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How to Become a Digital Nomad and Work Remotely in 2020

Posted on by Josh

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.

How to Stay Motivated During Turbulent Times

Posted on by Josh

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

How an Unconventional Career Enables This Woman to Travel

Posted on by Josh

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.

How Traveling Abroad Helped This Consultant Gain A Fresh Outlook

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by our amazing community. We’re thrilled to feature 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 their advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.

Today’s Behere community feature, Sarah Bartholow, is a consultant from Dallas, Texas. She spent a month in Barcelona using Behere which quickly turned into a multiple month euro adventure. Read about her journey below!

‘Bartholowna’

“I had hit a few walls in my life and needed to remind myself that a meaningful escape and experience to regroup and reset my notion of ‘possibility’ was far more within my reach than I had been telling myself. As a brand consultant, exploration is paramount to adding ‘color’ to my capabilities, and global connectivity only broadens my offer to clients as I discovered. The ‘no brainer’ quality of going on this adventure while focusing on a new angle of my consultancy revealed itself in a shockingly short amount of time once learned more about Behere. A friend of mine heard about Behere and sent me the info and I then went on to contact a former journey-er who regaled me with her experience which encouraged me to set forth. (Thank you again, Joyce!)”

What did a day in your life look like while living abroad?

“I did not set any expectations other than to enjoy each moment, each day and whatever challenge I invited, big or small. I’d plan a daily adventure before or after a half day at the coworking space, or sometimes would turn a park bench into my ‘office’ for the day!”

What is your biggest take away/ learning while abroad?

“The biggest takeaway is that I need to get back and pronto!

Being abroad was very doable and only benefited my work to expand my network, use my eyes differently, feel history with every step, meet new people – the list goes on. I also realized how vital environment is to me to feel inspired and that the American methodology of ‘doing-doing-doing’ lacks an emotional quotient I find Europeans have in spades in order to enjoy life more fully while also keeping work meaningful. I learned that I can live in smaller spaces and that I really don’t need that much and that good ingredients in food means you eat less. ‘Satisfaction’ takes on new meanings across almost every category and more simplistically.

To this day, I keep in touch with everyone I met while in Barcelona. To think that I now have a Catalan / European network is something I had not envisioned for myself prior to taking this trip. It will stay with me forever and I will continue to cultivate my new web of relationships.”

How has Behere helped you on your journey?

“When anyone gets bogged down, it should not be taken lightly– we all need a source of inspiration and a newfound sense of being to push us into the next phase, and Behere ushered this in a palatable way. Behere actualized the possibility for me and I cannot herald their idea and platform enough to open up the world to those who seek revelation or simply just a work setting that contrasts one’s status quo. There’s no way it’s not a benefit to oneself and to a business as the landscape change alone spurs perspective and productivity. Behere onramps structure if needed, alongside recommendations from the city host, or you can just freewheel it completely with the confidence that someone is a WhatsApp message away. It is a brilliant premise all around. I also got to tap back into my Spanish speaking which had been dormant, so it felt amazing to reignite my love of the language.”

What was your favorite memory or place you went?

“This is a hard one! Too many to count and this is a good ‘problem’ to have!

parkguellI initially started with my checklist of attractions to ensure I covered them, but I kept an open mind to abandon any sense of ‘itinerary’ to allow for the awesome, fortuitous happenings that really make travel. I’m sort of a glutton for unforeseen moments that can expand my perspective in even the slightest of ways or just make me laugh. Just walking down the street in Barcelona can stir an unexpected moment, ducking into a restaurant for a cava can lead to an ad hoc dinner with interesting ‘strangers,’ and meeting ex-pats and locals alike enriched my experience. I am garrulous and extroverted by nature so this wasn’t hard for me but I re-seized the power that all I had to do was just start chatting to find an entry into a conversation and the world opened up.

I absolutely adored my walk to my co-working space via Parc de Ciutadella from my apartment. As an art enthusiast who studied Spanish Art extensively, the Fundació Joan Miró reinstated my passion. Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first private commission, had just reopened and I went twice because it was that remarkable. El Born was a favorite neighborhood and I loved all the little squares.

And how do I accurately convey the food? It’s simply unreal and you can’t imagine how much you can stretch a Euro for a memorable meal. I went to Anthony Bourdain’s beloved Quimet y Quimet and met the family who’s been carrying its legacy for decades. Jumping on a train is just something we don’t get to do so readily in the states. Refamiliarizing myself with the ease of Europe and how they make places and experiences so accessible is something I will mimic – to the best of my ability – until I get back Europe-side ;).”

What is your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about traveling longer term?

“This is doable and achievable for anyone who has any inkling to experience something for just one month and wants to be enveloped by culture. (I ended up staying longer, btw!) Save enough to invest in this experience and reap its immanent rewards. It really is simple, and I think we ALL need a reset or new perspective to evolve. If you need a change of scenery to revitalize your work, hold your nose and jump, do not preoccupy yourself with the details ;).”

Are you looking for a change of pace and want to experience new cities without the headache of planning? Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations below!

Managing Travel and a Freelance Career, How She Does Both

Posted on by Josh

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, Jen Pellerito, spent 6 weeks this summer traveling and living in Europe. Originally from Michigan, she loves to travel and has made it a priority. After spending a month in Lisbon, she’s already planning her next adventure. Read how she manages fulfilling her love of travel, plus full-time freelance career below.

You travel a lot, what do you do for work that allows you to?

“I’m a freelance copywriter, journalist and social media manager, and I also run a travel blog! I went full-time freelance about two years ago after realizing I could earn more than I was making in my 9 to 5 job. Freelancing is wonderfully liberating because I can manage my own workload, set my own hours, and work remotely. While there are drawbacks (having no employer contribution to my benefits), ultimately, the ability to maintain a well-balanced quality of life makes it worthwhile for me.”

How has living abroad affected your work?

“I strongly believe that changing up your normal routine and environment promotes creativity and inspiration. For someone in the creative field like me, I value having new surroundings every once in awhile to keep ideas fresh. When life looks the same day in and day out, it’s too easy for me to get “stuck in a rut.” Oddly enough, even working in a different time zone than some of my clients helps moderate anxiety and the constant pressure to always be ‘on’.”

travel and freelanceHow did Behere help you on your journey?

“Behere allowed me to find community while living abroad, which was a huge help while transitioning to a new city. I was able to start my month out in Lisbon having a friend in my city host, Paulina, who showed me around and answered all the questions I had. It made a big difference to have a network already built in a new city. Right away, I had places to go, people to hang out with, and I felt like I belonged.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about traveling long term?

“Do it! 

Bite the bullet and get out there. Long-term travel has now become my favorite — if not the only way — I ever want to travel again. When you’re short on time, there’s so much pressure to “fit it all in.” 

Seriously, FOMO is the worst! Long-term travel gives you the opportunity to catch a breath, sink into a culture and reflect on your own life at home through a different lens. I learned more about myself and the direction I wanted to take in my life by stepping back and gaining distance. Traveling for a longer period of time is one of the greatest gifts I have given myself.”

Connect with Jen on her blog: jenontherun.com, IG @jp_ontherun, Twitter @jp_ontherun or Pinterest jp_ontherun.

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

Words by Jen Pellerito and images by Emanuele Siracusa.

This Woman Solo Traveled Through Europe for Four Months

Posted on by Josh

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 living in a new city for a month.

Today’s community feature, Mellisa Kasdras, sold her house and embarked on a great adventure. This amazing woman solo traveled through Europe for four months. She went from living in California, to exploring 9 different countries over the course of her time abroad. Along the way she took great photos, ate delicious meals, and worked on her blog, plus took some amazing side trips. Check it out below!

You decided to travel solo through Europe, amazing! What are you working on during your adventures?

“I sold my house and most of my belongings before taking on this long and exciting adventure.  I started writing a blog and hope to continue writing as a creative outlet. It is called CrazyMadeline (crazymadeline.com) and has short posts about interesting and unique things in the world.  I refer to it as a “culture blog”.  I hope it will inspire people to travel more, to experience the world in a less touristy way.”

What does a typical day look like for you while traveling?

woman solo traveled

“A typical day for me while traveling is to always try and plan at least one thing that was new and interesting to see, do, eat, etc.  It’s sometimes difficult to be a tourist/traveler every single day but there was so much to see and do, it was hard to take a day of rest!  I also tried to establish a writing routine as well, while seeing the sites.”

What has been your most important learning while traveling?

“That as a solo traveler, there is nothing I can’t do. It is the ultimate feeling of independence and competence.”

How has Behere helped in your journey?

“I felt Behere was an appealing concept, that provided a local resource person and a home base, for a month at a time. This allowed me to take some side trips and have the comfort of a familiar place when I returned. It also helped with establishing a routine, with having a workspace for writing and a gym/yoga studio to work out.”

What is your favorite memory while traveling?

“It’s would have to be the month I spent in Split, Croatia. I loved the people, the food, the wine and the beautiful seaside city.  While living in Split, I took a side trip to the island of Kortula and because it was during a low season for tourists, I was the only guest in the lovely little hotel in the old town. The staff treated me like royalty!  I will never forget it.”

What role has traveling played in your life?

“Traveling for an extended period of time has caused me to become reflective about my life and what I want my life to look like moving forward.  It is a true testament to patience, flexibility  and tolerance when you are outside of your comfort zone for a long period of time.  In the end, you realize that there are other cultures out there that have a unique quality of life to strive for.”

What is your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about traveling solo for a month or more?

“Just do it.  Get on the plane.  See the world.  Never look back.  It will be the best thing you will ever do.”

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

Words and images by Mellisa Kasdras.

Why This Translator Decided to Travel to Pursue More

Posted on by Josh

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 living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Clara Uyttendaele, is a translator who is no stranger to living in new cities. Originally from Belgium, Clara booked her month in Bali this fall using Behere. She wanted to travel to pursue more – and connect with other inspiring women in Bali. Read on for her story

You’re a translator, what does that look like for you?

I graduated as a translator last year and I’ve been working as a one for two years now. I work for a company in Brussels and their content is usually about travelling, so right up my alley! I worked in their office for one month and then moved to Spain. They wanted to keep me so they gave me the opportunity to work remotely, and it has been absolutely amazing!
But as much as I love translating, I want more. I took a month in Bali to figure out what else I could do apart from translating. And wow, did I learn a lot! I met a lot of inspiring people in the workspace that gave me so many ideas! I ultimately decided to finish my masters degree in England. I hope that with everything I learn there and from online courses I’m taking, that I will be able to have my own business soon. I am so excited about that! Keep your eyes peeled ;).

How did your typical day in Bali go?

In Belgium I have always been more of a night owl, but in Bali I was an early bird and I loved it! I would go for a tasty breakfast (the smoothie bowls are out of this world and cheap!) Then if I felt like it, I would hit the gym. In the afternoon I would go to the workspace to ‘work, work, work‘.
The amazing food and drink at the cafe in my workspace were also the perfect fuel! If possible, I would catch sunset – the sunsets in Bali really are special! On days I didn’t feel like working (and hey, that’s totally okay some days!), you could find me hanging by the pool.
My weekends were usually composed of exploring more of the beautiful island of Bali with my new friends. The nature in Bali is unlike anything I have ever seen, simply breathtaking. Occasionally, you could also find me at Old Man’s – the place to be in Canggu! You’ll believe it when you see it ;).

How was Behere helpful to your journey?

Going new places is always exciting, but figuring out where to stay is difficult, especially when you are going somewhere for a full month! Behere made this step so easy. On Behere I booked everything from my apartment, to workspace, to my gym membership. The apartment I stayed at in Bali was absolutely amazing. I had a cute, modern bedroom with a kitchenette and spacious bathroom, and on top of that the best accommodation manager!
Other women from the Behere community booked the same building, which was awesome! Oh yeah, we also had our own pool! It was a perfect location, on the main road and close to the beach! Most importantly I felt safe there. Not having to worry about finding and arranging that myself took away a lot of stress!
I had the pleasure to meet the founders of Behere in Bali, and I love them so much. They are doing incredible things with Behere and genuinely care about their customers. I am already contemplating where I want to go next with them!

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

Discovering a new place and culture is always cool and Bali exceeded all my expectations. But what I will remember the most from this trip are the people I met. Especially the women I met there.
I have said this many times before and I will say it again: women supporting each other is the most powerful thing there is. It is honest, pure and life changing.
The women I met in Bali had their own stories and backgrounds, but from the moment we connected, magic happened. We shared very meaningful moments together and they will stick with me forever. I can’t wait to see where their lives and businesses will take them. Having had such a supportive community was what made this experience so amazing!

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new city for a month?

Just do it.
It is scary, I admit it. I had serious travel anxiety myself when boarding the plane.
It’s also important to give yourself time to adapt when you get there – it’s normal to feel a bit insecure at first as it’s a new place. But in the end, and this I promise you, it will be so damn worth it!

Feeling inspired to push past your fears now and travel somewhere new? Learn how booking on Behere will help make it your reality, and connect you to spaces and people to feel productive and supported.

Images and words courtesy of Clara Uyttendaele.

What I Learned from Interviewing Women Around the World

Posted on by Josh
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 living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Maeve Ronan, decided to travel to meet and interview, women around the world. Originally from Massachusetts, Maeve booked her trips to Chiang Mai and Bali on Behere. She used this time to focus on building her company and interviewing inspiring women in Asia. Read her story below.

You’ve been interviewing women around the world, what do you plan to do with all this new knowledge?

“I am building my company, Girl Innovate, which gives teen girls books, curriculum, workshops, inspiration, support, and mentors to reach their full potential, impact society, and thrive in a world of endless opportunities. I’m currently writing a book filled with advice from women around the world, which is what inspired me to live abroad in multiple countries. I am collecting pieces of wisdom from all different types of successful women to broaden the perspectives of teen girls. You can follow along and learn more at girlinnovate.com or on Instagram at @girlinnovate.“

What did a typical day look like for you while living in new places?

“While living abroad, each day was different, but always meaningful. My main goal was to not be too hard on myself to keep a rigid routine. As long as I got a few productive hours of work in, I was satisfied. The best part about living in an energetic, modern city was that once I was done with work, I could always find something fun to do and people to go with.”

How did Behere help in your journey?

“Behere helped alleviate the typical stress and logistics that come with living in a new place for a month. I didn’t have to worry about finding a credible apartment, fitness studio, or workspace, because it was all taken care of.

More importantly, the support from their team was incredible. When I got sick, they directed me to credible doctors and local remedies. I felt at peace knowing that even traveling by myself, I was never alone.

Booking through Behere allowed me to focus my energy on being productive in my business, rather than worry about trivial travel details.”

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We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“My favorite memory while traveling was taking a weekend trip to Ubud, Bali with my new friends. Some of us brought work on the road (one benefit of working remotely!) and others left it behind for the weekend. My accommodation contact helped us book drivers and we were off, exploring a new town only an hour away.

We saw the incredible Tegalalang Rice Terrace, went on a death defying swing, got relaxing massages, had photoshoots at iconic waterfalls, and most importantly bonded as we reflected on the day by the pool.

How did living in new cities affect your work?

While living abroad, I felt productive every day because I made my mission clear at the beginning of each month. It’s easy to stay motivated when you love what you’re working on.

Being involved in a workspace made the biggest impact on my work. I developed my ideas more deeply and was held accountable because of the meaningful relationships I made with people around me. I also felt that living in such vibrant locations allowed me to be more creative in my work.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are thinking about living in a new place for a month?

“I want women thinking about living in a new place for a month to realize that traveling is an experience that’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. Even with the extra support from Behere, traveling can be unpredictable, monotonous, and even overwhelming. But in that chaos, you find yourself, and that’s what makes living abroad such a beautiful adventure.”

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Connect with Maeve at girlinnovate.com or on Facebook or Instagram.
Want to meet incredible, inspiring people, in new places? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Maeve Ronan.

This Author Sold Her House to Travel for a Year

Posted on by Josh
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 living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Marilyn Sadler, is an author who sold her house to travel for a year. Originally from Ohio, Marilyn recently sold her home and belongings to embark on a year abroad. She used Behere to book several months in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia. There, she’s focusing on writing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and connecting with the community. Read more about her below.

You’re an author, but that’s not all. Tell us more about what you do.

I’m a writer and author of children’s books! As well, I’m the creator of a number of children’s television programs, including 2 shows for the Disney Channel. My profession has afforded me the luxury of being able to work from anywhere in the world, and I love it!
For my year abroad, I also recently created a travel and food website. There, I document the sites and sounds of the countries I visit, as well as the pleasures, and challenges, of being a raw vegan in some of the world’s diverse cultures. I would love to awaken others, in a gentler way, to the health benefits of eating vegan, not only for us humans, but for the planet at large. I don’t believe one has to preach one’s beliefs to change the world, but rather to live one’s life as an example.

Sold Her House to Travel for a YearSo far, what has your typical day looked like while traveling?

When I decided to commit to a year abroad, I sold my home and put my possessions in storage so I could travel the world without a care in the world.
As a result, I greet every day with this incredible feeling of freedom and lightheartedness. Some days I sleep late, other days I rise with the sun. Being a raw vegan always in search of food, Chiang Mai has been paradise for me. The quality, variety and abundance of fresh fruit is astounding, and the beautiful apartment I booked on Behere is located close to a fabulous grocery store. It’s been a very healing place for me, spiritually and emotionally.
I have access to yoga studios, parks and massage studios on every corner and I indulge in at least one of these luxuries every day. I also love that I can be as social as I choose thanks to Behere’s an amazing network of local hosts who provide a bevy of stimulating, cultural and fun activities in which to participate. Heck, they’ve even helped me find new friends!
In between all these daily choices (which can easily fill up your day), I work. The workspace I booked on Behere has provided a comfy place to soak up the energy of other hard working travelers. I find I get much more done in these work environments, away from my refrigerator.

What is your biggest take away/ learning while abroad?

When I left home to travel I had so many friends and family members tell me I was brave and that they couldn’t do what I was doing. Then they would follow up with “be careful” and “be safe”. What was so interesting was they were mostly men!
It never once occurred to me that I wouldn’t be safe. Nor did I think I was particularly brave. I was just following a desire so strong I’d had no choice but to act on it. And I’ve never looked back.
I’m learning that traveling alone is not so scary. As long as you have the internet, you can sit comfortably anywhere in the world and find everything you need while drinking a smoothie. Things work out when you relax, take a deep breath and smile at everyone – not in an insane looking way – but in a warm, friendly and inviting way. You’ll attract the right people into your space to help you, comfort you or find you some pineapple on a stick.

How has Behere helped in your journey?

Before I arrived in Chiang Mai, I spent a month in Japan, which I navigated on my own; booking flights, finding rooms and figuring out the many details you need to know when stepping foot in a foreign land. By the time I arrived in Thailand, I was a tad tired.
By using Behere, I had a beautiful apartment, with an amazing host who has helped me in every way you can imagine – from facilitating the renewal of my Thailand visa, to introducing me to a social network of people, activities and events, not to mention restaurants, juice bars and transportation options throughout the city. It’s been great to have support and someone there to help, no matter what I need or how soon.

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

It’s difficult to pick one memory, but I do have one favorite repeating memory. Every morning I wake up in what feels like a dream-come-true. I’m happy. I’m in control of my life. And I have the whole day ahead of me to follow my heart’s moment-to-moment desires. Then I stretch my arms up over my head and realize I’m smiling.

How has living in a new place affected your work?

Traveling alone has given me the time to turn inward and be what some might call selfish. To me it’s something we all have access to and it’s a good thing. We are in this physical world to express our creativity (in whatever form that takes) and to share our authentic selves and our inner beauty.
Having the freedom to be alone and tap into deeper parts of myself has been a tremendous boost to my creativity. I left home having lost my desire to work. Sitting down to write had become an excruciating chore. Shortly after arriving in Chiang Mai, ideas for stories began to pop into my head, leading me down that old, familiar road to the land of make-believe.

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month?

If your desire is strong enough, like mine, you will act on yours too. At that point, keep your mind focused on moving forward. Don’t think about what you’re leaving behind. You can always return to whatever that was. I guarantee you won’t want to though.
Also, I didn’t make my decision overnight. I made it slowly over time, until the next thing I knew I was on the phone with a realtor. Six months later, here I am, in Chiang Mai.

Connect with Marilyn online at marilynsadler.net on Facebook and on Instagram. You can check out her travel and food blog here, and on Instagram and Facebook.

Are you now feeling the need for adventure? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Marilyn Sadler.

This Manager Convinced her Boss to let her Work Remotely from Europe

Posted on by Josh

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 living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Christi Rice, is a grants manager from Florida. She convinced her boss to let her work remotely from Europe this summer and used Behere to book three months in Lisbon, Split and Barcelona. There she focused on her work and meeting others abroad. Read her story below.

We love that you convinced your boss to let you work remotely, what is it exactly that you do?

“I’m the grants manager for the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. I work to secure private and public funding to support operations, capital projects and mission-driven programming at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and four affiliated cultural venues throughout South Florida. Current focus areas are sustaining and enhancing the largest free arts-in-education program in the country, and expanding access to the arts for individuals with disabilities.”

What would you say is the most important thing you learned while in Europe?

“Being so removed from my normal routine, social/professional obligations and network really helped me reflect on and evaluate things. Things like which relationships and activities are actually important and/or positive influences in my life, compared to those that are out of habit, or a feeling of obligation.”
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How was Behere helpful in your journey?

“Behere took all the stress out of planning my summer, which let me focus on planning the fun things and making the most of my experience. I met many fellow travelers and expats along the way, who shared struggles of finding clean/safe places to stay, dealing with shady landlords, etc.. I always felt very fortunate I didn’t have to worry about those issues.
What I like the most is that Behere is flexible, and their team always worked to accommodate my personal needs and preferences. The city hosts were also invaluable in providing local recommendations – not just where to go but when, how, what to wear, etc.. They also helped answer any questions, no matter how random, that came up during my stay.”

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

“It’s difficult to choose just one… being in Europe, Croatia in particular, for the World Cup was an unforgettable experience. It was really cool to see locals and travelers alike, from all different countries, coming together to watch the games. Also, my birthday fell during the last week of my 3-month stint abroad. I organized a very informal happy hour in Barcelona, where I was living at the time, to celebrate. It was both surprising and touching to see so many new friends come out (including my Behere city host, Sam) and made me realize how much I had accomplished in just one month there.”

How did living in new cities affect your work?

“I felt I was more productive than ever. Initially, I thought the time difference (+6 hours) would present a challenge. It actually turned out to be a positive – I was ahead of every deadline or request from my team back in the US. Plus, I was able to maintain better focus on writing projects because I wasn’t distracted with emails and phone calls in real-time. Working remotely forced me to go above and beyond to use effective communication skills with colleagues and clients.
When I had phone/ video calls with funders or prospective funders back in the US, they were fascinated I was working from Spain, Croatia and Portugal. They loved that my company had placed such trust in me to allow me to do so. I think this helped me stand out in their minds and will ultimately lead to stronger, more long-lasting partnerships.
Additionally, I definitely felt more motivated and inspired by the people I met at the workspaces. I believe being surrounded by individuals with creative, entrepreneurial mindsets – from a wide variety of industries – helped me think outside the box when it came to my own work.
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Being exposed to others from around the world also motivated me to finally get serious about another personal goal of mine – becoming fluent in Spanish. I had 30 hours with a private tutor while in Barcelona, and since returning to Florida, have already booked another tutor via Skype. I’m not sure what, if any, impact this will have on my work, but you never know!”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month?

“It doesn’t have to be as difficult, expensive or scary as most people think. I met many people with different backgrounds, careers, ages, marital status, who identified living abroad as a personal goal for various reasons. They were all able to step out of their comfort zones and achieve it.”

If you want to convince your boss to let you work remotely too, we’ve created some great resources to help here.
Now, when you’re ready to explore a new city, get prepared to do a lot of research. Or head to Behere to book your apartment, plus a workspace and fitness studio, in one easy-to-use platform. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Christi Rice.

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