By: Frayed Passport
Dreaming of working from a Parisian café one month and a Thai beach the next?
The digital nomad life is all about freedom, adventure, and the ability to earn a living from anywhere in the world. But before you trade in your office cubicle for a one-way ticket, there’s a lot to consider—from financial planning and visas to wifi speeds and finding a community that keeps you sane on the road.
To help you kickstart your nomadic journey, here are 30 essential tips to make sure you’re not just winging it—but thriving.
🏝️ Planning Your Nomadic Lifestyle
1. Define Your Why
Are you craving adventure, flexibility, financial freedom, or a total career reset? Knowing your real motivation will help you push through the tough days (yes, there will be some).
2. Test the Waters Before Going Full Nomad
Before selling everything and leaving, try some short-term trips first. If you can, spend a month working remotely in another city or country to see if you actually enjoy the lifestyle.
3. Choose the Right Career Path
Not all jobs work well with constant travel. Some of the best digital nomad careers include:
✔️ Freelancing (writing, graphic design, programming, marketing)
✔️ Remote jobs (tech, customer support, consulting)
✔️ Entrepreneurship (e-commerce, coaching, online courses)
💼 Setting Up Your Work Life
4. Find Reliable Remote Work
If you don’t already have a remote job, start freelancing on the side while still employed. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are good places to start. Here is a handy list of remote work resources as well.
5. Set Up Multiple Income Streams
Financial security is everything when you’re nomadic. Aim for at least two sources of income so you’re not relying on a single client or employer.
- Read our guide to overemployment—what it is, how it can benefit you, and how to do it right
6. Get Your Finances in Order
Create an emergency fund with at least 3-6 months of expenses before you leave. Unexpected costs will happen, and you’ll thank yourself later.
7. Invest in the Right Tech Gear
✔️ A lightweight, powerful laptop
✔️ Noise-canceling headphones
✔️ A portable wifi hotspot
✔️ A power bank for charging on the go
8. Choose the Right Digital Tools
Stay productive with apps like:
✔️ Notion or Trello (task management)
✔️ Slack and Zoom (client communication)
✔️ Wise or Revolut (international banking)
🌎 Choosing Your Nomad Destinations
9. Research Digital Nomad Hotspots
Some places are better suited for nomads than others. Consider cost of living, visa options, internet reliability, and safety. Popular hubs include:
✔️ Chiang Mai, Thailand
✔️ Medellín, Colombia
✔️ Bali, Indonesia
✔️ Lisbon, Portugal
✔️ Mexico City, Mexico
10. Check Visa & Legal Requirements
Not every country allows remote work without a proper visa. Research digital nomad visas—many countries now offer long-term options specifically for remote workers.
11. Consider Time Zones for Work
If your clients or employer are in the U.S., living in Asia or Europe means odd working hours. Pick a destination that matches your preferred schedule.
🏡 Finding the Right Living & Work Setup
12. Use Coworking & Coliving Spaces
Coworking spaces like WeWork, Outpost, and Selina offer fast wifi, networking, and structure. Coliving spaces help you connect with like-minded travelers. Learn more here.
13. Find Affordable, Long-Term Housing
Short-term rentals add up fast. Consider Airbnb monthly stays, Facebook groups, or NomadList forums for good deals.
14. Be Smart About Wifi
Not all “free wifi” is created equal. Check nomad forums for information about wifi speeds wherever you’re going, and always have a backup like a mobile hotspot.
💰 Budgeting & Money Management
15. Track Your Expenses
Use apps like YNAB or Credit Karma to avoid overspending. Living cheaply in Bali? Cool. But European cities can drain your budget fast.
- Read our complete guide to Geoarbitrage: what it is, how it can save you tons of money, and how to do it right
16. Avoid ATM & Exchange Rate Fees
Use a travel-friendly credit card to dodge crazy fees—and make sure to pay in the local currency!
17. Have a Backup Credit Card
Losing your wallet is a nightmare—have a second card stored somewhere safe.
🤝 Community & Mental Health
18. Don’t Go at It Alone
Loneliness is real. Join digital nomad groups on Facebook or Reddit to connect with people in your new city.
19. Set Work-Life Boundaries
Yes, it’s tempting to work from the beach—but burnout is real. Create a structured routine that includes breaks.
20. Stay Active & Healthy
A sedentary lifestyle + endless street food isn’t great long-term. Walk, do yoga, or hit a local gym.
🛡️ Travel Safety & Logistics
21. Get Travel Insurance
Companies like SafetyWing and World Nomads cover medical emergencies, lost gear, and trip cancellations.
22. Have a VPN for Security
Protect your data on public wifi with a service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
23. Keep Digital & Physical Copies of Documents
Passport, visas, and emergency contacts should all be backed up in the cloud and printed.
✈️ Making the Most of the Experience
24. Say Yes to Spontaneity
The best travel moments are often unplanned. Be open to last-minute trips, new friendships, and unexpected adventures.
25. Learn Basic Phrases in Local Languages
A little effort goes a long way. Duolingo and Google Translate are your best friends.
26. Be a Respectful Traveler
Learn about local customs, tipping etiquette, and dress codes. The goal? Blend in, don’t stand out.
27. Know When to Slow Down
Moving every few weeks is exhausting. Give yourself time to truly experience a place.
28. Keep an Open Mind
Not every destination will be what you expected. That’s part of the adventure.
29. Document Your Journey
Whether it’s a blog, TikTok, or journal, capture memories—you’ll want them later.
30. Just Start!
There’s no “perfect time” to become a digital nomad. The biggest regret? Not taking the leap. 80% of nomads express high levels of career satisfaction, and in 2023, the average digital nomad earned between $50,000 and $123,000 a year. That’s amazing!
If you’re excited to learn more about digital nomadism, living abroad, long-term travel, and even retiring early or semi-retiring, check out our guides!
- Digital Nomad Lifestyle
- Job & Career Resources
- Living Abroad
- Retire Early & Semi-Retire
- All Articles, Stories, Trivia, and Guides
Featured image by David L. Espina Rincon on Unsplash
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