10 things you need to know before being a digital nomad

John-Luke Laube
Jul 21, 2017 · 2 min read
  1. The world embraces travelers with big hugs and comfortable couches.
    People love travelers. It’s unreal, but it’s the truth. Anything that people don’t see often is intriguing & interesting.
  2. If you do it long enough… you may sleep a night on the street.
    Yes, it’s true. I think, especially if you’re a dude. Now obviously, Hotels are always an option but so will the sidewalk curb. Someday or another you will have to decide whether the curb is the answer or dishing out 80 bucks for a hotel. If you’re a girl you’ll be fine. Almost anyone will have compassion on you and will let you in on their couch.
  3. You can travel and spend less than most people live.
    Between couch-surfing and public transportation in most cities your avoiding the cost of car maintenance, rent, car insurance… this give you a lot that you can spend on traveling.
  4. Everyone has so many questions.
    Get used to it.
  5. It’s easy to make friends, it’s hard to date.
    You will make long lasting friendships when you travel however, it’s extremely hard to date. Why? Everybody wants you to stay. Now regardless, love is love right? If love is not worth traveling for, then love is not worth loving?
  6. People will say that you’re doing it wrong.
    You also have to consider this from time to time… because maybe… you are.
  7. A more interesting life & better stories.
    Between energy massages and sleeping in coffee shop in Prague you will end up having some stories that worth sharing.
  8. Easy way to build a network.
    It’s true. More connections, broader network, diverse friend group.
  9. Couchsurfing sometimes has strings attached.
    I’m not sure what the percentage is on this… but sometimes people use the app “Couchsurf” for little more than interesting stories if you know what I mean…
  10. You need 3 days in the same place before a good night sleep.
    I realized quickly that if I keep switching my host too quickly I get exhausted. Your best best bet is to stay with a specific host for a week before moving to the next place. Adjusting to a new environment takes time so when you enter a new city you become tired. I think somehow it consumes a lot of mental energy by adjusting to a new environment or culture.

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Branding Designer & Communicator. www.johnluke.com

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