Dreaming of Becoming a Digital Nomad? Here Are 6 Tips To Help You Get Started

If you are looking to pursue your dream lifestyle in 2022, you are not the only one. The pandemic has caused millions of people around the world to change jobs, reconsider their priorities, and focus on their passions. 

Thanks to the advent of remote working, the ability to work from anywhere, and the accessibility to hybrid work schemes, 2022 is just about the best year to take the leap and pursue your dream of a nomadic lifestyle. 

Undoubtedly, this lifestyle can be extremely fulfilling, freeing, and rewarding. However, this way of living is not the best one for everyone. If you are saving up and getting ready to leave, consider the tips below for a more successful move!

Be Clear on What To Expect

Today, there are nearly 11 million people who consider themselves to be digital nomads. However, it can be extremely hard to give a precise definition of who a digital nomad is or what a digital nomad does. 

For example, if you have decided to become an influence and you are pursuing that path, you might need to move often to create fresh content everyday. Your lifestyle, in that case, might be glamorous, full of adventure, and exciting – but also stressful and hectic!

Alternatively, if you are running your business from a coworking space or you have a set work schedule to fulfill each week, you might consider the benefits of staying in a place for longer – a month, for example – before moving to the next. 

Some of the unique benefits you will enjoy when living as a digital nomad include:

• Thriving digital nomad communities around the world
• Opportunity to explore many countries
• Ability to find your work-life balance
• Ability to live in a place with a lower cost of living
• You can decide when and where to be

At the same time, there are some important drawbacks of this lifestyle to keep in mind, including:

• You might struggle with loneliness
• It might be difficult to maintain high levels of productivity
• You might end up missing having a private space
• Constant travel might feel exhausting

Make sure to set clear expectations for yourself before leaving everything behind!

Pinpoint the Perfect Location and Community

As a digital nomad, you are free to go anywhere in the world. The only limitations might be how far you wish to be from your home and where your clients are. In any case, thanks to a flexible work schedule and long haul flights, there is quite a range of locations you can choose from! After all, who wouldn’t want the choice of logging on from a room for rent amsterdam one week and from a beachside cafe in Rio the next?

Nonetheless, if you are a first-time digital nomad, you might consider choosing a location with a thriving digital nomad community. Some of the best places include:

• Canggu or Ubud, Bali
• Chiang Mai or Bangkok, Thailand
• Medellin, Colombia
• Lisbon, Porto, and Ericeira, Portugal
• Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Hoi An, Vietnam
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Tallin or Tartu, Estonia
• Budapest, Hungary

In any of these cities, you will find a low cost of living, a great quality of life, plenty of co-working and co-living space, excellent Wi-Fi, and endless entertainment and socialization opportunities. 

Understand the Visa Requirements and Apply Early

Before you leave your home country, you will need to get ready for your upcoming journey. Of course, today, it is important to understand what are the latest Covid-19 requirements and restrictions. 

However, it is just as important to understand what kind of visa you will need and how long you can stay in a certain place. Make sure you apply in advance because, depending on your passport and on your destination country, your visa can take longer than 30 days to be approved. 

Along with this, it is crucial to understand the renewal terms of your passport in the country. For instance, if you need to renew british passport in australia, familiarize yourself with the online application process, required documents, and submission procedures. By understanding these details beforehand, you can ensure that your travel plans are not disrupted.

Make Sure You Have the Right Bank Account and Credit Cards

When traveling as a digital nomad, you will also be working and relying on your credit cards and bank accounts to manage your budget. However, not all bank accounts and credit cards give you the same rates abroad! Make sure to research the best alternative for your needs. 

If you have started your own business, you might consider applying for a business bank account. 

Never Forget To Renew Your Insurance

Whether you have decided to move to one of the digital nomad hubs we have seen above or you have decided on an alternative location, you should never underestimate the importance of insurance. Indeed, even if you are traveling to the safest of destinations, accidents can happen. 

For example, you might lose your devices or be a victim of theft. If traveling by bike or car, you might also run the risk of road accidents! Even if the damage reported is minimal, insurance can help you avoid pitfalls that can throw your finances off balance and cut your trip short!

Decide on What Turn You Wish To Give Your Career

Every digital nomad is unique, and your lifestyle will be shaped by the kind of career you wish to pursue. Whether you have decided to become your own boss, start a business, or just work remotely, there are some aspects to keep in mind. 

• Understand what skills you have – one of the most important aspects of leading a digital nomad life is that you will never stop learning. However, pinpointing your skills can help you get started working remotely and earning from day one.
• Understand if you wish to launch your own business – launching your own business or working as a freelancer can give you the freedom and flexibility you need to build the best work-life balance for your needs.
• Invest in the right tech – depending on what career you wish to pursue, you will need different tools and devices. For example, if you wish to launch your podcast or marketing agency, you might need cutting-edge audio and video devices. For other jobs, such as translator or data entry expert, you only need a laptop and a fast internet connection!
• Invest in yourself – as a digital nomad, your skills are your greatest asset. Make sure to keep yourself informed, up to date, and don’t stop learning.
• Network and socialize – many digital nomads end up struggling with loneliness and homesickness. Creating a network of friends, contacts, and colleagues can help you overcome these feelings and achieve your career goals faster.

Now, all that is left to do is pack your bags and book your flight!