Travel Insights Blog
Travel Insights Blog
In a world of digital nomads, full time travelers, and endless places to visit, how do you go “off grid” for a period of time? How do some of these travelers go to places without internet for weeks at a time, and how can you do it too?
We get it, as travelers ourselves we know that the travel bug to go to places you may not be able to work remotely is strong. A week in Turkmenistan? Sign us up! So, let’s talk about the basics.
Primarily, you’ll need a form of income that does not rely on regular, daily contact. This could prove difficult to maintain if you wanted to visit a country without reliable internet connection. Freelancing is an ideal type of job to have for a situation like this. However, if freelancing is not an option for you or your career choice, the trick is to work when and where you can. This kind of lifestyle is not compatible with working 9-5, shutting your laptop at 5 on the dot and going on with your day. This kind of lifestyle requires that you work when you can where you can, regardless of the time. Saturday night traveling, but the bar you’re at has wifi? You may need to take an hour to knock out that work assignment, schedule that email, all in the name of having that extra time in your week free, when you may not have that same internet access.
We know, this can sound a bit of a crazy and hectic work style, but if you’re the kind of person daydreaming about seeing the remote parts of the world, we are sure you’ve done crazier things! To help curb the doubt about trying to work like this, allow us to give you some inspiration on some of these “off the beaten path” destinations that may require you work like this for a bit.
Turkmenistan is home to so many unique types of landscapes, food, sights, and cities. Located in Central Asia, the country has limited to no “Western” internet connections you may be used to. Don’t let this stop you, however, from experiencing things like Darvaza Gas Crater, nicknamed “The Doors of Hell,” one of the only places in the world you can hike around an active volcanic gas crater! Wander around the capital Ashgabat, and see what the world's least populated capital city looks like (spoiler alert - it’ll take a moment to adjust to this)!
With dreamy beaches, incredible food, and antique scenery, Cuba calls the names of adventurous travelers everywhere. The stunning streets of Havana are not worth missing in your life, but it comes at the cost of limited internet access. 4G and 5G connection is extremely limited across the island, and certain work platforms like Zoom are not able to be accessed from this country. It’s all worth it though for a single day spent lounging on Varadero Beach, bathed in crystal clear, warm waters! Not only is Cuba a unique travel destination, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t visit sooner the moment you leave!
If you’re a foodie kind of traveler, there is no chance you’ll want to miss crossing China off your bucket list. From the obvious attractions like the Great Wall of China, to lesser known activities like exploring Macao, China is incredible. Again, due to government limitations, “Western” sites such as Google have been banned. An extended trip to China would typically require work beforehand for a Western digital nomad to ensure they are not missing deadlines, and let their employer know you will be unavailable by contact! This incredible country is not something the internet should dissuade you from going to.
For our adventurous travelers, finding a balance between work and the unique places you want to go isn’t always the easiest, but can be so worth it. Keep crossing off your bucket list, and remember, if you don’t want to go alone, there is always a fellow Floqsta who will go with you!
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