Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TO G LO B A L R E M OT E W O R K I N G
• Are you comfortable leaving the comforts of home to pursue your passions and a lifestyle that fulfills you?
• What time frame and how far are you willing to go from home?
• Are you ready for the challenges and cultural adaptation that will inevitably occur?
Yes, the remote lifestyle appears and sounds incredible. Still, like everything in life, it is a matter of perspective and has its benefits and
challenges. While we know not everything is as it appears on Instagram or YouTube, it is innate for us to want to explore, connect, learn,
and expand our horizons. When we do this, we grow. Along the way, there are certainly obstacles to navigate as you experience a new
culture. When traveling, there are sometimes barriers—the language, infrastructure, and cultural differences might be a challenge. Maybe
navigating those challenges is something that you're prepared to encounter. Perhaps solving the daily puzzles that come with travel fuels
your fire for adventure. If so, it sounds like remote working might be for you! Fortunately, the Zeal community will be there every step of
the way, making it as seamless as possible. Remember, you're not alone in this adventure!
So, yes, while travel is glorious, there are often circumstances and struggles that are very real and different from the challenges presented
at "home." But that's the idea, isn't it, to get a broader perspective and push yourself past your comfort zone on international adventures.
P R O S C O N S
You'll encounter situations you'll need to prob-
You’ll make new, exciting memories daily.
lem-solve and adapt to.
You’ll meet lots of new characters and maybe even You'll cherish the relationships at home more when
lifelong friends. you do connect with them.
Most days, you'll wake up in an exciting new place that You might have to work more effectively to balance
feels fresh and full of wonder. living the lifestyle you want, where you want.
Remote work is not possible for every career or every person, but these days more than you'd imagine fall into the great bucket of
possibility. Today, with modern developments in technology, we are far more connected globally than ever before. As such, more people
have the accessibility to easily transition from their stable home life to a more fluid remote working & living lifestyle.
Here is a sample list of “professionals who can easily transition to a digital nomad lifestyle”, whether for a few
weeks, months, or years at a time.
EN TR EPRE NE UR
One who fully controls their schedule and FREEL ANCER
communication cadences with partners,
One who does project-based work and
can dictate what contracts they accept.
Beyond general thinking of types of careers and workplaces, consider certain aspects of your particular situation. Do you have strict work
hours? Are there other digital nomads employed at your company? Is your job predominantly client-facing (video calls/presentations), or
is it more behind the scenes (emails, Slack, etc.)? The latter being simpler to navigate across various time zones?
There is a lot to consider when deciding if you're ready for life on the road and if it will work for you.
> Review the company's values and mission statements. Find out how your goals in working remotely
align with the company's underlying ethos.
> Account for potential problems that may arise. Make a list of the overall benefits and those to you
specifically. Brainstorm the concerns they are likely to have and take a proactive approach to present the best solutions. Perhaps
the ones discussed above in the "pros" will be a good start.
> Request a meeting with your manager. Present the steps in a crystal-clear outline. Request a timeline for
the decision.
> Make the next steps crystal clear. There's a real risk here of getting a “let me think about it” and then having
three months pass without it being brought up again. Set a timeline that you’d like to follow if your manager needs more time to
consider the implications or to have further conversations. That’s perfectly normal, but establish a timeline in which you’d like an
answer to your proposal.
Below are a few talking points to keep in mind during this conversation:
• Approach the conversation in a way where this idea isn't outlandish or far-fetched. Remote work is
more widely accepted right now than at any point previous in the history of employment - one silver lining of the pandemic. Know
how to discuss the movement overall and all the travel companies and communities that support remote workers.
• Emphasize that the work environment will be quiet, comfortable, and professional.
• Be firm in talking about how this opportunity allows you to grow personally and professionally by
being around like-minded people from different companies, professions, and backgrounds.
• Remind them that you are pursuing this because you care about the company and job. If you didn't, there
are many other ways to travel the world. You're seeking this option because it combines the job you love with your passion for
traveling without sacrificing one for the other.
So, you know you want to experience the digital nomad lifestyle. Your employer
gave you the green light. You're so excited as foreign images flash through
your mind. You stare at the map on your shower curtain.
DESTINATION PREFERENCES
Let's start with the place itself. There are a lot of variables to take into consideration when considering a location.
“Some of the most important things to consider are safety, cost of living, infrastructure and connectivity,
and recreational and cultural opportunities.”
• Safety - Especially if you're relatively new to life on the road, a good safety rating might be non-negotiable in determining
destinations of interest. But, how do you know if a place is safe?
> First, you can check if there are any travel advisories about visiting a particular country provided by your
government.
> For example, the USA lists advisories on the State Department's site.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Another great source is the Global Peace Index, https://www.visionofhumanity.org, a report issued by the Institute for
Economics and Peace. It considers over 23 different indicators and produces a score for each country.
> Finally, you can do extended research scouring the internet, or you can go out and ask other digital nomads who
have been to the places you're considering. Every digital nomad-friendly city in the world has at least one active
Facebook group that you can join to interact.
• Cost of Living - Did you know the island of Bermuda has the highest cost of living in the world? Depending on your
income and savings, this factor may be more or less critical. An index by World Data, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator,
shows 109 countries' average monthly salaries. It gives you a cost index score based on various factors. Also, Numbeo, https://
www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living, allows you to compare two countries side by side to compare the cost of living.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity - This is one of the more difficult factors to evaluate because it's often city by city
and not homogeneously "good" or "bad" throughout entire countries. For example, the infrastructure in Mexico City is very
good. But, if you take a one-hour flight down to Puerto Escondido, taking video calls from most places becomes a considerable
challenge. Also, how much this variable weighs on the scale is entirely dependent on the type of work you do.
“Again, don't forget many countries will have a wide range of quality within, so drill down to the
city level before making final preparations.”
• Recreational and Cultural Activities - More than the rest, this relates to you and your interests. Every country in
the world has a unique culture. There will almost certainly be museums, shows, and attractions to show off their unique identity
in the world. There will likely even be someone there, right as you step off the plane or bus, yelling to you about them and trying
to sell you on a specific activity. Some countries are rugged and adventurous, some refined and filled with various art forms;
some are famous for their food and others for their SCUBA diving. It depends on what interests you most. Once you have
narrowed it down to a few places, review them on TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, Airbnb Experiences, etc., to see their offerings. This
information will allow you to paint a clearer picture of the fun that will be at your fingertips when you land and your daily
proximity and accessibility to them. Regardless of your choice, you'll likely have access to pizza, fresh coffee, fried eggs, cold
beer, and all other comforts that exist in most places around the world.
• Now, Let’s Talk About You - Depending on if you’re a new or experienced traveler, traveling alone or with a family,
a member of the BIPOC or LGBTQ community, and a number of other important factors—you might prefer one type of experi-
ence over another. Who you are in the world, what you do for work, and what makes you excited about traveling will all be
important factors to consider.
Do you want to have a relatively easy experience, or do you want to live in your growth zone? Do you want to fit in and pass as a
local where you’re going, or would you not mind being seen as unique or exotic (or potentially a worse version of “different”)?
Do you need powerful Wifi for the work you do, or can you get away with a less-developed infrastructure? These are all factors to
consider when planning a long-term work and travel trip.
So, now that you know you want to take the plunge into the international remote work lifestyle, you know how to seek approval
from your boss—you need to figure out this last piece. There are a number of remote work-related travel companies out there as
well, which can help you narrow your search down. At ZEAL, we’re scouting new partnerships in exciting locations around the
world to help you narrow the search down from the whole world to a handful of exciting opportunities that will allow you to
travel as a part of an open-minded community, to be supported throughout the entire process, and to land you in a top-tier
location where you’re certain to make life-long memories and long-lasting friendships.
When leaving home for an extended period, there are a handful of essential things to consider before you board your flight. Some things
are apparent; others are less so. With this list below, you can easily get organized to leave your home stress-free. Just make sure you turn
off the coffee pot!
Each item on the list below is something you'll likely want to make a pre-departure plan for, and this list will inform you and help get you
started. This resource also has two additional links under each subcategory with further information on specific topics. Some travelers want
ALL the information, and others only want to know when their flight leaves. We designed this resource for everyone in between. You'll find
valuable information below on the following trip preparation categories:
While you're away from the country for an extended period, it's essential to make sure you have a plan for your mail. Americans can easily
forward mail via USPS for up to 12 months for free by visiting https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm and filling out the appropriate
forms.
Perhaps you can use the address of family or friends so that when your trip is over, all of your snail mail will be in one place waiting for you.
Also, if something important comes, you can have them forward it to your address abroad or simply open and photograph or scan the
contents. Suppose you're away for only 30 days or less. In that case, USPS also provides an option of simply "holding your mail," which is
also very straightforward to set up on their website https://www.usps.com/manage/hold-mail.htm.
Another approach is to hire a "virtual mailbox" company that will essentially open, scan, and email your physical mail to you, wherever you
might be. Most of these services allow you to choose whether you'd like a particular parcel opened and scanned, forwarded to a different
address, or simply shredded and recycled.
1. Link: USPS
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR CAR, HOUSE OR BOAT - Rent, Store, Sell, or Loan
For the main things you own or rent—your house, car, motorcycle, etc., you'll want a plan to take care of these before boarding the plane.
How much preparation work you need to put in before you leave will be based on several factors. Namely, how long your trip is, the
weather where you live (will your pipes burst in the winter?), and what assets you need to be mindful of. For major physical things, you
have three primary options:
1. Rent It - Why leave a valuable asset depreciating when you can leverage it for a better quality of life? At ZEAL, we believe
you should have access to it all. What better way than to rent your car and home out? Revenue-generating assets allow you to pay
many of your bills while traveling.Here are some trusted partners that will help manage your property for a month or more while
you travel.
2. Store It - There are garages where you can pay to store a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle. When storing a vehicle or any
toy with an engine, there are a few things you might want to do in preparation to ensure the engine turns over when you return to
it. Check this wiki-how page for advice on storing a car long-term.
3. Sell It - This option will probably be the most appealing to those leaving for an extended time. First, it'll help fund your trip.
Second, it will make you feel lighter overall as you set off to foreign lands. Because of the vast audiences, we recommend using
eBay, Amazon, or Craigslist. You can also photograph and post on your social media to make a sale.
4. Loan It - when it comes to a vehicle, it's relatively simple. Let a friend or family member use the car in exchange for keeping
it running. They'll put miles on it, but it won't rust into abandon while you're gone. When it comes to your house or apartment,
you may consider letting a friend or acquaintance live for free. If you have plants and animals you love, it might be the best, more
peaceful option for you—and if you help house a friend for little to no rent, it could be a true win-win.
These only pertain to those looking to drive as they travel abroad. The good news is most countries will rent a scooter or rental car to you
with a valid United States Driver's License. It is easy to rent if you're in Mexico, Italy, or Thailand.
To obtain an International Driver's License, visit the State Department's website for information on requirements for where you'll be
traveling. Suppose you must have the International Drivers Permit. In that case, it's as simple as filling out an application then visiting your
local AAA. You'll need $20, your valid Driver's License, and two original passport photos (you can typically get these taken on-site for a
small price as well). Once you jump through these hoops, you'll have a new valid form of ID in over 150 countries, and you'll be driving
your rental cars stress-free.
There are numerous VPN services, and using one for both security and access to specific online sites (i.e., bypassing local censorship) is a
must for travelers. A VPN provides a secure internet connection for users to send and receive data, making cyber-fraud or internet snoop-
ing more challenging for trolls and criminals.
Consumers can sign up for a VPN either for free or for a monthly or annual charge. Most VPN providers try to get you in the door with a
"free trial," knowing that you will probably purchase it once you begin using their services. NordVPN, TunnelBear, and ExpressVPN are
some of the most popular providers. They cost around $5-7 a month. There are numerous resources online to vet the pros and cons of the
various VPN offers. Check out this resource that lists NordVPN as the best in 2021 for security concerns.
Partner Resources
> ExpressVPN
> NordVON
> SurfShark
Likely, you'll lose or break your phone at some point after you leave home when on a long trip. If you have options, take a phone that feels
"travel-ready." Maybe it's a backup phone, or perhaps you buy a phone with a few more years and miles on it, so you don't have to worry
about your new iPhone 13 while traveling.
Also, with any phone from the United States, you'll likely have to unlock it, so it's free from its original cell plan provider. Some providers
will help you with this if you meet specific requirements, but if not, there's always a way to do it. Any "phone tech" worth that title can
break a phone's relationship with its original US cell phone plan provider. Then, you can purchase a SIM Card (suggest data-only packag-
es) at any airport to connect to WhatsApp, Google Maps, Airbnb, Uber, and other travel apps on the internet.
Suppose you don't want to bother searching for new SIM cards in every country you visit. In that case, there are options like Google Fi,
which works across borders in nearly every country, but is pretty expensive (around $90-100 a month depending on usage). Also, some US
phone services like T-Mobile will allow you to use your SIM abroad if you pay for an "international package." Check the options with your
phone provider before you make any big decisions or take your phone traveling.
W A T C H W A T C H W A T C H
Get Mobile Internet Easily When How to change roaming settings How Dual SIM on the iPhone Works
Traveling: eSIMs Explained! to International on an iD sim card
One final consideration in your trip preparation is the possibility of needing more things from home than fit in your luggage. In this
situation, you can ship extra gear to your destination before embarking on your trip. Typically this applies to those with particular interests
or hobbies (i.e., Scuba diving, snowboarding, cycling) or someone with specific needs (dietary, sleeping, etc.). In that case, contact your
first accommodation provider and let them know to keep an eye out for a package with your name on it.
There are the standard international options of FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS for shipping. Shop around for the best option as prices vary
based on weight, time restraints, and destination. We encourage you to limit yourself to one checked bag and one carry-on. Whatever you
want when you get there, you can likely find it. There are shoes, underwear, deodorant, and adaptors everywhere in the world.
Partner Resources
Having access to money is a vital part of international travels, so be sure you have your bank and credit cards set up before departure.
There are ATMs worldwide, and ATMs are universal, so if you have any worries about how you'll access money abroad—DON'T! Debit
cards and credit cards work very seamlessly across borders; you just have to let your bank know that you're traveling.
“You'll need to notify the banks associated with your cards that you're traveling internationally so they
can place a travel notice on your account.” If you fail to do this, there's a chance that as soon as you use your card, it will be
flagged and shut down as a preventive measure against fraud. Getting a new card is often tricky when you're in the middle of international
adventures.
Even if you set up a travel notice, other things can go awry. You'll want to have at least one debit card and one credit card active for your
trip but having more is an excellent idea in case anything goes wrong. “We advise keeping at least one extra card with
your passport—away from your wallet—so in the event that your wallet goes missing, you’ll still have
access to money.” During long-term travel, it's likely that you will leave a debit card in a foreign ATM or lose a credit card during
a night out at some point. Plan for this, and when it happens, you'll be fine!
Finally, some cards are better than others for world travelers. Depending on your country of origin, do the research to make sure you find
cards that benefit you as you navigate the world. Some debit cards don't charge international ATM fees. Some credit cards don’t have
international fees and offer great airline miles or airport lounge benefits.
Debit Card - Charles Schwab:They don't have international ATM fees for withdrawing cash. These fees can add up during
extended travels!
Credit Card - Chase Sapphire Reserve: This card has exceptional travel benefits and includes a Priority Pass airport lounge
card as well as a free application to Global Entry. (Offers often include Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels
and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases
annually.)
Backups: Also have a debit card from Chase and a credit card from Charles Schwab. That way, you keep everything simple
with just two banks, and you have two backup cards that you can keep in a secure place just in case your two primary cards sink to
the bottom of the ocean.
Partner Resources
You're leaving for an extended stay remote work trip, so let's get packing. There's a lot of advice in blogs and youtube videos on the
subject. This pre-trip resource will guide your thinking, but if you have outstanding questions or concerns, please feel free to do further
research or reach out to our team at ZEAL. We've broken down this list into general categories, so let's jump into the first thing to
consider—your luggage. The size, type, and the number of bags you bring for an extended stay will directly impact your travels,
so let's make a plan.
LUGGAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg.15
Most airlines worldwide consider a standard checked bag to weigh less than 20 kilograms or about 44 pounds. Plan to travel with one
standard checked bag, and you'll be able to navigate airports and travel days with minimal struggles, plus save on extra or overweight
baggage fees.
Along with your one checked bag, you'll want to have one carry-on bag: a work-style backpack (dedicated laptop slot) or a small
rolling suitcase. According to luggagepros.com, a piece of common-size carry-on luggage is 22"x 14"x 9", and most airlines have a
carry-on weight limit of 18 kgs or 40 pounds.
There are pros and cons of both setups. If you go with a backpack, you'll be moving a little easier on travel day. Still, if you go with a
carry-on-sized piece of luggage, you'll also be able to bring a large purse or small backpack as your "extra item."
WHAT TO PACK
What should you pack for an extended travel experience? That's a loaded question. You'll find a lot of strong opinions and "expert advice"
on the internet, as well as the next group dinner you attend. Everyone has a different idea on the right amount of things to pack; this
resource will guide you and provide an example of a well-planned packing list.
First, consider the environment where you'll be spending your time. If you're going to spend six months all over Europe, you'll need
clothes for all weather. If you're going to be three months in the Caribbean, you can probably get away with shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops.
However, be sure your preconceived notions of a place don't cloud your judgment, do your research about the exact places you know
you'll be going. Sometimes, in some seasons, it snows in Mexico in some places. You can make a snow angel in Ecuador if you decide to
hike up Mt. Chimborazo. So, once you have an idea of the type of trip you're taking and where you'll be, that should help your packing.
Tropical Destinations:
8 Pairs of Underwear/Bras
- This might seem like a lot, but it will likely still be the first thing that causes you to do laundry.
4 Paris of Socks
- In a warm climate, you might go weeks without putting on shoes, so you’ll likely not need many socks (Bring more if
you’re not a sandals person)
1 Warm Sweatshirt
- For the airplane and any potential chilly nights or chilly adventures. (You’d be surprised how cold you can get on a
boat, even during a sunny day.)
1 Jacket or Coat
- You’ll want a medium to heavyweight coat depending on the exact climate (Antarctica or New Zealand?) and if you’re
an outdoors type person you’ll be utilizing this a lot. Consider the style for its ability to roll up and pack down smaller
as some fluffy coats might take up half of your bag.
2 Hats
- Bring your favorite winter hat to keep your head toasty, and maybe another baseball or bucket cap for sunny days
and less frigid weather.
Gloves
- Hands and feet get cold first, so make sure you have some middle to heavy weight gloves to keep your fingers
working in every climate you encounter.
Scarfs (Optional)
- Feel free to pack a scarf or any other winter gear that helps keep you bundled up.
Additional Advice:
Packing cubes are an excellent option for type-A personalities who enjoy organization and structure. Also, consider rolling everything
(rather than folding) depending on the type of bag. It often keeps clothes in better condition inside luggage and can also help with space.
Also, don't forget that once you're on the ground where you're traveling, if you wish you had bought three more pairs of underwear, you
can just buy them! Try not to stress too much because you can pick up what you need on the road in the worst case.
Finally, the lists above are simply an example, it's not a recipe. Pack whatever you think you'd love to have with you on an extended trip.
Just make sure you can get it through an airport on foot. What you want to pack is a personal choice that truly only impacts you.
W A T C H W A T C H W A T C H
Compact Ways to Fold Clothes for Packing Travel Packging Tips - How to Pack a Carry-on Travel Life Hacks, Organization Tips, Outfits,
How to Pack, & Carry-on Essentials
X Hiking Boots Leave them behind unless you're going on a hiking trip. You'll be surprised at the adventures you can have in
athletic shoes or flip-flops.
X Yoga Mat Unless you practice daily, you can skip bringing the mat. There are yoga classes in every corner of the world, and
they'll provide the mat if you need a good stretch.
X Some Amount of Toiletries & Beauty Supplies You'll undoubtedly want deodorant and a toothbrush but try not to overdo
it. There are pharmacies and corner stores in every country in the world, and you can always find lotion, lip balm, painkillers, or
whatever you might need. If you have a specific beauty or health product that you rely upon, research to see how readily available
it is at your destination.
General Rule:
After you pack, take 25-40% back out of your bag and leave it behind. You can always buy those boxers, t-shirts, or a new pair
of dress shoes wherever you are. You'll often want to get local clothes to feel more comfortable and to remember the trip, so leave
room for those items as you travel around. Also, suppose you need to buy dress shoes (for example) to attend a local's wedding
on your trip. In that case, you'll have cool dress shoes from wherever you are, which is a great story to tell when somebody
compliments them in the future.
When packing for a remote work extended trip, you'll want to make sure you have everything you need to work comfortably. You'll
undoubtedly need your computer, charger, and headphones, but you might want to consider some additional remote work tools:
If you require prescription medicine as part of your health and fitness routine, be sure to pack the proper quantities, plus extra in case
of travel delays. You also might be able to find your prescriptions and any over-the-counter drugs you take at your destination.
We recommend discussing how to obtain quantities with your doctor.
Also, ensure the medications you pack can cross the border with you. For example, Japan has some restrictions on what drugs are allowed
in. It's best to research and consult with a medical professional based on your specific situation. If you have any outstanding questions, feel
free to contact our team at ZEAL for guidance.