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Cruising, Coffee & Connectivity: Lessons from a Month on the Move

Published 28 days ago • 1 min read

Hello Reader,

Work, Wander, and… Wi-Fi?

This past month I went on a bit of an experiment: working while traveling — a “workation,” inspired by my podcast chat with Filip Drimalka.

Three weeks on a cruise. One week on a bus tour in Japan. A laptop in one hand, coffee in the other. And a lot of lessons along the way.

The cruise? Surprisingly productive — when I wasn’t distracted by shows, sightseeing, or saying yes to another dessert (I came back 2kg heavier). I did manage to keep up with some writing and business essentials… thanks to an expensive but necessary $850 Wi-Fi pass.

The Japan leg? Beautiful and fast-paced. Long days meant little time for work — just enough to check in and keep the lights on. I strongly recommend visiting Japan, it really is a model culture that we in Australia could learn a lot from.

My Workation Kit:

What kept me connected (and caffeinated):

  • MacBook Pro + a portable monitor
  • Anker Prime 200W Charger — charged 5 devices at once (needs and adaptor for overseas)
  • GL.iNet travel router–login to the hotel wifi on your laptop and it will automatically open wifi on all your devices
  • iPad for my Kindle (not shown)
  • Orange Lacie Rugged Portable Drive to continue backing up files
  • iPhone,
  • AirPods Pro
  • Air tags to check where my baggage was, just in case it was lost
  • Roost laptop stand–raises up my ipad closer to eye level
  • Bluetooth Anker portable keyboard
  • Apple Magic Mouse
  • A powerful Anker power bank sufficient to charge my MacBook Pro along with several other devices
  • A rugged Australian made backpack packed like a command center–padded sections for laptop and devices, plenty of pockets for gear (I've forgotten the brand, sorry, but it kept everything secure)
  • And… a Rhinowares Hand Coffee Grinder, beans, and an AeroPress Coffee Maker-Go — because great ideas need great coffee (purchased from my favourite coffee equipment supplier https://alternativebrewing.com.au/​

This is a messy photo of what I took with me:​​

⸻

What I Learned:

  • You can work while traveling, but environment matters
  • Internet access is an investment, not a luxury
  • Having the right gear is freedom
  • And sometimes… it’s okay to just enjoy the moment

If you have tried a workation, get in touch and tell me how it went.

Listen to the podcast that started it all: Wisepreneurs Podcast – Thriving in the Age of AI with Filip Drimalka​
​
​Your Recommendations for a Wisepreneurs Podcast Guest​
If you have a recommendation for a guest, could you please get in touch, just reply to this email and tell me who you think would be interesting to talk to. Maybe send through a link to a podcast you thought would be interesting and I can take it from there.
​
​Stay curious, stay healthy, and keep thriving

Nigel Rawlins
Wisepreneurs
​https://wisepreneurs.com.au/​

​Check out all the Wisepreneurs Podcasts​
​https://www.wisepreneurs.au/​​

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with Nigel Rawlins, Wisepreneur's Founder & Podcast Host

Are you an independent professional, or aspiring to be one, and 60 or over? Every Tuesday, I deliver a blend of expert business and marketing practices, actionable insights, and brain-boosting tips—all tailored to support your journey in the dynamic world of self-employment. Join me today.

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