Becoming a Digital Nomad (in the 2020s) | Digital Nomad Diaries
I have been envisioning a version of a digital nomad lifestyle for myself for YEARS — though it feels surreal to finally start this journey, at the same time. As someone who studied abroad and subsequently traveled to over 20 countries (and more US states) throughout my 20s, I quickly became one of those people full of “wanderlust”. As I’ve finally arrived at the place in my life where I have the means to be a full-time digital nomad (thanks to my fantastic, fulfilling remote job), I am now anticipating the official start of my adventure in a few short days. While I have traveled quite a bit over the years with friends, partners, family members, and even solo, embarking on an indefinite, semi-planned journey as a digital nomad feels like a whole new level.
I’ve spent a good chunk of this year overwhelmed and sometimes even uncertain of whether I should or could go through with my digital nomad journey. I have questioned whether I can realistically sustain the lifestyle. Despite this, I have received much encouragement and given myself plenty of time to prepare myself for this journey. As I push through the fear and embrace the excitement about this new chapter in my life, I also wanted to share a list of insights and resources I have gathered. My hope is that this may help others who are curious about my journey, or even interested in pursuing a similar adventure!
Insight #1: Wherever you go, there you are
No matter how far you go, you bring all of yourself with you — for better or for worse. In my previous travels, I have found myself having bursts of anxiety while occasionally mentally fixating on issues back home in the US — even while I was spending time on beautiful Caribbean islands or in trendy European cities. While temporary distance can help, sometimes your brain will not be able to fully escape your problems.
It’s also helpful to consider that you bring all of yourself with you when you think of managing certain habits. For instance, I know I am habitually late to everything… usually because I am rushing around and doing a lot (something I have worked on a bit post-pandemic). Keeping this in mind, I try to remember my habits at all times and plan accordingly. For instance, I will give myself extra time (or set extra alarms) to get to the airport or a venue early.
Insight #2: Strategic planning trumps too much spontaneity
My first international trip during my study abroad program, to Paris, was an unplanned disaster. I went with a new friend with virtually no plans in place — no accommodation set, no foreign bills or outlet converters, a minimally planned itinerary… We literally only had a Megabus booked from London to Paris (which is a long 10-hour drive and ferry ride — time that could have been used to plan). In the end, our trip worked out — we figured things out despite the “hiccups” and managed to have some fun in the “City of Love”. However, the memory of this “pilot” trip, along with a couple of other trips that followed, inspired me to become super organized when it comes to planning travel… especially for my solo trips.
Over time, I’ve refined my methods of preparing for big trips by carefully organizing travel information and prepping well in advance. Using resources (listed below), I would create a template for my trips including sections for details like:
- Essential Details: Location, Travel Dates, Local Contacts, Time Zone (this is especially important for digital nomads)
- Accommodation: Choose options according to availability, area (Google: Best Areas to Visit vs. Areas to Avoid), cost, cancellation policy, reviews, and amenities (WiFi, kitchen, and laundry are crucial). Always have a couple of backup options in mind…
- Weather: Highlight the best time versus the worst of year to visit (i.e. natural disasters)
- Health and Safety: Look at Travel Advisories and details about crime rates, Save details for the embassy, COVID isolation centers, hospitals, etc. (in case of emergencies)
- Transportation: List the reputable local options for transportation, if you are not planning to rent a car (compare the costs and benefits of the different choices — Opt in for insurance if going for the rental car option)
- Budget: List the projected expenses (and aim to keep track of actually spending)
- Itinerary: List the attractions you plan to visit and the events you plan to attend
- Packing List: Keep a record of what to bring vs. leave behind. Aim to pack on the lighter side — many times you can get some of the things you need at your new accommodation or a local shop. Ideal to pack essentials like the right amount of clothes and adapters…
Insight #3: Be adaptable and accept imperfection
Sometimes things just don’t go according to plan — delays and cancellations happen, items get lost, or you forget to bring something. Sometimes you could fall ill unexpectedly (like when I contracted COVID during a solo trip to Seattle and ended up needing to move from my hostel to quarantine in an isolation center in Olympia, WA… fun times). Adapt to the situation and give yourself some grace. A trip is never going to be perfect. Learn what you can from it, work through it, and maybe even try to laugh about the situation (as long as it’s not too dire).
PS sometimes it is wise to only make purchases with a cancellation or refund option due to the unpredictability of everything… or you can even look at last-minute options if a refund/re-sell option is not possible.
Insight #4: Get a good sense of your companion’s “travel style”
Try to travel with people who are compatible or willing to compromise with your travel style. I traveled to several Caribbean islands with friends that I butt heads with from time to time, partly due to challenges with communication and “power dynamics” (i.e. only 1–2 friends who spoke the local language while the others didn’t, only 1 who was able to drive). Know that a vacation will not magically fix any rifts that you have in your relationship, and that newly becoming someone’s roommate for a period can sometimes make or break your bond. Whether or not you clash with your travel buddy/buddies, don’t be afraid to break away to do your own thing for a bit… and also be open to meeting new people on the trip!
Insight #5: Pay close attention to…
- policies/rules (baggage requirements, cancellation policy, insurance coverage details, entry requirements, work policies on digital nomad-ing)
- hours of operation/timetables (buses, trains, shops, etc.)
- your surroundings and your belongings (especially valuables and cash — by the way, make sure to have cash on you but not too much cash)
- subtle and not subtle differences — for instance, look both ways when you cross the street (e.g. the UK drives on the left side of the street)
- “vibes” — remove yourself from toxic or unsafe people/places/things
- your own vibe — be a balance of open and vigilant, protecting your energy and personal safety
- documents — and save copies of these (tickets, vaccination records, contact info — including accommodation addresses, copies of passport, etc.)
- $$$ — get a feel for the average cost of items/services/entry and, again, your own spending habits (stick to the budget). Make sure to do cost comparisons to find the best deals.
- location details — check the address and everything — sometimes some franchises or chains sound like a unique location
- WiFi hotspot availability
- [enough] “current events” and/or travel advisories
- scams… make sure to protect yourself from getting taken advantage of (especially with money)
- whether the business is still operating (even hotels) — third-party websites can be unreliable sometimes… I have had three bookings fall through at the last minute so far — in Croatia, Poland, and Las Vegas — always make sure to double check
- travel times and parking details
Insight #6: The reality is that “marginalized” people may have a different experience and may need to do a little extra homework to prepare
The -isms exist all over the world, unfortunately, so for the sake of comfort and safety (if you are a POC, LGBT, etc.), do a little extra research. One reliable website I like to utilize for this kind of research is on Diversity Abroad.
Insight #7: Mentally prepare for remote work vs vacation days
After enjoying being on “vacation mode” over weekends and holidays, it’s important to set up for success for remote work. The most important thing is to adjust to the time difference (using tools like World Time Buddy or features in Google calendar helps). Second, make sure to have a quiet, comfortable working space and reliable WiFi. Third, set up your routines and rituals that help center you both before and after work.
Insight #8: When making the moves to become a digital nomad, give yourself plenty of time for the logistics… and for goodbyes
Preparation entails a lot of work — giving up your apartment, moving all of your larger items into storage, updating your address, and canceling accounts… as well as making time to say your farewells to all of your loved ones. Give yourself time to process during the transition, as well as to properly say goodbye for now.
Resources
- Numbeo (for Cost of Living, Crime Rates, Quality of Life, and more)
- Nomad List (for comprehensive details on locations across the globe, and digital nomad communities)
- Travel.state.gov (for travel advisories for US travelers)
- CDC (for information about required vaccinations etc.)
- XE (for currency exchange)
- Hostelworld (for youth hostels — which technically extends to 35)
- AirBnb (for accommodation and Experiences)
- Nomadsphere (another online digital nomad community)
I plan to give myself the time and grace needed to adjust to this wildly new, different lifestyle, and want to determine what medium I choose to share my updates. In time, I look forward to sharing more content about my digital nomad journey, where I will aim to share some highlights of my adventure! Please follow me on Medium to subscribe to updates on my adventure.
