Heather Lee

Remote Profile: Adelaida Diaz-Roa

ADELAIDA DIAZ-ROA

CO-OWNER, TRAVEL HABITS

COLOMBIA


WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

I decided to come on Remote Year because I was already traveling and working remotely which I LOVED... but when I saw that I could join a community of like-minded people, it was perfect. Traveling on your own is sometimes too much of a hassle and effort to be making new friends all of the time and to be planning accommodations and flights, with Remote Year it's like we're traveling with an amazing family and everything is pre-planned for you. All you have to do is enjoy it ;)

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I've had remote roles since my freshman year in college (aka, since I ever started working). This current role was a lot of great timing and people. The latest company I joined (Ruffit) had gotten to a good enough spot to leave and our investor, Daniel Chavez, is amazing and wanted to help with my trip which is how I ended up with my role at VIVRI. For the Travel Habits company, we're just now starting up because why not make your hobbies your job? :) 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

I got a great sponsorship from VIVRI, a healthy lifestyle company. I'm currently taking pics for them around the places we go to with their delicious products and helping with social and sales since they're expanding into new markets this year like the U.S. and Colombia.

I'm also very excited to be working on our latest venture (started with a fellow remote, Julie Friedenberg) which is going to be focused on staying healthy while working remotely. We're going to have travel guides, health tips, and digital nomad tips along with complimentary gear for sale. Check us out at www.travel-habits.com for awesome stuff! ;) 

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED AND TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY?

I was born in Bogota, Colombia :)
I've lived in Kansas, Dallas, Morocco, New York, Spain, and France.
I've traveled to Central America, Europe, Caribbean, and some of SE Asia.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE?

Might be a little biased since I'm Colombian... but... Colombia! :D
Everyone should go, it's amazingnesss, hoping to take everyone from RY2 after the year ends.
Just google: Caño Cristales, Tayrona, San Andres, Cartagena, Medellin, El Peñón de Guatapé..... you'll see what I mean...

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Travel, education, Colombia, my dog (@micothepom), and family. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

Just do it! Even if it starts with baby steps, once the travel bug hits you, there's no turning back and then "where there's a will, there's a way!" 

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

From being around so many talented people in so many different areas with so many different interests plus all of the cities we'll be visiting... I'm hoping to grow my learning spectrum and develop a lot of new skills I hadn't even thought about before. So I hope to be a wiser, more skilled, and more well-traveled me with a lot of great new people in my life. 

WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?

So many good ones! Ahhhh!

My top books are:

The 4 Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris
This book is amazing, it’s a little inspirational but the best part is that about 60-80% of it it's tools and tricks to start/ improve your automated business and how to go about time management and productiveness. It’s amazing. Highly suggest it, no matter what business you’re in there’s something in there that can be applied to it specially if you want to travel the world ;)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey
This book is great to help you get more done and live a healthier more balanced life. It has tips on how to handle certain situations, how to plan out your week/ life, and how to get win/ win deals made.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
This book explains how most people’s reasoning and thinking goes and gives great examples of how companies have used this for their advantage. Really great and could spike a few ideas for your own business, if anything it’ll help you as an individual.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book is great when approaching all types of situations from important business proposals to dealing with friends and family. Amazing tips. 

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

Jason
Dave
Heather
<3

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

YAASSSSS, YAAAASSSSS, and more YAAAASSSS

also...

Inspiring, fun, community.  

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?

Time management is a big one, but other than that, it's amazing, no complaints! Any challenge is worth it ;) 

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?

Not having to set an alarm clock, always having new things to see, new food to try... being able to work from bed... being able to work in cute cafes... so many benefits :)

QUOTES TO LIVE BY?

Travel:
"The more you see, the more you see what you have not seen."

Work:
"Work hard, stay humble."

Life:
"Everything happens for a reason."

KEEP UP WITH ADELAIDA ON HER INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER! 

Remote Profile: Katy Fowler

KATY FOWLER

SELF-EMPLOYED TRANSLATOR

UNITED KINGDOM

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

I've always loved travelling and had travelled quite a bit both for work and pleasure, but for the three years prior to Remote Year I was working from home in the small town I grew up in. I got to a point where I felt like it was time for a change and Remote Year was the perfect opportunity as it enabled me to carry on with the job I was already doing, but travel and meet lots of new and interesting people at the same time.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

I am continuing with the work I was doing before coming on Remote Year, translating texts from German or Italian into English for several different clients all based in Germany.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I sort-of feel like the remote role found me! I finished a masters in translation and interpreting in 2008, after which I did a couple of internships in Italy and Germany. I then continued working for the company I had interned at in Hamburg at the same time as working as an interpreter in Brussels, but eventually decided I preferred the written translation so moved back to the UK to work solely on that. It just happened to be the perfect job to do remotely so it transitioned very well to the nomadic lifestyle!

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

I'm a little worried I'm not going to be able to focus as well in the workspaces as I do at home on my own - there are far too many interesting conversations to be had! So I'm going to have to be quite disciplined, but I'm pretty good at that - getting paid for it is a good incentive!

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED / TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY?

I travelled all over Western Europe while working as a tour guide on European coach holidays for a few seasons. I also spent time in Germany, Italy and Spain doing internships and language courses, and I lived in Brussels for over two years. The rest of my travelling has been for pleasure; I'd been to North and South America a few times before, South Africa, Central Asia, India, China and Australia, but there are still plenty of places on my list and Remote Year doesn't even scratch the surface of them so I'm hoping I've got plenty more travelling years in me afterwards!

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

My dad really enjoys travelling and is a very good linguist so I probably get it from him. I think I'm also a naturally curious person - I kind-of want to know what the rest of the world is up to all the time.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE?

Home of course! Hampshire is a beautiful and underrated part of the world!

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

Crazy, fun, exhausting!

WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?

"The Road Less Travelled" by M. Scott Peck. Also "Are You Experienced?" by William Sutcliffe, which will knock any pretentious traveller vibes out of you before you can say tattoos and dreadlocks...

YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?

I think "digital" is probably a word that barely applies to me! I think bringing a back-up laptop is the only one I can offer, but it certainly makes the suitcase heavier...

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

A guide book
Flip flops
My favourite jeans

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE / WORDS TO LIVE BY?

Just about everything in "Wear Sunscreen" by Mary Schmich

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

I hope I'll still be me! Although I'd like to have a better idea of what I want to do afterwards. And I really hope to be someone the rest of the group still actually likes after a whole year travelling together!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

It's always easier to find a reason not to do something than to actually take action and do it, but that's easy for me to say as my job and my lifestyle made it relatively easy for me to pack my bags and head off travelling for a year. When longer-term travel is too problematic, I've really enjoyed taking more adventure-style shorter trips to get a little taste of the traveller lifestyle every now and then.

Remote Profile: Martin B. Smith

MARTIN B. SMITH

ENGINEER, RACKSPACE

USA

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

I have been living in Gainesville, FL, since 2001, and already loved to take longer trips and work abroad, so this program was perfect for me. I truly enjoy meeting new people, and exploring new places, and I relished the idea of being able to do that for a year without having to plan and worry as much about the logistics of lodging and workspaces. Combined with the opportunity to travel with a group of interesting people of all ages and all walks of life, the opportunity to come on Remote Year was a no-brainer for me.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

I'll continue to be working for my company of the last 2 years, Rackspace Hosting, and helping with engineering efforts around our, "Fanatical Support for AWS," offering, that launched late last year. In addition to my day job, I hope to develop my photography hobby and also write blog posts about my experiences.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I was lucky to already have a remote role for a large tech company. I'm even luckier that Rackspace is so focused on work-life balance, and willing to meet me in the middle on adjustments to work hours and my work location this year. I couldn't have accepted this opportunity without their support.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

I hope that traveling this year will actually give me a way to further integrate my work and personal lives. I typically am remote and working by myself, so I think this will shift dramatically as I travel with other friends and remotes and have the opportunity to do so many more social things in a group than I normally would.

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED / TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY? 

Before I started on Remote Year, I counted my countries -- I was at 15. It turns out I like to travel, but I was repeating a lot of spots on my itinerary. I haven't been to any of the places on our current itinerary except Prague, so I'm very excited to grow my list!

WHERE DOES YOUR LOVE FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

I'm very lucky that my parents instilled a love of travel in me at a young age. I was taken to shows in London and beaches in the Bahamas as a very young child, and they continued to encourage me in learning languages and exploring new places. I take a lot of pleasure in learning new concepts, meeting new people, and learning the story of a place or a person. I think every situation has something to teach me, and I'm always looking for it.

WHAT ARE YOU  MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? 

Making an impact. I love to meet people who are as passionate as I am, regardless of what they do, and collaborate on something that might change the world.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I'm a very subtle troll.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? 

Not all who wander are lost. - J.R.R. Tolkein

YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?

Laundry in a hotel room! Doing laundry on the road is not just a neat trick, but can be a lifesaver. I carry dissolving sheets of detergent and can usually find a spot to hold water (sink, tub) as well as a place to hang clothes to dry. Doing laundry whenever you want is awesome.

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

1. Weather-appropriate clothing and activities (if it's winter, I want to be warm and go skiing; if it's the height of summer, find me a beach and I'll bring my suit!)

2. Cell phone; from internet access to Google Maps, having a cell phone with working data means I can find new places, work from anywhere, get lost anywhere, and keep up with my friends and family back home.

3. My camera. There's so many gorgeous places and interesting people out there; scenes I can never describe again. I'd love to capture those and find the art & in beauty in each scene.

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

Adult Fun Camp

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR? 

I hope to learn and experience the cultures I visit this year. I hope to develop my technical skills by visiting a 'tech meetup' in every city we visit. I hope to develop my photography skills beyond the typical travel snapshots. I hope to test my limits, learn new skills, and strive to be in the moment, whether in a large group or on a solo trip.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

I would remind those looking to explore this world that they don't have to see travel as an all-or-nothing endeavor. Visit somewhere for a week, on vacation, to scout it out. Then try working there for another week. If you like it, plan a longer trip and do it for a month. The beauty of travel and remote work is that you can truly arrange it on your terms, and you should take advantage of that. I think you can enjoy travel just as much any digital nomad while still alternating between a month home and a month abroad. Every place is different, and unique, and first exploring them doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to everything you know. 

FOLLOW MARTIN ON HIS INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND BLOG!

Remote Profile: Arestia Rosenberg

ARESTIA ROSENBERG

CREATIVE CONSULTANT, THE DAILY BEAST
FREELANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CONTENT STRATEGIST, VIDEO PRODUCER, WRITER

USA

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

I applied to Remote Year because I was attracted to the intersection of global-mindness and community and was curious; but, I never thought I would get in! When I did, I labored a lot over the decision. On one hand, I had a great career I worked hard for, but on the other hand, an opportunity for adventure, reflection, and to meet a group of amazing, likeminded people. It wasn't an easy choice, but ultimately, I decided it was something I couldn't say no to and had to find a way to make it work. 



WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

Before coming on Remote Year, I was the Creative Director of Brand Strategy at The Daily Beast. When I decided to go on Remote Year, my company ultimately decided part of my job could not be done remotely; but, I'm still working on the same team and retain some of my previous duties. I've also moved to a part-time role, so I've taken on other clients in the form of content strategy & management and writing...and we'll see what else comes my way this year! I'd love to be able to make a film this year.



HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I knew I had the kinds of skills that could lend itself to Remote Work, but it took months of hustling: letting people know I was available for remote work, the kinds of skills I had, the benefits to having an international creator on the ground, writing countless pitch decks and proposals. Through working my network, I'm currently able to balance enough clients to make remote work a possibility! 

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

I'm hoping to meet creators and makers all over the world. I love to hear peoples' stories and I think opening up my storytelling to an even larger, global level will transform my craft. 


WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

I was fortunate to travel with my family as a kid, but my world got really big at 17 when I went to live in Spain for a summer with a family that didn't speak any English. I was overwhelmed and right at home at the same time and I've been chasing that feeling ever since. Plus, I'm pretty loud and Spaniards are even louder, so it was great to feel right at home in a foreign land - I didn't think it was possible until then! 


WHAT ARE YOU  MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? 

Storytelling and using it to make a difference. 


WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

"Buy the ticket. Take the ride." Hunter S. Thompson's words often ring in my ear when it comes to travel and tackling life. You don't know what's going to happen, you don't know what's coming, but you know growth, experience, and wonder are in your future. Just do it, just go. When I graduated from college, I told myself to make sure I traveled to at least one new country a year. Even years where I was working crushing hours and was flat broke, I found deals, and I made it work. Make it happen - you can find a way. The value is immense. 


DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

Possibility. Exciting. Right. 

WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?

"Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver. It reminds me not only of the symbiosis when it comes to nature, but that everyone has a place in this world.  



WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I'm crazy good at braiding hair. 


YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?

Bring a second phone! You can pop a local sim card on, use it as a hot spot, and you won't be as upset if one gets stolen. 


3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

Hair ties, a really good book, and sleeping pills. 


WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD? 

The world hasn't quite caught up to the possibility of working in this way. I get annoyed when people say "How is your trip?" I think, "You mean my life where I worked until 10pm tonight? Yeah, it's life." Don't get my wrong, I feel so fortunate and know I'm in an incredibly amazing position, but people don't readily understand that I know I can still work just as hard as if I was sitting in an office. 

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD? 

When you get out at 10pm? You can still go to tango lessons and have wine with friends. There's always something new to explore and learn outside of work and cultures to immerse yourself in. It's never boring, even when work might be. 


WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

The person I'm meant to be. I'd like to get a sense of clarity of what the next phase of my life is supposed to look like and be someone who is open, grounded, pursuing life at full force, helping others where I can, all with a sense of gratitude and grace. 

FOLLOW ARESTIA ON HER INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER!

GETTIN' TO KNOW COUSTEAU

The third Remote Year program is now in full swing and we've successfully initiated another tribe of crazy folks who left their lives, hopped on a plane to Córdoba, Argentina, and joined us in pursuit of a weird and wonderful life. Let's take a look at who they are:

Their journeys began on arrival day where one by one, the remotes arrived in Argentina from all corners of the globe!

After a deserving night's sleep, the remotes arrived at Incutex Monday morning and got straight to work.

The Incutex Tech Pub is a fantastic space for everyone to gather for meals, coke and fernet, introductions, and even magic shows!

The inaugural Museum Wednesday! Every week, history and culture nerds get to explore a different local museum.

Orientation weekend consisted of a lot of Adele's "Hello", a big party and dinner by the river, and wrapped up with a Cousteau city scavenger hunt!

12790983_10153309843411750_353366518149640532_n.jpg

The whole gang. Here's to a great year ahead!

To stay tuned with everything Cousteau, make sure to follow the remotes as they document their year:

Remote Profile: Lauren Hom

LAUREN HOM

ILLUSTRATOR, HOM SWEET HOM

USA


WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

After about a year and a half of working from home in New York, I realized that I wasn't taking full advantage of my location-independent job. I'd also been living in New York for almost 6 years, and I felt like it was time for a change of scenery and pace. The idea that helped me make the decision to join Remote Year was this: New York, your hometown, and all of the other places you hold dear aren't going anywhere, so go out, see the world, and do all the wild things. You can always come back "home", or perhaps you'll find a new home along the way. 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

On the professional side: I've been working as a hand letterer and illustrator for the past two and a half years remotely from Brooklyn, and I plan on doing the same while I'm on the road. I design typographic illustrations for magazines, paper products, advertising campaigns, and more. You can view all of my work at www.homsweethom.com

On the personal side: I knew this year abroad would be challenging, so I decided to make it even harder with a new personal project called No Photos Please. I've made a commitment to taking zero travel photos this year and instead have chosen to document my journey through drawings and lettering in a visual diary. I draw things for a living, so what better way to capture my travels than by sketching, not snapping, my way around the world? You can follow along at www.nophotosplz.com

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

It honestly happened pretty organically. Back in 2013, I was starting to feel unhappy at my full-time job right around the same time my freelance lettering career was blossoming. I decided that I'd rather spend the 60+ hours a week I was working at the agency on my own personal work, so I quit my job and focused all my energy on my illustration work. It's been almost three years now, and I haven't looked back.


WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

I think it comes from my curious nature and love of variety. I'm the kind of person who will try all of the foods on the table. I like to wear a different outfit every day. So naturally, I wanted to see the world. Of course I have my habits and comforts, but as I've gotten older, I've started seeing change as a positive thing. I actually seek it now. Change shakes things up and gives you a chance to learn and grow, and I think traveling is the ultimate expression of that: new places, new people, and new culture. It's a surefire way to get out of your comfort zone.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

Since I've been working remotely for the past couple of years, I don't think it'll affect my workflow much. If anything, I think being on the road will inspire me to create even better artwork, which would ideally result in more client work!

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

I hope to be a kinder, smarter, crazier, and even more open minded person than I was before I began this trip. I want to be more fearless and spontaneous and full of love. I want to be the kind of person who says yes to every new adventure.


WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I can make food disappear with my mouth.

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED / TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY?

I grew up in Los Angeles, California and moved to New York City when I was eighteen. I've been there ever since, with the exception of a brief 4-month stint in Madrid, Spain for a summer internship in college. I've traveled all over western Europe, and most recently I've had the pleasure of exploring Lisbon, Valparaiso, and Seoul.

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

A breezy sundress, my sketchbook, and sunscreen.

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

Overwhelming. Inspiring. Wine.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE / WORDS TO LIVE BY?

"So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers." - Jorge Luis Borges

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

Sunshine, sketching, swimming, smoothies, sex, snacks, sleep.


WHERE ARE YOU IN 30 YEARS?

In 30 years, I hope I'm still drawing or creating something new every day. I hope I'm living a life full of love, compassion, and constant growth. I could see myself living in a small seaside house with my family, growing our own vegetables in the backyard. I could see myself never settling down and traveling around the world forever. I have no idea what's in store for me or what my ideal life in 30 years would look like...and I like not knowing. All I know is that as long as I have creativity and love in my life, I'll be happy.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

Do it! Whether you want to take little vacations or make travel a part of your daily life, you can make it happen. I think we should be building our work around our lives not our lives around our work, and it took me a few years to realize that. If travel is something you know you want to do, try to build a career that sustains that by finding remote work or working for yourself.

follow Lauren on her instagram, twitter and website! 

Remote Profile: Tiago Almeida

TIAGO ALMEIDA

FRONTEND DEVELOPER, HELLOFRESH

PORTUGAL

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

I hate eating in the same place. I hate sitting in the same desk for years. I love change. I love to dig in new places and blend with locals. I love to explore and make new adventures. Being in a 9 to 5 job didn't seem ideal for me and that's when I found the solution. Remote Year will make your life come true by combining travelling with work. 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

I'm a Frontend Developer working for HelloFresh - a healthy food company - and I love it. I was a customer before working for them, have over 40 recipes and I can proudly say that I've learn how to cook with them. As a side project, I'm working on my personal blog Ain't It Nice which aims to tell my story through short highlight videos from different cities as well my nomad lifestyle experience. P.S. Hit me up for some HelloFresh discounts!

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I didn't know that there was a growing market for remote roles until I started looking for one. There are plenty of job boards which I went through. I started by applying to companies I did care and give my best even though they were not accepting remote roles. Ended up that my first attempt accepted me and were willing to hire me as full-time remote! This was the best thing that ever happened after being accepted to Remote Year!

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

Portuguese means discovery. We sailed "by seas never sailed before" and discovered places from Brazil to Macau. Even though my family hasn't live abroad, I always wanted to and moved out to a new country when I was 21 years old.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

I consider myself quite responsible and will do everything to not affect my work. Normally this means waking up early in the morning so that I can have time to explore the city late afternoon.

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED / TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY?

Lived in Portugal and UK and traveled to Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands as well as US. Will definitely travel more this year, that's a fact.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I've never lost a sock while doing laundry - that's definitely a talent!

IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER REMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Any remote on earth would be fine. Remotes always have good mindsets and all have interesting stories to tell!

WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?

The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. A lot of fun facts mixed with good surviving techniques! Did you know that the gills and the eyes are the most sensitive part of the shark? Those are the best spots to hit him in the worst-case scenario!

YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?

My portable washing machine - the sink stopper!

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

My paracord bracelet, quick-dry towel and ear plugs!

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

Life-changing, cultural and amazing.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

Cooking with amazing people, exploring the unknown and end up watching stars by night.

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

A better person. Travelling makes you visualize yourself in different situations and you will learn a lot from yourself. It's cliché but it will change me, hopefully for good!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

Take the leap. Get out of your comfort zone. Run for your dreams and please, stop making excuses. You define your own path as long as you want it and that's what life is all about. It's a great feeling to be able to control your own life and live it according to your priorities. Where there's a will there's a way!

GET MORE TIAGO BY FOLLOWING HIS INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND BLOG! 

Remote Profile: Taylor Coil

TAYLOR COIL

MARKETING MANAGER, TORTUGA BACKPACKS

USA


WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

2015 was a year of change for me. I got divorced and found myself desperately craving a new life. When everything you love shatters around you, drastic change feels like the best path forward. Life after divorce for me is about choosing exactly the life I want to live, a life of my own design. That life is about travel and discovery. Remote Year fits perfectly.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

Professionally, I am building Tortuga Backpack's brand and have lofty goals for myself in our company's growth. I'm so excited to spearhead Tortuga's marketing. I'm also working on my own personal blog, Colloquial.ly. In regards to skills: I'm hoping to further my photography knowledge as we travel the world. 

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I primarily used WeWorkRemotely.com. Finding a remote role required a fair bit of soul-searching and a different approach than a traditional job search. Using my network wasn't really an option, because nobody in my network hired remote employees. I had to start from scratch with just my resume and just my skills. I wrote more about how I got a remote job here.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

I think it will help, honestly. I'm lucky to work in an industry that fits perfectly with the digital nomad life. Living the routine of our core customers will make me a better marketer.

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WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

Me, but better. The specific iteration of 'better' remains to be seen. I'm not sure how this experience will shape me, and how each country will hone my global perspective. But I can't wait to find out.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I can do the worm. I've already demonstrated this talent at a bar in Montevideo. No shame.

YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK? 

I swear by Spotify's Deep Focus playlist and Bose noise cancelling headphones. If I can drown out conversations around me and plug into focusing instrumentals, I can be productive anywhere.

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

Water bottle, Nikon DSLR, and my beloved travel journal.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE? 

The ascent to Grinnell Glacier in Montana, USA. I took a camping trip to Glacier National Park with a friend a few years ago, and the hike was the highlight of our trip. It's breathtakingly beautiful. The ascent is a particularly special place because I travelled there with someone I love. 

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD? 

This is a tiring life, physically and mentally. My feet hurt most of the time and I end a day mentally strained. Most interactions will be surface-level, which can be tough for an introvert like me. Small talk is exhausting, but crucial for the whole "understanding local culture" thing. Finding balance and peace in the chaos is a skill. 

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD? 

Freedom from the chains of in-office life. It's an incredible feeling. I didn't quite realize that the structure of my old life, complete with a traffic-filled commute and a fancy office downtown, was impacting my happiness. Working when, where, and how I choose is the best part of this life.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

It's all about priorities. If something feels like a crucial experience to you, you find a way to make it happen. Many of us quit our jobs and sold everything we owned for the promise of a "great perhaps." That's a terrifying thing to do and not a choice to be taken lightly. If you're not sure if the full-blown nomad life is for you, start with small trips and see how it goes. If you want it, though, find a way. That's all there is to it.

keep up with taylor on her instagram, twitter, and blog!

Remote Profile: Julie Friedenberg

Julie Friedenberg

Graphic Designer, Self Employed

USA


Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

I was already traveling around as a digital nomad on my own, when my Mom actually found the program. It seemed like a good idea after so much solo travel to be part of a community. It was also becoming increasingly more difficult to work without proper office space.

What are you working on for the year?

I work as a self-employed graphic designer specializing in infographics and all things web.

How did you find yourself a remote role?

My client base is a large mix in terms of how we found each other. Some are just companies I emailed with similar work, some found me through various design portfolio platforms, some word of mouth.

Where have you lived / traveled to previously?

Lived: DC area, NYC, SoCal. Traveled to: Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, Central America, Canada, the Caribbean and now South America...all over! :)

Where does your passion for travel come from?

Two years ago I left my job, apartment and even my dog in NYC and bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok on the whim. Something was eating away at me and I knew I had to travel. I havent looked back since.

How do you think traveling will affect your current work?

I think having an office space now and trust of good wifi will greatly improve my professionalism. There is nothing worse than being on the road and not being able to complete a conference call because the wifi is iffy.


Describe your Remote Year experience so far in 3 words.

Whirlwind, social, comfortable.

Who do you hope to be by the end of Remote Year?

Being with Remote Year is actually taking a step back for me into what normal life would be. I have an apartment and an office now for a whole month versus being on the constant move. I hope by the end of remote year my itchy feet are cured and I can begin to imagine a future place to settle for longer periods of time.

3 things you can't live without on the road?

Duct tape, coconut oil, refillable water bottle.

What is your secret talent?

Hula Hooping!

Describe your perfect day.

Waking up with the sun for some outdoor yoga. Being surrounded by good people, near a beach and having a day of adventure and unknowns awaiting.

Where is your favorite place on the globe?

Thats a hard one!!! There is this tiny little island in the Komodo National Park of Flores Indonesia. Theres no wifi, no electricity and you camp or sleep in these beach shacks. Only about 50 people stay on the island at once. The water is crystal clear and covered in giant star fish. Absolutely perfect!

What would you say to others looking to bring travel into their lives?

Just go. The world is not as scary or as hard to navigate these days as you might think. There are always people to meet and you are never alone. Just book a flight a figure out the rest as you go. The time is now.

Words to live by?

Ain't afraid to live, cause I ain't afraid to die.


Want more Julie? Keep up with her journey on her Instagram and Blog!  

This Is Battuta.

Can't get enough Battuta? To get to know our remotes better, we'll be rolling out a series of Remote Profiles in the coming months. In the meantime, we've compiled a list of their travel blogs here for your stalking pleasure:


"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"
- Neale Donald Walsch

- RY