Nomad Know-How: 5 Tips to Make Life Easier as a Digital Nomad
These days, it’s easier than ever to work remotely. The digital nomad life is becoming more popular as advancements in technology (such as better Wi-Fi) make it easy to work from just about anywhere. Being able to work remotely as you travel is a blessing, but it can be tricky, too. From balancing work and travel to networking and finding adequate Wi-Fi, being a globe-trotter is challenging if you’re not prepared.
For the newbie nomad or those thinking of embracing the lifestyle, here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect balance between work, travel, and leisure.
- Get Yourself a Virtual Office
It’s helpful to have a professional front for your remote business. Can you imagine the impression you’ll give if one day your business address is in California and the next it’s in Paris? The easiest and most cost-effective way to make your business look professional is to get yourself a virtual office and business address. You’ll be able to access it from anywhere, and your clients and customers will have a central location to contact you and send correspondence to, no matter where you are in the world.
- Line Up Work Before You Go
The digital nomad life can be expensive, as is trying to launch a new business. Before you quit your job and head out on the road, it’s a good idea to establish yourself with a few clients and have some money coming in.
Spend a few months building up your client list and networking with others to start making a name for yourself. This way, once you set out on this new journey, you won’t have to worry about finding work and traveling at the same time.
- Establish a Good Work/Travel Balance
Travel is exciting, but the beauty of it can lure you into spending more time enjoying the new scenery and culture than working. New foods, people, and sights can be tempting, but remember, you’re a digital nomad now. You must get your work done to continue enjoying this expansive life.
Develop a clear schedule for working and enjoying the sights. Whether it’s entire days devoted to one or the other or mornings working and afternoons exploring, find a schedule that works for you, and stick to it.
- Enjoy Extended Stays in Each Destination
Some people think traveling from one place to another every week is the way to see and do it all, but by staying in one destination for an extended period, you’ll be able to experience all that the culture has to offer, and you’ll develop routines that allow you to get your work done. Travel slowly, staying in each place for weeks – or even months – at a time. You’ll be glad you did!
- Do Your Homework
Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is extremely important to most remote workers, especially if you’ll be uploading images or videos regularly. As such, it’s a good idea to research Wi-Fi availability in the different destinations you plan to visit. Is it fast? Easily accessible?
Since Wi-Fi signals vary from place to place, use Nomad List to access real-time information on the Wi-Fi signals in the area you’re traveling to as well as a host of other helpful factors.
Life as a digital nomad is exciting and freeing. At the same time, it still involves work that can be challenging. If you’re looking to take your career on the road, the tips above should make nomad life a lot easier.
