Saloni Srivastava is a name synonymous with building sustainable side hustles and empowering individuals to create flexible, impactful careers. Having helped over 10,000 people build their own side hustles, Saloni Srivastava’s insights into the digital workspace are both practical and inspiring. Her experience as an online entrepreneur, spanning seven years and ten different countries, offers valuable lessons for freelancers and digital nomads who want to balance work with the joys of travel.
Saloni Srivastava’s latest reflections on “workcations” give an inside look into what it takes to find the right balance between work and travel. A workcation is not just a dream for many freelancers and entrepreneurs—it’s a real possibility. However, Saloni Srivastava emphasizes that it is far from a simple vacation. It requires careful planning, a different mindset, and strategic choices that allow for productivity while also enjoying the surroundings. In her experience, not every idyllic vacation spot makes for a productive workspace, and Saloni Srivastava’s personal learnings are here to help others avoid the pitfalls she encountered.
One of the first lessons Saloni Srivastava shares is about the common misconception that popular tourist destinations are ideal for workcations. While Phuket, Thailand, may be a top holiday destination, Saloni Srivastava quickly realized it was not conducive to getting work done. Noise, distractions, and overcrowding can take a toll on productivity. Instead, Saloni Srivastava suggests Chiang Mai as a much better alternative, offering a more peaceful environment that encourages focus and efficiency. It’s not just about finding beautiful places; it’s about choosing spots that support your goals as a remote worker.
Internet connectivity is another non-negotiable element of a successful workcation, as Saloni Srivastava points out. A picture-perfect beach café may look inviting, but without a stable internet connection, the dream can quickly become a nightmare, especially when Zoom meetings and client calls are involved. Saloni Srivastava experienced this first-hand in Goa, where she learned that tourist hotspots often lack the necessary infrastructure for remote work. She recommends Assagao or Parra as quieter areas with better connectivity.
Time zone compatibility is something that many overlook when planning a workcation. Saloni Srivastava explains that it’s essential to think about how your location aligns with your clients’ time zones. During her time in Sydney, she faced challenges keeping up with her clients in India due to the vast time difference. For those whose clients are primarily based in India, she suggests considering countries in Southeast Asia, where the time difference is manageable, allowing you to start your day before clients are even awake.
Another important factor that Saloni Srivastava addresses is the cost of living. The idea of working from a glamorous city like Dubai might be appealing, but the high cost of living can drain your budget quickly. Saloni Srivastava offers a smart alternative: Doha, Qatar. While offering many of the same perks as Dubai, including a vibrant cultural scene and modern amenities, Doha is more affordable, making it a better choice for freelancers or entrepreneurs who need to stretch their resources.
Saloni Srivastava also emphasizes the importance of staying in one place for an extended period rather than hopping between locations frequently. She learned this the hard way during her stay in Bali, where constantly moving from one part of the island to another disrupted her work schedule. Settling in one spot, like the serene Sidemen or the Digital Nomad hub of Canggu, allowed her to find a rhythm and become more productive. Saloni Srivastava suggests using weekends to explore the surroundings rather than constantly shifting base, which not only enhances work productivity but also allows for deeper immersion in the local culture.
One more insightful lesson from Saloni Srivastava is the significance of cultural fit. While some destinations may seem exciting, not all of them are equally friendly toward digital nomads. She recalls struggling with the digital nomad culture in Moscow but found a supportive and welcoming community in Kuala Lumpur. For freelancers looking to thrive, Saloni Srivastava recommends checking out digital nomad-friendly locations such as Chiang Mai, Canggu, and even Doha. Each of these places offers a blend of community, culture, and infrastructure that makes working remotely a breeze.
Saloni Srivastava’s workcation experiences are not just about finding Instagram-worthy destinations. Her approach is deeply rooted in practicality—choosing spots that align with your work goals, provide a supportive community, and allow for personal well-being. She also hints at exciting future explorations to destinations like Lisbon and Medellin, indicating that her journey as a digital nomad is far from over.
Through her coaching and content, Saloni Srivastava has helped thousands of people build side hustles, many of whom are now benefiting from the flexibility that comes with remote work. Her personal experiences with workcations provide invaluable guidance for those aspiring to do the same. Whether you’re just starting out with a side hustle or already have an established remote business, the advice from Saloni Srivastava can help you avoid common mistakes and make more informed choices about where and how to work while traveling.
Saloni Srivastava is not just a coach for building sustainable side hustles; she’s a trailblazer in redefining how we view remote work and travel. Her experiences and lessons serve as a reminder that while workcations offer the allure of freedom and flexibility, success requires thoughtful planning. From finding the right location with solid infrastructure to ensuring cultural compatibility, Saloni Srivastava’s insights are a roadmap for digital nomads and online entrepreneurs. Her commitment to helping others live balanced and productive lives is what sets her apart, making her an invaluable guide for those looking to navigate the world of remote work and side hustles with confidence.
