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Defining the Meaning of Home in a Mobile World
January 14, 2021
They’re all over social media: laptop in one hand, fresh coconut in the other as they work beachfront in an exotic location. In addition to their photo-taking skills, there’s a lot to potentially learn from these digital nomads - individuals who travel place to place while working a full-time job from wherever they go. If you also travel for work, especially for extended periods of time, it may be a good idea to look to these fellow travelers (so to speak!) for trips and tricks.
Like many extended stay business travelers, you may find yourself staying in a serviced apartment, such as those offered by Synergy Global Housing. You’ll have everything you need for a long-term stay: furnishings, a full kitchen, housewares, linens, 24/7 guest service and more. However, there’s always room to make your business travels even more efficient, comfortable and productive.
We’ve rounded up numerous resources that digital nomads love, divided into categories, that business travelers like you can benefit from as well. Take advantage of them on your next trip.
It is emotive, sensual, and nostalgic. It’s transcendent.
And yet, the concept of “home” is forever versatile. It carries the power to be different things to different people across different time horizons.
On its most basic level, a home satisfies the human need for shelter. Yet with that shelter comes a sense of safety… security… control, even. And when you feel safe, secure, and in control, you have the proper foundation to build a family, create memories, and carry out traditions. Home is generational in its power.
“At home, our heart rate slows, our breathing calms, and we become receptive to the world around us. Holistically at home, we become the truest version of ourselves.”
But what happens to the concept of home when you are on the road, traveling? What happens when work encroaches on the space designated as “home”? What happens when you no longer need to live near work, and home can be wherever you want it to be?
“Will-power isn’t productive; it is exhausting. Inspiration is productive, and you find inspiration when you are comfortable, secure, and a mesh in convenience. The home is inspiring.”
For many, corporate travel and mobility mean opportunity. Not just in the sense of meeting a client and closing a deal… But in the sense of what it means to experience the world, be introduced to a new culture, and explore new possibilities.
“You are never freer than when standing on the precipice of opportunity.”
But, what if we expanded that thought to encompass a broader demographic? What if we encouraged ourselves to untether “home” from a single sense of place and allowed “home” and all its emotive, sensual, nostalgic, and transcendent power to flow naturally into our existence—wherever that might be?
Think of the effects on productivity… general well-being… and health… Think of the impact on cultural awareness and inclusivity. Think of the possibility… The opportunities… And, of course, the potential…
“To unlock our globe’s potential, we must do everything we can to bring ‘home’ to the global traveler.”
When you allow the metaphorical walls surrounding the concept of home to fall and investigate what a world might look like where home knows no bounds—where home truly is “where the heart is” regardless of a physical location—one can begin to understand the potential that rests in the alternative accommodation space.
Attendees of the session titled A Place to Always Call Home will be treated to a virtual exploration of how each vertical within the alternative accommodation space can play a vital role in developing opportunity for an industry on a precipice of an evolution. The panel will ponder alternative accommodation as a concept and solution, set to the context of an ever-increasing globalized world—all juxtaposed with the powerful concept of what it means to be home.
This conversation won’t be so much about finding answers but about finding the right questions to ask to bring forth the potential of the alternative accommodation space.
Questions to consider
How can the industry answer the evolving needs and desires of the consumer/client?
Where do we need to take our technology to reach a modern “ease of use” standard representative of home life?
How can we attract new partners to the industry via the stewardship of home?
What are the base set of standards we must achieve to inspire consideration amongst a broader demographic?
How can we, as an industry, create a travel ecosystem boosting the sensory and emotional markers of a home-like experience?
Attendees will leave with an invigorating perspective on productivity, general well-being, and cultural expansion where the concept of the home truly knows no bounds.
Need to pack a hefty coat or jacket, or even a puffer? Use vacuum storage bags to compress them so they don’t take up your whole suitcase. Most come with a small hand pump, perfect for travel.
Noise-canceling headphones
Just like at home, there’s never a guarantee that your workspace during travel will be quiet. Thankfully, you don’t have to don a clunky pair of bucket-style cans: today’s noise-canceling headphones are slim and sleek. Get yourself a pair of AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds, or any of these alternatives.
Laptop stand
A laptop doesn’t have to be on your lap, or even flat on a surface. Being able to elevate and adjust your laptop can vastly improve your ergonomics while on the road, and you can do so with a laptop stand. The one appearing most frequently on digital nomad blogs is the Roost V3, or any similar products by Roost.
Wireless mouse
Using a mouse can make all the difference when it comes to precision and dexterity on your laptop. Stay minimalist and go with a wireless one, for which you can’t beat Logitech. Your filthy touchpad will thank you.
Long charging cables
Most of us have a standard 1-meter charging cable for our smartphone, but savvy travelers know to pack a 2-meter or even a 3-meter cable as well. You never know where your nearest outlet is going to be, and we all love being able to use our phone in bed while charging it.
Getting Around
On an extended stay business trip, the travel doesn’t end when you reach your destination. Here are some great solutions for transportation and finding your way around during your stay.
Turo
Looking for an alternative to traditional rental car companies? Turo is like Airbnb for cars, in that you rent a car directly from the car’s owner. It’s available in major cities across the US, as well as Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and London (all cities Synergy serves, by the way!).
Uber One / Lyft Pink
We all know Uber and Lyft, but did you know they each offer memberships? Uber One is $9.99/month and gets you 5% off Uber rides, 5% off Uber Eats orders and other perks. Lyft Pink is $19.99/month and gets you 15% off Lyft rides, priority airport pickups and more. Use the services enough and the membership will pay for itself.
Google Maps (with a hack)
You can’t beat Google Maps for directions, especially when it comes to public transit. And there’s a great hack for international travel or poor reception: find out how to use the app offline. It’ll save you on international data fees – and frustration.
Rome2rio
Sometimes you just need to figure out the best way to get from point A to point B, but your usual maps application isn’t cutting it. Rome2rio will help you plan a route to where you need to be, even if it involves multiple modes of transportation: car, bus, train, bike, walking, ferry or plane.
Work & Productivity
Put the “business” in business travel with the help of these resources for working on the go.
ExpressVPN
Using a virtual private network, or VPN, is a good idea no matter where you’re working from. When traveling for work and using unfamiliar WiFi networks, like in a hotel or coffee shop, it’s even more important.
ExpressVPN is a favorite among many, not just digital nomads. It costs as little as $8.32/month, and is a frequent advertiser on podcasts – listen in to your favorites and look out for a discount code. NordVPN also tops many lists.
Workfrom
A change of scenery from time to time is a great way to keep the creative juices flowing and break up your workday. When the need arises, use the search functionality offered by Workfrom, which allows you to find places to work nearby! You can filter by which establishments have power outlets, fast WiFi, late-night hours and more.
World Time Buddy
What time is it? What day is it? Business travel across time zones can be disorienting, and it’s important to know your local time and that of your colleagues.
World Time Buddy is a popular solution that allows you to see world times in a simple visual format, convert time zones and even schedule meetings. No more accidentally Slacking your coworker when it’s 2am where they are.
Google Workspace
Most of us are familiar with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. However, you’d be amazed by how many (free!) apps and tools Google Workspace offers, all cloud-based, including but not limited to:
Google Drive – Cloud storage up to 1TB
Google Flights – Search for flights across multiple airlines, all at once
Google Calendar – Create shared calendars
Google Meet – Video and voice calls
Google Forms – Generate and distribute simple forms or surveys
Google Keep – Maintain notes, lists, photos, audio, drawings and more
All of these apps can be accessed on desktop or mobile, for the ultimate on-the-go productivity.
Health & Wellness
Work-life balance still matters when you’re on business travel. Stay physically and mentally well while away from home with these resources.
Classpass
Although it’s evolved a bit over the years, Classpass is still going strong. Here’s how it works: first, choose a plan that allots you a number of credits per month, ranging from 6 to 80 credits. Then, use your credits to attend classes at local fitness establishments (yoga, spin, crossfit, etc.) or for open gym time.
Here’s the best part: you can also use credits for beauty and wellness treatments, such as manicures, haircuts or massage! Participating establishments are located all over the world, so it’s great to use while traveling.
Teladoc
Ask your healthcare provider if they offer Teladoc, or a similar telehealth service. It’s a tremendous benefit during travel when you need to speak with your doctor, and you can usually secure an appointment on short notice – even same-day. If you need medication, your provider can prescribe you what you need via video call and have it sent to a local pharmacy.
Calm
Move over Headspace, hello Calm. This increasingly popular meditation app can help you get better sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your focus and more. Plus, who wouldn’t want to drift off to a calming Sleep Story read by Matthew McConaughey? Try it free for seven days, after which a premium subscription is $14.99/month.
Food
Whether you prefer to go out, stay in or a little of both, these foodie and traveler-approved resources will keep you well-fed during extended stay business travel.
Eater
You may think Yelp is the go-to site for finding the best local restaurants, but real foodies know that’s not the case. Many Yelp reviews are written by tourists, not locals, and people are generally more likely to write about negative experiences than positive ones on review sites. Instead, see if the city you’re staying in has an Eater site. Eater has a pulse like no other on local restaurant scenes, from ethnic eateries to fine dining.
The Infatuation
The Infatuation is another great food site for honest reviews, guides and features on local restaurants. With coverage in nearly 50 cities, including international ones, there’s even more to love. Follow them on Instagram, too – they have an account for almost every city they cover!
Meal kit delivery services
Those staying in a serviced apartment or other extended-stay housing are fortunate to have access to a full kitchen. Being able to cook your own meals is a huge plus, and meal kit delivery services can make it a whole lot more convenient. The ingredients for each meal come in just the right amounts, so you’re not stuck buying a bundle of carrots when all you need is a single carrot. Travel blogger Cory Lee lists even more reasons it’s great for digital nomads and extended stay business travelers. There are too many options to name just one, so check out Bon Appétit’s top favorites.
Community
Creating a sense of community is worth the effort no matter where you are, and for how long. Use these tools to help you connect with others during your travels, either online or in-person.
Reddit
Reddit is one of the best places on the internet for people from all over to discuss topics and share resources. Because it’s less commercialized, you’ll find some of the most honest and real insights. Topics are divided into what are called subreddits.
For instance, there’s a subreddit on business travel, one on travel hacks and one for digital nomads. You can also find subreddits for almost any country, city or neighborhood in the world. Just use Reddit’s search bar to find subreddits, or individual posts.
Meetup
Who says you can’t make friends during business travel? It’s important to socialize and meet new people outside of work, even in a city you’re only staying in temporarily. Meetup is where people go to do just that. Use the site or the app to find in-person meetups near you, or host your own!
Nextdoor
You may use Nextdoor at home, but why not use it away from home too? Download the app and find the neighborhood you’re staying in, then get to know your temporary neighbors and the community. Members use it to share information and resources, ask question.
Other
We couldn’t let you go without mentioning these resources, which can save you a lot of hassle.
Dark Sky
No one can perfectly predict the weather – but Dark Sky comes pretty close. The hyper-accurate, hyper-local weather app can tell you down to the minute when to expect rain, snow, sun, clouds, etc.
When you’re traveling and unfamiliar with the local climate, this level of accuracy is key. You can even enable push notifications to know just when to whip out your umbrella. Dark Sky is $3.99 to download, and only available on iOS.
CLEAR
You may have noticed lately that TSA PreCheck lines at airports are getting longer and less efficient. Due to its popularity, PreCheck’s benefit of shorter, smoother security lines is beginning to dwindle. It may be time to upgrade to CLEAR, which allows you to confirm your identity via biometrics rather than traditional ID documents. CLEAR operates in over 50 airports throughout the US, and its lines tend to be shorter than those for PreCheck. An annual membership is $189, a bit more than TSA PreCheck, but some credit card reward programs offer a complimentary or discounted membership.
Home is a loaded concept.
It is emotive, sensual, and nostalgic. It’s transcendent.
And yet, the concept of “home” is forever versatile. It carries the power to be different things to different people across different time horizons.
On its most basic level, a home satisfies the human need for shelter. Yet with that shelter comes a sense of safety… security… control, even. And when you feel safe, secure, and in control, you have the proper foundation to build a family, create memories, and carry out traditions. Home is generational in its power.
“At home, our heart rate slows, our breathing calms, and we become receptive to the world around us. Holistically at home, we become the truest version of ourselves.”
But what happens to the concept of home when you are on the road, traveling? What happens when work encroaches on the space designated as “home”? What happens when you no longer need to live near work, and home can be wherever you want it to be?
“Will-power isn’t productive; it is exhausting. Inspiration is productive, and you find inspiration when you are comfortable, secure, and a mesh in convenience. The home is inspiring.”
For many, corporate travel and mobility mean opportunity. Not just in the sense of meeting a client and closing a deal… But in the sense of what it means to experience the world, be introduced to a new culture, and explore new possibilities.
“You are never freer than when standing on the precipice of opportunity.”
But, what if we expanded that thought to encompass a broader demographic? What if we encouraged ourselves to untether “home” from a single sense of place and allowed “home” and all its emotive, sensual, nostalgic, and transcendent power to flow naturally into our existence—wherever that might be?
Think of the effects on productivity… general well-being… and health… Think of the impact on cultural awareness and inclusivity. Think of the possibility… The opportunities… And, of course, the potential…
“To unlock our globe’s potential, we must do everything we can to bring ‘home’ to the global traveler.”
When you allow the metaphorical walls surrounding the concept of home to fall and investigate what a world might look like where home knows no bounds—where home truly is “where the heart is” regardless of a physical location—one can begin to understand the potential that rests in the alternative accommodation space.
Attendees of the session titled A Place to Always Call Home will be treated to a virtual exploration of how each vertical within the alternative accommodation space can play a vital role in developing opportunity for an industry on a precipice of an evolution. The panel will ponder alternative accommodation as a concept and solution, set to the context of an ever-increasing globalized world—all juxtaposed with the powerful concept of what it means to be home.
This conversation won’t be so much about finding answers but about finding the right questions to ask to bring forth the potential of the alternative accommodation space.
Questions to consider
How can the industry answer the evolving needs and desires of the consumer/client?
Where do we need to take our technology to reach a modern “ease of use” standard representative of home life?
How can we attract new partners to the industry via the stewardship of home?
What are the base set of standards we must achieve to inspire consideration amongst a broader demographic?
How can we, as an industry, create a travel ecosystem boosting the sensory and emotional markers of a home-like experience?
Attendees will leave with an invigorating perspective on productivity, general well-being, and cultural expansion where the concept of the home truly knows no bounds.
For extended stay business travel, a hotel may not cut it. Most of them are not well suited for long-term stays, containing little more than a bed, bathroom, nightstand and dresser. Let us key you in on another extended stay travel secret: serviced apartments.
They’ve got everything you need for a longer stay, and Synergy has them available all over the world. Search and book your accommodations and make your next business trip your most seamless one yet.
We have worked relentlessly to secure ISO 27001:2022 certification, the gold standard in global data security practices. This gives you absolute confidence that we uphold the most stringent standards of data security, and that your sensitive information is safeguarded to the highest possible degree.
Health & Safety
SynergySMART (Simple Mobile Apartment Reporting Technology) is a cloud-based application that facilitates the tracking and measurement of Synergy’s health, cleanliness and safety protocols across our global apartment inventory. A first of its kind in the accommodation sector, SynergySMART aims to elevate the level of consistency across our global portfolio to ensure guest satisfaction and traveler confidence.
24/7 support
By developing local teams with deep knowledge of their regions allows us to seamlessly serve clients everywhere. Our 24/7 regional teams are the cornerstone of Synergy's renowned guest support, but it's our real-time communication that truly sets us apart. We collaborate directly with clients, ensuring immediate responsiveness and adaptability in any market situation. This level of transparency and partnership creates lasting value for every guest.
Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.
