The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living & Working from a Ski Resort

The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living & Working from a Ski Resort

 
As the constant threat of the COVID-19 pandemic has hung over our heads, many peoples’ lives have changed drastically. Work has followed suit, and many employees now have more flexibility in terms of their locations. Nowadays, working from home is the norm in most parts of the world and, while it’s the best way to ensure we stay safe, it has also brought with it the possibility of setting up camp in another place.

To that end, the idea of sandy beaches and sparkling oceans may be appealing to some, but others prefer to move in the opposite direction and choose to live and work from a ski resort. Doing so provides the freedom to be active and also relax in your spare time. Plus, the U.S. is full of absolutely stunning ski resorts — approximately 500 — and while all of them are worth visiting, it’s best to make sure you find the one that’s most suitable for you.
 

 

What to Consider

 
When choosing to move to a new place, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared for such an endeavor. Specifically, here are a few aspects to review before you decide on a destination.

Safety

 
COVID-19 is still affecting most of the country. As such, begin by looking up the number of cases in your preferred ski destination, as well as any restrictions that may be in place there. For instance, there could be a mandatory quarantine when entering the state or other requirements for newcomers. Meanwhile, avoid crowded places and check the population to choose an area with a low number of inhabitants and tourists.

Cost of Living

 
If you plan to stay at least a few months, be sure to take the cost of living into consideration. For example, rents in Colorado — which is home to several popular resorts — may vary depending on the exact location, so put some effort into proper research. Likewise, if you need to be close to the slopes and decide to rent an apartment in Denver, then big-city life may come at a certain cost. But, if you choose a small mountain village, like Telluride, you might find better options. However, if you’re thinking about a more permanent move, there are also some great Colorado homes for sale.

After you’ve decided on a home, set a budget and make sure you can afford living there for the length of time that you’re planning to stay. Begin by researching basic expenses, such as the average rent, as well as the cost of utilities and food. A rent calculator can help you figure out how much you can afford to spend on rent.

Weather Conditions

 
You already know that cold is a given when staying at a ski resort, but make sure you look up how cold it usually is around there. That said, pack accordingly and be prepared to face the slopes in a safe and responsible manner.

Internet Access

 
When working remotely, internet is likely the most important aspect to consider. Therefore, research the local internet providers and choose the one that offers the highest internet speed.

Amenities

 
Make a list of the amenities you’d like to have access to while living there — anything from shopping options and entertainment to quality childcare and family-friendly activities if you’re travelling with kids.
 

 

How to Find the Best Ski Resort for You

 
Before you embark on this journey, make sure you find the best option for you. Start by doing some research online. By far, one of the most popular ski resorts is Jackson Hole in Wyoming near the Idaho border. This wilderness recreation area has some of the most amazing views and great campsites. Telluride and Crested Butte, both in Colorado, are also great options.

However, what is popular may not necessarily be what is right for you. So, choose a location that is nearby and can be reached by car, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Also, select a lower altitude, preferably less than 5,000 feet if you’re new to this or have small children. That’s because the effect of high altitude can be quite strong and your body might struggle with it. With that in mind, quiet villages are probably your best option as they offer both skiing options and sightseeing opportunities.

What to Bring/Pack

 
Depending on whether your move will be temporary or more permanent (or whether you’re traveling with kids), your luggage will vary considerably. For instance, if you’re only planning to spend a few months there, pack only the essentials and limit yourself to a few bags that can fit in the trunk of your car. This should definitely include warm and waterproof clothes, sunglasses, thermal tops, your insurance details and, of course, your work laptop.

Even when they’re paired with work, vacations are always exciting as there’s always some beauty in discovering a new place. However, in the current health climate, be responsible and protect yourself, as well as those around you, when traveling. Enjoy this opportunity to work remotely from your preferred ski destination!

Written by Nicky Iudean for RENTCafe

How to Become a Digital Nomad and Work Remotely in 2020

How to Become a Digital Nomad and Work Remotely in 2020

 
According to a recent Buffer report, 99% of people would love to work remotely. When you’re working as a digital nomad, there’s no one to tell you when you should take vacations and when you should work. However, being the owner of your time comes with responsibilities and you’ll also have to be the one that makes sure you stay productive. You’ll have to say good-bye to procrastination and distractions, especially when working from home. Digital nomads can struggle to create an effective work schedule because their daily activities look like a puzzle, with multiple airplane or train schedules that aren’t always accurate. But, this is something you need to think about if you’re considering becoming a digital nomad as the world continues its gradual reopening. However, despite the crazy schedules and uncertainty, digital nomads still have many benefits that make it very appealing. Here we’ll show you how you can become a digital nomad and land a remote job.

Why you should become a Digital Nomad

Being a digital nomad allows you to travel when you please and get paid while doing so. This is the most appealing aspect for those who want to become a digital nomad. There are also many opportunities to work online. Companies today minimize expenses related to having a physical environment like offices so they can allocate resources to something that brings more revenue. They also save money from utility expenses because there are fewer people at the office that need electricity. This makes hiring remotely appealing to certain companies.

If you’re on retirement and still want to make some money, being a digital nomad will allow you to extend your career a couple of years more. It’s never too late to go visit your dream locations and natural paradises.

Browse Remote Job Listings for Career Ideas

Before you dive into the ocean of remote work, you should consider what type of job would make you happy. You will also need to think about the salary. Many high-paying jobs allow you to work remotely. This will depend on the skills you already have, and if you feel that you don’t have any skill for the type of job you want, you can always learn through a bootcamp. Here are some of the highest-paying jobs for digital nomads.
 
  • Software Engineering: Software engineering consists of developing digital products like software or applications by using programming languages. Some of the most common programming languages are JavaScript, Python, and C++. Do you have any idea of how important a software developer is in a company? A Stripe and Harris report revealed that 70% of a company’s sales success depends on its software developer. As a user, we usually make our opinions of any company based on the quality of its platform, whether it is a website or an app.
 
  • UX/UI Designers: UX and UI designers create better user experiences in digital products such as websites or applications. These two professions are a mix of designing and programming skills. That’s why software developers and UX designers usually work shoulder-to-shoulder. UX is related to functionality and UXdesigners research and test products to improve user experience.UI takes care of the quality of the interface, from the voice commands to the keyboards. UX designers make up to $113,000. If you’re trying to learn this skill, you can go for Thinkful’s UX and UI boot camps. Thinkful offers flexible payment methods that go from deferred tuition to loan financing payment.
 
  • Digital Marketing: Digital Marketing is different from traditional marketing despite what most people think. Digital marketing is related to SEO, YouTube, and social media platforms, such as Instagram or Facebook. Most companies are allocating their resources on digital marketing rather than the traditional ones because users and customers today spend more time on their phones and computers rather than watching TV. Digital marketers can make $85,000 in a yearly salary. General Assembly’s digital marketing bootcamp is a good option if you’re trying to learn this skill. This course teaches you everything from audience segmentation to the best strategies to implement in digital marketing strategies.
 
If you would like to become a digital nomad and are interested in learning new skills to do so, check out Career Karma for bootcamps on learning new and relevant skills. You could also check out our resources page for more information on remote work.
 
 

Written by Artur Meyster from Career Karma.

Tips to Living a More Environmentally Conscious Lifestyle

Tips to Living a More Environmentally Conscious Lifestyle

 

It’s easier now, more than ever to witness the devastating impact of climate change on our planet. As we become more aware of the human impact on our natural world, many of us recognize that we must do something. People are adopting more environmentally conscious lifestyles faster than ever.

The way we live our daily lives has a massive impact on the future of the planet. Adopting sustainable practices is essential in our rapidly evolving society. Thankfully, businesses and people around the world are starting to realize how crucial it is to be environmentally conscious.

The reality is, most people want to go green, but they don’t know where to start. Food supply systems, consumer behavior, and significant lifestyle changes are daunting undertakings. It’s hard to take the initial step. But once you start making these changes, you will get into a rhythm that works for you.

Being eco-conscious is subjective, and it means something different to everyone. This broad term describes many different behaviors and general rules of thumb. To help you get started, we’ve come up with a few ways that you can be more sustainable in daily life:

 

Consider a Plant-Based Diet

 

Switching from a meat-based diet to one that’s focused on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make. Not only will you significantly reduce your carbon footprint, but you will also be prioritizing your health! 

The meat industry is single-handedly responsible for major deforestation, pollution, water consumption, land use, and destruction of topsoil. One kilo of beef consumes almost 15,000 liters of water, while a kilo of wheat uses ten times less. 

The United Nations now urges individuals to eat a plant-based diet, which they claim is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By cutting down on your meat intake, you’ll be joining the global struggle against climate change. Fewer customers buying their product will send a clear message to the meat and dairy industries. 

 

Eat Local

 

Buying local produce that’s fresh and in season is another incredible move to being more sustainable. Support your local farmers’ market. Low-scale agriculture tends to be kinder to the planet and the environment. Buy apples from a neighboring farm, for example. Be sure to check your foods’ country of origin as well, to get an idea of how far things have come to get to you.

It’s equally as important to eat produce that’s in season. It requires a significant amount of energy to fake the weather conditions necessary to grow vegetables and fruits out of season. 

Eating local is better for your body and your soul. It’s an easy, eco-friendly habit to adopt. Enjoy sustainable gastronomy and visit farm-to-table restaurants in your area (when they open, of course). If you’re planning on hosting a big event in the future, like a wedding, ask the caterer to plan a menu based around seasonal ingredients!

 

Go Package Free

 

You’ve likely heard of the plastic-straw bans in the effort to save sea turtles. Plastic contributes not only to greenhouse gases, but it also takes years to biodegrade. Consuming less plastic is central to environmental consciousness. 

Now you can find many zero-waste shops where you can buy unpackaged foods. You bring your own containers and pay per-weight. If you do find yourself buying something with plastic packaging, reuse or recycle the container. 

 

Shop Sustainably

 

Fast fashion is one thing that every environmentally conscious individual has to kick to the curb. While this clothing consumption trend is convenient for consumers, it’s far from sustainable. Many of the items that you buy from ‘fast-fashion’ retailers will only last a year. 

These clothes are cheap, and they last for a season or so, which is why they’re so enticing for fashion-lovers. When it comes to ethical shopping, the price tags can be daunting. That said, an increasing number of brands are becoming greener in their production. 

Companies like Pact, Boden, Everlane, and Tentree are focused around ethical, sustainable, and affordable fashion. The products are made from quality materials so you can wear them for longer. Even if you have to spend a bit more than you’re used to, the investment will pay off in the long run. 

 

Save Energy and Travel Smart

 

When you’re at home, try to save energy by turning off the lights and being conscious of water consumption. Some energy-saving habits include turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, choosing to line-dry clothes, and driving less. 

If you live in a city with decent public transportation, you don’t need a car. If you have to run errands or take a road trip, it’s more economical and eco-friendly to rent a car. Check out Globe Car & Truck Rental in Montreal, and you’ll see that there are many options for small vehicles with better gas mileage. 

The distance that you drive is a massive implication of your carbon footprint. If you reduce the amount that you drive by 5,000 miles, you save more than a ton of CO2. 

 

Make The Change

 

The world is currently in a race against climate change. Every person has a role to play in the future of the natural world. By adopting small lifestyle changes, you can separate yourself from systems that are destroying forests and oceans around the world. 

 

Written by Ashley Lipman for The Blog Frog.

How working remotely lowers your environmental footprint

How working remotely lowers your environmental footprint

 

Earth Day 2020

 

2020 is shaping up to be a year for the history books, and after only a few months. The current narrative is engulfed by the ramifications of the novel coronavirus. Peoples’ lives have been upended in every corner of the world. Millions of jobs were lost overnight, entire industries have been forced to shut down indefinitely, and millions of medical professionals have put themselves at risk to help those in need. While messages of fear and uncertainty continue to occupy the media, there is a silver lining: the rapid improvement in the health of our planet from us working remotely.

Who would have thought that on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the waters of Venice would be clear, oil would have momentarily become worthless, and the people of India would be able to see the peaks of the Himalayas for the first time in decades?

The social fabric on which we used to rely has, at least partially, unravelled. At the same time, working remotely has never been more widespread, and we’re healing our planet in the process.

Changes to the way we eat

 

There are 3 major contributors to our impact on the planet: food, water, and energy. None of them operate independently from one another. They are all critical components of the massive, complex system that we call home: our planet, Earth.

Our global food system is one of the heaviest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. It has a tremendous impact on the environment, yet it is only beginning to emerge in the global discussion on sustainability. Estimates of the food system’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions range anywhere from 20% to 37%. We lose and/or waste a staggering third of all the food we produce. But cooking at home can help, and it is a trend we have seen skyrocketing as a result of the coronavirus lockdowns.

This is not to say that we should stop eating out at restaurants. We love to support the local culinary establishments. After all, it is one of, if not, the main reason many of us (used to) travel. But they need not be mutually exclusive. Cooking at home can affect our decisions around when, where, and why we eat out. In many ways, cooking at home allows us to appreciate just how much love and work goes into the food we eat out.

There are so many benefits to cooking your own food at home. Not only is it less expensive, it is often healthier, it creates less waste and more leftovers. Besides, you are probably a better chef than you imagine. Start with the basics and experiment. It’s one of those skills that you never forget and will always be useful.

Changing the way we eat is critical to a healthier planet in the future. As we look to one another for connection in the wake of the coronavirus, cooking for friends and family is one of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to come together and share, both a meal, and time together. We can change the landscape for the future of food, and in the process, the health of our planet. So keep up your home-cooking habit!

A Quickly-Changing Office Landscape

 

All of a sudden people were told to start working remotely. A policy that was the stuff of legends to many office workers only months ago has since become mandatory. It is quickly becoming the norm. Remote work was already on the rise before the coronavirus outbreak. The recent lockdown measures have since accelerated this trend and many of the changes are expected to be permanent.

Companies that are quick to adapt to this new reality are likely to find improvements to both their bottom line and employee productivity. At the same time, it is one of the cheapest ways for a company to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s a rare win-win-win situation, for employers, employees, and the environment.

Xerox has been employing remote workers for 30 years. They are a prime example of the environmental benefits that can be reaped from remote teams. More than 8,600 of their employees work remotely. In 2016 they reduced vehicle miles driven by an estimated 99 million, reduced gasoline consumption by 4.9 million gallons, and avoided more than 43,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
All these changes benefit the employees as well, by allowing them to save more money, and by providing a better work-life balance. In fact, a Global Analytics survey suggests that 24% of employees say they would take up to a 10% pay cut to benefit the environment.

Our buildings use a tremendous amount of energy to keep us comfortable while we toil away. Heating, cooling, and lighting need vast amounts of power. Add to that the carbon cost of putting a building together and you have a recipe for a lot of environmental stress. In 2017 the UN estimated that our buildings contributed to over 36% of our energy consumption. Companies have found many ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their office spaces. From improvements to how we build, to how we use energy, our office buildings continue to improve. But, perhaps the simplest way is to simply get rid of the office as we know it. Besides, ‘keeping the lights on’ won’t be so much of a worry.

Changes to How We Use Land

 

Whether you attribute the carbon footprint of a commute to the commuter or the company is up for debate. One thing is clear: less commuting is better for everyone. Commuters spend less time in traffic. They can spend more time with their friends and family. Their mental health improves. Cities experience less congestion, and thus pollution decreases. We have seen the drastic impact that traffic has on our cities in recent months. Cleaner air enables us to lead healthier, happier lives. It also reduces the burden on our health systems. Traffic accidents drop and our roadways need less maintenance. The list goes on.

Major cities around the world are becoming prohibitively expensive for many people. Naturally, people are finding ways to move to lower-cost places nearby. Working remotely is, of course, one of the best ways to change where you live, while keeping your job. It is one of the reasons it has become so popular. But there is another trend on the rise as well: the super-commuter. Defined as someone who travels more than 180 miles to get to work, super-commuting too, could see a rise in adoption once the ramifications of the coronavirus have normalized.

Face-to-face meetings are still important and many people swear by them. Will the remote workers of the future have to ‘super-commute’ for that especially important meeting? Will they factor these decisions into where they live?

Either way, the new work landscape will be much different in the future. People’s decisions about where they live will be less governed by where they work, and more so, by what they value in a city. Cities, and small towns alike, will have to adapt as they try to attract or retain citizens. Cities and towns will be inclined to adopt environmentally-friendly policies, so long as we value the environment in which we live.
We have seen the colossal changes that we need to make to restore our natural environment. But we know now that it is possible. Believing that our goals are achievable is half the battle. We have witnessed a global response to a global problem, and there will be more to come. When we look back on these moments, let us remember what we are capable of.

As of this writing 106 countries have formally stated their commitment to enhancing their national climate commitments by the end of the year. Our planet needs our help. Staying at home might, once again, be a simple and effective solution.

How exciting.

JRD

If you want to learn more about how to effectively work from anywhere, be sure to subscribe for our updates and check out our resources. We are always available to answer your questions about working remotely.

How to Stay Motivated During Turbulent Times

How to Stay Motivated During Turbulent Times

 

A Global Lockdown

We are living in extraordinary times. The world has come to a standstill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has created unique challenges for our global society, and for most of us, it is the first time we’ve ever experienced a global lockdown. We all have a part to play in tackling this crisis. Physical distancing and staying indoors have helped to stop the spread of this virus. At the same time, it is easy to feel suffocated, overwhelmed, anxious, or flat out unmotivated. We all go through ups and downs and many of us are taking things day by day. That is okay. Here are some ways you can stay motivated as you navigate the bumpy road ahead.

Start with Reflection

It’s not easy dealing with this situation. We all led our own, individual lives in the days leading up to lockdown measures enacted around the world. As nations responded to the rapid spread of COVID-19, we had to come together as one global community. With the dramatic changes to our social conditions, it’s easy for us to feel unmotivated. To start, reflect on your life, as it was, a few months ago. Did you have a job that you went to every day? Did you move to a new city or country and immerse yourself in a new culture? Were you running a business or starting a freelancing journey? It may feel like it’s been a while, and for some it has, so take a moment to reflect, and remember how far you have come. Visualise what your day to day life was like. Recall the emotions that you felt as you lived it. Do your best to recall experiences that created both positive and negative emotions. Write them down. Record each memory and the emotion that you’ve associated with these memories. Identify the activities in your daily life that made you feel good or bad. Your positive experiences could include:
 
  • your daily interactions with your work colleagues
 
  • discovering new cultures and places during your travels
 
  • the day you closed a big deal with a new client or customer
 
While your negative experiences might include:
 
  • the monotony of a daily commute
 
  • a particularly distracting colleague
 
  • your most time-consuming client and/or customer
 
We are now in a new state of normal. Identify your positive experiences, and then focus on those actions that will bring more of these experiences to your life. Identify your negative experiences, and determine what you can do to minimize or eliminate the root of these experiences. If you dread your daily commute, try negotiating for a remote work policy (now might be the best time).

Define Your Goals and Quantify Them 

One of the most important factors when setting a goal is to make sure that it genuinely interests you. Goals have to be important and provide value to you. Otherwise, the chances of you achieving them are low. Take a look back at your experiences. What are the common underlying themes that generated a specific emotion?

Reflect on Your Positive Experiences

Create goals around how you can enjoy more of your positive experiences in the midst of this new normal. If you feel a need to stay connected to colleagues whose company you value, reach out to a few of them and set up a weekly call. Find a colleague you are already close with and talk to someone you want to get closer to. If you enjoy interacting with select clients that make you feel valued, set up a weekly feedback call. Do not make the purpose of the call to sell more of your products or services. Use it as a touch-point to enhance the relationship. If you enjoy immersing yourself in new cultures and places, make a list of the countries or cities you want to visit when the opportunity is available again. Then make a point to learn more about those countries and cities, as though you were already on your way.

Reflect on Your Negative Experiences

Create goals around how to reduce or eliminate the negativity in your life. If you find that certain colleagues are distracting or undermining your work, start by tracking how much time you spend with them. Then find ways to reduce the time you spend interacting with them by 5%-10% each week over the next month. There are many ways to do this, and it’s probably even easier right now:
 
  • schedule a quick voice call instead of an in-person, or video meeting
 
  • have meeting agendas prepared, so that your meetings are quicker and to the point.
 
  • just ignore them for a day (this may be difficult to do, depending on the person, but you might be surprised by how little some people notice it).
 
If you find that certain clients are using up far more of your time than you think it’s worth, cut them loose. It can be hard to turn down a client. After all, they are the person paying you, so try using the 80/20 rule. Do you have clients that are always negotiating prices, or asking for refunds and chargebacks? Establish which 20% of your clients cause 80% of your problems, and stop working with them. Use the time instead to find a new, amazing client, who doesn’t waste your time.

Next Steps 

Goal setting is only the start of your new journey. Once you write down your goals, check-in with yourself weekly. Check to see that you’re actually meeting these goals, or where you might be falling short. Falling short could mean:
 
  • That you’ve set very aggressive goals for an unreasonably short period of time
 
  • That the goals themselves are unfeasible
 
  • That you may need to re-evaluate your motivations for setting the goal in the first place.
 
It’s crucial to point out that the goals you are setting for yourself should focus on improving your happiness. Try to avoid focusing on material pursuits. Center your focus on developing the habits that further your career, generate more business, or expand your network.
 
We are big advocates of using goal setting to stay motivated during uncertain times, now, and in the future. They are one of the best ways to keep your mind occupied, and will continually fuel your desire to improve your livelihood, however you define it.
 
There is a silver lining to every hardship. Never stop looking for it, no matter how tough it gets. It’s unlikely that we will get another opportunity to take a step back and reflect on our lives as deeply as we can right now. Let us continue to play our part as we work through this crisis, but let’s also do our best to enjoy it while we can.
 
Cheers,

CV

The Best Chrome Extensions to Boost Your Digital Productivity

The Best Chrome Extensions to Boost Your Digital Productivity

Google Chrome itself is becoming a desktop environment as we continue to use more cloud software, just look at ChromeOS. We all work from our laptops. As individuals who work remotely, we make a living by typing on, talking at, or otherwise manipulating the 1s and 0s of our computers, and subsequently sending this information to one, or many other people. By and large, we are information workers. Some of you perhaps, lucky or not, are able to make a living solely by speaking with people over the phone (can you please let us in on your secret recipe?).

Oftentimes, many of us don’t give our computer environments the consideration they deserve. Not only do our livelihoods depend these magical devices, our species is spending a startling proportion of our time with them

For many of us, a large part of our screen time is spent in the Google Chrome web browser, (or the Chromium web browser for the free-open-source-software fans). Maybe you begin your day by opening a fresh, crisp, new Chrome window, or maybe, like me, you begin in of one of far too many open tabs: email, and Google sheets, and Google docs, and Slack, in both a browser tab and a separate application window, and Facebook, and that random photo that you’ve now forgotten why you looked it up in the first place, and that email thread from your mom that you sent to your work email so that you could draft a response, and…

For those of you that work in Chrome on the regular, or any other web browser for that matter, please remember that it is your digital office space. It is meant to be a sanctuary for your digital focus, an oasis for your productivity. Please treat it as such. Set it up in a way that makes you want to use it, where building your dreams in any other web browser becomes a pointless exercise in mundanity.

Trust me when I tell you it will happen, because it happened to me, and all with the help what I consider the best Chrome extensions:

The Motion Chrome Extension

motion chrome extension logo

motion chrome extension productivity panel

Motion is the ultimate companion in your daily battle against procrastination. It is an extension to lean on when times are tough and you can’t think of how you could possibly get that tiny little to-do done with all these social feeds blaring in your face. It’s the simplicity of the extension that really puts it in a league of its own. No learning curve, no “hey, check out these cool features!”; just a simple, beautiful little extension that gently reminds you to stop getting in your own way, and just get it done already.

I know there are others. I’ve tried Rescuetime, I’ve tried Webtime Tracker, I’ve listened to the siren song of productivity prophets far and wide. None comes close to the simple elegance of Motion.

Oh, how I love elegant solutions. All the others I’ve tried have their respective learning curves, each with its own particular flavour of confusion or frustration, but not Motion. Motion is there for me when I need it most, minding it’s business when I’m minding mine, and gently reminding me how much longer I can watch that completely irrelevant Youtube video, when I need a break. It warns me when I try to meander too far from my work and allows me to easily see how I spend my time in clean, succinct reports:

motion chrome extension productivity dashboard

This is only the beginning of Motion. We hear there is a paid plan in the works with lots more super cool features. What more could we ask for?

The CLUT Chrome Extension – Cycle Last Used Tab

CLUT chrome extension logo

For those of you that don’t know, you can cycle through your chrome tabs using Ctrl and any of the numbers 1 through 9.

Ctrl + 1 through 8 will point you to each of your first eight tabs
Ctrl + 9 will point you to the last tab in a browser window.
If you, like me, have 20-odd browser tabs open (as of this writing I have 56 open, and yes, I know this is a problem), these functions, while useful, will serve you no purpose. You will be lucky if numbers 1 through 8 get through your pinned tabs, while 0 points you to your most recent distraction. Enter CLUT. Are you familiar with the Alt(Cmd)-Tab shortcut?

It’s that wonderful shortcut that brings you back to the last thing you were working on. Chrome to Slack and back in a flash! CLUT is the Alt(Cmd)-Tab replica for Chrome. Not only will it get you back to Slack in a flash, there are additional functions for skimming through your tabs:

Alt + W: Quick switch
Use for rapid switching to the last tab (by pressing once) or to the second to last used tab (by pressing rapidly twice).

Alt + S: Normal switch
Use when you want to look for a tab recently used but when you would want to go in a slower pace

Alt + Shift + S: Normal switch (in opposite direction)

And you can even change the shortcut keys if you want! (I very much recommend that you do not change it to Alt(Cmd)-Tab)

The LastPass Chrome Extension

LastPass logo

LastPass may have saved me my sanity. I manage somewhere around 250 passwords. Some are my personal passwords, some are for friends and family, and others still are passwords that I continue to manage for previous clients. It is an amazing service. I don’t think I could work in the cloud effectively without it. My old system consisted of roughly 10 variations of 10 of different ‘master’ passwords, depending on the necessary level of security:

password, Password, Password2020, P4ssw0rd2020, P4$w0rd2020!, etc…

I was resetting a different password at least once a week. It was incredibly frustrating, so I tried LastPass and the rest is history. I have to admit that I am still frustrated by the mobile app (though not enough by any means that I plan to stop using it), but the LastPass desktop Chrome extension is a UX masterpiece. If that’s not enough, all your passwords can look like this:

!82de8JEa^&N5qGfil%@o7dIXR

And you will never get them wrong.

This newfound password security will give you the peace of mind that you might find enjoying a glass of wine….overlooking a French vineyard…at sunset. Niiiiice.

Cheers,
JRD

We’ll be posting a more in depth rundown of LastPass here shortly, along with some other fun software to help you make the most of your new work-from-home life. Stay tuned.

How To Stop Your Fear From Holding You Back

What keeps you up at night?

Is it your desire to be something your not or try something you haven’t?

Or maybe it’s your big dreams and goals that you think are impossible?

The thoughts that keep us up late at night, our fears our dreams, the what ifs. These things enter our minds at work when we’re dozing off in boredom or on our daily morning commute.

But why don’t we act on these dreams and desires?

Fear

We’re afraid of the unknownchange and failure. We’re afraid of what our family, coworkers, employers and society will think. Of what it would mean for our careers, family life, relationships. We’re afraid of the ‘what if’s‘ and the risks. We see horrible things in the media and write off entire countries and cities, just like that. We’re afraid of the work and effort that goes into making those dreams a reality. We’re afraid of going to new places, meeting new people and trying new things.

fear

The biggest thing we’re afraid of though is the unknown. It terrifies us. Walks us back from the edge, sits us down and assures us settling is the safer bet.

But settling hasn’t gotten us where we are now. The women who came before us didn’t choose to settle. They didn’t sit down and wait for change to happen. They were the change. Elizabeth Cady Staton, Elanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, they all stood up and fought for more.

And now it’s each and every one of our chances to shape history and create a future that we want to be a part of. To leap before we’re ready. To dive wholeheartedly into things that inspire, shape and change us while opening our eyes.

What is fear?

Let’s get something straight; fear is a made-up notion.

Once you wrap your head around this, you realize you can change it. Because fear lives in the futureAnd passion is stronger than fear. If you want something bad enough – no matter how much it scares you – you will go get it.

You need to understand that on the other side of that fear is your freedom. So get comfortable being uncomfortable. Get comfortable with the unknown.

You can either spend your whole life saying “what if’s” and making excuses, or you can go ahead and actually do it. And once you do it opens a world of possibilities.

fear

Once you stop letting fear control you, you control your life and create it how you want. You can create a life that meets all your needs and wants.

That’s our mission at Behere, to help women create lives they truly love. And we’re actually helping women do this (how cool is that?!), through living in amazing cities around the world, for a month at a time.

The value, knowledge, and experience you gain from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and living in new cities are indescribable. You no longer have to settle for staying in the same town or city you grew up in. Or falling into the same, mundane daily routine that no longer excites or serves you.

We do know how exciting, but also frightening and overwhelming the idea of living in a new city is. Even once you work past all your fears and decide to take the leap, there’s a lot to be done.

We’ve been there, we get it. That’s why we started Behere, to help you feel confident in new spaces and routines, to thrive in a new city.

So that fear you’re feeling right now – about the idea of actually doing this. About all the stuff that hasn’t happened yet.

Yeah, that fear.  

It’s time to kick it to the curb. Because we know the decision to start living how you want, is the best decision you’ll ever make.

Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make traveling to a new city your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it the most amazing month ever. Get started below!


Written by Behere founder, Meesen Brown @meesenb.

How to Find Cheap Flights, Without Spending Hours Searching

Today, there are endless websites and platforms to book flights on. From airline websites, to travel aggregators, it’s overwhelming and often challenging to find the best deals. A quick search can turn into hours and hours of research and too many new tabs to count. This becomes overwhelming and exhausting and often makes us resort to purchasing a more expensive ticket later.

Our team at Behere, has been to over 100 countries and taken thousands of flights, so we know a thing or two about how to find cheap ones. We’ve also tried all the crazy booking myths to figure out which ones work, and which don’t. That’s why we’ve compiled our top tips on how to find cheap flights. With these tips, you’ll be able to book flights without breaking the bank.

1. Do your research

When booking flights, always do your research on the city’s airports and figure out the best option for you once on the ground. Oftentimes booking a cheaper flight to a further out airport will end up costing you more in time and money, than a flight to the more central airport.

2. Shop around, without getting overwhelmed

Google Flights – This is our team’s favorite tried and tested flight search engine. Here you can enter your departure airport and see flights to anywhere. Plus, you can filter based on arrival or departure time, airline and more. They include budget airlines as well – something larger sites often omit.

Momondo – They search all major and budget airlines, plus English and non-English websites to find the best deals. They find great options, but navigating the different languages and currencies can be challenging so be mindful when using.

3. Ignore booking myths

You don’t need to book at 1 am on a Tuesday or 68 days in advance to get the best deals. While booking in advance is helpful, 6 – 12 weeks out is generally a good time. Anything more than that is most often not a better deal.

4. Loyalty isn’t always necessary

Sometimes flying with the same airline you always use will end up costing you a lot more. If you don’t have points or your company isn’t using that airline, then do a little research and opt for the airline that has the best deal. Just be wary of extras! Discount airlines are well priced, but only come with the basics. All the extras like checked luggage, food, and more leg-room, can really add up if you’re not careful.

5. Get a new travel credit card

By getting a travel credit card, you can rack up points for flights on your everyday purchases. Do a bit of research and choose a travel credit card with a hefty sign-up bonus. Here’s an up to date list of travel credit cards on Forbes to get started. Then use those points for free flights or large discounts.

6. Sign up for newsletters

Airlines will announce sales and discounts to their email newsletters first. Signing up for them will let you be the first to know (and snag a seat) when these deals are launched and for how long. Our team also uses Scotts Free Flights and Secret Flying newsletters to stay up to date on deals, and error fares.

7. Be flexible with your dates

Sometimes, flexibility with your dates can mean the difference of hundreds of dollars! Try looking at the cost each day of the week for both your arrival and departure date to save some serious cash.

8. Always search ticket prices for 1 person

Even if you’re traveling with a friend or group, always search for tickets for one guest. This will show you the best deals, as airlines always show the highest ticket price for all parties in the group.

9. Limit your search time

When searching for a flight, it’s easy to get caught up in finding the best deal and spend hours or days searching. If you’re not in a rush to book or travel this might not be a problem. But if you’re a busy person like most of us, you’re wasting your valuable time. Find the best airports, head to your favorite search engine, choose flexible dates and book the best deal. Done.

Using the tips above you can often save hundreds, if not thousands on flights. We know there are more tips for finding great deals, we’d love to hear yours in the comments below!


Ready to book your trip? Use Behere to get your trip sorted and booked, in one place, without hassles. Get started below!

How an Unconventional Career Enables This Woman to Travel

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about traveling more.

Today’s community feature, Katherine McCombs, has a rather unconventional career. She runs a circus – in Dubai – we’re not kidding. This energetic woman spends half a year managing a circus of performers from around the world in Dubai. The other 6 months she spends in NYC. This summer she decided to spend one of those months in Barcelona. Read more about her unique lifestyle below!

You have a very interesting job, can you share more about what you do for work?

unconventional career“I’m very lucky that my work is rather unusual. Six months of the year I work at a theme park in Dubai, as the Circus General Manager, or as I was more often called, the Mother of Clowns. I handle everything from running the show and daily schedules, to the venue details including repairs, security and the general public. It’s hands-on, a lot of work and wildly fun. I come back with nearly unbelievable stories and strange tan lines. That along with immense gratitude that I can take the other six months at a slower pace, doing one-off events, writing, and house managing at a theatre in NYC.”

Can you share some of your favorite memories from your travels?

“My favorite memories always involve food! I joke the reason I travel is to eat my way across the world. While living in Barcelona for the month, I took a side trip to Mallorca. There, I was brought to a friend’s neighborhood bar where she and her friends insisted I sample all the local favorites while flamenco music was played by the owner. It’s still my favorite night and some of the best food I had in Spain.

Or my friend’s invitation to celebrate Vishu (South Indian celebration of the completion of Spring Equinox). There I was given a sari and enjoyed a traditional feast, eating with my fingers and praying I wouldn’t drop curry on myself.

I love how food brings groups of people together no matter their backgrounds. It’s the one thing we all have in common.”

How has Behere helped you on this journey?

“Behere is an amazing resource! I’ve been telling everyone about it since I found them on Instagram. After a few misjudged living situations in my past, I do get nervous about traveling alone as a small woman in unknown areas. But not enough to stop doing it. Behere takes so much of that worry off of my shoulders. I know it was a woman who chose the apartment and neighborhood, and that makes a difference.

It was also amazing to have Meesen as a city host, and friend, to introduce me to other women and show me her favorite places. Knowing there’s someone local who you can trust if you have a problem was an incredible stress relief (and my mother was also a fan). Everything was so easy. All I had to do was arrive and everything I needed to succeed in Barcelona was waiting for me thanks to Behere.”

Park Guell

 

Can you share your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about traveling long-term?

“Do it! Just take the plunge and go. I went back and forth for nearly a year about going to Barcelona before I booked the trip through Behere and am still kicking myself for wasting the time. I chose to go freelance so I could have more freedom to live the life I wanted. Yet here I was, only going where work took me and not taking the time to see the places I have always wanted to see. You never know what can happen if you book that trip, send that email, or strike up a conversation with that stranger. I answered a Facebook post and wound up getting my dream job in Dubai. Literally, anything can happen if you want it to and put it into the universe.

Also if you’re traveling, do your research and invest in good luggage! I had a cheap suitcase that I traveled with and the wheel jammed as I arrive for my flight at JFK. My first night in the UK was spent using a penknife to try and fix it. I do not recommend this. Make sure the wheels will last (or have a good replacement warranty!). Also make sure anything you’re carrying on your back is designed well and won’t put you at risk for injury if/when you over pack it. (On the injury note, travel insurance! You might not need it, but you do not want to be without it if you do, especially if it’s a long term trip.) I’ve become so hugely into researching luggage and travel gear, it’s become a banned topic at the dinner table.”


Feeling the need for adventure? Learn more about how Behere can help make it a reality. Check out our locations below!

Words and images by Katherine McCombs.

Why to Start Traveling as an Entrepreneur

You did it, you took the plunge to go full-time freelance or become an entrepreneur. After countless late nights, questioning whether you were ready and dealing with challenging clients, you took the leap. At first, it was amazing! You had all this free time, could work from home in your PJs, and do your laundry during the day. Over time though, this wears on you and you realize you’re working all the time and not taking advantage of the flexibility you created for yourself.

Sound familiar? For many freelancers and entrepreneurs, this is the case. When getting started you often need to just buckle down in one place and dedicate your time to landing clients. But overtime you settle into a routine and hopefully have recurring clients. Once you feel settled in your business, it’s the perfect time to start planning to work while traveling.

When we say that we don’t mean that you’ll be sitting on the beach typing or living out of a suitcase always in transit. No, the most productive way to work and travel is to spend time in a new place. To get to know that place and develop a routine but most importantly be inspired by the new environment you’re in. Ideally a month or more, so you feel settled, comfortable and productive. That’s why we’re sharing how to start traveling as an entrepreneur and why you should get out of your house.

 

  1. Choose your travel dates

    The first step is choosing a date that you want to start traveling on. Ideally, don’t plan it at the same time as you’re onboarding a new client as you want a day or two to travel and settle in. It’s important you choose a realistic date you can commit to and it’s okay if it feels a bit nerve-racking. We always recommend giving yourself at least a month in a new place to get settled and feel connected to a place. This also helps you feel more comfortable and productive. It also gives you the opportunity to build new connections in that place.

  2. Do the prep work

    Some freelancers like to tell their clients if they’re going out of the country or timezone. This is entirely up to you but make sure you outline what this process will look like for you. Ensure you download all necessary tools, like these tools for freelancers to make sure you are set up for success.

  3. Remember why you started

    When you first started freelancing what was your #1 goal? Was it to be your own boss? Work from anywhere? Travel more? Spend more time with friends or family? Whatever it is, you need to do those things. Life is too short to get stuck in a hamster wheel, especially once you started for different reasons. So if you want to travel, then make it happen and stop making excuses.

  4. Schedule in downtime

    You might want to explore and see everything when you get to a new place but pace yourself. If you try to cram every touristy thing in you’ll likely end up feeling burnt out and unable to work. Take your time exploring and schedule in downtime, for relaxation. While traveling as an entrepreneur it’s easy to get caught up in still working nonstop then filling your free time with exploring your new city. To stay balanced and not burnout, give yourself breaks and make ‘me-time’.

  5. Meeting new people can change your life

    If that isn’t reason enough to get out of the house, we don’t know what is. By traveling, or even just joining a coworking space, you can meet people that impact your life. Whether its a new business partner, connection, sale or friend, connecting with new people is essential. It doesn’t have to feel like stuffy networking.

  6. New environments create new inspiration

    It’s true, new places help you find new inspiration. They help your brain expand, and help you feel more creative and inspired. When visiting a new city or area, you’re often flooded with new and exciting sights and colors. These help you tap into new inspiration and ideas that you otherwise wouldn’t have had sitting at home. So if you’re feeling like you’re lacking inspiration, traveling may be just the fix.

  7. International cities give you a global perspective

    If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, going international might just help. By visiting other cities and seeing how business is done there, you might find new opportunities for your own business. Often gaining that new perspective is essential to helping you come up with new ideas for your business. Plus, you’ll get exposure to businesses and ideas that you wouldn’t have gotten while sitting at home or in your local coffee shop. By traveling as an entrepreneur you’ll gain so much new knowledge.

  8. Travel is FUN!

    Let’s think back to the reason you started your business in the first place. Hopefully, more flexibility and time for fun were part of those reasons. And travel is fun! It is an adventure and can be hectic but it’s an amazing learning experience. You have put so much work, time and effort into your business. You need to enjoy the fruits of your labor, explore and have some fun.

  9. Solo travel helps you gain more independence

    Maybe you are feeling just a bit too comfortable in your life and business. Perhaps a bit stale or unfulfilled? In search of something more? Traveling somewhere new can help you find that. Instead of waiting for someone to finally go traveling with you and making excuses, go solo! Solo travel is amazing, we shared all the benefits of it here. It also requires you to make all your decisions, become more independent and push yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s a perfect way to help you grow. This growth can translate into your business too.

 

As you can see, there are so many reasons to take your business on the road. That’s why we shared these tips for how to start traveling as an entrepreneur. If you really want to grow, learn, have fun and take advantage of the flexibility you’ve created then travel. After all, we know you didn’t start your business to sit in your house working for 16 hours a day ;).

Please note: We know not everyone has the flexibility to do this, and it is intended for those whose businesses do not have a physical presence nor have dependents to take care of at home. 


Ready to finally take your work on the road? We can help with everything from where to stay, to where to work, to where to eat. Learn more here.