There’s a reason why over 35 million people across the world have chosen to become Digital Nomads.
After all, being able to enjoy location independence means that they do not have to put their careers on hold in order to see the world and enjoy the most unforgettable travel experiences. However, that’s not to say that pursuing this lifestyle is not without its challenges.
In fact, it’s an experience that many find stressful (at least for the first few months) as they try to find their footing and adapt to this lifestyle.
With that in mind, here are some simple tips that you can use to take the stress OUT of becoming a digital nomad.
Do your research. The more prepared you are for the realities (and challenges) of life as a digital nomad, the lower your stress levels will be. This is because you’ll know that you’ve taken action to protect yourself every step of the way. For example, by ensuring that you’ve obtained the relevant paperwork and VISAs ahead of time, you’ll know that you won’t encounter any issues upon arrival or departure.
Find a home base. Staying in an endless stream of hotels and hostels may sound exciting, but it can quickly become wearisome. This is because you’ll never feel quite at home, as you constantly live out of a suitcase. As such, it is better to opt for long-stay accommodation, such as one bedroom apartments in DC. This will allow you to set up a home base and properly unpack, maximizing your comfort and lowering your stress levels quite considerably. It also means that you can set up a workspace within your apartment, heightening focus and productivity.
Think about what you are leaving behind. If you already own a home or apartment, then you need to ensure these spaces will be cared for during the duration of your travels. For example, you may want to consider renting out these spaces so that you can earn an additional income while traveling. Alternatively, you should ask a trusted friend or family member to check in from time to time to ensure everything is in good order. They can also let you know if you’ve received any urgent/pressing mail or correspondence. This, again, will provide you with much greater peace of mind while traveling long-term.
Grow your savings before setting out. Living abroad can quickly get expensive, especially when you consider the additional costs associated with this kind of move, such as obtaining a VISA or paying for health insurance. As such, the more money you have in your savings account, the better you’ll feel. After all, while you’ll be earning along the way, knowing that you have a safety net to fall back on can be a real game changer.
On a similar note, there are plenty of ways in which you can set about saving money during this time, too, such as by carefully tracking your spending using a budgeting app and being able to cut down on non-essential purchases.
