When you arrive in a new city, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and feel a strong sense of FOMO—especially if you’re an indie hacker or remote worker with projects that need attention. But with the right balance, you can stay productive while still enjoying all the fun that a new city has to offer. Here are some of my tips to stay motivated and get work done while traveling.
1. Set Time for Fun
It’s important to set aside time for fun and exploration. When you know you’ve scheduled a few hours for sightseeing or relaxing later in the day or on the weekend, you’re less likely to feel FOMO during work hours. This allows you to focus on your tasks knowing that there’s time to explore later.
2. Go Get a Fun Drink
Start your day by taking a walk and trying out a new coffee shop. It’s a great way to get a little dopamine boost while also giving yourself a mini break from the work environment. Plus, trying out new spots around the city can become a routine that helps you stay grounded in your work schedule.
3. Stick to a Schedule
Set clear work hours, sleep routines, and wake-up times. If you don’t, it’s easy to fall into vacation mode and abandon your work altogether. Sticking to a schedule helps maintain a sense of normalcy and keeps you accountable to your work tasks.
4. Find Co-Working Spaces
I find that watching other people be productive in a co-working space makes me more productive too. There’s something about the energy of a shared workspace that motivates you to focus and get things done.
5. Know Exactly What You Need to Get Done for the Week
When I feel overwhelmed by tasks, I’m less inspired to work. By structuring your tasks for the week and knowing exactly what you need to accomplish, you reduce the mental load of decision-making. This also helps you see how much free time you actually have, so you can balance work and exploration with realistic expectations.
I LOVE Notion for this. If you’re interested in using an all-in-one system for organizing work, check out Notion!
6. Stay in One Place for at Least 3 Weeks
I’ve found that staying in one place for at least three weeks is the sweet spot. You get enough time to feel settled, but not long enough to get tired of your surroundings. It’s a great way to feel productive without constantly feeling the pressure to move and see everything.
7. Work on Projects Aligned with Your Future Goals
Make sure the work you’re doing while traveling aligns with your long-term income, career, or business goals. When your work has purpose, it’s easier to stay motivated, even when you’re in a new and exciting location.
8. Other Tips for Working While Traveling
People often ask me, “Don’t you get FOMO?” The answer is yes—I get FOMO all the time. But I remind myself that there’s always a chance I’ll come back to this city, so I don’t need to see everything on this trip. Plus, a lot of tourist spots really aren’t worth the time, money, or effort (looking at you, Ba Na Hills—I actually hated it!).
