#1
I really miss being able to do Workaways and really experience the day to day of the place, to produce something locally and integrate more with the community. Or to just do whatever comes in my way - Camping, trips to the middle of nowhere, party, festivals.
Nomad routine is very similar to home routine and more tiring as there are so many adaptations I need to do in every new place. When I am travelling problems feel fun, when I am DN problems feel stressful because now they are taking the little time that I have to enjoy the place or to rest.
And I never get used to say goodbyes for the friends I make along the way. Saying goodbye to the whole group and having yo start it all over again is the worst.
Digital nomad life can be amazing, exciting and rewarding. But it can also be exhausting, stressful and expensive. For many, the pros are worth the cons, and they're willing to take a risk on a less-than-traditional lifestyle. Though it's hard to pinpoint the exact number, an estimated 40 million people have chosen to be digital nomads across the world, and it's becoming easier to do so than ever before.
More than 50 countries (and counting) offer digital nomad visas, typically lasting a year or longer. What was once considered a niche for tech peeps, the nomadic demographic has changed drastically over the years to include more traditional professions like lawyers and accountants.
According to statistics, around 18.1 million digital nomads hail from the United States. That's a 147% increase since 2019.
47% of the world's working travelers are in their 30s, and 56% are men. "Most earn between $50,000 and $250,000, with 34% earning between $50,000 and $100,000 annually," reports demandsage.com.
#2
Portugal is among the top places to live and work as a digital nomad. That's thanks to its mild climate, strong expat communities and the ability for remote workers to travel around Europe.
"Portugal’s D8/digital-nomad-style routes and other residence options for independent workers make it straightforward to stay legally while working remotely," reveals eSim company Voye Global, adding that the country also offers excellent internet in urban areas, affordable co-working, and has one of Europe’s best quality-of-life scores at relatively affordable Western-European costs.
If you're considering setting off on a digital nomad adventure to Portugal, you can expect to fork out around $1,500–$3,000 a month for your accommodation and other extras, depending of course on the city you choose and your lifestyle. Voye Global recommends Lisbon for its start-up scene, Porto for its culture and affordability, and Faro/Algarve if sunshine and beaches are your priority.
Remofirst.com reveals that another bonus to working in Portugal is the average internet speed of 205.11 Mbps. "Portugal’s temporary-stay visa for digital nomads is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years," reports that site. "However, a minimum monthly income of €2,800 is essential."
#3
If long summers, excellent food and culture, and the ability to get a telework/digital nomad visa appeal to you, you may want to head to Spain.
According to Voye Global, the country not only allows remote workers to apply for telework residence permits, but also has generous relocation incentives in some regions. These include programs that encourage remote workers to settle in rural areas. Another drawcard is that you can get around Europe easily via train or plane.
A typical monthly budget for a digital nomad in Spain is around $1,600–$3,500 but bear in mind that Madrid and Barcelona are pricier. The latter is known for its creative and digital culture, while Valencia has beautiful beaches and is more affordable. The capital of Madrid is a finance and tech hub, but outside of the well-known cities are loads of charming smaller towns -- and as mentioned earlier, some offer local initiatives for remote workers.
#4
The whole world is for us to consume. And after we are done, we just move on.
#5
My dream is to buy a small apartment near my hometown and to use it as a deposit. I will live in it when I'm home, and rent it out short term when I'm travelling.
A quick scroll through Instagram and you're likely to see at least a few digital nomads who have picked Thailand as their current "home" base. With those beautiful beaches, the ability to island-hop and the undeniable low cost of living, it's not hard to see why. Many are opting to work from cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, or on the islands of Ko Phangan and Ko Phi Phi, thanks (in part) to an impressive internet speed of 260.54 Mbps.
"Thailand’s Smart Visa lasts two years and can be extended for another four, with a flexible monthly income range of $1,475–$5,900," notes remofirst.com.
#6
One country that might not be top of mind when it comes to remote work is Georgia. However, more and more digital nomads are heading out there. For one, your monthly budget is typically around $700–$1,600, quite a bit lower than many of the more popular destinations.
"[Georgia] is popular for its low cost of living, friendly visa policies for many nationalities, and rapidly improving coworking scenes in Tbilisi and Batumi," reveals Voye Global. "The country’s affordability, fascinating cuisine, and hospitality make it a magnet for long-stay nomads wanting to stretch their budgets while enjoying a novel cultural experience."
#7
If you don't go into it thinking it'll look anything like instagram and you're going on vacation, and that you need to change location every few days, you'll probably be fine.
On the more expensive end lies the United Arab Emirates. The UAE offers a one-year Virtual Work/Visa program for professionals who work remotely for employers outside the UAE.
"Dubai has world-class internet, coworking options, excellent international flight connectivity, and safety," notes Voye Global, adding that while the cost of living is higher, the convenience and modern infrastructure make it worthwhile. If you're looking for guaranteed speed, premium amenities, and a centralized hub between Europe and Asia, the UAE might be the place to be.
#9
Family needs your help? You're too far away, hope they can get over it by themselves.
Trying to enjoy your stay while most of the people around you live in extreme poverty? You have to ignore that fact basically, which is much harder to do now that you live there than when you were just visiting the country as a tourist. It's not a problem in developed countries of course.
Then you have to ignore the fact that many of the people you will talk to wouldn't be able to follow your lifestyle at all, because of their weak passport making entry into any country almost impossible. Again, you have to ignore the poverty and privilege to enjoy your stay.
Escaping taxes from your home country sometimes also play a role in being a DN. Selfish by definition unless you are fleeing from some kind of communist regime.
Another digital nomad hotspot is Croatia. Think incredible jungles, spectacular biodiversity, and stunning beaches. The cost of living isn't too bad and neither is the internet speed.
"Digital nomads can apply for a one-year digital nomad visa with the possibility to extend for another year, and the minimum monthly income requirement is $3,000 per month," reveals remofirst.com. If you're planning to head that way, your best best would be to find your digital nomad tribe in the capital city San Jose or beach destinations like Playa Hermosa and Santa Teresa.
#10
It was letting go of who I was back home.
Before I started working remotely and living abroad, I had a really full social life. I was someone with a solid group of friends, the one who organized things, showed up, supported people. I felt smart, capable, and known.
Then I moved - and suddenly I was just the another foreigner. No one knew me, I had to start from scratch - figuring out how things worked, making new friends, slowly building community from the ground up.
And yeah…that part can take a while. Way longer than I expected (especially since I have lived abroad in several countries before, but this was the first time I experienced this).
I don’t regret becoming a digital nomad at all. But I do think this is a part people don’t talk about enough - the emotional side of starting over, changing countries, and how long it can take to feel like yourself again in a new place(s).
If you're in the early stages or planning this lifestyle, just know: it's totally normal to feel a bit lost at first. And it does get better. at least it has (started to) for me.
#11
It’s VERY HARD to do any real work at these locations. Sand and computers don’t mix. Laptops don’t swim. Video calls require background silence and an absence of sun glares. Believe me, I’ve tried it. When I started traveling while working remotely, I was enamored with the romanticized idea that “Digital Nomads” could work from the beach. Realistically it’s not going to happen, unless you’re working as a lifeguard, or surf instructor, or “beach reviewer” which I’m sure it’s someone’s real job.
What’s most likely going to happen is this. This is my ACTUAL work location + view today.
whiskey_bud:
It's so funny when people expect to be working constantly from quaint European cafes too - like, that's incredibly contrary to European cafe culture that makes it so alluring the first place. 98% of the time you're gonna be working from an unideal workspace (a kitchen table in an AirBnB, or a desk if you're lucky).
#12
Early in my Digital Nomading I ran into a problem of perception. Every meeting I would have with a client and others would start with “Where’s Alex now?” “What’s Thailand like??” “Will you be doing X-Touristy activity today? Because I went there for my honeymoon…”Unfortunately, this led some clients to see me as “not dependable,” or “always on vacation,” or “not really serious” about work. None of which was true, of course. The way I started describing my work set-up was “Yeah I have a 9-5 job, and then when I clock out, I happen to be in Malaysia (or Mexico, or Morocco).”But this also speaks to a mental and emotional challenge when you work remotely for the first time: YOU’RE NOT ON VACATION, even though it often feels like it. It took me a while to learn the discipline necessary to mentally clock in and out of the work day, instead of always feeling like “I’m not quite on vacation, and also not quite at work.” Which means you end up enjoying neither.
Whatever country you choose, the experts say following a few tips can make life as a digital nomad a whole lot easier. One is to establish a set routine, even if flexibility was the main reason you set off on this journey.
"Set specific work hours, even if they shift depending on your location. A healthy work-life balance will help you stay productive while ensuring you have time to explore and enjoy your surroundings," advises remofirst.com.
#13
Also, expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything. Travel insurance is a must, say the experts, and often, a country will also want you to have health insurance in order to qualify for a digital nomad visa.
When it comes to working, you have to have the right tools. "Your laptop and internet connection are your lifelines," warns remofirst.com. "Ensure your devices are in good condition, invest in backup tools (like portable hard drives or cloud storage), and always have a reliable VPN for secure connections. If possible, carry a portable WiFi router for areas with spotty internet."
#14
#15
When I pay more for a high end place...I feel very comfortable, and I want to nomad forever.
When the place is underwhelming...it feels like I need to move on from the nomad life.
Depending on where you are, and where your clients are, you might be working across different time zones. It's important to prioritize your well-being. Make sure to have a balanced diet, get regular exercise (even if it’s just walking or stretching), and don't sacrifice on sleep.
Have you explored digital nomad life? Are you keen to try? Let us know all about your experiences in the comments section below!
#16
#17
#18
#19
2. Obviously language barriers (can’t learn them all but thank you google translate app w/ camera). Sometimes I go months without making a real connection with someone in my native language. Adds to the loneliness that was already mentioned by another DNer
3. I miss MY bed, MY towels, MY kitchen. I put all my possessions in storage 5 or 6 years ago (was already pretty minimalistic) but sometimes you just miss YOUR stuff.
#20
