What No-One Tells You About Being a Digital Nomad

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During the past decade cellular and WiFi coverage has become so much better that it’s possible for many to get away from their office desks and work from their recreational vehicle. This has brought about the phrase “digital nomad” or “technomad” and for most people, it’s the best life.

When compared to just ten years back, things are good today. Way back in the “bad old days”, cellular internet was based on slow “2G” networks, which implied that you’d have to get a WiFi hotspot to do any major downloading, in most cases miles away. Campground WiFi was not so good either and indifferently supported by the campgrounds.

These days it’s a completely different situation. Now we have high-speed 4G cellular network countrywide, and with workable signal in locations we could only imagine a couple of years ago. Even campground WiFi has become slightly better. The bottom line is that anyone can get online; practically anywhere.

As it’s becomes much easier to get online bosses are beginning to recognize that “work from home” doesn’t generally equate to “slackness” and the number of digital nomads living in RVs has skyrocketed. However before you pack up to work from the road full-time, remember that getting workable and fast internet could still be challenging as everyone else has the need for the same thing.

It’s difficult to find an RV that doesn’t have a laptop or two inside it, in addition to smart phones and tablets for each member of the family. Even the dog could have a GPS tracking collar that makes use of a cellular network to send his location. Each of those devices is pinging the same cell tower, creating local congestion.

The digital nomad is at the forefront of this challenge. Working people can’t afford slow internet. This has spurred a kind of arms race, because the person with the biggest antenna and booster setup will receive a better signal and thus more bandwidth. A number of Specialty stores have popped up to help on the most recent technology to get an upper hand over the average person using a simple Jetpack or MiFi-type device. WiFi extenders, high-gain antennas, cellular-compatible routers and network boosters is the gear of the serious RV-based digital nomad.

Additionally, there are tips and tricks for working around slow internet networks. To start with, at peak periods do just the least you need to do online; or else you are going to be looking at your system for a long time waiting for things to load. Get out of bed early or work very late hours on stuff that takes serious bandwidth.

Second, save a list of stuff that requires high-speed internet (such as big file uploads) and undertake those jobs at a public WiFi spot in town, like McDonald’s, a public library, or coffee shop, etc. This has the side advantage of getting you away from your desk for a couple of hours.

Third, if possible, make use of your mobile smart phone in place of a laptop. Mobile apps were created for narrow bandwidth and you could do a lot with a tablet or phone on slow internet connection especially for common tasks like online banking, emails, checking weather, and social network updates.

Fourth, be extremely careful about cloud-based applications and automatic updates. Today’s laptop operating systems come with options to instantly synchronize data, such as emails, calendars, preferences, passwords, photos, files—even entire hard drive backups and operating system updates. It is advisable to turn off everything that sends data to the internet without requesting your permission.

Lastly, if it all turns out to be too much of a hassle, remember the reason why you are in a RV. You’ve got wheels. Consider going to some place that’s less popular or take a break and go for a hike where cell signals don’t penetrate anyway and come back to work at other times.

A Basic Guide to Spring Glamping

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A lot of people agree to the fact that our warmest months, with prolonged sun-drenched evenings and lush green foliage, exotic flowers and milder weather, are the most desired times for weddings. Because of this, most of Ireland’s intending summer brides get the girls together in springtime and delight in their special weekend of freedom before they are joined to their spouse forever.

Teapot Lane has long been hosting these kinds of weekends for many years now and it’s the first ever Glamping spot in Ireland. They have perfected the Hen weekend and offer the best weekends in Ireland. When booking a Glamping weekend earlier in the season, be aware of the following facts on Glamping before selecting your venue:

Find out what the rate is and the differences involved.

Yurt – This is a sizable round tent which you could walk around in; they generally have a wooden floor, good beds, insulation and many layers of canvas. They usually have a wood burning stove so it’s possible to have them really warm throughout the chillier months in spring. Yurts are native to Mongolia where people stay in them during freezing temperatures in winter; hence they are like a mobile house rather than just a simple tent.

Bell Tent– This is often a round one skin light canvas tent; it might be on decking or grass. Bell tents could have a small stove inside and camp beds, you typically can’t walk inside and sleeping is on the floor. Bell tents are great in the warm summer months but could be extremely cold in Spring/autumn.

Lodging in a bell tent can seem very cool particularly when you fall asleep and the small stove designed for the tents goes out.  You must be mindful so you don’t   get up feeling cold and damp.

Facilities – Ask about any communal facilities

As soon as you have established what accommodation is available for your Glamping weekend it is advisable to take a look at the facilities, are there secure space for the Gang to chill out if the weather isn’t so great? Are there well equipped kitchen facilities? Does the kitchen have everything you require? Is there entertainment or catering offered?

Teapot Lane have caterers that prepare tasty buffet BBQ style and a live DJ to play tunes to dance the Buffet off under the stars or cool dining shelter if the weathers is great.

Is there a Campfire? This is considered one of the loveliest aspects of any Camping/Glamping trip, sitting by the campfire towards the end of the day, chatting, swapping stories, sipping a great vino or a hot chocolate and scoffing toasted marshmallows. Make sure you inquire if your Glamping site has a campfire and if fuel is made available.

Lastly, ensure and you bring your warm clothes and all your favorite food and drinks. Loosen up and have a laugh; make it a weekend to remember for a long time.

A Complete Checklist for your America Road Trip this Summer

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The little ones are off school, the sun is shining, and the road is calling. But road trips aren’t as easy as getting into a car, switching on the radio and throwing caution to the wind. Each time you are getting prepared for a trip there are a few important factors to consider: comfort, fun, and readiness.

In case you don’t know where to start here are a few items you should take along for the trip.

A COMFY, LIGHTWEIGHT BLANKET

Depending on the place you’re going, understand that warm summer days may turn out to be not-so-warm summer nights. You most likely won’t require something with down feathers or heavy quilting; however a good-sized blanket will certainly come in handy.

PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGERS

Road trips are all about creating memories, which imply that you’ll most likely use your smartphone to snap plenty of shots and using your phones amounts to faster-draining batteries, if you’re with a group, not everybody can plug their device into the car at a time. But, with a portable charger handy, one passenger could make use of it for a boost while another person plugs straight into the car’s power source.

A PORTABLE JUMP STARTER

It’s great to be equipped for the fun stuff, but you’ll also need to get ready for possible car trouble. With a portable jump starter onboard, you won’t need to depend on the kindness of strangers if you mistakenly drain your car battery.

A SOFT-SIDED COOLER BAG

Big coolers are good for filling with ice and lots of snacks; however they also occupy a lot of space. Soft-sided cooler bags alternatively keep the important things cold without occupying much space. They’re also quite easy to refill at gas station soda machines.

A FEW JUGS OF POTABLE WATER

As an additional safety measure, always have a few jugs of water handy, particularly if your road trip takes you through a very warm and remote part of the country. You can never tell just how far the next drinking fountain or grocery store is—don’t run the risk of dehydration.

SNACKS THAT DON’T REQUIRE REFRIGERATION

Jerky, nuts, along with other foods that will last outside the cooler are usually good to have around as they are good survival staples with hardly any preparation time and are convenient to eat on the move.

A ROLL OF DUCT TAPE

You need to have duct tape handy always. From makeshift repairs to non permanent solutions for injuries, the product can be used for anything.

PLENTY OF WET WIPES

Riding and snacking in a limited space for a long time increases the possibility or crumbs and spills, hence if you value your vehicle (or don’t want to accumulate needless detailing fees at the rental place), stash some wipes in the glovebox or in the center console.

PHYSICAL ROAD MAPS

It very well might seem old-fashioned, but paper road maps are the most effective way to navigate state lines. Your vehicle may have navigational tools integrated in to it and your smartphone could possibly tell you just where to go, but you might probably take a wrong turn if your devices fail.

COINS AND PAPER MONEY

ATM’s and banks don’t exist as often along highways as they do in urban centers, and locations like toll booths don’t take plastic. To steer clear of awkward situations and detours, plan in advance and get the money you need before the road trip starts. However, you must ensure you take just the amount that would be sufficient for you per term and not load plenty of cash in your vehicle.

3 Essential Tips for Trucking Safety

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Keeping safe on the highway is crucial, particularly when you have to deliver your load on schedule, this explains the reason why truck service experts from La Crosse Truck Center in Wisconsin focus on effective truck repairs; besides stocking today’s most heavy-duty products. But, there are several safety measures that you as a driver can take to be safe and reduce the need for repairs, so here are a few of them below.

For people who want to stay safe behind the steering wheel, here are 3 big rig tips from the truck service specialists at La Crosse Truck Center:

Leave Space between Vehicles

Some of the most common auto accidents are as a result of drivers following too closely; including accidents with heavy-duty trucks. Because transporting large loads makes it a lot harder to stop, La Crosse Truck Center recommends that you, at all times, leave a good space between your rig and the vehicle ahead of you.

Watch the Weather

It doesn’t make any difference if you’re driving your rig across the country or nearby, a very important factor every trucker must be aware of is the weather. Coping with severe rains or snow while driving a semi is no joke, hence it’s worthwhile to always be well prepared by being attentive to the weather report and taking appropriate safety precautions, like driving a different route or changing to safer tires.

Spend Money on Regular Maintenance

The most effective way to avert issues with your rig is to constantly invest in the best truck service. By employing a consistent program of maintenance you can be confident that all of your vehicle’s components will be performing at their very best. Regular maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs by helping you find problems before they get out of hand.

If you’re serious about keeping safe behind the wheel, investing in a maintenance and tune up from the truck service pros at La Crosse Truck Center,  is an excellent place to start.

How To Fund A Nomadic Lifestyle Of Camping And Traveling In 2017

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Most people would love to know how to fund a nomadic lifestyle of camping and traveling. They often cherish the adventure of living a nomad life. However, they are constrained by the need to pay the huge bills that come with this lifestyle so for many of this people it remains an elusive dream.

But there are a number of things you could do to fund nomadic living… even if it just for a short time a nomad life camping from place to place is really awesome.

Here are a few tips on what you need to do to make the most of the nomadic lifestyle including tips for making enough money to extend your adventures.

1.   Start by Paying Off Your Debts

Prior to setting off on your camping odyssey it is very important to start off from a level playing ground. This implies completely paying your debts. There are numerous resources available to help you manage your personal finances allowing you to start planning so as to afford your dream.

2.  Check out Ways of Saving Money While Traveling

Camping and traveling can get very costly. There are lots to think of, however with extra planning there’s at all times money to be saved. The perfect strategy is to take every type of expenditure and check out strategies of eliminating or cutting them down right from the beginning.

Camping fees heap up rapidly, however schemes like Britstops, Camp in My Garden and France Passion let you pitch up for free or for a small amount around the UK and Europe, there are also similar schemes around the world, like ‘boondocking’.

Diesel isn’t getting any cheaper hence, you can check out ways of making bio-diesel for half the price.

Seasonal farm work helps you trade a day of labour for sufficient veggies, milk and bread so you keep going for a couple of days. This is Very helpful if you are looking to keep to a modest shopping budget. A useful website for this is Gumtree.

In the event that the farm schemes aren’t available, go foraging. A number of foods are available in the hedgerows or fields but ensure you have a good book with very clear pictures to give you guidance on safe foods to harvest.

So long as you’re brave enough you could hunt and fish for your tea, so ensure you have the right gear before setting off.

Lots of people go dumpster diving behind grocery stores, which sometimes throw out absolutely unspoiled and safe food; however there are definite risks to this activity.

Consider guerilla gardening whenever you visit towns and cities, and always keep your eyes open for fresh vegetables growing in public areas.

Before setting off give thought to renewable energy. Not only is it great for the environment but if invested in early it is going to leave you with a constant supply of electricity and an additional benefit of being able to wild camp at no cost.

consider going to a recycling areas, car boot sales and charity shops on the highway  that offer goods at much less than conventional shop prices.

If you want to access the Internet there are numerous cafes, libraries and pubs you could visit with free wifi.

3.  Think Of Ways To Earn A Living On The Road

Right before you move you need to take stock of your skills and competencies as well as experience. Any expertise widely sought after can be helpful but it’s important to build an image of trust for anyone who might want to use your expertise. Get a professional business cards as well as a resume with references to hand.

A nomadic life camping and traveling could be challenging, and funding it could be even more challenging. But the easiest way to stay strong is to have numerous income streams, so when one declines another one will perhaps take its place.

Here’s a list of possible income streams to get you started:

Find a Job:

A temporary job or periodic job might be all you need to keep your bank balance. You can even find websites that target people living full time in an RV and in search of work.

Entertain

Write

Sell Your Photographs

Teach

Build an App

Sell your skills online

Sell your products online