As companies continue to lean into remote work, many employees have begun packing their bags and jetting off to sunny beaches and foreign countries without skipping a beat at work. In the past, full-time employees have struggled to find the time to travel, with strict time-off policies and in-person office setups blocking them from a life of adventure. However, with the digital nomadic lifestyle taking the world by storm, employees can now work and play from almost anywhere in the world.
If you’re itching to get out of the office and into a flexible, travel-friendly position, keep reading to learn more about life outside of nine-to-five and prepare for take-off.
Figure out an income source
Before heading to Spain, Thailand, or Mexico, make sure you have a reliable income source to you through your travels. Whether you talk to your current employer about remote opportunities or opt for a new position with increased flexibility, you’ll need a steady income stream to keep your adventures moving forward.
Get the right equipment
Those hoping to capitalize on the digital nomad lifestyle will need to invest in essential tools, equipment, and other resources to keep them connected while working abroad. For example, investing in a digital mailbox, WiFi router, and international cellphone plan is a must for full-time traveling employees.
Though a remote router with a sim card is the safest bet, sometimes using public internet is unavoidable while out and about. So, when connecting to local WiFi or unsecured networks, consider employing a VPN to protect your identity and stay safe online while working abroad.
Next, make sure you take a trip to your bank to inform them of your travels. Some institutions offer travel debit or credit cards with a low ATM and no foreign transaction fees, saving you money while you travel the world. Plus, travel-specific s allow you to access funds anywhere, bying stressful card-failure situations.
Of course, you might also need a new laptop to keep your business ventures up and running while you’re exploring. If your computer is slow, heavy, or bulky, consider swapping it out for a lightweight, high-speed version that will carry you through your travels.
Store or sell your belongings
When embarking on a digital nomadic lifestyle, you’ll want to limit your belongings as you travel from destination to destination. Though it can be tough to say goodbye to sentimental objects or useful gadgets, setting aside unnecessary bulk can relieve stress when lugging your belongings through foreign lands.
Consider selling any unused items, store unneeded valuable for later, and take this as a moment to declutter your life and assess your true needs.
Choose your destination carefully
Selecting a destination is a critical aspect of digital nomadism to ensure you maintain a steady income throughout your travels. Luckily, there are plenty of remote-work hot pots worldwide perfect for travel-hungry employees looking for adventure. Whether you opt for Libson, Cape Town, Buenos Aires, or Budapest, you’re sure to find a home away from home at any top-rated nomad destination.
However, what works for someone else might not work for you, so research your destination carefully, taking inventory of the local environment before jumping on a plane.
Digital nomad community
Places like Chaing Mai in Thailand and Bali in Indonesia are known for their robust digital nomad community, enabling travelers to connect and network with like-minded people. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, many vagabonds have switched to Latin America and the Caribbean to avoid strict regulations and setbacks.
Seek out areas with cafes and co-working spaces with hot spots or WiFi capabilities to ensure you can access online documents and tasks while away from your room. After all, working out of an apartment all day can be draining and offputting.
Lastly, research cities with quality Airbnbs or co-living spaces to ensure you have a safe, secure place to stay.
Cost of living
If you plan on staying in a foreign city long-term, make sure you consider the cost of living to narrow down your options. Although it may be your dream to settle in Seoul, consider sticking to a budget-friendly area like Buenos Aires to save money before flushing your savings down the drain in more expensive cities.
Weather
Weather is another necessary factor to consider when preparing for your digital nomadic lifestyle. It’s no surprise that most nomad hotspots have pleasant or warm weather most of the year—however, not everyone enjoys the beach or the scorching sun. So, take inventory of your weather wants and select a place that matches your ideal conditions.
Time zone
If you’re working a remote, nine-to-five job, it’s critical to consider the time differences between you and your employers back home. For example, if your company operates out of the United States but you plan to travel to Japan, it may be challenging to stay connected with coworkers and management.
However, if you’re a freelancer or self-employed, the time differences may not affect your work schedule as drastically as a traditional remote setup.
Language
Before you jet off to a foreign country, make sure you brush up on the language and take advantage of translation apps to make the transition easier. Though you may not be able to learn an entirely new language, you can bridge the gap by practicing common phrases and looking up helpful hand gestures.
Or, If you’re worried about language barriers blockading you from fully embracing the nomadic experience, consider a destination without a language difference.
Safety
Whether traveling alone or with a partner, you’ll want to select a city with low crime rates and practice international safety to avoid disaster. For example, Italy, Greece, and Spain are popular among digital nomads because of their anti-crime initiatives and local policing.
Figure out your travel style
Finally, figure out your work/travel balance. While some nomads travel to new places each month, others spend more time in each area before moving on. Consider your work and home obligations before settling down long-term or frequently relocating to ensure you can keep up with each new change.
Before you go
Plunging into the digital nomad world can be unnerving, especially if you’ve never traveled long-term. However, by taking the appropriate steps to prepare, you can travel the world and embrace the adventure within.