If you were to believe social media…
Being a digital nomad means sitting on a beach with your laptop, working when you want and where you want, and sightseeing your way through the world—and the sun never causes a glare on your screen, and sand never blows into your keyboard.  But that’s just the start—you’ve got a cute beach bungalow with a hammock, a few palm trees, and someone who delivers coffee or fruity beverages to you whenever you need one. 

Oh, and the wifi is fantastic! 
You may be sensing some sarcasm by now. 🙂
I’ll try to reel it in, but wow, after working remotely for years from many places around the world, this reality just doesn’t exist for 99% of the digital nomads out there. 

Let’s back up. 
What exactly is a “digital nomad” anyway?

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely, from different locations around the world rather than from a fixed office or home. They
leverage technology, such as laptops and mobile internet, to maintain productivity and connectivity while experiencing diverse cultures and environments. But you knew that part. Let’s talk about the common traits that typical successful digital nomads have:

Self-Discipline and Time Management: This includes the ability to manage their work schedule and remain productive despite the absence of traditional supervision.  You may need to work long hours due to a deadline, a crash in the wifi that killed productivity
for hours, or a storm that knocked out power.  Some days you may miss doing all the things you wanted to do because work comes first. 

Adaptability and Flexibility: You’ve got to be comfortable with constant change, new surroundings, and varying living conditions without
losing productivity.  This lifestyle can be somewhat of a rollercoaster ride.  Strap in and allow yourself a good scream when things drop out from under you—and then really enjoy the view from the top and the fun of the curves! 

Strong Communication Skills: Since you’re not at an office or seeing clients or coworkers in person, you’ll need effective communication
skills, especially digitally, with clients, employers, or colleagues, ensuring smooth collaboration despite distance or differing time zones. This also helps when navigating local logistics and making friends wherever your “base” may be.

Financial Management:
Proficiency in budgeting, managing expenses, and maintaining financial stability while traveling. You also need to maintain the minimum financial requirements for your nomad visa, potentially navigate local banking, and ensure you are earning enough to meet your expenses.

Technological Proficiency: This one is pretty obvious; to be a digital nomad, you will be serving as your own IT department.  You’ll need to know how to use (and troubleshoot) digital tools, remote collaboration software, and online communication platforms.  This is the one that hits me the hardest. Tech seems to have a way of playing games with me at the least opportune moments. 

Planning and Organization: This includes the ability to handle logistical details efficiently, such as accommodation bookings,
transportation, and understanding visa requirements.  Here, is where the kindness of strangers, or other nomads/travelers can really help you out.  Look at reviews and talk to others about the best places to live and work in the place you want to be.  Does the AirBnB listing look amazing, but it’s 10 miles out of town with no public transport, but there’s a hostel you never heard of that is centrally located and has a rooftop hangout area you’d just love?  Is there a great co-working space with lightning fast wifi?  Other travelers can help with real opinions and real experiences.  Talk to everyone you can when planning your logistics.  And don’t be afraid to move locations if the one you booked first isn’t working out. 

Independence and Confidence: The most successful nomads have the capability to confidently navigate new environments independently, solving problems as they arise without relying heavily on familiar support systems.  Even with every other trait on this list, if you’re missing this last one, the nomad lifestyle might not be for you.

Making an income

Diverse income sources enable digital nomads to maintain flexibility and sustain their travel-centric lifestyles, yet they commonly fit
in a few distinct buckets.   Many people lately have taken the opportunity from Covid-era work-from-anywhere opportunities to continue with their careers from places far from their original office or home.  Some people are writers, artists or musicians who travel to inspire creativity.  Other common jobs and income sources among digital nomads include:

1. Freelancing and Virtual Assistance:

This includes virtual assistants, customer service representatives, and administrative support who provide administrative,
technical, marketing, or creative assistance to clients remotely.  Actual tasks could be managing emails, scheduling appointments, or handling customer inquiries for businesses.

2. Content Creation and Blogging:

Here’s where the bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and influencers come in. They are busy creating engaging content across various platforms to build an audience and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Some also have partnerships
with local tourism boards or hotels for discounted or free housing.  They are sharing their experiences and earning an income through affiliate links and sponsored posts.  While some can be very successful at this, it can take a while to build up the following that generates a solid paycheck, and earnings can be inconsistent.

3. Online Education and Consulting:

This segment includes online educators, consultants, and coaches who are offering expertise through virtual courses, webinars, or
one-on-one coaching sessions.  They may provide business consulting services or teach languages online.  Some may
also do in-person teaching when they travel, such as language classes or local seminars.

4. E-commerce and Affiliate Marketing:

E-commerce store owners, drop shippers, and affiliate marketers. Can work from anywhere.  They make their money selling products online or earning commissions by promoting others’ products. If you are running an online store or promoting products through a niche website.—this is your tribe.

5. Passive Income Streams:

And then there are the folks earning money passively through dividend stocks, index funds, real estate investments and/or royalties from
published books or music—these are investments or creations that generate ongoing income with minimal active involvement.
 If you’re in this last bucket, you’re checking in on your investments, or writing your books or creating music but may not be quite as tied to your computer as the others on this list.

How do you view success?

Social media tells us being a digital nomad guarantees easy money, endless travel, and stress-free days spent sipping cocktails. But success is rarely easy or instant, and it looks different for everyone, no matter which of the “work buckets” you fit into.

For me, success means having the freedom to explore new countries and having more experiences than possessions. While living abroad,
you’re not merely passing through—you become part of the community, even if briefly. You get to actively contribute to local economies: shopping locally, supporting community businesses, and learning how to avoid exclusively tourist-focused spots to discover the real gems of an area. It’s important that you define your own version of success before you start. Are you doing this for freedom, money, adventure, or flexibility? Understanding your motivation early will help you navigate the rough patches and keep you focused when distractions and FOMO inevitably hit. 

OK.  You’re still reading, so let’s dive into how to start on this lifestyle if you feel it’s for you.

Essential Preparation: Finances First–Multiple Income Streams are Your Friend

When you start, it’s essential to diversify your income. Unless you have a full-time remote-based career established (which is fantastic!), freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can be lifesavers. Teaching English online, remote virtual assistant work, content writing, or selling digital products are excellent entry points.  

If you don’t have immediately marketable skills, invest time into building them. Take online courses, practice your craft, offer
introductory rates or even free samples to create a portfolio. Remember, nearly every successful digital nomad started at the bottom and built upwards.

A fellow nomad once told me “Budget like you’re broke.  This isn’t a vacation.”  The more you can save, the more flexibility you have later.  Kind of like planning for retirement. You can learn new skills along the way,  try and discard (or build on) several income opportunities, and streamline how you do things—from where you stay to how you work, as you go. 

If you don’t yet have work that you can do remotely, or as a digital nomad specifically, there are dozens of generalized and role-specific job platforms where you can find opportunities. FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, Remote.co, AngelList, and Remotive. Creative and tech projects can be picked up on Fiverr and Upwork.  You can also set up job alerts with “remote” filters on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed. This way, remote jobs would come straight to your inbox.

Handling Logistics Like a Pro

Choose Your Location Carefully!

Not every “nomad hotspot” is right for beginners.  Here are a few I’d highly recommend for your first few work-away experiences:

• Thailand: With a strong nomad community and strong wifi in most places, paired with a low cost of living, Thailand is an excellent option for new and established nomads.
• Mexico City: Vibrant, affordable, excellent internet infrastructure, and a growing digital nomad community.
• Costa Rica: With a huge expat and digital nomad community, there are many resources around to support you when you start out.  The weather is fantastic too.
• Budapest: A beautiful, culturally rich European capital with surprisingly manageable costs, solid wifi and an easy-to-navigate public transportation system for exploring when you want to.
• Portugal: Offers both coastal towns and urban hubs with a fantastic digital nomad infrastructure (e.g., Ericeira, Lisbon), and even a dedicated digital nomad visa program.
• The USA: You don’t have to travel to the ends of the earth to be a digital nomad!  The US has some fantastic places
  to set up shop for a while, with no visa or language lessons required!  Consider small to mid-size towns to save on housing costs compared to big cities.

Wherever you go, remember that “cheap” places are not always the best choices—even when focusing on finances.  You will want
a place that has RELIABLE and FAST internet and a comfortable workspace.  For me, that means quiet, with a good chair
and lighting.   I have also found that prioritizing being near a market (to get groceries to do your own cooking), a few inexpensive restaurants or cafes, and access to transportation (and maybe a dog-filled park) is key to my personal happiness. You’ll also want to be in an area where you can find your tribe—of locals and other travelers–and where you can engage with the community on some level.  Once you get settled, focus on work first, and explore later. 

Visas and Legalities

Don’t skip the legal considerations! Countries are increasingly offering specialized digital nomad visas with specific income
requirements.  Here are the details on some popular places with updated requirements:

South America:

1. Brazil
   
   • Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
   • Duration: 1 year, renewable for an additional year
   • Income Requirement: Minimum monthly income of US$1,500 or bank funds of at least US$18,000
   • Additional Requirements: Proof of remote work, health insurance, and a clean criminal record
2. Argentina
   
   • Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
   • Duration: 6 months, with the possibility to renew for an additional 6 months
   • Income Requirement: Not explicitly stated; applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support their stay
   • Additional Requirements: Proof of remote work, health insurance, and a clean criminal record

Asia:

1. Thailand
   
   • Visa: Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa for Remote Workers
   • Duration: Up to 10 years
   • Income Requirement: Minimum annual income of US$80,000 over the past two years;
     for those earning between US$40,000 and US$80,000, additional qualifications such as a master’s degree or ownership of intellectual property are required
   • Additional Requirements: Health insurance with coverage of at least US$50,000, proof of remote work, and a clean criminal record
2. Indonesia (Bali)
   
   • Visa: B211A Visit Visa (commonly used by digital nomads)
   • Duration: Initially 60 days, extendable up to 180 days
   • Income Requirement: Not explicitly stated; applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support their stay
   • Additional Requirements: Proof of remote work, health insurance, and a clean criminal record

India:

• Visa: Currently, India does not offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, remote workers often utilize the Tourist Visa or Business Visa for their stay.
• Duration: Tourist Visa up to 6 months; Business Visa up to 1 year or more
• Income Requirement: Not applicable
• Additional Requirements: Depending on the visa type, requirements may include proof of sufficient funds, return tickets, and purpose of visit documentation

Western Europe:

1. Spain
   
   • Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
   • Duration: 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
   • Income Requirement: Minimum monthly income of $2,500
   • Additional Requirements: Proof of remote work, health insurance, and a clean criminal record
2. Croatia
   
   • Visa: Digital Nomad Residence Permit
   • Duration: Up to 1 year, non-renewable consecutively
   • Income Requirement: Minimum monthly income of HRK 16,907 (approximately $2,250)
   • Additional Requirements: Proof of remote work, health insurance, and a clean criminal record

Please note that visa requirements and conditions can change, so it’s essential to consult the official immigration websites of these
countries or contact their embassies for the most up-to-date information. Always verify visa regulations before you book flights.

Prioritize living in affordable cities like Mexico City, Prague, Bangalore, or Porto that offer excellent lifestyles for less than many major
Western cities. Platforms like Nomads.com can help you compare cost of living between popular digital nomad spots.

Once you’ve figured out your income stream(s) and location, it’s time to build community in your new home.  Something to consider for finances and socializing is staying in one place for a longer period rather than moving around frequently.  Staying in one place longer typically can get you cheaper “long-term” rent, and you’ll have fewer flights/trains/busses to pay for and forge deeper connections with the people nearby.

A few more pearls of wisdom for success and happiness: 

Networking and Support Systems

Digital nomadism can sometimes feel isolating. Most folks are still working 8+ hour days, and a friend base is not instantaneous.  Seek community actively through co-working spaces, online digital nomad groups, Facebook communities, or nomad meetups. Living
in a hostel or shared housing can be great for all or part of your stay as well from a social and financial perspective—just ensure there is a good workspace available. Building a supportive network is essential for your mental health and professional growth. 

Tech tools

The digital nomad lifestyle demands a reliable and versatile tech toolkit. Here’s a breakdown of essential tech tools with a focus on
practicality and efficiency:  

Essential Hardware:. 

• Smartphone: An unlocked smartphone is essential for communication, navigation, and accessing various apps.   Ensure it can handle international SIM cards.
• Lightweight and Powerful Laptop:  You’ll want a laptop with a good balance of portability and performance. Consider
  factors like battery life, weight, and processing power.   Some favorites are the MacBook Air, Dell XPS 13, or similar lightweight,
  powerful laptops.   KEEP IN MIND, many places will not have an easily accessible Apple store.  A few long-term digital nomads love their Apple devices, but have found getting them repaired can be problematic at times.  Invest in a protective case for transport as that laptop may be your lifeline
• Portable Power Bank: Essential for staying charged on the go, especially during long travel days or in locations with limited power outlets.   I travel with two. Always.   🙂
• Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for charging devices in different countries with varying electrical outlets.  
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Some nomads love these to help focus in noisy environments like cafes, co-working spaces, or public transportation.  
• Portable Monitor: For increased productivity, a portable monitor can be very useful.  New small, lightweight options are a game-changer.  
• Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot: Guarantee yourself (mostly) reliable internet access in areas with poor or unreliable Wi-Fi.  
• Audio/video gear: Based on your work, you may need specialized audio or video gear.  Pack what you need, ideally in travel-safe packs with padding.

Essential Software and Apps:

• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Crucial for security and privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi.   Protects sensitive data and allows access to geo-restricted content.  
• Cloud Storage (Google Drive, Dropbox): Essential for backing up files and accessing them from any device.  
• Communication Tools (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams): Facilitates communication with clients and colleagues via chat and video, as well as file sharing.
• Project Management Tools (Trello, Asana): Digital assistants and project managers swear by these to help stay organized and manage multiple clients and tasks effectively. 
• Navigation Apps (Google Maps, MapsMe): Essential for navigating unfamiliar locations—download the map for the area you will be in for offline navigation.  
• Translation Apps (Google Translate): Helps to overcome language barriers.
• Accommodation Apps (Airbnb, Booking.com, Hostelworld): For finding places to stay.
• Travel planning apps (Skyscanner, Kiwi, Rome2Rio): For finding affordable flights, mapping out train/bus routes, etc.

Additional Considerations:

• Ergonomics: Consider a portable laptop stand and a comfortable mouse to prevent discomfort during long work hours.  
• Organization: Invest in cable organizers and a durable backpack to keep your tech gear organized. 
• Comforts of home: while you may be packing light, you also need to consider that you’ll be living in a place away from home for a while.  Sometimes a few comforts of home like a favorite pillow, framed photo, bathrobe, or throw blanket can keep you cozy in important physical and emotional ways.  

I’ve said it a few times now, but wi-fi can seriously make or break your experience.  Wherever you go—yes, even in the heart of New
York City or Tokyo, never assume the internet will work all the time.  Always have a back-up like a portable hotspot, a local SIM, or access to co-working spaces with dedicated service. 

Mindfulness and Mental Health

Practicing mindfulness and having routines can help tremendously with the stress and instability that nomadic living sometimes
brings. Yoga, meditation, journaling, or even simple walks in nature can keep you grounded. I find that scheduling an hour a day to walk through town and stop at a local café for morning coffee or tea is a great routine.  It helps me get to know the community, support a small business and talk to those around me at the café, while also securing an hour of the day for exercise, some sustenance, and socialization—basically a protected hour that is not for work. Prioritize physical and emotional self-care as diligently as financial planning.

While we’re talking mindfulness, I’d like to throw in that part of being a digital nomad is being mindful and considerate of the community
you are a part of, for however long you choose to stay there.  Being curious about the culture, exploring local history and sites, trying the local cuisine, and of course, getting to know the people are some of the great joys of the nomadic life.  Be mindful to be a good ambassador of your home country by following local rules and customs rather than expecting locals to follow yours, be respectful of local religions and beliefs, be courteous to other travelers and locals, and as they say, “leave a place better than you found it.”

One more thing to master before going nomadic—learning how to say “no”.  And “yes”.

It is important to maintain a focus on your work, so sometimes saying “no” is necessary.  Deadlines, meeting schedules due to time zones, or financial considerations mean you may not be able to socialize, explore, or attend some events or engage in some experiences every time you want to.  However, you also need to not let your life be taken over by work, or allow insecurities of being on your own stop you from saying “yes” to opportunities when you can. 
It’s a delicate balance, but an important one to consider.

Are you ready for the plunge?

Digital nomad life can be exhilarating, challenging, unpredictable, and rewarding. It isn’t for everyone—and that’s perfectly okay.
And sometimes the location and the people and experiences you encounter there can make all the difference.  If you’ve
carefully considered what success looks like for you, prepared financially, chosen suitable destinations, and are ready to set clear boundaries, build community support, and embrace the idea of losing some control, you’re ready.