Jessica Garza’s Nomad Work Hacks

I've been riding the digital nomad wave for longer than I'd care to admit, so trust me when I say I've got this whole lifestyle down to an art. It’s all about that delicate dance of juggling work with travel—keeping productivity in check while soaking up new experiences like a sponge.

But let’s be real—you’ve got to be a little clever, maybe even a bit sneaky, to make it all work. Nailing the tech nomad lifestyle isn’t just about showing up; it’s about showing up with the right tricks up your sleeve.

First off, your gear. Ditch the heavy bricks and go for gadgets that do more with less. Lightweight, multipurpose devices are the holy grail—whether it’s a laptop, an all-in-one adapter, or a portable charger that doesn’t double as a dumbbell. Pack smart, travel light, and thank me later when you’re not lugging around half your body weight.

Now, let’s talk connectivity—the lifeblood of a wandering worker. Spotty Wi-Fi can turn a dreamy work cation into a nightmare faster than you can say “buffering.” That’s why a global Wi-Fi modem is non-negotiable. I’ve got one, courtesy of Nomad Internet, and it’s saved my sanity more times than I can count.

Curious about what else is in my nomadic arsenal? Check out: The Best Nomadic Work Toolkit in My Opinion — Jessica Garza

Productivity on the move? Ha! It’s like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall. Time zones play mind games, your concentration takes a nosedive, and focus? Forget it. To stay on top, I rely on time zone management apps like World Time Buddy, and when I need to actually get stuff done, productivity apps like Slack and Focus@Will are my go-tos. Trust me, they’re lifesavers.

Location, location, location—that’s the mantra when choosing your work spot. Spoiler: not every place is conducive to cranking out your best work. Sure, the beach sounds great until you’re dealing with sun glare and sand in your laptop. So, I make it a point to scout out nearby co-working spaces, cafés, or libraries that let me dive deep into work without distractions.

As for accommodations, long-term stays are my jam. Airbnb’s got some killer deals, especially in those charming rural areas where the Wi-Fi flows like wine. Plus, setting up shop in one place for a while keeps the logistics easy and your stress levels low.

Safety first, folks. Travel insurance is your best friend when things go sideways—whether it’s a health issue, an accident, or some sticky-fingered thief. Don’t skimp on it; it’s worth its weight in gold.

Pro tip: Keep both physical and digital copies of your important docs—passport, visa, insurance policy, you name it. Because when Murphy’s Law strikes, you’ll thank yourself for being prepared.

Learning the basics of the local lingo is a game-changer. I dabble in languages with apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone—just enough to order coffee, ask for directions, and avoid looking like a total tourist. It’s a small effort that pays off big time in smoother interactions and richer experiences.

And here’s my top hack: staying healthy. The moment you roll out of bed, get outside and soak up some sun. Follow it up with a brisk walk and a bit of exercise—it’s the cherry on top of a great start to your day. Staying fit isn’t just about looking good; it keeps your mind sharp, your stress low, and your anxiety at bay.

So that’s my playbook for hacking the digital nomad life. It’s all about the little things—keep it minimal, keep it smart, and you’ll find that less really is more.

Your one and only, Jessica Garza. Peace out!