The digital nomad lifestyle is an increasingly appealing one to people of all age groups. It allows those who follow its tenets to experience a lifestyle only available for the last decade or so, in a way that might not be around forever. It’s a way to explore a prolonged adventure, and while this is often profoundly attractive, it also comes with some significant potential pitfalls.
Looking back at years of experience with the digital nomad lifestyle, we want to cover the core components of what newer nomads need to know. From being functional to staying safe, here are tips you can’t afford to do without.
Power and the Internet are Unreliable
If you’re heading off the beaten path, you can’t expect the power and internet of the hotels or hostels in which you stay to be reliable. Often they will be, but given the potential harm of losing contact for a few hours, days, or longer, having a backup plan is a must.
Power issues are best addressed by investing in a quality power bank before traveling. Remember that airlines place firm limits on power banks, with capacities of over 100-watt hours not allowed as per international regulations. This means while you will be able to charge your phone, you can’t expect to be able to charge or operate a laptop once its integrated battery life runs out in the event of a power cut.
The internet issue is often easier to solve by purchasing a regional SIM card. These are usually available at the airport when you land, so remember to do some research into the best match for you before you set a flight.
Lower speeds are generally okay for navigation and entertainment, but infinite data caps can be important. You can use your phone as a hotspot in case a hotel or hostel’s internet drops or underperforms, which can be a lifesaver, and is guaranteed to happen eventually.
Always Have an Exit Strategy
Being stuck in a foreign country is not a fun experience, and you never want to be the type of person who relies on begpacking to get back home (or for anything else). To prevent being left in this highly stressful and undesirable position you’ll want to ensure that you always have enough in the bank to take an emergency flight back home.
Whether because of an issue back home or a change in local conditions, this form of insurance should always be in every nomad’s back pocket. Remember that booking flights at short notice will tend to be more expensive than flights booked well in advance, so plan accordingly.
Creating your Style
Travelling as a digital nomad means you need to be able to pack everything you have into a backpack. Even if this is a large modular bag that you can detach as checked luggage, it still means you’re going to have to pick your clothes carefully. You can’t take a closet with you, and you’re going to have to understand that function is sometimes more important than form.
This doesn’t mean you have to dress poorly, as even nice corporate apparel can help give you a distinct style without crossing into overly ostentatious territory. Buying online before you go can also help you consolidate your own style with volume discounts if you find a line or range you enjoy. Just be sure to pick a place with no minimum orders to save money.
Invest in Robust Gear
Some digital nomads can be overseas for years, and this can be a problem if what you bring isn’t designed for the bumps that travel makes inevitable. Technology can be the biggest problem here, with many digital devices being sources of concern. Mobiles can be easy to protect with a strong and padded case, but the same can’t be said for the all-important laptop.
Instead, it can be best to think ahead when purchasing a laptop so you can invest in one that includes a metal frame or at least hardened plastic. This might limit your choices, but it’s a better option than plugging in a laptop after arriving in a new city only to find it doesn’t power on. Large sealable plastic bags can also be crucial for protecting against getting stuck in an unexpected rainstorm, a practical rite of passage for every nomad.
Walking Your Own Path
No matter what form of travel you prefer, there’s always an issue of elitism among other travellers. Some nomads have extremely strict ideas over what qualifies as a legitimate mobile lifestyle, and these people can be universally ignored. If you chose this lifestyle you didn’t do it because you were concerned about being normal or sticking to what other people think is okay.
Some digital nomads might prefer staying in hostels, getting among other nomads and enjoying their time off at bars, clubs, and parties. They might jump quickly between cities and countries, never slowing down.
Others might always require their own space, never getting involved in nomad meetups, and setting up base in cities for months before moving on. There are no wrong answers here, it’s all about finding the option that works for you and using that to achieve your goals. Of course, you can still be open to different approaches but never feel you owe it to others to try them.
Remember to Test the Waters
Going from a static work lifestyle to that of a digital nomad involves a monumental change. Some people can quickly adapt to this change, while others might need much longer for their body and mind to accept a new normal, or even decide it’s not for them.
To this end, we’d seriously recommend that you test your digital nomad lifestyle with a trial trip before dedicating yourself to it with full force. It can take a while to narrow down what works for you, and expected issues can introduce points of contention you overlooked. It’s better to be safe, and a controlled environment will better affect your long-term odds of success.
The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t just growing in popularity with workers, it’s also increasingly being embraced by governments all over the world. Digital nomad visas are arriving in more nations by the year, and with them, the ease of working as you travel continues to improve.
If you’re curious about this lifestyle and you do or can work remotely, consider what the approach might bring to you. There’s a lot to offer for the right person, just don’t be surprised if you never want to go back.
