Summer is the time for lounging on the beach, taking in the summer rays, and finally attending that long-awaited vacation rental by the lake or ocean. However, even if you’re far from home or trying to relax outdoors, you may still have Zoom meetings on your calendar. This is where working remotely during the summer can get tricky.
While the idea of working from a beach house sounds dreamy, the reality is that staying productive during the vacation season takes some planning and perseverance. Here’s how to ensure your internet stays strong, your tasks get done, and you allocate time for your friends and family during the coveted summer months.
Choose Your Location Wisely
So, you booked a cabin in the woods for the week, but its remote nature may be troublesome for your connectivity. If your rental doesn’t have reliable Wi-Fi, you might end up working from the parking lot of the nearest coffee shop.
When booking a vacation rental, you may want to check for specific amenities or plan ahead before arriving:
- Wi-Fi speed and reliability: If you’re about to book your rental, try asking the host directly about their internet connectivity options before confirming.
- Backup options: If you’re staying somewhere remote, find out where the closest coffee shop or library is to your rental.
- Cell service: Wooded areas or small towns may lack cell coverage, which can affect your phone’s hotspot if that’s what you plan to use.
If you’re nervous about your vacation’s connectivity, read some reviews from previous guests who worked remotely. Reviews typically include whether there’s cell service or reliable internet.
Bring Your Own Internet
Mobile hotspots may be the best option for vacationers who are also on the clock. They give you freedom and flexibility when you’re anxious or apprehensive about your hotel or rental’s internet options.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Personal hotspot from your phone: Most smartphones can double as a hotspot. Check your data plan to see what’s included.
- Dedicated mobile hotspot devices: These are portable devices that use cellular data to create a Wi-Fi network. They’re instrumental if you’ll be working in areas with spotty coverage.
- Prepaid data plans: If you’re abroad or want to avoid unexpected bills, consider a prepaid plan to help with connection issues.
Apps like OpenSignal or Speedtest can help you test signal strength or identify coverage dead spots before you commit to bringing or using your hotspot.
Pack Your Power
It’s all fun and games until your laptop dies mid-presentation and you realize you forgot your charger. Power prep can be crucial for working remotely during vacation.
Here’s a checklist that can help you before leaving your home:
- Pack all your chargers: Though obvious, make sure you bring all your phone and laptop chargers with you. Double-checking is always essential in this situation.
- Portable power banks: These devices are great for topping off phones and tablets when you’re on the go.
- Extension cords: Vacation rentals often have limited outlets or power outlets in unusual locations. Bringing along an extension cord or power strip can be a lifesaver.
- Car chargers: If you’re working from the road, USB car chargers can be especially beneficial.
Set Up a Work-Friendly Zone
Working from a remote place or a beach setting may mean trying to be productive in an uncomfortable place. Even if your rental is small, it may help to create an optimal workspace to get your tasks done efficiently. Before booking your rental, try asking about or looking for:
- A table, like a dining table or desk
- A comfortable chair
- Natural light, or good lighting for video calls
- A quiet or blank background for meetings
If you’re traveling with family or friends, it can be easy for them to distract you from your work. Communicate with them about your work hours or when you’re taking video calls, helping to create better boundaries and reducing possible interruptions.
Balance Work and Family Appropriately
If you’re taking a nice vacation, your kids, partners, or friends might not love that you’re still on the clock. That’s where a little structure and communication can help make the trip fun for everyone. Try these tips:
- Set a schedule: Block off work hours and stick to them. If you say you’ll stop at a certain time, stick to your schedule.
- Create family-friendly breaks: Take advantage of lunchtime to go for a walk or spend time in the summer sun with your family.
- Use visual cues: A closed door or over-the-ear headphones can help signal that you’re in work mode.
- Avoid outdoor calls: Nothing spoils the summertime mood more than interrupting the vibe with a work call. Try turning off your phone or computer while you’re lounging with your loved ones.
Keep Tools and Apps Handy
Your usual office setup may be miles away, but most remote work tools are well-suited for travel. Before you go, make sure:
- You’re logged into your cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox)
- You’ve downloaded any essential files for offline access
- You have access to your video conferencing tools (Zoom, Teams, Meet)
- You’ve tested screen sharing and audio if using a new device
Apps like Notion, Trello, and Slack can help keep projects organized, while Focusmate or Forest can help you stay productive and sync your calendar. Even if the beautiful outdoors is calling your name, making sure your apps are connected and everything’s working properly beforehand can help alleviate stress during your vacation.
Ready for Vacation Time!
Summer remote work can be the best of both worlds, but when it eats away at your vacation, tending to your job may become a problem. With a bit of preparation like bringing a hotspot device or packing multiple chargers, you can stay connected and productive without missing out on the joys of vacation season.
Just remember that summer only comes once a year, so take those work calls, but don’t let them interrupt your relaxation time. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be headed to the beach or woods like a remote working pro.