Digital nomads, individuals who work remotely while traveling, are planning for work-based holidays in sunny destinations this summer. However, a study conducted by Minut, a property monitoring company, has highlighted the issue of poor wifi connections in vacation rentals. The study found that 60% of guests have had to resort to using their personal hotspots due to weak wifi, with seven percent always relying on hotspots.
Nils Mattisson, the co-founder and CEO of Minut, advises digital nomads to plan ahead to avoid connectivity issues, which could potentially lead to costly data fees if they exceed their monthly data limits. He suggests looking for vacation rental listings that emphasize ‘fast wifi’ and a ‘dedicated workspace.’
Hosts and property managers can provide speed test results, and it’s also wise to ask about nearby coworking spaces or cafes as backup options. According to YouGov research, 37% of British remote workers intend to take a working holiday this year, with the percentage being higher among 18-34-year-olds (61%).
Mattisson encourages digital nomads to take advantage of the flexibility provided by new technology for maintaining a good work-life balance. He emphasizes the importance of booking listings with ‘fast wifi’ and ‘dedicated workspace’ on platforms like Airbnb. In addition, asking hosts to perform a speed test and inquiring about backup options such as coworking spaces or cafes can help ensure a successful remote working experience.
Smart home technology in vacation rentals can serve as a good indicator of a property with a reliable wifi connection, making it beneficial for digital nomads. The need for planning ahead to ensure strong wifi connections and suitable working conditions is crucial for a successful workation.
