Being a digital nomad is a luxury for any person in the modern day, the gift of working while travelling is something that only some people are able to obtain. While working from home is a close second, not every company is happy for their employees to be doing both, as they may seem out of reach or unreliable if they are moving while working.
Nonetheless, if you happen to stumble on the opportunity to become a digital nomad, you are likely filled with so many questions and are in need of a guide to help you begin your journey of travel while easily balancing work to avoid any dismissals and issues with being able to work.
Packing Essentials
There are some must-haves in every digital nomad case and carrying on and without can cause some inconveniences. While it’s important to note that everything is replaceable and a finger tip away if it can cause inconvenience to the extent you can’t come to work on time, that’s a major issue and can look poorly on your behalf. Here are some essentials that should always be within reach of a digital nomad.
Laptop and pieces
Everything from your charger, adaptor, and laptop itself needs to be with you at all times, as this is not only an expensive piece of equipment, but it’s also how you are earning money and being able to afford the luxurious life you now lead, so ensure that you have all the necessary tech pieces for you to work. I would recommend only having these as a carry-on that is safely and packed in an organised manner.
Getting a protective case or a dedicated bag and adding some extra security measures, such as a lock, can ensure that your device is there and ready for when you next need to use it. I would also recommend investing in some noise-cancelling headphones. As you are going to be on the move working, you aren’t always going to be in an easy, scheduled, and quiet location where you can focus on your own thoughts, and in some cases, you might be in cafes, airports, or lobbies doing your work. Investing in some quality headphones means you can work in peace from anywhere.
Sufficient Clothing
You want to have a piece of clothing for all kinds of weather, so a men’s hoodie in sale would be a lifesaver for chilling mornings and late evenings, but also a waterproof tracksuit, a shirt and ties (for meetings), jeans, winter shoes, and so forth. You need to pack for both winter and summer but all the while saving as much space as possible in your case.
Documents
Again, while this goes without saying but keeping your documents safely packed and organised for when you are moving across countries is extremely key. This would include your passport, visa if required, driving license, and any medical documents you are required by law to carry with you. I would recommend getting an easy compact folder to keep locked away in your bag and then when in need, you simply need to find its allocated little slot within the folder. Having everything organised will make a world of difference.
Best Travel Spots for Digital Nomads
Bali, Indonesia
This is the spot where every gap year students heads towards but for good reason. Knowing it’s such a hot spot of like-minded individuals means you aren’t far from comfort and you can get away with the obvious language barrier in the tourist locations, making it much easier for you to navigate the area and find companionship.
Not only that but it’s got amazing weather and beautiful beaches and it is a very affordable place to stay compared to renting out a flat in the city centre at home. As you will be working, you will be able to afford a really nice place to rent out and stay with plenty of money left over to explore and experience the culture within this country. It’s by far the best spot travellers would recommend.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Not far from Bali, you can go to Chiang Mai in Thailand, which is another affordable lifestyle you can easily adjust to. The vibe in Chiang Mai is very laid-back so this is a spot that is perfect if you need to spend the next couple of weeks cracking on with work. You won’t be lonely when heading here as well, as there is a strong digital nomad community with which you can connect and share some experiences.
They offer numerous co-working spaces, affordable housing, and delicious local food for you to enjoy.
Lisbon, Portugal
The capital of Portugal is renowned for its stunning holiday spots for individuals and for being a famous tourist destination; it’s another place you can get away with knowing limited of the native tongue. As you are where all the action happens, you have great access to the internet, free wifi spots, and so many eating spots for those busy working days. This also means that it’s a much more costly place to go to compared to the last two destinations but you have more access to things that you didn’t before; it’s paying additional pennies for a more convenient lifestyle.
This also means that renting accommodation is much higher but they are still affordable nonetheless and it is a good opportunity to explore this historical and vibrant city.
Medellin, Columbia
Another spot where the affordable cost of living is prominent is perfect for on-the-go individuals, making your income easily stretchable. These extra pennies will allow you to enjoy evenings with friendly locals and soak in the vibrant culture by trying new restaurants and embarking on unique activities that you won’t find anywhere else.
There also seems to be a growing digital nomad community that you are more than welcome to join; this makes sense with its stunning weather and excellent internet infrastructure; you will never endure the risk of going offline.
Final Thoughts
These are just a select few of the destinations you should have on your bucket list when planning your digital nomadic route. You will base your decision on your personal preferences, time and company policies, as you might not be able to do a 9-to-5 role if you are in Australia and will have to adjust your sleeping schedule to be when your office is online if that makes sense.
Consider factors like cost of living, visa requirements, internet speed, and cultural compatibility when choosing your next destination. I would also connect with like-minded individuals who may be able to guide your decisions and perfect spots that allow you to enjoy and work in an area effectively.