Travel can prove an amazingly powerful way to foster your writing and blogging creativity. However, writers often think travel will prove detrimental to productivity. Today, freelance writer and travel blogger Beth Bauer (@JourneyofBethB) offers tips to help your writing and blog thrive as you travel the world.
Are you a digital nomad? Is your idea of the perfect office a small coffee shop on a remote island or a balcony overlooking the sea? Being a remotely based writer and blogger is a wonderful experience, but sometimes it’s tough to stay disciplined and to manage all the distractions that accompany travel and life in another country.
Fortunately, with just a little pre-trip planning, it’s not too difficult to enjoy your trip or life abroad and complete your writing projects or keep your blog posts publishing on schedule.
Here are eight great tips on how to write and blog from anywhere in the world.
Ask a Lot of Questions about Your Accommodations
You’re probably experienced enough to know what sort of environment you need to be a productive writer. Do you need lots of windows or prefer to sit in the dark? Are you easily distracted by the sound of traffic or construction? Do you like to make your meals or go out to eat?
Your surroundings have a significant impact on your efficiency as a writer, so make a list of your must-haves before booking accommodations and ask a lot of questions, especially if you’re planning an extended stay.
Make Sure You Pack an Electrical Adapter
There is nothing worse than that sinking feeling when you realize the power on your laptop is about to run out, and you can’t plug it in because you forgot to bring along the correct power adapter for that country. Sometimes reception at a hotel will have one they can lend you, but if they don’t, it could be an enormous hassle to try to find one.
Always find out before you leave home what kind of power adapter you need, and pack a couple of them.
Figure Out Wi-Fi Access Ahead of Time
When it comes to Internet access, the best idea is to take fate into your own hands. Take along your own hot-spot so you aren’t at the mercy of other people’s internet.
Some countries, like India, that struggle with solid infrastructure, have regular power outages. Unreliable power and Wi-Fi can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re right in the middle of uploading or publishing a blog post and you lose connectivity.
To keep yourself from banging your own head against the wall, spare yourself the exasperation and get your own Wi-Fi device. And be sure to check out internet connectivity strength and consistency before you choose a location or lodging.
Find Someplace Quiet
If you need quiet to write, keep this in mind when you make travel plans.
The last place I stayed while visiting Bosnia was so busy with early season construction that I couldn’t think. Every time I sat down to write I would hear jackhammers, drilling, or the beep-beep-beep of construction trucks. Even while wearing earplugs I could still hear the noise!
I had forgotten to ask about local construction when I made my reservation. Luckily, I was only staying for a few days. But don’t make the same mistake, especially if you plan a long stay.
Stick to a Schedule
It’s easy to slip out of your typical routine while traveling. Or you might be a writer that despises the thought of routine or likes to wait for inspiration to strike, which is fine.
But if you usually have a writing routine, try to stick to it even when away from home. For example, I try to write 1,000 words per day, and my preference is to do it first thing in the morning. Whatever your normal schedule, try to follow it even when you’re on the road.
Outline Your Writing Before Hand
It’s always a good idea to think about what you’re about to write before actually writing it. Learning to prepare for the day’s writing stint can be all-the-more important when you are out of your element. That’s when lack of focus can knock you off track fast.
Taking just a few minutes to outline your topic and key points will make it easier for the words to flow. Also, if you get distracted while writing—or discover something amazing you must go see or do immediately—it will help you know exactly where you left off and how best to continue.
Limit Distractions
Distractions are a constant obstacle to productive writing. From phone calls to noisy neighbors and the constant ding of notifications on our smartphone, it often feels like you’re swimming against the current.
When you are in a fascinating new country, you add in an entirely different set of distractions. After all, there are sites to see and places to explore.
You’ll never be able to eliminate all distractions, but you can silence your phone or, even better, turn it off. You might also want to consider using some noise cancelation headphones or earplugs so you can remain focused on your writing.
Also, plan your days so you can focus when it’s time to write, and then go have fun!
Use Your Surroundings as Inspiration
We live in a big beautiful world. Our planet is full of breathtaking beauty and fascinating people. From the majestic Himalaya Mountains to the quaint cobblestone streets of Mexico, what better way to gain some inspiration than to take a trip to an unfamiliar place, and open your heart and mind to new experiences. You’ll be amazed how easily the words flow when taking the time to observe a new country.
So don’t forget to go exploring!
Life as a writer can be a challenge. You might enjoy the trials, and that’s why you’ve chosen it as your profession—or you just love to write. Traveling while you write can make even the easiest writing tasks seem over complicated or cause your productivity to plummet. But when you utilize these eight tips to help you successfully write or blog from anywhere in the world, you’ll discover a new level of creativity and productivity.
Are you a digital nomad? Share your tips for blogging while you travel in a comment below.
About the Author
Beth Bauer is a freelance writer, travel blogger, yoga instructor, and entrepreneur currently working on her third novel. She has traveled to over 20 countries in just the last two years and enjoys life as a digital nomad. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.A., and when she’s home lives on the Long Beach Peninsula with her dog, Ozzie.
Photo courtesy of Anete L?si?a on Unsplash
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