Digital Nomadism: How to Work and Travel at the Same Time?
Vlad Badmaev
Digital nomad with 3 years experience
Hello!
My name is Vlad, I’m a marketer, and I work remotely from different countries. In this article, I’ll share how to combine work and travel, how to save money on trips, and how to make friends all over the world.
Table of Contents:
Digital Nomadism
Thousands of years ago, people led a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place depending on the season or availability of resources. Some peoples still live like this, in constant motion. In recent years, this has also become popular among remote workers. People who live in a state of constant travel are called digital nomads.
You’re probably used to having a home – a place you constantly return to (and that’s great!). But digital nomads don’t have a home – they constantly move from place to place, changing cities and countries, and never staying long in one place.
This is how I live now, starting from March 2021. The pandemic allowed me and many of my colleagues to work from home, so I started traveling – first every 3 months, then every month. Eventually, I moved out of my rented apartment and bought a one-way ticket.
In this lifestyle, you’ll be able to see many interesting places, travel half the world, and meet amazing people. On the other hand, it requires more effort, nerves, and money – and constant travel can become tiring at some point.
Are you ready to become a digital nomad?
Do I need a remote job?
Yes.
Almost all digital nomads I've met work remotely, doing SMM, video editing, graphic design, or product development. But in reality, the list is much longer than it seems. You can also work remotely as a lawyer, sales specialist, psychologist, and even an English teacher!
Is it hard to travel alone?
No.
For some people, traveling alone is more comfortable because you're more free and can go wherever you want.
However, it's also worth noting that everyday problems are easier to solve if you're traveling with a group of friends or a partner (including reducing your accommodation expenses). Plus, you'll feel better in a foreign country if you have a companion to have fun with.
On the other hand, traveling with children is much more difficult. Online education cannot replace live interaction with peers for your children, and it may be difficult to find a nursery, school, or football club in a new country.
Is constant travel expensive?
Not always.
Yes, travel costs money, but there are many ways to save, such as:
The minimum amount with which you can be a digital nomad is $600 per month. And virtual assistants can earn this income if they have just 2 clients and work 2-3 hours a day.
Can I live with just one suitcase?
Yes.
In fact, you don't need many things for a comfortable life. It's enough to have a few sets of underwear, shoes, and necessary medicines – everything else will either be in your room/rented apartments (towels, hairdryer, robe), or you can buy it on-site for a small amount. Travel teaches you to get by with little!
Working While Traveling
Here are some tips to avoid work issues:
- always check the internet connection; it’s important to have a stable and fast connection. In case there are problems with the hotel Wi-Fi, get a local SIM card with a data package;
- keep track of your schedule; if you’re moving to a country with a different time zone, inform your clients or colleagues about your schedule, and if necessary, reschedule meetings and conferences;
- set up a workspace; choose rooms that have a large, comfortable desk, a soft chair with a back (not a stool or an armchair), and good lighting;
Conclusion
But it can definitely be said that it’s an interesting and exciting experience, and it’s worth trying at least once in life. And the most important thing you’ll need for this is remote work.
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