What You Need To Know About Working While Traveling In New Orleans
New Orleans, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and unique charm, has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers. This iconic city offers a perfect blend of work opportunities and leisure activities, making it an ideal spot for those looking to combine their professional lives with the excitement of travel.
However, working while exploring the Big Easy comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your working stay in New Orleans both productive and enjoyable.
Understanding the New Orleans Work Culture
New Orleans is known for its relaxed atmosphere, which extends to its work culture. While professionalism is still valued, you'll find that the overall vibe is less formal than in many other major U.S. cities. This can be refreshing for remote workers but may require some adjustment if you're used to a more rigid work environment.
The city's friendly nature and strong sense of community make it an excellent place for networking. From professional meetups to casual conversations in local cafes, you'll find plenty of opportunities to connect with other professionals and potentially expand your business network.
New Orleans places a strong emphasis on enjoying life, which often translates to a healthy work-life balance. This can be beneficial for remote workers looking to explore the city while maintaining their professional commitments.
Finding Suitable Workspaces
Choosing the right workspace is crucial for maintaining productivity while enjoying your stay in New Orleans.
New Orleans has seen a rise in co-working spaces in recent years, catering to the growing number of remote workers and digital nomads. The city is famous for its cafe culture, and many local establishments welcome remote workers. For those who prefer a quieter work environment, New Orleans' public libraries offer free Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces. The Main Library on Loyola Avenue is particularly well-equipped for remote workers.
Accommodation Considerations
Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable and productive stay in New Orleans.
Short-Term Rentals
Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer a wide range of short-term rentals in New Orleans. Look for options that provide:
- Reliable high-speed internet
- A dedicated workspace or desk
- A quiet neighborhood for focused work
Extended Stay Hotels
For longer stays, consider extended stay hotels that offer in-room workspaces and kitchenettes. This can provide a more stable environment for balancing work and exploration.
The Higgins Hotel, Curio by Hilton
This four diamond hotel, beautifully located in the burgeoning Arts District, provides the traveler with important considerations: spacious work surfaces in every room, free wifi, easy deskside connectivity ports, security and privacy, easy access to food and beverage services including in-room dining, daily maid service, and most importantly, Hilton Honors points for your stay.
Neighborhoods to Consider
- Central Business District: Ideal for those who want to be close to many co-working spaces and business amenities.
- Garden District: Offers a more residential feel with easy access to cafes and parks.
- Marigny/Bywater: A trendy area popular with creatives and remote workers, known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique cafes.
Internet Connectivity
Reliable internet is crucial for remote work. While most accommodations and cafes in New Orleans offer Wi-Fi, it's always good to have a backup plan.
Consider investing in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or ensuring your phone plan includes generous hotspot data. This can be a lifesaver when working from parks or areas with less reliable public Wi-Fi.
Don't Forget To Brush Up On Your Digital Document Skills
Working remotely, especially while traveling, often requires proficiency in managing and collaborating on digital documents. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Cloud storage solutions allow you to access your documents from any device and collaborate with team members easily. Master the use of real-time collaboration tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365. These platforms allow you to work on documents simultaneously with colleagues, regardless of location.
Invest time in learning advanced PDF management skills. This includes:
- Creating and editing PDFs, such as converting PDF to Word
- Adding digital signatures
- Combining or splitting PDF files
By honing these digital document skills, you'll be better equipped to handle various work tasks efficiently, allowing you more time to enjoy the unique experiences New Orleans has to offer. Talk to the team at Smallpdf about how their PDF converter software works.
Managing Time Zones
If you're working with a team based in a different time zone, managing your schedule becomes crucial.
Be clear with your colleagues or clients about your working hours in New Orleans. The city is in the Central Time Zone (CT), which may be different from your home office.
Utilize apps or websites that help with time zone conversions to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure you're available for important calls or meetings.
Schedule Buffer Time
When planning your workday, include buffer time to account for potential delays or unexpected events that might arise while exploring the city.
One of the biggest challenges of working while traveling is finding the right balance between professional responsibilities and exploring your destination. Develop a daily or weekly schedule that allocates specific times for work, exploration, and rest. This can help you stay productive while ensuring you don't miss out on New Orleans' attractions.
If your work allows for flexible hours, consider adjusting your schedule to take advantage of off-peak times at popular attractions or restaurants.
Look for ways to blend work and local experiences. For example:
- Take walking meetings through historic neighborhoods https://prcno.org/explore-new-orleans/tour-a-neighborhood/
- Schedule breaks to coincide with local festivals or events
- Use weekends or evenings to explore areas further from your workspace
Health and Wellness Considerations
Maintaining your health and well-being is crucial when working while traveling.
New Orleans can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Keep a water bottle with you and stay hydrated throughout the day. While it's tempting to indulge in New Orleans' famous cuisine constantly, try to maintain a balanced diet. Look for local markets and healthier dining options to complement the occasional indulgence.
Take advantage of New Orleans' parks and outdoor spaces for exercise. Audubon Park and City Park offer great jogging trails and open spaces for yoga or bodyweight exercises. When working from various locations, be mindful of your posture. Consider carrying a portable laptop stand or lumbar support cushion to maintain good ergonomics.
Legal and Tax Considerations
Working remotely while traveling can have legal and tax implications that are important to consider.
If you're an international traveler, ensure you have the appropriate visa for your stay and work activities in the United States. Consult with a tax professional to understand any tax implications of working remotely from New Orleans, especially if you're staying for an extended period.
Review your health and travel insurance policies to ensure you have adequate coverage during your stay in New Orleans.
Safety and Security
While New Orleans is generally welcoming to visitors, it's important to prioritize your safety and the security of your work equipment. Like any major city, New Orleans has areas that require more caution, especially at night. Research safe neighborhoods and be aware of your surroundings, particularly when working in public spaces.
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider using a privacy screen when working in public areas to protect sensitive information. Always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to encrypt your data and protect your online activities.
Embracing the Local Culture
One of the joys of working from New Orleans is the opportunity to immerse yourself in its unique culture. Familiarize yourself with local terms and expressions. This can help you connect with locals and navigate the city more easily.
From Mardi Gras to Sachmo Summerfest and the Running of the Bulls NOLA style, New Orleans is known for its festivals and traditions. Plan your work schedule to allow participation in these unique cultural experiences. Patronize local cafes, restaurants, and shops. This not only enhances your experience but also contributes to the local economy.