August 25th, 2021 | Updated on June 28th, 2022
So you want to start traveling and living a nomadic lifestyle? Leaving the traditional corporate world can be exciting and ultimately rewarding. However, here’s a reality check: you have to anticipate certain challenges along the way.
As an experienced digital nomad will tell you, there are important things you need to consider so you have the freedom to work wherever and whenever you want at your own pace. To prevent potential problems, you will have to be creative, flexible, independent, and resourceful.
How To Become A Digital Nomad
Here are some helpful tips you might want to be aware of as you take the big leap towards fully embracing digital nomadism:
1. Figure Out How To Work Online
First and foremost, you want to make sure you’ll have a continuous source of income as you travel. The good news here, of course, is that there are a lot of online job opportunities available and you just need to find ones that match your skills.
For example, you can work as an online language tutor if you’re proficient in your first language – or even a foreign language. Other interesting jobs you may want to explore could include content writing, editing, graphic design, life coaching, relationship coaching, social media management, website building, yoga instructing, and many more.
You can choose to work either full-time, part-time, or freelance, depending on which arrangement perfectly fits your needs as you travel constantly.
2. Travel Light
As a digital nomad, you want to master the art of packing lightly. Your accommodation will most likely offer access to a washing machine so don’t bother burdening yourself with too many clothes.
This way, you can save on space and make traveling much easier. On top of that, you can also save time and money since you won’t have to worry about lining up for luggage check in, hanging around at the arrivals carousel and paying expensive fees each time you fly from one destination to another.
3. Get Travel Insurance For Nomads
Having the right insurance plan is also a must, especially if you frequently travel abroad. You want to get protected from risks you may encounter such as medical emergencies, flight cancellation and delays, among others.
Take time to research and compare what different insurance companies have to offer so you can decide which policy can work best for your circumstances.
4. Stay In AirBnBs
You will easily find great places to stay if you’re using AirBnB. The amazing thing about this is that you can save on the total amount if you book an AirBnB for, say, a week. Even bigger savings await when you reserve a space for a month or more.
Keep your contacts so you can book directly with them next time when you return to the area.
5. Find Cool Coworking Spots In The Cities You Visit
You’re always on the go and so it’s highly important that you have access to a reliable internet connection. This can help you avoid unnecessary work disruptions.
You’ll want to look for local coworking office providers. These convenient places have comfortable workspaces, fast WiFi, and a strong community where you can meet and collaborate with entrepreneurs, freelancers, and fellow digital nomads.
Of course, another option for you is to check out the best cafes in town.
6. Book Last Minute Flights
This may sound surprising to some but yes, Covid has changed the rules of the travel industry and has made last minute trips much more affordable than before.
You can take advantage of low airfares instead of booking early when prices are high. Just stay updated with advisories since flight and travel rules may also change from time to time.
7. Always Have A Backup Plan And Enough Cash In Your Bank To Book An Alternative Last-Minute Flight Home
If worse comes to worst, you’ll want to have sufficient resources to fly back home. Plan ahead so you can leave as you please in the event that you encounter any serious problems during your stay in a foreign country.
