Traveling around the world and working while you do, sounds like a dream come true for lots of people. Digital nomads are people who have turned this dream into a reality, as they can work from anywhere where they have an internet connection. In this post, we’ll tell you about the best transport options for getting around as a digital nomad, as well as some of the best destinations and tips for being a successful digital nomad.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who can work from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a reliable internet connection. This increasingly popular way of life gives workers greater independence and freedom to decide how, when and where they work.
If you want to learn more, head to our post in Nomada where we’ll tell you everything you need to know about being a digital nomad. The link is @here.
Digital nomad lifestyle
The digital nomad lifestyle is a way to live and work that is characterized by mobility and flexibility. Digital nomads often work from different places, whether from rented accommodation, hotel rooms or shared apartments, and they are always on the lookout for more comfortable places that let them work efficiently.
A flexible working schedule is another characteristic of this lifestyle, and it allows digital nomads to work at any time of day to suit the different time zones around the world.
Becoming a digital nomad: tips
If you’re thinking about becoming a digital nomad, you should be aware of some tips that can help you take the plunge. The first thing you need to do is identify what kind of work you can do remotely.
Then you’ll need to make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a good quality laptop that allows you to work efficiently.
It is also worthwhile planning your finances and budget, your income is likely to vary from month to month when you’re a digital nomad.
And last but not least, you really must learn to organize your time and work independently, as you won’t have a fixed work schedule or a someone supervising you.
The best transport options to travel as a digital nomad
Transport options for digital nomads
Digital nomads can choose from a wide variety of transport options to get them around the world. The choice of one option or another will depend where you are going, how long for, and what your budget is.
Some of the most frequent choices are:
- Plane: The plane is a popular choice for digital nomads, especially for longer trips and overseas destinations. Many airlines offer lower rates if you book early or are a frequent flyer
- Train: This is an interesting option for trips within the same continent, as you get to enjoy the scenery and the experience of traveling by train. It is also a greener option than the plane
- Bus: This is a more economical option, especially in countries in Latin America or Asia, where there is a well-developed and affordable bus network. However, traveling by bus usually takes longer than traveling by plane or train
- Car: This is a good option for digital nomads who like to travel at their own pace and have the flexibility to stop anywhere along the way. For longer trips, it may work out expensive because of the price of fuel and tolls
We suggest that you assess what the best options are. Always remember what your budget is and how long you’ll be staying at your destination.
The best destinations for digital nomads
Digital nomads can choose anywhere in the world to live and work.
However, some destinations are considered better because of their low costs, well-developed technology infrastructure and quality of life.
Some of the best destinations for digital nomads are:
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu is a small town in Bali, Indonesia, famous for its beaches and waves for surfing. It is also an ideal place for digital nomads thanks to its coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi connections and a large community of digital nomads.
Chile and Colombia
Both countries have a culture that is welcoming and friendly with foreigners. What’s more they have cosmopolitan cities with advanced technology infrastructure and a wide range of coworking spaces.
Other destinations in Europe
Barcelona, Valencia or Lisbon are European cities that stand out for their quality of life, diversity and cultural offer. They also have a large community of digital nomads and a good Wi-Fi connection.
Other destinations
Cities such as Taipei, Thailand and Mexico City are attractive places for digital nomads, as they have a low cost of living and a wide range of coworking spaces.
Coworking spaces for digital nomads
Coworking spaces have become a popular choice for digital nomads around the world.
These are meeting points that offer a shared working environment, where you can rent a workspace, a conference room or even a private office.
What is a coworking space?
A coworking space is a shared office where freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses can work together as a community.
These spaces are often found in office buildings or in old shops that have been renovated to provide a variety of different workspaces.
Advantages of coworking spaces for digital nomads
Coworking spaces have many advantages for digital nomads, including:
- Networking with other professionals: coworking spaces give you the chance to meet new people and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and independent professionals
- Flexibility: Most coworking spaces offer very flexible rental options, so you can rent a space for a few hours, a day or even for months
- Cost-effectiveness: coworking spaces offer a cost-effective way to have an office and a place to work while you travel, rather than having to pay for a private office or workspace
- Infrastructure: Many coworking locations are equipped with services like Wi-Fi, printers, projectors and meeting rooms, so you have everything you need to work properly and you don’t need to worry about logistics
The best Coworking spaces for digital nomads
Here are some of the best coworking spaces for digital nomads around the world:
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a dream destination for many digital nomads, and Canggu is one of the best places on the island to work in a coworking space. The Outpost is one of the most popular spots. It has a reliable Wi-Fi connection, private and shared work areas, as well as access to a swimming pool and an event venue.
Chile and Colombia
The countries of South America are becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads, and Chile and Colombia are two countries that have a large number of coworking spaces. In Santiago, Chile, Co-Work Latam is one of the most popular places to work, with a whole host of private and shared workspaces. In Colombia, Selina Cowork Medellin is one of the most popular places, with options for freelancers and business teams.
Other destinations in Europe
In Europe, Berlin (Germany), Barcelona (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal) are some of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. In Berlin, Betahaus is one of the most popular places, and in Barcelona Betahaus also has a headquarters where you can work in the city center. In Lisbon, Second Home Lisboa is a popular coworking space for digital nomads.
Other destinations
Other popular destinations for digital nomads that offer coworking spaces include Thailand (KoHub on Koh Lanta), Mexico (NOMAD in Tulum) and Australia (Hub Australia in Melbourne).
Internet connection for digital nomads
Access to a reliable internet connection is essential for any digital nomad, whether it’s for work, staying connected with family and friends or just for leisure.
You can’t be productive without an internet connection, especially if you work remotely or as a freelancer.
The importance of a good internet connection
There is nothing more frustrating than having a slow or unreliable connection when you have to work, hand in a project, or download an important file.
You need to have a reliable, fast and secure connection to avoid this type of hassle.
Apart from that, having a good internet connection will make for a smoother and seamless experience for video conferences or remote working.
Options to ensure a good Wi-Fi connection
- Use free Wi-Fi hotspots: Lots of places, like coffee shops, libraries or shopping centers, provide free internet access. Make sure you check the connection quality and speed before you use it
- Think about buying your own internet connection: If you plan to stay in one place for a while, it’s a good idea to purchase your own internet connection. The speed and quality of the connection will depend on the infrastructure where you are
- Buy your own portable hotspot: If you travel frequently, it is a good option to have your own personal hotspot.
- Buy a satellite or cable internet service: This option works anywhere that your service provider has coverage. The quality and speed of the connection will depend on the infrastructure where you are
- Nomada eSim: Here at Nomada, we offer unlimited data SIM cards so you don’t need to look for Wi-Fi whenever you arrive somewhere. Take a look at this @link to check the rates and choose the best option for you
Community and Wi-Fi networks for digital nomads
The digital nomad life can sometimes be lonely, but there are ways to link up with other nomads and make new friends. One way to do this is by using the free Wi-Fi networks found in lots of places for digital nomads.
Be very careful with free Wi-Fi networks. Do not share personal or protected and private content. Do not use passwords and especially not banking data. Free networks come in handy if you want to upload content, but we encourage you to buy an eSim card or your own connection.
Free Wi-Fi networks for digital nomads
There are several free Wi-Fi networks available for digital nomads, including:
- Nomadlist: A community of digital nomads that provides a map of the best places to live and work, as well as an online chat service to network with other nomads
- Coworkations: A community of digital nomads that focuses on organizing group excursions to specific places, to encourage networking and teamwork between members
- WiFi Map: This is a tool that shows you a map of the free Wi-Fi networks available in different cities around the world
The digital nomad community: meeting other nomads
As well as free Wi-Fi networks, there are other ways to link up with other digital nomads. Here are some:
- Meetups: Meetings organized by digital nomads in different cities, that focus on making new friends and sharing experiences
- Coworking events: Meetings organized by digital nomad coworking, to promote networking and cooperation between members
- Social networks: platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn host specific groups for digital nomads, where you can share your experience and make new friends
Being part of a digital nomad community can be a great help when you want to network, share your experiences and make new friends. It’s also useful to learn about new destinations and discover what the best transport options are to travel as a digital nomad.
Tips to be a successful digital nomad
Becoming a digital nomad can be challenging and exciting at the same time. Here are some practical tips for you to be a successful digital nomad:
How to become a digital nomad: practical tips
- Choose a place that is good value for money
- Plan your trips well in advance to get better rates for plane, train or bus tickets
- Make sure you have a regular income and enough to cover your expenses and travel costs.
- Look for places or accommodation with a good internet connection
- Organize your time so you can work and also enjoy the places you visit
Take care of your mental health while you are a digital nomad
Being a digital nomad, you need to look after your mental health to strike a proper balance between your work and your personal life. Here are some tips:
- Keep to a daily routine that includes time to exercise, meditate, or do an activity that you enjoy
- Set your own work limits and learn how to say no to projects or jobs that might undermine your well-being
- Build a support network, surround yourself with people who will support you and help you stay positive and motivated
How to be productive when you work remotely
It can be challenging to be productive when you work remotely, but these tips will help you:
- Set up a cozy and inspiring workspace
- Make sure there are no distractions in your workspace, like social media or TV
- Set daily schedules and goals for your work
- Take regular breaks and use them to stretch and do exercise
- Use tools and apps to help you keep your work organized and efficient
These tips will help you become a successful digital nomad so you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility that this lifestyle offers.
Here at Nomada, we hope these tips will help you start your digital nomad adventure.
We’d love it if you share your experience in the comments!