Whether you are a travel photographer, or you work remotely and like to take travel pictures as a hobby, you will need to consider how you can fund your travels and photography interests. You will need to find a good balance between working and earning money and having time for yourself. You want to be able to take pictures because that is what you do best, without it feeling rushed or like a chore. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips to help you do both.
#1 Have a good internet connection
Having a good and secure internet connection is vital when you are working remotely. Whether you have your own business or you want to edit and upload your photos into the cloud, you will need a trusty internet connection. Depending on how you are traveling, you might have access to WiFi in hotels, Airbnb, or your accommodation, but this might not always be trustworthy or fast enough for what you need to do. If you are working on editing photos and uploading photos, then you may need something with more capacity. You may also need something with more security, especially if you are dealing with sensitive client information and photos. You may want to download VPN to help with security and privacy. You may also want to find a good internet spot recommended by locals or get a dongle.
#2 Have a safe place for all your equipment
If you have a laptop and other equipment, such as photography equipment, then you will want to ensure that you have a safe place to keep all of your items. They are likely very expensive items. Ensure the accommodation you are staying has a safe. You will also want to invest in protective covers and bags for when you take the items out of your accommodation, so you don’t lose, damage, or break them. The last thing you want to do is be left unable to work or take photos because your equipment has been damaged.
#3 Block your time
Blocking out time is an effective way to help you get work done and find a balance to do all the other things that you enjoy. Consider how you can space out your work each week, and all the tasks that need doing. You can also make a list of the things that you want to do while traveling. Prioritize the activities that have deadlines or time restraints on them, and use this as the foundation to start making blocks in your day. This way you know you can get what you need done in a timely way, and enjoy the rest of your travels. If you don’t, you will not be able to enjoy yourself as you will always be thinking of when you can get work done.
#4 Set realistic goals
Goals are a great way to set you up for success. This will help you with your work, your photography, doing fun activities, and blocking out your time as above. Think about what you want to achieve, whether that is with your work travels, or both. Use the SMART goals method, which stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. This will help you to not only think about your goals but also ensure that you know how to take the right action so you can achieve them.
#5 Connect with other people
Connecting with other people on your travels is a great way to meet like-minded friends and make your travels even more fun. You can narrow this down further by finding and connecting with other people who are working remotely or enjoy photography. You can then have people who understand you, who you can swap ideas with, and learn all the best tips and tricks for working abroad.
#6 Create a routine you can stick to
Routines are very difficult to create and stick to when you are traveling. You won’t be able to do them for as long, or as specific as you do at home, but you can still create small routines around waking up, going to bed, and starting work. This will help you to regulate yourself better and feel more comfortable abroad. It will help you get started for the day and get better sleep, as well as concentrate on your work. This is because your brain and body will learn the routine and when it is time to sit and work. Think about small things you can do, for example, do a small meditation when you wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee when you sit down to work, and read a book when you go to sleep.
Working abroad can be challenging. Make sure you set yourself up for success with these top tips!