About Us

Ed Keay-Smith

Hi this is Ed here. I am someone that uses the internet for work and business. I do a mix of consulting www.adwordsmarketing.com (internet marketing) domaining www.ozdomainer.com (buying, selling and developing of web domain names), and am a hobby drummer and most importantly a Dad & Hubby.

In today’s world, with mobile communications opening up new opportunities, we thought we would test out the concept of truly mobile work and merging work and play, family and travel whilst “on the road”. Thus the name – Laptop Nomads.

A special thanks goes out to Tim Ferriss, the author of The Four Hour Work Week who is a big part of the reason that we are doing what we are today.

My wife Lois calls me a “home bod” – I like my home office, TV, computers etc. and usually work in my “trackydaks” (tracksuit) in the winter and just the “daks” part in the summer (it’s hot in Perth in the summer). So she was surprised at how keen I was to get this happening and become a laptop nomad.

I am the technology roadie on this trip, which means I carry all the plugs, powerboards, adaptors, cables, chargers, batteries, headsets. I am also the troubleshooter (and a bit of a troublemaker, the girls say!) for when techie things go wrong, which is often the case. So far so good, the main challenges have been finding a speedy and reliable internet connection but we have each got a 3 wireless receiver and are sometimes in accommodation (particularly apartments) with the luxury of inclusive high speed wifi, which we can all use.

What do I love about it? Love spending lots of time with my family, meeting people that I only deal with over the internet normally, seeing great places and things.

Dislikes: Slow internet connections, getting told off by my wife and daughter for being annoying and bad showers. (Mind you, we have had some good ones so far).

Lois Keay-Smith

Hi, Lois here. I’m loving life on the road. Combining work, travel and time with family is really great. It has, and will have its challenges of course, but largely it is a fantastic experience.

I work as a career counsellor /consultant / coach and work with people who want to create a new career or derive more satisfaction from their work. I love it. I am contracted through the Rugby Union Players Association in Australia to provide career development services to the players of the Emirates Western Force. I’m still doing a little bit from afar, but my colleague Gavin has taken on the face to face work with the guys in Perth. (Onya Gav!). www.rugbywa.com.au

I’m taking the extra time available to do some writing and develop some websites in the careers field, in addition to my consulting site www.careerwisdom.com.au. I’m also doing some professional development and visiting people in my field in sport and dance. I am also involved with helping Sasha with her schoolwork, although she is a terrific self starter and independent learner, which helps a lot.

Whilst travelling for over 6 months, it does takes time to research and book accommodation as we go, as well as work out what to do and where to go. And then do it. Technology (including internet speeds) is sometimes a problem, luckily I have a husband who knows what he is doing (!). So far I have only managed to break my Ipod (and that was recovered) and the handle on my suitcase (thanks for nothing Louis V! ha ha).

What do I most love about doing this? That I can still do the work I love, spend time with my family, see some great places and meet terrific people along the way. Dislike? Missing friends and family, my dog and dance classes (and having to leave impractical wardrobe items such as skirts and heels behind!….SUCH a girl!)

Oh and I am still hanging for a good skinny flat white and a lemon and lime bitters!

Sasha Keay-Smith

Hello. I am Sasha. I am 9 and am travelling with my Mum and Dad. We are going to England and Scotland and Europe, Canada and Japan.

Here’s a bit about me. I love all animals (especially horses and my dog Sophie).

I am still doing schoolwork when I am away and have my own small laptop. I like writing stories and doing Tux Paint on it. I take photos of our trip too (but don’t like having my photo taken much). I got a little hedgehog called Theodore who stays with me and also Rabby.

I liked seeing my great grandma and grandad in Birmingham. I did watercolours with Great Grandma, she is a good painter.

The best thing I like so far about our trip is seeing places and funny things and doing writing and drawing. (The worst thing is that I miss my little Sophie dog.)

I talk to my friends and family on Skype video and skype chat. It’s fun.

Sophie-dog Keay-Smith

Ruff…. I am the furry second child of this family…and they left me at home!

But it’s okay because Nana and Dadas are looking after me and I get lots of walks.

Also, when I have sleep overs at Rob and Carole’s I get some extra treats and get to play with Digby and Zoe, who are also Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (no riff-raff).

So it’s all good, although I do miss the little one (Sasha) as she gives me lots of cuddles and teaches me things.

Sigh…… I shall wait, they will come back for me. Hrrruuumphhh……