Want to Live a Digital Nomad Lifestyle? Try These Tips

(Written by: Mark Harris of AwarenessToolkits.com)

The number of American digital nomads in 2020 increased 49% from the previous year to 10.9 million, according to MBO Partners. Being a digital nomad means you work from anywhere with a location-independent job or business. Many digital nomads travel to countries like Croatia, Brazil, and Thailand, working from different locations for weeks or months at a time. 

Want to be more comfortable on your next flight? The Flight Fillow conveniently turns into a neck pillow when used with your sweater, jacket, or hoodie. 

Find the Right Job

It's not just entrepreneurs who work from anywhere. A survey showed that 35% of respondents worked as company employees versus 24% who were freelancers. Any remote job that's location-independent works.

Job boards dedicated to remote jobs like FlexJobs and Working Nomads can connect you to clients for various jobs, including translating, virtual assistant, and freelance writing jobs. 

Plan Your Finances

Create a budget, including housing, transportation, food, and entertainment. If you plan to travel to foreign countries, having a travel credit card you can use around the world is essential. Tell your bank about your travels, so it doesn't flag your account for fraud.

It’s also wise to have an emergency plan in place in case your valuables, documents, or cash is stolen. For instance, if you’re living and working remotely in a country like Nepal, family members can use a money transfer service like Remitly to send you cash in a matter of minutes for a nominal fee.

Take Care of Your Stuff

If you have the budget, you may choose to keep your current home to hold your belongings and serve as a home base. If you want a truly nomadic lifestyle, sell your current home and downsize significantly. Rent a storage unit for belongings you want to keep but can't take with you.

Find Tech-Friendly Rentals

Working remotely requires tech-friendly accommodations with strong Wi-Fi. Research the area to determine if high-speed internet is readily available. Some remote areas have limited internet options and poor cell signals. Check for Wi-Fi in the unit before renting.

Save on Travel Expenses

Your accommodations are often the biggest budget item, with an average of $7,000 for accommodations per year, according to Arcido. If you're staying in the United States and plan to be a digital nomad long-term, buying a small travel trailer can save money in the long run. Sharing housing with other digital nomads or staying in inexpensive hostels can cut down on housing expenses. On sites like Vrbo, you can often find single rooms for rent instead of an entire house, which saves money.

Communicate With Clients

Email is a reliable communication tool when working with clients remotely. Phone service can be spotty, especially if you're in a foreign country, so texting and calling can be difficult. If you have a strong internet connection, video chat apps offer an easy way to communicate in real-time.

Plan Your Destinations

A survey from And Co showed that 83% of remote workers stayed in their home country. But with no location-dependent requirements, you can go anywhere and continue working, within the United States or internationally. Plan to visit places you've always wanted to see but consider the time zone. If you need to work during regular business hours in U.S. time zones, being in Asia, Europe, or many other areas makes it difficult. 

Become a Digital Nomad

Once you find work that you can do online from anywhere, it's a matter of creating a budget and deciding where you want to go.