More of us are wired up and working from wherever we happen to be these days. Some do it full-time as digital nomads. Others just want to stitch a bit of travel into their working month. Either way, a few habits go a long way toward keeping the wheels on. So here are some things I've picked up, plus a handful of stories from people who've actually done it, in a few different corners of the world.

  1. Pick the right place

Before you book anything, think hard about cost of living, safety, and whether the internet is actually reliable and not just "advertised as fast." Bali, Thailand and Mexico get thrown around a lot, and for good reason: they're cheap to live in and packed with other remote workers you can lean on. That said, don't just copy someone else's itinerary. Do your own digging and land on somewhere that actually suits what you're after, work and everything else.

  1. Draw some lines

Honestly, the hardest part isn't the work. It's switching off. Land somewhere new and it's weirdly easy to end up at your laptop at all hours, letting everything else slide. Burnout creeps up fast that way. Set your hours, off and on, and then hold the line. Otherwise, why fly all that way?

  1. Get a rhythm going

A routine keeps you sane and productive. Maybe that's set working hours, maybe it's a local co-working space, maybe it's just carving out one corner of your rental that becomes "the desk." And build in the other stuff too: move your body, wander around, meet a few people, whether they're fellow remote workers or locals.

  1. Lean into the culture

Working from all these different places is a gift, if you let it be one. Learn a bit about local traditions. Eat things you can't pronounce. Talk to people who actually live there. You'll end up knowing the place in a way no weekend tourist ever will. That's the part that sticks with you.

  1. Keep your people close

Remote life can get lonely, no way around it. Book the regular video calls with friends, family and colleagues. Drop into a few online communities for remote workers. Small stuff, but it's usually what keeps the whole thing from tipping over into isolation.

Story 1: Bali

Bali, Indonesia keeps topping everyone's list, and you can see why once you're there. Beaches, rice fields, the culture running through all of it. Work and play sort of bleed into each other. Kaitlyn, a digital marketer from the United States, based herself there for several months.

"I loved the relaxed pace of life in Bali," Kaitlyn says. "I would start my day with a yoga class, work for a few hours in a co-working space, and then spend the afternoon exploring the island. I also loved the community of remote workers in Bali. It was easy to connect with other people who were also working remotely and make new friends."

Story 2: Mexico

Mexico pulls in plenty of remote workers too, with the sunshine, the colourful architecture and, let's be honest, the food. Andrew, a freelance writer from Canada, spent a month working out of Tulum.

"I loved the laid-back vibe of Tulum," Andrew says. "I would start my day with a swim in the ocean, work for a few hours from my Airbnb, and then explore the town in the afternoon. I also loved the food in Tulum – the fresh seafood, tacos, and margaritas were amazing."

Story 3: Thailand

Thailand is a classic for digital nomads: cheap to live in, warm-hearted locals, and food that ruins you for everywhere else. Maria, a graphic designer from Brazil, made Chiang Mai her base for six months.

"I loved the community of remote workers in Chiang Mai," Maria says. "There were so many co-working spaces and meetups where I could connect with other people who were also working remotely. I also loved the food in Chiang Mai – the street food was some of the best I've