Writing as You Travel
Being a travel writer means blending adventure with work, but sustaining a career while traveling requires discipline, organisation, and smart strategies. Whether you’re a full-time travel journalist, blogger, or freelancer, staying productive while exploring the world is a skill in itself.
In this section, we’ll cover:
- How to sustain a career while traveling
- Digital nomad lifestyle tips
- Productivity and organisation on the road
- Recommended gear & resources
How to Sustain a Career While Traveling
Many aspiring travel writers struggle with balancing travel and work. The key is to create a work routine that allows you to enjoy new destinations without neglecting deadlines, pitches, or income streams.
- Choose a Travel Style That Supports Work
- Slow Travel – Staying in one place for weeks or months allows you to work more efficiently than rushing between locations.
- Base Yourself in Digital Nomad Hubs – Cities like Chiang Mai, Lisbon, Mexico City, and Bali have strong WiFi, Co working spaces, and a digital nomad community.
- Mix Press Trips with Freelance Work – Press trips can be exciting, but they are demanding—balance them with slower work periods.
Top Tip: If you’re working with tight deadlines, avoid destinations with poor internet or high daily movement (e.g., multi-city trips). Also consider time zones – e.g. if you are working for mainly US publications make sure you’re on a similar time clock.
2. Build Multiple Income Streams
Since travel writing alone may not always provide consistent income, having multiple revenue sources will keep your finances stable. Take some stress out of the monthly equation and divide your time between multiple income streams:
- Freelance Travel Writing – Pitch magazines, websites, and newspapers.
- Travel Blogging – Monetise with ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- Copywriting & Content Writing – Write for travel brands, hotels, and tourism boards.
- Photography & Videography – Sell stock images, offer photo services, or monetise YouTube videos.
- Online Courses & Ebooks – Teach travel storytelling, blogging, or language skills.
Top Tip: Diversify your income so you’re not relying on just one source!
Digital Nomad Lifestyle Tips
1. Find Reliable WiFi (Before You Arrive!)
- Research WiFi Speeds – Use NomadList to check internet speeds before booking accommodation.
- Invest in a Local SIM Card or eSIM – Google Fi, Airalo, or Holafly offer global data plans.
- Use a Portable Hotspot – Devices like Skyroam or GlocalMe provide backup internet.
- Know Your Backup Plan – McDonald’s, Starbucks, & WeWork spaces usually have reliable WiFi.
- Use a VPN service – NordVPN provides reliable VPN services to give you security and flexibility.
Top Tip: Use Speedtest.net to check internet speed before booking a stay!
2. Find Productive Workspaces
- Coworking Spaces – Many cities have great digital nomad hubs (e.g., Dojo Bali, WeWork, Selina).
- Work-Friendly Cafés – Look for places with WiFi, power outlets, and a quiet atmosphere.
- Airbnb & Hotel Workspaces – Choose accommodations with a dedicated desk and fast internet.
Top Tip: Always have two backup workspaces in case your primary spot is too loud or has slow WiFi. Also, I often find local libraries can be an excellent place to work if you just need a quiet space for deep work. These are free to access and can help you save on costs.
3. Manage Finances & Banking Abroad
- Use Wise (Formerly TransferWise) – Get low-fee international payments.
- Have Multiple Payment Options – Keep PayPal, Stripe, or Revolut accounts for easy transactions.
- Use a No-Fee Travel Credit Card – Cards like Revolut minimise foreign transaction fees.
Top Tip: Keep a small emergency fund in a separate account for unexpected expenses. Ditto, make sure your kit (and you) are covered by insurance regardless of where your travels take you.
Productivity & Organisation on the Road
1. Set a Work Schedule (Even in Different Time Zones!)
- Time Block Your Day – Example: Mornings for writing, afternoons for exploring.
- Align with Client/Editor Time Zones – Use Time Zone Converter apps to schedule calls.
- Plan Deep Work Days – Dedicate full days to writing, editing, or content creation.
Top Tip: Use time-tracking apps (like Toggl) to stay focused and manage billable hours.
2. Avoid Distractions & Stay Focused
- Use Noise-Canceling Headphones – Block out noisy cafés and co-living spaces.
- Use Productivity Apps –
- Trello (task management)
- Notion (content planning)
- RescueTime (tracks screen time)
- Freedom App (blocks distracting sites)
- Work in Sprints (Pomodoro Technique) – 25-45 min focused work, 5-10 min break.
Top Tip: Schedule work sessions when you’re most productive—for some, that’s early mornings; for others, late nights, but try to block out time to make sure you’re making the most of your time in a focused way. And remember to balance completing work with pitching for new work – always make sure you have new projects coming in.
3. Stay Organised While Moving Between Destinations
- Use a Digital Notebook – Store notes, article ideas, and checklists in Evernote or Notion.
- Or stay old school, and use an actual notebook – whatever works best for you.
- Automate Backups – Use Google Drive or Dropbox to prevent file loss.
- Keep a Running To-Do List – Track deadlines, invoices, and upcoming pitches.
Top Tip: Schedule buffer days between travel days for uninterrupted work.
Recommended Gear & Resources for Working While Traveling
Having the right gear can make or break your productivity as a travel writer.
1. Travel-Friendly Tech
Lightweight Laptop – MacBook Air, Dell XPS 13, or Lenovo ThinkPad.
Portable Hotspot – Skyroam Solis or GlocalMe for backup WiFi.
Power Bank – Anker 20,000mAh for charging on the go.
Noise-Canceling Headphones – Bose or Sony WH-1000XM5 for focus.
Camera (Optional) – Sony RX100 or GoPro for travel photography & vlogging.
2. Must-Have Apps for Travel Writers
- Scrivener – Best for long-form travel writing.
- Google Docs – Cloud-based writing & collaboration.
- Grammarly – Polishes grammar & style.
- Trello/Notion – Task management.
- Canva – Easy graphics for social media.
- ChatGPT – For writing prompts.
- Google Translate – Language help.
Top Tip: Pack light—only bring what you truly need!
Your Next Steps
- Choose a digital nomad-friendly destination & plan your setup.
- Set up a work schedule that fits your travel style.
- Invest in key tools to boost productivity on the road.
- Experiment with new income streams (blogging, copywriting, vlogging).