Comments on: Tips for Working on the Road

By: Kayla

Kayla — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 01:12:44 +0000

Now that makes me remember that I miss biking with hubby. We will surely do that once his home next week.

By: Jim Berry

Jim Berry — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 16:04:55 +0000

Great post from excellent sources, Nicole!

I use KeePass to store my password and login info. KeePass stores the info in a secure database on my computer. Then I can sync the main database to my other two computers and laptop.

As you said, planning ahead and having access to the files you may need is very important. However, I still am not fond of storing files online. I put mine on a USB and bring them along.

And, as well, I don’t really care for those i-thingies either. A good Droid smartphone that creates a wifi hotspot works for me!

Thanks for the great tips and advice from all!

By: The Mom

The Mom — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 19:29:28 +0000

I finally stopped admiring your pictures, Nik, so am now reading through.

Dropbox:

I can NOT work without it. I don’t even work at home without it anymore. Dropbox is essential. (If you’re reading this and you don’t have Dropbox, scroll up and find Nik’s link and CLICK ON… it’s free!)

WIFI connections:

Okay, I have been disappointed numerous times by WIFI availability in hotels. They say they have it but either it’s $$$ or it doesn’t work. I’m thinking there’s an alternative. Anyone? I am tech challenged so have no idea what’s out there to use.

Stupidest question award goes to me:

I was going to ask you about this the next time I saw you, Nik, but then thought maybe someone else has the same problem and is too embarrassed to ask. But not me! Here goes… when I’m on vacation, or even when I’m home, I would LOVE to be able to sit outside and work. BUT, my laptop screen just reflects myself back at me or anything that’s bright around me. Which means I’m trapped inside a hotel room working, so why be on vacation? I’m guessing an iPad would be an alternative BUT, is it? Also, I have to type, like really type, with a keyboard, to get my work done. So two things: would an iPad be a good substitute for a laptop outside, meaning is it readable in bright light and can I get my stuff on Dropbox, AND is there a way to attach a keyboard and mouse?

That may be the stupidest question you’ll ever get on NOTN, so cherish it. I hope you have an answer, once you pick yourself off the floor from laughing at me. 😀

By: William

William — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 17:59:14 +0000

Must of my Travel is to our place in Nayarit, Mexico. We have WIFI, actually my brother-in-law has wifi and I have a little open air office on his rooftop. I just take my laptop up there. Our place is right next door so it’s no problem. When I leave Wisconsin for a day trip, I just carry my tablet. (Headed for Door County this afternoon to enjoy a fish Boil-over so my tablet is all I need) I also use Roboform as well as Dropbox to keep my stuff together. I don’t use Skype to much but it can save you a lot of money. One of my daughters is a Marine and when she was stationed in Iran we would use Skype. (11 p.m. in Wisconsin is 5 a.m. there)
I like your part about having a plan. I tend to overlook that part. This past July I did take part in a 31 day blog challenge while I was in Mexico…interesting.
Planning is important.

By: bryan z.

bryan z. — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:16:32 +0000

Love traveling Europe. Hope to do it again at end of coming Sept. (hence this is an interesting read … hehe)
My rule: each trip at least a month long, because I hate sitting in a plane for 7-8 hours while crossing “the big pond”.
Noticed: For each trip I see my luggage shrinking and shrinking… Laptop is too heavy and cumbersome. Nothing beats a small Acer netbook … cheap (in case it gets stolen/brakes), small, but it’s still a working computer. I use external USB keyboard and mouse, better for long typing.
Don’t count on working too much during trips … despite the best intentions, it’s hard to resist getting outside and visiting stuff.
Last time I was in Madrid, on the metro on my way to the airport (for Lisbon), someone opened a small pocket on my backpack and stole some memory sticks which were there. First time something like that happened to me, and I did some heavy traveling before. Ok, my mistake, I should have put some small lockers on the small pockets of my backpack too, which I didn’t. Next time I’ll know better: lock EVERYTHING, and travel with only one small-as-possible luggage piece. I can buy everything else I need in Europe anyway.
Happy traveling!
bryan

By: Ruth P

Ruth P — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 23:40:19 +0000

This is a great post! One of the benefits of running a business online is to be more flexible when it comes to travel. Plus I especially like this idea: “I intentionally plan a 3 week or longer trip every year, simply to reset my business. If I don’t, then I tend to get sucked back into it. However, if I know that I will be gone for 3 weeks or more it pushes me to systemize, delegate, and automate my business on an annual basis.” So true!

I have been on the road for 8 months now in Southeast Asia with my business. It isn’t easy but it does force you to put systems in place. I know 8 months is an extreme example, but I think any trip can make you think more critically about the way you run your business, and even make you more productive as you go.

I’m actually going to a country with near unusable internet and frequent power cuts for 18 days in September (Burma) so I have to be super-organized before I go. But when I’m there it’ll be great knowing everything is in place!