Alex Carabi Web Design

As mentioned in a previous post, between December and April I travelled throughout Asia, living a roaming freelancer’s dream. In three different Asian countries I had the privilege of working with clients on various web and media projects. Along the way, I learned a few things that can be of use for fellow travelling freelancers.

This article has also been published at A Better Freelancer.

Whilst writing an email to Ole Martin Kristiansen about the globetrotting freelancing lifestyle, I realised that I have quite a few tips that hopefully will inspire freelancers looking to work abroad for an extended period of time.

Respect the WiFi God

In countries with unstable internet access, make sure to download everything you want to view when you get a stable internet connection. You never know when the power will go, and then you’re stuck without being able to access what could be vital documents. Download all email, open all interesting articles from your feed reader in different tabs etc. There were so many times in Vietnam when I just couldn’t work effectively because I was waiting for client feedback (from Europe), so suck every last drop of WiFi-blood than you possibly can.

Take advantage of your situation and enrich your life

Give your computer a well-earned break

That being said, make sure to take in your surroundings and experience the new culture in which you find yourself. Working half days are usually enough, leaving you with time to engage with the locals, learn a new sport/recreational activity (surfing, scuba diving) or perhaps even take lessons to learn the local language. These skills last a lifetime, so take advantage of your situation and enrich your life. If you sit in your hotel room day-in and day-out, I bet you’ll end up regretting all of the strange, cool and satisfying things that you never experienced once you’re back in front of your desk back home. I worked as a volunteer English teacher at the English School of Mui Ne; a truly rewarding and humbling experience.

Internet is everywhere

If you’re traveling in Asia, don’t worry about internet access: pretty much all hotels offer free WiFi, and if not there always seems to be an open network close by.

Sweet Business Exchanges

Whilst I was in Vietnam I managed to do a deal with a local hotel. I created a website for them, and in return I received free accommodation including breakfast for two people for the entire two months. The same can be done for restaurants, diving shops and other similar businesses. Just make sure to sign a contract, and keep the client up to speed more than normal, so they don’t think you’re enjoying the free ride for nothing. The opportunities are endless: not just websites but menus, brochures etc. If you play your cards right, you can the only expense you’ll have for the duration of the trip will be the flight!

Go for it

Whether you’re stuck the northern Swedish boonies, or in a hectic North American megalopolis, I definitely recommend taking a few months from your daily routine to travel and embrace a foreign culture. In today’s day and age, web and graphic freelancers can work from pretty much anywhere with a power source and internet connection, and if you’re lucky you can end up with a living cost of zero (+ a website).

If you’re thinking of doing something similar, I have one word of advice.

Go.