Lead a Life of Travel: How to Become a Digital Nomad

Ever dreamt of sunbathing on the beaches of Bali, sipping a flat white in Melbourne, or soaking in the cobbled streets and culture of Spain? How about doing all of these while working and earning?

This kind of setup is a dream to many—untethered to office desks and unbounded by the 9-5 weekday routine. But while many aspire to have this lifestyle, not everyone knows how to kick off a nomadic career.

In this guide, we will reveal actionable tips on how you can start your journey to a life of adventure, freedom, and endless travel.

Who is a digital nomad?

Digital nomads are people who can basically work from anywhere in the world. They have mastered the use of online technologies to work remotely.

Essentially, they can travel anytime they want to because they can bring their work with them. Most digital nomads are freelancers, independent contractors, consultants, or online entrepreneurs.

Since they can work from anywhere, they keep their lifestyle mobile and flexible.  As long as they have the resources, they need to perform their job—with an Internet connection as the top priority—any place can be a workspace.

What is the digital nomad life like?

Here’s a sneak peek into what life is like for the brave souls who have successfully transitioned over to the digital nomad lifestyle:

Unlimited travel opportunities without needing to file for PTOs.

Since you can work whenever and wherever you are, you can explore places without having to file for personal time-offs. You could be chasing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland, bathing with the elephants in Thailand, or swimming with the whales in the Philippines—all while working on a project proposal. The possibilities are endless!

Feed your thirst for adventure.

Being a digital nomad is an adventure in itself! You get to see different sights, try different cuisine, and even learn about different cultures. You can climb the highest peaks, swim on the most beautiful beaches, and tour the busiest cities. For those who love traveling alone, the digital nomad life is also an opportunity to connect with like-minded people who can be potential colleagues in the future.

You get to call the shots.

You are your own boss, so you have control over what you do with your time and where you spend it. For most independent contractors, they don’t have to inform anyone of their whereabouts as long as they can deliver.

Your dollar can go a long way.

There are some destinations with a lower cost of living relative to the amount digital nomads are earning. If you choose to stay in cities with a lower cost of living, you can maximize your budget while still living your nomadic life to the fullest. You just need to carefully choose the best place for your temporary home base.

Achieve work-life balance.

This is one of the most attractive selling points of being a digital nomad. The ability to work and enjoy life at the same time doesn’t come by easily in many jobs. When you are able to do the things you want to do, your productivity increases. You can easily strike a balance between work and play. In fact, a Stanford study reported that remote workers were 13% more productive compared to their office counterparts.

5 steps to become a digital nomad: are you ready?‍

1. Refine your skill set and build a portfolio out of it.

Most individuals find it hard to transition from being a full-time employee to an independent contractor. Here are some of the things you need to tick off your checklist when you’re still starting your transition:

• Identify the skills that you think are profitable. Consider the demand in the job market, your expertise, and the pain points of your target market.
• See what’s out there. Explore online job posts, virtual communities, and even Facebook groups to know which skills are needed and which niches are not yet saturated. If needed, learn other skills and improve on existing ones to build a more competitive profile.
• Work on your visibility. Learn to market yourself as an expert. You can build a portfolio to showcase your skill set and creativity. Start marketing yourself and building credibility on job websites such as Upwork and Fiverr, and even on LinkedIn.‍

2. Register your business and settle your taxes.

Make sure that you're freelancing, or online business is registered with the proper offices before actually working for your clients. It is important that all your legal papers are settled, especially your taxes, to ensure that everything will be in order even when you operate overseas. Read all the resources available to understand the processes and verify with other digital nomads to compare with their experiences. ‍

3. Prepare your funds and settle your things. ‍

Since you will be traveling a lot and working on different currencies, it’s important to settle your finances and bank accounts before leaving. It’s important to have just enough to support the start of your nomadic lifestyle, and it’s crucial that you can access your funds regardless of which country you’re currently in.

If you have a home or a car, you must settle on what to do with your properties and things before going abroad. Leave them to family members, buy storage space, sell them, or whatever is best for your properties and assets.‍

4. Map out your itinerary.

This can be as flexible or as planned out as you want it to be. Some nomads prefer moving around every few weeks or so. In this case, it will be good to plan ahead so you can secure low-cost flights and accommodations.

On the other hand, some nomads like staying in one destination for a few months before moving on to the next. That way, they get to relax and live like locals—albeit temporarily. ‍

5. Gather necessary documents.

Always have important documents with you, such as your social security, your birth certificate, business registration, and emergency numbers. Of course, no one wants any unfortunate events to happen—but in the case of an emergency, it’s always best to have documents to support your status.

Make sure that you have your passport with at least 6 months validity, visas and travel permits, medical records, and insurance, among others.

6 additional tips for aspiring digital nomads

• Always do proper research about a city or a country before buying a ticket. Know more about the culture and ethics related to it.
• Secure a comprehensive traveler’s insurance with the right coverage since being out and about poses many hazards and threats.
• Consider your passport and the visa restrictions tied with it. Some countries would grant you visa-free entry for 90 days, while some would require an approved visa.‍
• Practice productivity tips to effectively balance work and play. Sometimes, it can be tempting to just explore the sights—but it can also be distracting.
• Prioritize access to the internet since your work is heavily dependent on it. Make sure your accommodation has a reliable connection. You can also explore getting your own international mobile Wi-Fi setup.‍
• Consult with taxation experts to ensure you remain compliant. Different countries implement different visa and tax processes that digital nomads must be able to get a hang of if they want a hassle-free stay. You may hire professionals to do the job for you, but it is definitely an advantage if you learn the ropes yourself.

Embrace the nomadic lifestyle and live your life the way you want to

Ready to dive in? Can you see yourself lounging in a villa in Seminyak? Or maybe on the powdery-white beaches of Boracay? How does a night out in Barcelona sound?

Thanks to technology and the rise of remote work, being a digital nomad is easier than ever. If you feel like you need a clearer direction on what to do first or how to go about it, a quick chat with an Out of Office expert can seal the deal.