How Remote Work Funds Our Family's Adventures (and Can Fund Yours Too!)
Discover how remote work can fund your family's travel adventures. Learn from our experience working from Vietnam, Turkey, Greece, Spain and more since 2021.
The dream of working remotely and travelling the world with your family is no longer just a fantasy. It's been around a while, but since 2020 there has been an explosion of opportunities to work remotely.
In June 2021, that dream became a reality for us! Thanks to the flexibility and freedom of remote work, we've been able to explore new destinations, experience diverse cultures, and create lasting memories together.
We've worked from Vietnam, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, back to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and New Zealand. We've even done a full round the world from Auckland New Zealand to New York, USA, back to New Zealand, over to Malaysia, to Spain, the UK, a trans-atlantic cruise (thanks Starlink), Caribbean islands, a couple of months in Dominican Republic, Colombia, Panama, Japan... And of course, back to our favourite place, Vietnam.
Our family enjoying a peaceful kayaking adventure in Vietnam - one of the many experiences made possible by remote work flexibility.
How We Make It Work
Since 2021, the key to our nomadic lifestyle has been my remote job as a social media support specialist for a cryptocurrency wallet company.
I took this role in mid-2021 because our funds were almost dried up, and I was really worried our sole income stream was too reliant on third parties. It turns out my instincts were on point as shortly after I started work, our crypto platform reduced payments, and soon after, completely stopped payments. It was my first lesson in Pay to Profit platforms - I'll get into those in another blog soon. Be wary of anyone selling things where you need to 'invest' and earn a return. Especially when it is focused on crypto. You could lose a lot more than money (friends, your reputation - you name it).
How Did I Get This Job?
Since around 2015, I began learning everything I could about online incomes and businesses. I had tried everything from blogging to coaching and courses, even high-ticket affiliate marketing.
Along the way, I invested tens of thousands into coaches, mentors and courses. One area in which I felt I learned a lot of valuable skills, and helped my online presence take off, was digital marketing.
Back in 2019, I invested in the Affiliate Institute as a founding member (I can't remember exactly how much I paid, but it was around $2k USD). Now, I think it still exists, but I can't even access the training. So don't buy something that costs $2K that you can't even access a couple of years down the track. That's just silly.
In saying that, it was excellent quality, and I learned a lot through many online live classes. I started running ads and refined my copywriting skills. I learned about attraction marketing.
It was the skills I learned during this time building my businesses, and building my online presence that helped me cross the line for my role!
Benefits of Remote Work for Funding your Travel:
Location Independence
Remote work allows you to work from anywhere with a decent internet connection. This frees you from the constraints of a traditional office job and opens doors to travel opportunities.
Flexible Hours
Many remote jobs offer flexible schedules, allowing you to work around your travel plans and family commitments. I'm fortunate to be able to schedule 30-40 hours a week around my life. And it's worked for us!
Work-Life Balance
Remote work can often lead to a better work-life balance. You can structure your workday to accommodate travel experiences and spend quality time with loved ones.
Increased Productivity and Focus
Remote workers often report higher productivity levels due to fewer office distractions, reduced interruptions from colleagues, and the ability to create personalized work environments that suit our concentration needs.
Finding Remote Work Opportunities:
There are numerous online platforms where you can find remote work opportunities:
Learning Valuable Skills for Remote Work:
The ability to work remotely often hinges on having relevant skills. Investing in online courses or programs specializing in digital marketing, content creation, or virtual assistance can significantly enhance your chances of landing a remote job.
If you're interested in building an online business alongside remote work, check out our guide on how to build an online business to fund travel. We also have a comprehensive resource on affiliate income strategies that can complement your remote work income.
From Remote Work to a World of Opportunity:
Remote work is a fantastic springboard for a location-independent lifestyle. It not only allows you to travel but also opens doors to other income streams, like affiliate marketing or starting an online business.
Side note: It's a lot less stressful building your side incomes when you have a steady income stream. It's even better if it's a remote role since you can then leverage lower cost-of-living countries while you build out your ultimate lifestyle.
For more insights on the mindset needed for this lifestyle, explore our guide on developing the right mindset for funding travel. And if you're interested in investment strategies to accelerate your travel funding, check out our investment guide for travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Work and Travel
What skills do I need to work remotely?
Essential remote work skills include digital marketing, content creation, virtual assistance, programming, or any role that can be performed online. The key is having marketable skills that don't require physical presence. Check out our comprehensive list of remote job sites to see what skills are in demand.
How much money do I need to start traveling while working remotely?
You'll need enough savings to cover initial travel costs (flights, accommodation deposits, emergency fund) plus 2-3 months of living expenses. Many digital nomads start with $5,000-$10,000 USD. The beauty of remote work is that you can earn while traveling, reducing the financial burden.
What about internet connectivity while traveling?
Reliable internet is crucial. We use a combination of local SIM cards, portable WiFi devices, and services like Starlink for remote locations. Always research internet quality in your destination and have backup options. Many coworking spaces also offer reliable connections.
How do I handle time zones when working remotely?
Choose destinations with manageable time differences from your clients/employer, or negotiate flexible hours. Many remote workers prefer locations within 2-3 hours of their team's timezone. Some companies offer asynchronous work arrangements that eliminate timezone concerns.
Is remote work sustainable for long-term travel?
Absolutely! Many families, including ours, have been traveling full-time for years while working remotely. The key is finding the right balance between work and travel, choosing suitable destinations, and maintaining consistent income streams. It's become our preferred lifestyle.
Our Story is Just the Beginning:
Our experience working around the world is a testament to the power of remote work. By leveraging your skills and embracing the possibilities, you too can turn your travel dreams into reality. With the right approach, remote work can be the key to unlocking a world of adventure for you and your family!