How to Become a Successful Digital Nomad

A digital nomad is someone who works online but travels regularly, never staying in one location too long. Sure, it sounds like a dream, but moving around like this has its ups and its downs. With some consideration and planning, though, you, too, can become a digital nomad.

Find Remote Work 

To start your transformation into becoming a digital nomad, you must have the proper employment. Almost any remote job works for this. However, you do need to make sure you’re not required to physically be a certain distance from the office for occasional on-location days. Some of the most popular remote jobs for digital nomads include virtual freelancing, online teaching, and data entry, or you could become a virtual assistant or an influencer.

If you’re not quite ready to make the jump from a traditional job to moving around the world and working from your computer, try it while staying at home. You can take on virtual jobs as a side hustle in addition to your regular income. You decide how much you’d like to work, and you can get a feel for how things would work while taking minimal risk. 

Set Up Online Systems

To receive your pay and continue working, you need to set up your systems. Be sure your bank is accessible across the United States and in other countries that may be on your travel list. If you’re operating your own business or working as a freelancer, you’ll need a way to track your jobs and income. Consider an invoicing system that tracks your sales, income, and other necessities. It’s a plus if you can invoice directly through the software that lets clients pay directly and alerts you when they do. You can choose several apps to do this work, or go for an all-in-one solution.

Travel Deals

Once you’ve established your online working requirements, you’re ready to get started on the nomad part. Unless you’re earning a lot of money, the point isn’t to stay in the most luxurious spots on your travels. Get down and dirty with the locals by staying in rental houses or other longer-term rentals. Use travel consolidators to search for great deals, or contact a travel agent. They don’t add any cost to your bottom line, but they get the lowdown on all the best areas of town and often offer discounts or bonuses to repeat customers. 

Join a Community

With more and more people choosing this lifestyle, several online communities for digital nomads have popped up. These groups help you by posting reviews of lodging and activities as well as providing tips on connectivity and food. In some popular destinations, you can find local digital nomad groups as well. They provide the support you need when you’re in a new place, along with planning group excursions and generally acting as a social group as well. 

Become a Digital Nomad

Before you sell all your possessions on eBay, consider if being a digital nomad is the right choice for you. If so, go ahead and get rid of all but the essentials, pack up, and get on your way. If you need ideas for fun places to start or what to do when you get there, check out the blog from The Wonder Map.