long round the world trip. If you were planning an Asia to Australia trip, do you know where you would go? What would be some of your top destinations? What would be a country, city or area you simply couldn’t miss out on visiting? Well, if you are stuck on a few ideas or just need a little inspiration, keep reading to find out more about my recent nomadic Asian escapade. From Indonesia to Singapore and a few more countries in between this was an awesome trip that I’d definitely recommend taking. Our trip started in the ever-popular Bali, Indonesia. Canggu (pronounced “changoo”) is a resort village on the south coast. It’s an excellent place to base yourself for discovering more of Bali. Staying at Surf Motel Canggu was also lovely and handy, especially if you are working remotely. Next, hop from Indonesia to Malaysia and visit the big city of Kuala Lumpur for a stay that will feel a world away from island life. Live contemporary life more like a local at Lucentia Residence @ BBCC. From the ultra-modern Petronas Twin Towers to a place that’s been on my bucket list for what feels like a lifetime – Japan! Kyoto and Tokyo are two iconic cities but for entirely different reasons. The traditional parts of Gion and Higashiyama in Kyoto are completely juxtaposed with the popping colours and flashing neon lights of Shibuya in Tokyo. There’s just something incredible about Japan that I almost can’t put my finger on. It’s like an aura, a feeling of calm mixed with breathtaking natural beauty, history, tradition and crazy but amazingly unique modern culture. In my humble opinion no trip from Asia to Australia would be complete without visiting Japan. We darted around Asia quite a bit and after Japan travelled to Vietnam. You will only feel satisfied with your Vietnamese experience when you’ve visited the capital Hanoi and the country’s largest city Ho Chi Minh. Completing this route around Asia really makes you appreciate the stark differences between countries. From the modernity of Tokyo to the charm and frankly chaotic beauty of Hanoi, it allows you to appreciate each destination even more. The final leg of our journey led us to Singapore. It might be among the smallest countries in the world but its 5.9 million population makes it all the more hectic and interesting. This amazing four-month period spent in Asia was the precursor for the next leg of our journey to Europe. Check out our interactive map to see our recommendations for places to stay in each of the countries we visited. From AirBnB rentals in Hanoi to the Sakura Fleur Aoyama in Tokyo, you can get a feel for this trip and help plan your own Asian adventure. --- ### 2023 - Europe https://roamingamok.com/maps/2023-europe > After 4 years traveling Australia by van I knew I was getting close to hanging up the nomad shoes for a while and settling down. Fortunately, it wasn’t quite time yet and I couldn’t resist spending some time traveling Europe first. After four years traveling around Australia in a van, I felt like I was getting close to hanging up my nomadic shoes and settling down (for a while at least). There was just one last trip I wanted to take before making the decision to leave the nomadic lifestyle behind. Europe! There’s something so intriguing and unique about Europe that it’s hard to stay away. Europe is bursting with history and culture and you will be awestruck by an abundance of stunning landscapes. You will feast your way from country to country. Europe has everything you need and more. I had an incredible 18 month trip planned for 2021 but like so many expectant trips around the world, COVID put a whopping big spanner in the works. Itching for borders to open again and for things to settle down I eagerly began planning for my rearranged 2023 Europe trip. This European adventure included visits to Montenegro, Malta, Austria, Czechia (Czech Republic), France, the U.K. and Iceland. You can check out details of my unforgettable trip to Iceland[ here](https://nomadmo.re/map/2023-iceland). It’s best I don’t wax lyrical about Iceland or you won’t hear about the rest of this European adventure. Our time in Montenegro led us to Kotor, a scenic fortified town on the Adriatic coast. Back in 2016 Lonely Planet named Kotor as the number one city to visit in the word. The 12th century Old Town, the San Giovanni Fortress, and hiking the Ladder of Kotor are just some of the things you can do in and around the town. Next, to Malta, a charming archipelago in the Mediterranean. From the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon to the ancient streets of Valletta, there’s plenty to see and do in Malta. Over 2,000 km from Malta is Vienna. Vienna is brimming with endearing charm. The city is a blend of old and new, history, art and more than its fair share of ornate buildings. Across the border and into Czechia to Brno, the country’s second largest city. With many visitors to Czechia choosing to visit Prague, Brno is a wonderful spot with neo-Renaissance architecture and its fair share of castles. It’s even been afforded the nickname the “Hidden Heart of Europe”. Paris and the U.K. are more well-known of course, but no less fun to visit. Dubbed the most romantic city in the world, it's hard not to be captivated by the magnetism of Paris. It is one of those tick of the bucket list destinations that simply cannot be missed. Last but not least was the U.K. leg of the trip. I headed to London, then made my way up north through Cambridge, Sheffield, Manchester, and to Perth and Glengarth in Scotland. A continent like no other in its history, beauty and culture,  a trip to Europe should definitely be on your agenda sooner rather than later. --- ### 2023 - Iceland https://roamingamok.com/maps/2023-iceland > Iceland has been a country on my bucket list for an incredibly long time. As an outdoorsy type and a landscape photographer, this country has long captured my imagination and I finally ticked off one of my biggest adventures yet. The Land of Fire and Ice – Iceland is an otherworldly destination that’s in complete and beautiful juxtaposition with itself. From the striking black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara to the effervescent magical green hues of the Aurora Borealis; there’s something special about Iceland. Iceland is for adventurers, it’s for photographers, it’s for geographers, it’s for anyone who appreciates the natural world. As an outdoor enthusiast and landscape photographer it’s easy to see why I have been longing to go to Iceland for many years now. After much anticipation it is safe to say that Iceland did not disappoint. In fact, I would go as far as to say it’s one of my favourite places I have ever visited. I travelled by campervan for two weeks to some incredible Icelandic spots. Though I travelled to the top sites along the famous Golden Circle, I also ventured north to AkureyrI and the charming town of Húsavík as well as to Egilsstadir in the east. Being a remote worker in such a place like Iceland requires some severe self-control and discipline. Simply waking up and never logging onto your computer is a very real temptation when faced with the prospect of exploring Thingvellir National Park, seeing the mighty Skógafoss or searching for seals at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. During this two-week trip I managed to take several thousand photos and that was with some extreme discipline. If you want my top Icelandic packing list recommendation it's definitely a spare SD card! One of the best things about Iceland is its accessibility. You can be at so many incredible destinations within just a five-hour drive from Keflavík International Airport. A trip to Iceland can feel a bit overwhelming to plan owing to the vast array of natural wonders. What are the must-see spots? Which volcanoes should you see? And what driving route is best? You can use the route I followed and see where I stayed along the way by checking out the map. One of the problems with Iceland is it's too beautiful for its own good. A part of me feels so grateful to have seen Iceland now, before it becomes overrun with tourists. My hope of course is that the government and the Nordic mentality of protecting and appreciating natural beauty allows for provisions to prevent the tourism footprint from becoming too impactful. Iceland is one of those places where you really do need to see it to believe it. Is there really any other place like Iceland? It is believed that more than 50% of Icelandic people believe in elves or fairies, calling them the “hidden people”! Iceland has around 130 volcanoes across 30 volcanic systems. The former Icelandic football co-manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson was also a dentist! And the Icelandic language has more than 100 words for “wind”. It’s a wildly odd and intriguing country but in all the best possible ways. --- ### 2023 - Havila Voyages Round Trip https://roamingamok.com/maps/2023-havila-voyages-round-trip > The Northern Lights sits on the bucket list for many people, so why not enjoy Aurora Borealis in style with Havila Voyages and their “Northern Lights Promose”? The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that has captivated people for centuries. This ethereal light display, which occurs in the polar regions, has become a bucket-list item for many travelers around the world. One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of the Northern Lights is the vibrant colors that paint the night sky. From shades of green and pink to purple and blue, the auroras create a breathtaking visual symphony. These colors are the result of charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth's atmosphere. The dance of colors is ever-changing, creating a dynamic and enchanting experience for those lucky enough to witness it. --- ### 2023 - Germany Road Trip https://roamingamok.com/maps/2023-germany-road-trip > Four weeks in a van, exploring Germany and some surrounding countries. This road trip will take you down the Romantische Straße (Romantic Road), through bavaria and a few countries in the surrounds. When my wife and I began dating 12 years ago I was pretty excited to hear that she spoke German. And given that over half of our entire time together has been spent traveling it seems no surprise that we have always intended to make it to Germany, but it actually didn’t happen until 2023 when we finally made it to Europe. This road trip is by no means _the ultimate_ road trip and it’s not intended to be conclusive in any way. It is, however, exactly the road trip we took and we enjoyed it immensely so it felt rude not to share it with the world. --- ### 2023 - World https://roamingamok.com/maps/2023-world > After 4 years traveling Australia by van I knew it was close to time to hang up the nomad shoes for a while and settle down. Fortunately, it wasn’t quite time yet and I couldn’t resist spending some time traveling Europe first. With only a couple of months left of 2023 it’s safe to say it’s been a pretty epic year of travel for me. Well, not just me, 2023 seems to be the year we needed. The world is recovering from pandemic border closures and travellers are feeling fearless again with the knowledge they can book a flight and it won’t be cancelled! 2023 has even seen China open its borders for the first time since March 2020. Things are looking up. After four years of travelling Australia by van I knew I was etching closer to the time when I would ultimately settle down and hang up my nomadic hiking boots. Don’t you worry though, this isn’t me announcing my retirement from a life of fun filled travel adventures. Whether it will end up being the final digital nomadic hoo-ha or not 2023 has been and is continuing (I’m writing this mid travels) to be a year of worldly adventures. I have already travelled to 20 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. It’s been a crazy whirlwind of destinations that feels somewhat overwhelming when I look back and see where I’ve been already this year. I have had what I call an “attainable bucket list” for quite some time. I use this list to detail everywhere I want to go and the activities I want to do, but I always ensure its places that I can actually get to at some time in the not-too-distant future. This 2023 trip definitely ticked off some of my bucket list destinations. I visited Japan, specifically Tokyo and Kyoto and these were spots that had been on my list for a long time. There’s something so rewarding about finally visiting a place you’ve been wanting to check out for what feels like an age. The same can be said for Iceland too. After I travelled to Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore I started my journey to Europe. I visited places like Montenegro, Malta, Austria, Czechia, France, the UK, and the almighty Iceland. I’ve got a whole other post just about Iceland because it’s that epic it deserves to be showcased alone. I’ve said it before and I will say it again. One of the best things about remote working and living a digital nomad life is the diversity. Take just a day of living and working in a van in Iceland. Just a single day can feel so different to the next day. My trip to Dubai was a crazy blend of old and new. I stayed in the Al Seef Heritage Hotel which feels authentic and old, yet the extraordinarily modern and imposing Burj Khalifa was just 10 km away. Then scale it up to this year, 2023, it’s been a juxtaposition of experiences that I am so grateful for. If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s to always jump at every oppourtunity that presents itself. Here at Nomad More it’s all about doing things a little differently! --- ### Asia - 2025 https://roamingamok.com/maps/asia-2025 > Holiday to Korea, Japan and Hong Kong --- ### The Full Bucket List https://roamingamok.com/maps/the-full-bucket-list --- ### Europe https://roamingamok.com/maps/europe > I love bucket lists and it turns out I also love Europe. My goal with this bucket list was to tick as much of it off ass possible in 2023. I didn’t get everything, but I feel like I gave it a good chance. ## Vans ### New Age Manta Ray MR18ES2 https://roamingamok.com/vans/new-age-manta-ray-mr18es2 > My first van, the Manta Ray MR18ES2 by New Age Caravans was a hotel on wheels. This van served me well for 2 years traveling the eastern side of Australia, living and working from the road. I began working as a remote software engineer in 2011 because I wanted to choose my place to live without sacrificing having a job that I liked. At first this meant living in Dubbo, NSW but after a while my wife and I realised I could do my job from anywhere, so we went on the road on our first lap of Australia in the New Age Caravans Manta Ray. This van is as close to a hotel on wheels as I could find. I had spent years obsessing over the different models from New Age, always staying up to date with all the major details, so it was amazing to set off on the road in this amazing vehicle. To optimize between awesome features but affordability we went with the 18' Manta Ray, but after a few months living in this van we realised we were missing out on very little. It had decent off-grid capabilities in the basic setup and we were able to spend about 50% of our time free camping and working from the road with little to no camping costs. New Age design truly fantastic caravans, I loved living and working in this van, and it wasn't until we found the [Trakka Jabiru](https://nomadmo.re/pages/trakka-jabiru-j4) that we ever considered an upgrade. This was due in no fault to the Manta Ray itself, but I've always been striving to be more and more off-grid and find new amazing places to work. --- ### Trakka Jabiru J4 https://roamingamok.com/vans/trakka-jabiru-j4 Trakka are without a doubt the ultimate in professionally built off-grid motorhome campers in Australia. Since I first began looking at caravans and campervans it was clear that Trakka are leaders in their field and the Trakka Jabiru allowed my wife and I to travel [most of Australia, slowly by surely, in about 2 years](https://nomadmo.re/map/2019-australia). After owning and loving the New Age Manta Ray MR18ES2 for 2 years I knew there was something missing. The caravan was so good in so many ways, but having a separate tow vehicle was always a limiting factor when trying to reach some places. It's not that you can't go everywhere in a caravan, you absolutely can, but there is something about doing it in a campervan motorhome that just changes the game. The Trakka Jabiru J4 is the ultimate in off-road and off-grid performance, I genuinely don't think you can find a better professionally built van in Australia. Huge water tanks, terrific off-grid performance with the Enerdrive solar and battery setup, and an amazing base vehicle - the van spares no expense. --- ### The Nomad Van Build https://roamingamok.com/vans/the-nomad-van-build > After 2 years in a New Age Manta Ray MR18ES2 caravan trailer and 2 years in a Trakka Jabiru J4 campervan motorhome I feel ready to embark on building my own custom van. I am not being arrogant with this build, it's not that I think I can do better than these two industry leaders, but I also know that with more focus on my specific needs I can build a camper that is better for working from the road. Starting in 2024 I will begin the build of my dreams. I will be returning to Australia after a year abroad and the first item on my agenda in 2024 is to purchase a base vehicle and begin the fit-out of my dreams. This project is currently seeking sponsors. If you want to be part of this build please reach out. ## Pages ### About https://roamingamok.com/about > I've worked as a remote worker for over 10 years, long before Covid sent people to their homes, and I want to share my experiences as a remote worker and digital nomad with the world. I have been a passionate traveler, remote worker, and digital nomad for many years. During my time as a remote worker I have led large teams, delivered complex startups from scratch, and I was the Chief Technology Officer for Linktree during their growth phase, growing their engineering team from 7 to 70+. As of 2023 I am currently traveling with my wife mostly through Asia and Europe, with some stop overs in the Middle East and United States. --- ### Contact https://roamingamok.com/contact