Working remotely sounds like a dream — cafés, new places, fresh inspiration, freedom.
And yes, it can be all of that… but it also teaches you important lessons about balance, simplicity, and wellbeing.
Over time, working in different cities has shown me what truly matters — and what doesn’t — when it comes to staying productive while still enjoying the travel experience.
Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned.
1. Light Workloads Make Travel More Enjoyable
The less I try to do, the more present I become.
Trying to “keep everything going” while travelling leads to:
- distraction
- pressure
- rushing
- decision fatigue
But a light, essential-only workload makes the whole experience feel calm and enjoyable.
2. Environments Shape Your Energy More Than You Expect
Every city affects how you feel:
- slower towns = calming
- busy streets = energising
- coastal places = grounding
- historic areas = inspiring
Choosing the right environment for the right type of work has made remote working far easier.
3. Working in the Mornings Gives the Day More Freedom
A simple morning routine helps:
- 15–20 minutes of focused work
- one important task
- one quick check-in
Then I close the laptop and enjoy the day.
This gives me a feeling of freedom and keeps me consistent.
4. Cafés With Natural Light Boost Creativity
Not every café is ideal.
The best ones for remote work have:
- bright natural light
- a calm atmosphere
- comfortable seating
- soft background sound
Those are the places where ideas flow easily.
5. Travel Slows You Down — in a Good Way
Working remotely in new cities teaches you:
- patience
- presence
- slower pacing
- more mindful living
This “slow productivity” often produces better work with far less stress.
6. Preparation Makes Everything Easier
Before travelling, I now prepare:
- a list of essential-only tasks
- a couple of content templates
- offline notes
- passwords saved securely
- a mini daily routine
This removes pressure and allows me to enjoy the city fully.
7. The Best Work Happens When You’re Inspired by Where You Are
Creativity comes naturally when you’re in a place that lifts you.
A quiet square, a harbour view, a tree-lined street — these moments often spark clearer thoughts and better ideas than hours at a desk.
🌿 Let Each City Teach You Something New
Working remotely in different cities has taught me that productivity isn’t about doing more — it’s about working lightly, living intentionally, and letting the world around you inspire your best ideas.
With:
- simple routines
- light workloads
- thoughtful environments
- and calm daily habits
…remote work becomes a source of joy, not stress.
Travel well, work light, and let each city teach you something new.
