There’s one thing you can count on if you work while traveling: given enough time, you’ll definitely run into some technical difficulties. We certainly did while spending our first month of workation in Aguada, Puerto Rico!
Fortunately, we were able to hack together some solutions on the fly, and we decided to keep track of the issues we encountered and how we worked our way around them in case other digital nomads ran into them along their journeys. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, as they say.
If you want to hear about all of the technical difficulties and travel hacks we, uh, grew from, be sure to check out The Workationing Podcast on iTunes or SoundCloud (Episode 5). Subscribe and give us a rating, if you’re feeling that generous
You can use silicon molds, improvise with an egg carton, or make crushed ice in a plastic bag. So long as you have access to a freezer, these household goods will allow you to make ice cubes that will work just as well as the kind you make in a tray.
Technical Difficulty #1: You Have No Ice Cube Trays
This sounds minor, and it would be…if it wasn’t so damn hot in Puerto Rico. There weren’t any ice cube trays in our Airbnb, and we couldn’t find any at the grocery store or local farmacias.
Eventually we found some (and gifted them to the Airbnb along with our snorkel gear and beach towels – road karma!), but before we found those precious pieces of plastic we travel hacked our way to a solution: Ziplock baggies.
Do you know *THIS* sneaky Ice Cube Tray Trick? (you should!) BETTER THAN $1.25 Dollar Tree Hack
FAQ
What can I use if I don’t have ice cube trays?
What are the best ice cube tray substitutes?
Most silicone molds approved for food use make handy ice cube tray substitutes. Gelatin, candy and soap molds come in various sizes and shapes, allowing you to make ice cubes in any desired shape or size. These molds are available in a dizzying array of themes, including wedding, plants, animals, religion, seashells and musical instruments.
Are freezer bags a good substitute for Ice Cube Trays?
Everyone has freezer bags in their home, and most of us don’t realize that freezer bags make a great substitute for ice cube trays. Making ice with a freezer bag is so easy to do. The problem with using a freezer bag to make ice is it’s going to be all kinds of weird, jagged shapes. Normally in a pinch, it’s not a big deal.
Can you make ice cubes without a tray?
Without an ice cube tray, trying to cool down your drink on a hot day can seem impossible. There’s no need to worry though, because there are a number of ways to make ice cubes when you don’t have a tray. You can use silicon molds, improvise with an egg carton, or make crushed ice in a plastic bag.
What can I make with Ice Cube Trays?
You can make MINI CHEESECAKES. An ice cube tray is great for making miniature desserts, storing things like herbs or stock for easy use later on, and making unique ice cubes for cold drinks. Consider buying silicone ice cube trays; they make it easier to remove things when frozen.