There’s no doubt that since the COVID pandemic’s inception, many changes have taken place in the world. Due to the raging spread, businesses had to shut down, and while some had to make their workers work from home for those that could continue their operations, others laid off employees. According to Two Tickets Anywhere, there’re currently 35 million digital nomads all over the world, and the numbers will keep increasing as people continue to dump their traditional 9 to 5 jobs for remote work. Nowadays, digital nomadism has become the typical lifestyle for folks, especially millennials and Gen Zs.
A digital nomad works from any location and can successfully earn a living. Since there are numerous ways to earn money online, becoming a digital nomad makes it more significant to enjoy. While it’s good living a life of independence and freedom, there’re some things you must have in mind to help navigate your journey well.
Steps to Becoming a Digital Nomad
It’s great that you want to move around the world and live a whole life of independence; however, your journey may be rough if not well-guided. While aspiring to be a digital nomad, you must implement some things to reduce problems.
There are some steps that you have to take before becoming a full-fledged digital nomad, which include:
- Know a skill
- Join any digital nomad community
- Look for a remote job that suits your learned skill
- Start freelancing
- Create and build an online business
- Figure out a location
- Map out plans to work away from your home
Popular Destinations for Digital Nomads
Although it’s okay for you to travel anywhere in the world, some specific destinations are great to visit. In fact, some locations aren’t just an excellent sight to see but also supportive of having digital nomads around them.
There are three things that digital nomads consider before they visit a location which are:
- Network speed (fast Wi-Fi)
- Cost of living (either low or high)
- Quality of living
Based on the three factors mentioned above, digital nomads select their location. Some destinations have been so popular for having loads of digital nomads amongst their citizens.
These locations include:
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Bali, Indonesia
- Budapest, Hungary
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Things to Know Before Becoming a Digital Nomad
Before deciding to adopt a digital nomad lifestyle, there are some things you must have an idea about. Although anyone can become a digital nomad, not settling some things before living an independent lifestyle, insurmountable challenges may pop up.
For you not to worry much, here are five things to know before becoming a digital nomad:
1. Have a Precise Budget
Whenever you become a digital nomad, you should prepare a budget to account for everything you do.
Not properly planning out your budget can lead to situations such as the following:
- Being in debt
- Losing the chance to continue business
- Ending the digital nomadism journey prematurely
You must have a budget containing all expenses that will pop up on the way while traveling to locations.
2. Research Destinations
Knowing the requirements and things about a place is essential before leaving for such a destination. For example, if you’re considering becoming an American expat in a number of locations, it helps to know about the tax requirements in New Zealand versus Australia or the UK.
Also, other things you can research about a particular destination include:
- Weather conditions
- National holidays
- Natural disasters
3. Ensure You Have Insurance
One of the best ways to ensure that your life is fine and you can move around locations without having to face challenges is by doing insurance. You can do various types of insurance, including travel, car, and health insurance.
Doing insurance as a digital nomad possesses benefits such as:
- Prevention of being stranded
- Having medical treatment in any location
- Covering challenges like natural disasters, cancellations, or traveling delays
4. Be Flexible With Packing and Planning
To make your expat journey worthwhile, it’s essential that you try as much as possible not to overpack and over plan.
While traveling, ensure you pack essential items like:
- Personal Computer (PC)
- Hard drive
- Any other work equipment
Also, ensure that you moderately plan to prolong your digital nomadism journey.
5. Be Ready to Relate to the Locals
If you want to enjoy being a digital nomad, then relating to the locals can make such an experience happen.
In fact, when you make friends with locals in a particular location, you’ll learn valuable information like:
- Dangerous places to avoid
- Periods of heavy traffic
- Best store to get provisions
Engaging with locals will help nomads enjoy their journey so well and even prompt them to stay for more than a more extended period.
Summary
Most businesses are adopting a hybrid form of work activities because employees now love to stay at home and carry out their regular jobs. Becoming a digital nomad brings perks like 100% job security, total independence, and chances for connections and new sights of places. Before becoming a digital nomad, you must know things like having a budget, relating with locals, and learning about destinations to make your lifestyle smooth.