It was 10 pm and I was tired from travelling all day.
As we walked through the ‘nothing to declare’ lane of the airport I headed straight for the sim card desk. A few minutes and 20 yen later, I fired up Google to work out how to get to our hotel ASAP.
As a DNS error filled my screen it didn’t take long for it to dawn on me that of course there is no Google in China.
Having not pre-planned our late-night route and with the taxi queue outside looking like a 2 – 3 hour wait, I frantically opened what looked like a search engine and sought help from the lady behind the sim card desk.
Unfortunately, the search engine was all in Chinese, the signs around us were all in Chinese, and she spoke only Chinese – spoiler alert, we were in China after all!
Somehow together we pulled up an English version of the metro and with more luck than judgement were safely ensconced in our hotel in Shanghai an hour or so later.
You might be wondering why we didn’t just use a VPN.
Great question.
I did have a VPN, but unfortunately on this occasion, it didn’t work. I didn’t know at the time, but not all VPNs work in all countries. It is down to us to do our own due diligence and check these small facts before we travel!
This is just one of many, many lessons learned over the years while travelling and working online.
Here are some that stand out;
Travel Lessons
1. Your Budget is Your Bible
I’m not the thriftiest person in the world. In fact I’d say I was a bit of an expert in spending money!
However, it’s very easy for costs to spiral out of control if you don’t have a clear budget that you stick to. And there’s no faster way to thwart your enjoyment of a place than to feel like you’re throwing money away with nothing to show for it.
Particularly when navigating different currencies and cost of living standards, make sure you track every expense, no matter how small.
Actionable Tips;
- Use tools like XE.com to convert currencies and tracking apps like Trabee Pocket, Travel Spend, or Splitwise, to set budgets and track expenses.
- Set aside a contingency fund for unexpected costs.
- Regularly review and adjust your budget based on current spending patterns and future forecasts.
Sticking to a budget is paramount in the unpredictable journey of a nomadic solopreneur. A well-maintained budget will keep you on course and help you travel smarter for longer!
2. Wikipedia is Your Friend
It’s always a good idea to arm yourself with a bit of knowledge before stepping foot in a new country.
Learning some essentials about a country’s culture, customs, and crucial dos and don’ts can avoid any potential awkward encounters.
Actionable Tips;
- Spend some time researching each new destination, focusing on cultural norms, historical context, and essential local information.
- Look for community forums or travel blogs for insider tips and advice.
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to show respect and enhance communication.
Wikipedia and just a quick, google search can provide invaluable insights. It’s also a good idea to learn how to say Hello, Thank You and Where’s the Loo in the local language!
3. Make Friends, Everywhere
The nomadic lifestyle is incredibly enriching but can be lonely at times.
Making friends, both online and offline, in various corners of the globe, can help combat this loneliness.
I now have friends who live in France, America, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, various spots throughout Asia, and more.
Having a supportive community that can offer assistance, advice, and companionship, no matter where you are is priceless.
Actionable Tips;
- Start by finding online groups on Facebook, Linked In, or forums filled with like-minded people.
- Engage in local events and meetups related to your interests.
- Use social media and networking apps to connect with fellow travellers and locals.
Also, be the person who offers help and value to others. By helping others you’ll attract people to you and you’ll start to cultivate meaningful connections that go beyond mere acquaintances.
4. Embrace Minimalism
Embracing minimalism in both your personal belongings and your business practices can lead to a more focused and liberated existence.
Packing light and owning less not only makes travelling easier but also declutters your mind, allowing for greater creativity and efficiency.
What do you own? Do you really need it?
My friends are amazed that we’ll leave Phuket as we arrived, with 3 suitcases. But having cleared out my Mum’s in 2022 before she passed I can promise you, when the time comes, that rug you got from Venice, or the vase you bought for your first marital home won’t matter a jot.
Actionable Tips;
- Regularly evaluate your possessions and digital tools, keeping only what serves a clear purpose.
- Adopt digital solutions for documents and books to reduce physical bulk.
- Simplify your business processes to focus on core activities that drive value.
5. Make Sure Your VPN Works. Even in China!
Accessing the internet freely and securely as a nomadic solopreneur is crucial, especially in regions with digital restrictions.
A VPN also protects your online activity, particularly when working in public spaces.
Actionable Tips:
- Choose a reputable VPN service with strong security features and a no-logs policy. (I use Express VPN these days, which seems to have great access across the globe)
- Always connect to a VPN when using public Wi-Fi networks to safeguard your data.
- Regularly update your VPN software to ensure optimal performance and security.
- Double check it definitely works in the countries you’re going to – check forums, travel groups etc.
6. eSIMs Rock
For as long as I can remember I’ve hot-footed it to the mobile data counter as soon as I’ve landed in a new country.
There, my sim card is taped to the inside cover of my phone case, a new sim is activated and I’m left replacing my original sim with a paperclip on the next onward flight.
It works. But it’s a hassle.
Not anymore!
eSIMs offer a more straightforward, often cheaper alternative to traditional data cards, providing seamless connectivity across borders without the hassle of physical SIM swaps.
Actionable Tips:
- Download compatible eSIM apps before arriving at your next destination. (I use Airalo)
- Buy a package for your next destination and set it up as your ‘travel’ plan.
- When you land simply turn your ‘travel’ plan on and Bob’s Your Uncle!
When you leave you simply turn it off. No more paper clips and messing about with sim cards.
7. Always Carry Passport Photos
Having extra passport photos can save you from numerous bureaucratic headaches while you’re traversing the globe.
Whether it’s for visa applications, permits, or local IDs, being prepared with passport photos keeps you one step ahead.
Actionable Tips:
- Keep a digital copy of your passport photo on your phone or cloud storage for emergency prints.
- Store passport photos in multiple safe places, such as your wallet, travel pouch, and luggage.
- Regularly update your passport photos to reflect your current appearance.
8. Change is the Only Constant, Learn How to Embrace It
The one thing you can be absolutely certain of when travelling is that plans will change, flights will change, bookings will change, times will change, the weather will change.
If you don’t enjoy change, a nomadic solopreneur lifestyle may prove a tad challenging!
However, embracing change rather than resisting it can lead to unexpected opportunities.
A few years back the student protests in Hong Kong caused our flights from Japan to be cancelled and at the last minute we completely changed our route and ended up in Seoul, Korea for a couple of days. What a pleasant surprise that was! I can’t wait to go back and explore further.
Changing tides can actually make you more resilient and versatile as both an individual and a nomad.
Actionable Tips:
- Stay informed about global and industry trends/news to anticipate changes.
- Develop a flexible mindset, viewing change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Business Lessons
9. Master the Art of Prioritization
With the absence of a traditional routine, managing your time effectively becomes a challenge.
Identifying the tasks that yield the most significant results can dramatically enhance your productivity and satisfaction, allowing you to focus on what truly moves the needle.
I love the framing of these two questions from Tim Ferriss;
Actionable Tips:
- Use the above questions to determine the most important priorities you need to be focusing on
- Each week, identify the top 1 – 3 tasks that will contribute most to your goals and commit to tackling them first.
- Use tools and apps to manage tasks and deadlines efficiently.
- Regularly evaluate your activities to ensure they align with your priorities and adjust as needed.
10. Build Systems for Those “Off” Days
If I hear one more guy tell me to ‘embrace the grind, even when you’re not feeling it’, I’ll shove his grind where the sun doesn’t shine.
You try navigating the menopause pal; where you wake up one day and the world smells of roses only to wake up the next and feel as if dementors have come and sucked the life out of your very being.
Then you go ahead and ‘embrace the grind’!
The fact is, particularly if you’re a ‘woman of a certain age’, navigating days when motivation is low, calls for a compassionate yet strategic approach.
It’s not always about pushing through. You need the right systems in place to carry you through those moments.
Recognizing the need for rest and giving yourself grace on tough days is just as important as maintaining momentum in your business.
By setting up systems and structures, you can ensure that your business continues to thrive, even when you’re taking the time to recharge.
Actionable Tips:
- On the days you’re feeling in the zone, take the time to batch create content or prepare up front the more challenging tasks you tend to struggle with on ‘off’ days.