Tips on the Digital Nomad Lifestyle and Ways to Sustain It

A digital nomad is a fancy word for the lucky people who can balance work and travel. These individuals are not restricted to one area. Instead, they have the freedom to spread their wings and work from anywhere as long as they can access the internet and perform their tasks.
Thus, many of these positions are technology-related and won’t require face-to-face interactions. Sounds like something you might be interested in? Most of us would agree that flying across the globe without being tied down to one place sounds exhilarating.
In this article, we explore the attraction of the digital nomad lifestyle, give ideas on how to embark on this journey, and cover your expenses. We also include some less tempting facts that accompany these traveling workers’ routines.
Becoming a Digital Nomad
Digital nomads have the excellent opportunity to see the world while also balancing their work. People start this journey differently. Some consult with their employers about working remotely. Others open their businesses or work as contractors/freelancers. In all cases, we recommend having a stable source of income before you tackle working abroad.
Having savings and emergency funds is also an excellent way to prepare! After all, being in a foreign country can bring many unexpected situations. For one, you should invest in a health insurance plan to protect yourself in case of illnesses or injuries.
Planning the trip
Digital nomads generally look for lower flight prices and purchase their tickets in advance. In general, you plan your trips around this. For example, you can find affordable plane tickets and book accommodations according to these dates in multiple locations.
Packing the bags
Digital nomads should prioritize packing light. Gather only the essentials to avoid unnecessary baggage fees.
Options for accommodations
The most popular option for digital nomads is likely Airbnb rentals. However, you can save some money by trying house-sitting. That means living for free or at a low price in exchange for caring for the home while their owners are away.
Documents
Double-check whether you have all the documents needed to travel to a particular country. In addition to having the physical originals, make copies to feel more secure in case you lose them.
Tips for Sustaining Yourself Abroad
As mentioned, it’s better to know how much of a stable income you can receive each month. That refers to fixed amounts (like salary) or orders you get from freelancing. Yet, such predictions are not always accurate, particularly if you have a business or rely on clients who require your services. When in doubt, you can explore additional options to make money online and beyond:
- Sometimes, you don’t have to increase your funds. You should be mindful of spending, like picking less costly accommodations or eating healthier on a budget.
- Consider becoming a tour guide in your native language for people visiting the country from your homeland.
- Tutor others or release online courses that generate money as passive income over time.
- Pick up seasonal work that can be available in the country.
- Explore options for passive income, meaning you don’t need to do anything to generate funds. For example, sharing unused internet bandwidth costs nothing, doesn’t require participation, and can help you earn money quickly.
- In your free time, explore different options for making more money online. That could mean getting paid for particular jobs. For example, many platforms can offer micro-tasks customized to users.
Tips for Picking Destinations
Nowadays, digital nomads can work from anywhere as long as they have decent internet connections. However, working and sightseeing are different from traditional vacations. People should evaluate multiple aspects for choosing which destination to land:
- A stable and fast internet connection that won’t disrupt your workflow (you might check statistics by country and pay closer attention to the accommodations you rent).
- Salaries depend heavily on your location. Thus, check the cost of living in the country you plan to work in. The sufficient funds you receive from a company in your home country might be less than impressive in a foreign setting.
- If you wish to stay longer in a particular country, check the Visa costs and options for temporary residency.
- You might learn of limits depending on your line of work. Sometimes, employees dealing with sensitive information cannot conduct business from particular countries.
- You should also consider cultural differences, time zone compatibility with your employers, and overall safety.
According to a report in 2024, Spain was the most accepting and suitable country for digital nomads. It was followed by the Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Romania, and Malta, all of which offered favorable conditions.
Being sure of your decision
While the digital nomad lifestyle seems perfect, this adventure is not exactly suited for anyone. Remember: you’re not embarking on a typical vacation. After all, you’ll have all your work responsibilities, and the options for meeting new people might be limited.
Thus, remember that you won’t have your support system (friends and family) abroad. You’ll have to start new relationships, which might be one of the perks of becoming a digital nomad. Luckily, you can find various communities meant to unite digital nomads.
Join them to connect with others and prevent things that might make you reconsider your lifestyle. Don’t disregard the importance of self-care, which can significantly boost your mood and health.
Furthermore, consider these factors to decide if becoming a digital nomad is genuinely a suitable path for you:
- Language barriers;
- Being on the lookout for cheaper flights and accommodation (not being able to settle in one place);
- Tax and legal obligations that might not be familiar to you;
- Cultural differences;
- Navigating unknown places;
- Fighting off distractions.
Thus, giving the digital nomad lifestyle a test drive might be best. Don’t commit to anything, but try working while traveling abroad.
Final Verdict
Becoming a digital nomad can bring you a thrilling experience of meeting new people and seeing new places. Rest assured, you will never find yourself stuck in a rut, as you will always find something new to explore! However, some people might find such a lifestyle stressful, like navigating unknown places without much assistance. Thus, while this path sounds incredible on paper, always pay attention to your needs and values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is it profitable to become a digital nomad in this economy?
Yes, it Is pretty profitable to become a digital nomad in this economy. Working resources like the Internet is available almost all around the world. The other devices that you may need are also available at cheap prices. So, you won’t have to invest a lot in being a digital nomad.
Does working in your own country also count as being a digital nomad?
Yes, It counts as being a digital nomad as well. However, according to the proper concept, you have to be constantly on the move within the country to be a nomad.
What types of jobs are suitable for being a digital nomad?
Any job that can be performed remotely without the need for physical presence for the client or the company is suitable for this type of lifestyle.