Many people are stuck in the same job, day in day out. Sometimes we just get that sensation of wanting to be somewhere else, seeing new people and places that we’ve never been. This is something that’s not everyone is afforded the luxury. Fortunately, modern businesses are turning towards a more on-the-go approach. With available technologies, you can work anywhere, as long as there’s an internet access through remote working.
If you are wondering what this is all about, then hop in and let’s take a dive with us. We will be talking about what you need to know before booking that plane ticket and working as a digital nomad.
Question 1: Can I afford it?
Let’s do a reality check before you decide to buy a plane ticket willy-nilly. It’s a given that traveling is generally not cheap. There’s a lot of things to consider, and a lot of things can go wrong. This is why you need a sum of funds before you become a digital nomad.
Think about the how much it’s going to cost you to stay in a country for a time, the travel cost and the traveling that you might be thinking about. It’s not the most fun part about planning a travel, but it needs to be done right. Being thorough with your approximate spendings will give you a clear picture of how much you need to consistently earn in order to maintain your new lifestyle.
Once you’ve calculated the baselines of your spendings, then add in the extra funds for possible misfortunes. Your laptop can break, you can get sick, you can miss your flight, all of these are possibilities. It’s better to have more money than you need than not having enough when you need it.
Question 2: What to bring
Now that you have the basic idea of how much money you need, you need to consider what other necessities that you are going to need for your travels. Not just the clothing, laptops, medications and cameras, but things that you absolutely need to stay productive while you are on the move. We separate them into 2 categories for you for easy preparation.
Electronics:
Pocket Wifi (or other remote data providers): you are going to need to be working on your travels, so you need these to be able to work anywhere.
Tracker: You are most likely going to be alone at some point as a Nomad, so it’s good to be extra cautious when traveling. Having a tracker will let others know your location and send you the help if needed. Even using “Find Friends” on your iPhone is a fun and easy way to keep your loved ones updated when on the move.
Data storage devices (external hard drives/thumb drives): It goes without saying that you need to be saving your work regularly. If all things fail and you can’t get internet access, save it on one of these will save you the headache of losing your work on a laptop breakdown. Plus, if you are able to, you should have a safety backup on Cloud services as well.
Non-electronics:
Notebook: Bringing a small notebook with you everywhere is an easy way to keep track of your ideas and inspiration. Maybe you’ll need them one day.
Phrase pamphlets: Being able to communicate with locals is an essential skill. Knowing how to ask for necessities like food, toilets, and accommodations is a must.
Lastly, it’s important to bring with you a sense of adventure! Don’t be afraid to try new things and do things outside of your comfort zone. It will be an eye-opening experience. Be light on your back and on your feet. Only bring the absolute necessities and stay mobile. Don’t be afraid to leave things behind.
Question 3: Where to go?
There are many places that are a good start. Typically it’s a country that’s not expensive and has a lot of internet access. Find out what you know most about a country. The one that you are most familiar with are the ones that you should start off with. Read That Travel Blog’s “Up and Coming Digital Nomad Hubs for 2018“.
Now that you know from which angle you should be approaching life as a digital nomad, it’s time to pack your bag and set out on a journey. And don’t forget, safety is the number one priority!
