Balancing Work and Travel: Tips for Remote RV Life

Living and working from the road is one of the greatest freedoms full-time RV life gives us, but it also comes with challenges most people don’t see on Instagram. Balancing deadlines, campground moves, family activities, and the urge to explore can feel like a juggling act without a routine.

Here are the strategies we use to keep life running smoothly while still soaking up as much adventure as possible.

1. Build a Flexible, Realistic Work Schedule

One of the biggest perks of RV life is flexibility, but that freedom only works if you give yourself structure.

We’ve found success with:

• Time-blocking (e.g., work 8–11 am, adventure midday, finish tasks in the evening)

• Using “travel days” as built-in off days whenever possible

• Scheduling deep-focus work for weekdays when campgrounds are quieter

The biggest mindset shift? You don’t need a perfect routine. You just need one that works most of the time.

2. Prioritize Internet Before Destinations

You can’t work if you can’t connect and nothing kills productivity like scrambling for Wi-Fi at the last minute.

Before choosing where to go next, we always check:

• Cell coverage maps

• Campground reviews that mention Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile speeds

• Whether the site is shaded (which can kill solar + Starlink) Click Here to Purchase Starlink and the Accessories we use!

• Backup options (coffee shops, libraries, or switching carriers)

Even the prettiest boondocking spot is stressful if your Zoom call can’t load.

3. Create a Dedicated Workspace

A “workspace” in an RV doesn’t have to mean a full office. It just needs to be intentional.

Some ideas that have worked for us:

• A fold-out desk outside

• A portable laptop stand you can move indoors or outside

• Noise-cancelling headphones Click Here to Purchase!

  The Noise Cancelling Headphones use AI to remove ALL background noise (kids, spouse, dogs, camping noises, etc.)

• A small caddy with your work essentials so you can “set up” quickly wherever you are

The goal is to make it easy for your brain to switch into work mode even in a tiny home on wheels.

4. Set Expectations With Family and Clients

Communication matters even more when your office moves every week.

With family:

• Use hand signals like “headphones = I’m working”

• Establish quiet hours

• Let kids be part of the routine (“When daddy finishes work, we’ll go to the playground!”)

With clients:

• Be upfront about your lifestyle

• Build in buffer time for tasks in case of travel hiccups

• Use tools like auto-responders or scheduling apps to stay organized

People are surprisingly supportive when they know what to expect.

5. Embrace the Power of Early Mornings

Sunrise is your friend.

Getting work done before the campground wakes up frees up the whole day for exploring. It also helps reduce the guilt of choosing between hiking a trail or finishing a project because you already crushed the hard stuff.

Plus, coffee tastes better outside anyway.

6. Plan Your Adventures Around Work, Not Against It

Instead of treating work as an interruption, use it to create balance.

We plan our “big adventure days” like this:

• Choose one or two main activities each week

• Keep those days mostly free from work obligations

• Use smaller windows of downtime (naps, evenings, rainy hours) for lighter tasks

This helps us avoid burnout and keeps travel feeling fun, not frantic.

7. Remember Why You Chose This Lifestyle

It’s easy to get stuck in the grind, even in an RV.

When you start feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself:

• What did we want more of when we chose this life?

• What can we say no to?

• Are we leaving enough room for joy in the schedule?

Balancing travel and work isn’t about perfect productivity. It’s about designing a life that feels meaningful, not just busy.