The illustrious 21st century lifestyle that’s taken on the world by storm, Digital Nomadism –– but what is it?

In short, Digital Nomads are people who live and work while traveling at the same time. They are the lucky ones who have managed to finagle their ways into a life uninhibited by the ball and chain of an office chair and are able to travel and work on the move. I am extremely fortunate to say that I am one of those folks and immensely grateful for that fact!

Do I regret my decision? Hell no! But have I have learned a thing or two on this journey that I might have done differently had I known what I know now? Absolutely. Some people are the learn-the-hard-way type (guilty), but that doesn’t mean everyone should have to!

So. Let’s chat about it, shall we?

Here are 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Digital Nomad.

1. Stay Connected

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but easier said than done! Reliable internet is going to be your lifeline whether you like it or not, so take it from me, this is not an area you’ll want to cut any corners. Don’t be fooled by the lovely (and presumably well-connected) city center AirBnb. Nothing screams “Monday panic” like arriving to the place only to find tragically slow Wi-Fi speeds. In some places, it’ll be faster to send by carrier pigeon.

First, let’s cover the basic need to knows when it comes to Wi-Fi. As a general guideline, here are some ideal speeds for various uses.

Wi-Fi Basics

1. Basic Browsing and Email:
   • Download Speed: 1-5 Mbps
   • Upload Speed: 1 Mbps
2. Video Conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Skype):
   • Download Speed: 5-10 Mbps
   • Upload Speed: 3-5 Mbps
3. Streaming HD Videos:
   • Download Speed: 5-10 Mbps per stream
   • Upload Speed: 1-3 Mbps
4. Streaming 4K Videos:
   • Download Speed: 25 Mbps per stream
   • Upload Speed: 5-10 Mbps
5. Cloud-based Applications and File Uploads/Downloads:
   • Download Speed: 10-50 Mbps
   • Upload Speed: 10-50 Mbps
6. Heavy Online Work (e.g., video editing, large file transfers):
   • Download Speed: 50-100 Mbps
   • Upload Speed: 50-100 Mbps
7. Gaming (if applicable):
   • Download Speed: 15-25 Mbps
   • Upload Speed: 5-10 Mbps
   • Ping/Latency: < 50 ms for optimal experience

Practical Tips to Stay Connected

• Consistency over Speed: A stable connection without frequent drops or interruptions is often more important than raw speed.
• Latency: Low latency (ping) is crucial for activities requiring real-time interaction, such as video calls and online gaming.
• Backup Options: Always have a backup internet option, such as a mobile hotspot, access to a coworking space with reliable internet, or –– if you’ve got it like that –– portable Wi-Fi from services like Starlink.
• International Phone Service: Consider investing in an international phone plan or sim card. I highly recommend checking out services e-sim services like Airalo.
• Test Before You Commit: Use tools like Speedtest.net to check Wi-Fi speeds at new accommodations or co-working spaces before committing to long-term stays. You can always (and I recommend) request the speed in mbps from the host before confirming your booking.
• Don’t Be a Guinea Pig: Check if the place you plan to stay has some solid reviews from previous guests about the internet strength. Don’t just take what the host/owner says at face value –– there’s obviously a bit of a conflict of interest there. It might sound callous, but you really don’t want to be the one to find out that the hotel in Bolivia you’re checking into is operating at Dial-up speeds only after flying 12 hours with 3 connections to get there. *face palms in guinea pig*
• Electrical Connectivity: This might seem silly, but no electricity means no Wi-Fi. Probably. Unless you have a generator available to you or something, but this can be more of an issue than you might think! Places like Puerto Rico (that is part of the U.S.) are burdened with power outages very frequently. Here’s a global map of electricity reliability.

I have found myself in a great many of connectivity pickles in my travels. I’ve had to take work calls from crowded cafés and fork out additional money for co-working space fees when the internet in my AirBnbs weren’t usable. I’ve had to set up my office on the bathroom toilet in freezing Andean Altiplano temperatures just to get closer to the host’s stupid router in another f*cking building so I could receive mediocre connection. I’ve even had to cancel plans mid-trip to fly to a completely different part of the country (*cough* Argentina *cough*) to find reasonable accommodations with suitable Wi-Fi speeds for work. Don’t be me. Do your homework.

2. Pack Light

There’s little more soul-crushing than hauling a suitcase the size of a small car through cobblestone streets and overstuffed trains. The secret to seamless travel? Mastering the delicate balance between bringing only what you need without looking like a digital bridge troll. Here’s what trial and error has taught me. First, let’s dissect the essential three cornerstones of packing –– you won’t need much more than that! I’ll also sprinkle in some pro-tips to take your packing game to the next level.

The 3 Cornerstones of Packing

1. Clothing

• Versatile Wardrobe: Think clothes that can do double duty. Those neon pants? Maybe not. Stick to layers and neutrals that can mix and match with ease.
• Comfort and Durability: Choose items that will survive both a night out and a surprise hiking trip.
• Minimal Footwear: Limit yourself to a trifecta of shoes – casual, professional, and something to make you look like you actually enjoy physical activity. Maybe some sandals if you’re planning on hitting the beach.

2. Technology

• Laptop: Your digital nomading bread and butter. Can’t leave that at home!
• Portable Charger: A portable charger is a must. Think of it as your new best friend.
• Essential Gadgets: Keep it simple – a phone, noise-canceling headphones (to block out those crying babies on flights), and the necessary cables.

3. Toiletries

• Travel-sized Essentials: Use travel-sized bottles. Avoid liquids as much as possible, and if you must, make sure they’re under 3.4 fl oz.
• Multifunctional Products: Straight men, now’s your time to shine: is your shampoo and body wash all-in-one? Congrats, you’re winning at this whole minimalist thing –– and it’s certainly better than no soap at all. Need an all-purpose moisturizer? Vaseline, baby.

Practical Tips to Pack Light

• Less is More: If you’re debating whether to pack it, don’t. Odds are, you won’t miss it. Aim to bring 1 – 2 weeks worth of clothes, only your toiletry essentials, your necessary electronics, and that’s it! Tricky, but possible!
• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles.
• Laundry on the Go: Get comfy with doing laundry more often. Many places offer services, some places you might have to seek out a laundromat, but either is a great way to avoid smelling too nomadic.
• Wear Your Bulkiest Items: Rock your heaviest and bulkiest items while traveling. Look ridiculous? Maybe. Save space? Correct.
• Travel-Friendly Accessories: Accessories should be like Swiss army knives – useful and versatile. Scarves and hats that jazz up multiple outfits without taking up much space are golden. Just don’t actually bring a Swiss army knife unless you’re interested in taking a little tour through the back rooms at the airport (hint: you won’t be a good time).
• Digital Documents: It’s 2024, no one needs a filing cabinet in their bag. Store important docs digitally, cloud services are your friends. Just for the love of god don’t leave your passport at home!
• Local Purchases: Guess what? They sell shampoo and toothpaste all around the globe. You probably don’t pack the entire bathroom, just bring what you need to get to where you’re going and you can pick up the rest when you get there.
• Weight Limit Awareness: Airline weight limits, study then, know them, and never veer from them. It will save you time and money, promise. Overpacking leads to extra fees – and nobody wants to pay for all that.
• Backpack over Suitcase: Backpacks trump suitcases. They’re easier to lug around, especially on those charmingly uneven European streets.
• Suitcase Selection: Bring one carry-on size suitcase, if you must bring a suitcase at all. A+ if it’s a clamshell with a TSA lock for security.
• Consider Solid Fragrance: Liquids generally don’t fly well. Even if they’re under the limit, they have a tendency to bust out of their container and leak out all over the place. Check if your favorite fragrance is available as a solid. Worst case scenario, you can always make your own!

Minimalist packing is an art form. No, you really don’t need eight pairs of shoes; and yes, you can leave the cooking ware at home. This is going to be a big challenge for your if you’re the hoarding type or just addicted to creature comforts, but I assure you, packing light makes life way easier! When I first set off for South America, I had a full-size 31″ suitcase, a carry-on size suitcase, and a backpack to boot. Trust me, you don’t need as much as you think. So do yourself a favor, keep it simple.

3. Book Stays Like a Pro

Have you ever imagines yourself walking into an AirBnb after an 8 hour travel day only to be met with an actual sh*t smell so strong it could take down an adult elephant? Have you ever wanted to –– in that same apartment –– find a camera inside watching your every move? Yeah, me neither (that’s why I left.) So in effort of helping you find a place to crash that won’t make you regret all your life choices, here’s a list of things you should be looking for to make sure the place checks out.

Practical Tips for Booking Accomodations Like a Pro

• Do Your Homework: Before you book that ‘charming’ studio in the city center, channel your inner Sherlock Holmes. Check reviews, compare prices, and use Google Maps to make sure you’re not next to a construction site or a sporting stadium. Nothing makes for a more ‘productive work environment’ quite like constant jackhammering or drunken men shouting.
• Internet, Internet, Internet: We’ve covered this, but don’t trust the listing’s vague “Wi-Fi available” claim. Ask for speed test screenshots or risk ending up with a connection that moves slower than a snail on tranquilizers.
• Location, Location, Location: Sure, that remote mountain cabin looks dreamy, but will you be cursing yourself when you realize Uber Eats doesn’t deliver to the middle of nowhere? And that loft in the city. It might be impeccably decorated with breathtaking views, but the price is suspiciously low. Is the neighborhood in an active war zone or run by the cartel? You have to ask yourself these questions.
• Backup Plans: Always have a plan B. Whether it’s a backup Airbnb, a nearby hotel, or a friend’s couch, know your options and have an exit strategy. You never know when your ‘perfect’ rental might turn out to be a mold-infested nightmare.
• Amenities Check: Don’t assume anything. Just because a place has a bed doesn’t mean it’s suitable for living. Look to see that there’s a stove, a decent shower, and maybe even a washing machine. Unless you’re into boiling water over a campfire and doing your laundry in the sink, having on-site amenities available can make your life much easier.
• Is it sealed? Let me explain. Bug and other creatures have no qualms trespassing upon your space through cracks and spaces in the foundation. This may not be a problem for some, but for folks like me, that’s a big hell no. So maybe skip the windowless treehouse in the jungle if spiders aren’t your thing.
• Reviews Are Your Best Friend: I can’t emphasize this enough, but pay attention to reviews. Take the overly emotional ones that lack nuance with a grain of salt, but if multiple people complain about the same issue, it’s probably legit. But if one person rants about the color of the curtains, maybe don’t worry too much.
• Ask for Discounts: Booking for a month? Ask for a discount. Many hosts are willing to cut you a deal for longer stays. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no – so channel your inner bargain hunter.
• Check the Fine Print: No one likes surprises, especially the kind that involve non-refundable deposits or hidden cleaning fees. Read the fine print and avoid nasty shocks to your wallet.
• Book Refundable: Life happens and things change. You’re plans should be as adaptable as possible given this reality. So book refundable and with free cancellations as much as you can!
• Pay with Credit Card: The truth is paying with credit cards for pretty much anything and everything comes with a long list of benefits. If you play the game correctly, you not only usually get an added layer of insurance protection on your purchases, but and if you get and use the right credit cards, you can maximize your points earned that you can then use toward your future travel expenses.
• Book with Points: Speaking of credit cards and rewards points in general, check to see if you have any free night’s stays with any of your credit cards or any unused travel points. They can save you a ton of money on not just accomodations, but things like flights too!

Booking accommodations as a digital nomad can be a bit of a circus, but with these tips, you’ll navigate the chaos like a seasoned pro. Happy hunting, and may your Wi-Fi be strong and your neighbors not be too unhinged!

4. Don’t Forget Health & Safety

Staying healthy and safe while gallivanting around the globe as a digital nomad is absolutely crucial. Spoiler alert: it involves more than just avoiding questionable street food and not petting the strays, it’s all about understanding the nuances of your destination(s). Nothing screams “game over” quite like ending up in the trunk of a car or a bum leg from falling down a mountain with no medical insurance. Not to scare you off, but a little preparation can really go a long way in keeping you safe and well. A case of Montezuma’s revenge or a close encounter with local pickpockets can be some of the least of your concerns if you don’t do your due diligence. Let’s have a look at what you absolutely need to know when it comes to keeping yourself in one piece.

Health & Safety Basics

Medical Insurance & Healthcare

• Healthy Diet: You’re gonna want to gorge on the local cuisines, and as you should! I’m not going to tell you what to eat and how much, but as with anything, approaching with moderation is key.
• Maintain Exercise: You brought those running shoes for a reason, right? They’re not just to look sporty as they gather dust in the corner of your Airbnb. Embrace creative workouts: lugging your suitcase up the stairs because the elevator is out is basically strength training, right? Right! But you’ll also need to find creative ways to stay consistent with it too, human need for exercise applies to those on the go as well. In times where I might not have reliable access to a gym, I like to adopt Calisthenics-based work out routine.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Get yourself some solid health and travel insurance. Know the difference between Travel Medical Insurance vs International Health Insurance. You might be in perfectly good health now, but you never know what might happen and you definitely don’t want to be bartering with your kidneys to pay for a hospital stay abroad.
• Stay Up-to-Date: Make sure your vaccinations are current and talk to a doctor about getting any recommended vaccinations your may need for the region you’re traveling to. You didn’t survive one pandemic to be taken out by a mean case of Yellow Fever.
• Travel Meds: Pick up a travel-sized first-aid kit and pack a mini pharmacy They sell them in the travel section in most pharmacies and come in really handy in a pinch. You’ll thank me when you need those antidiarrheals or motion sickness pills.
• Know Your Options: Research local healthcare facilities. Particularly those that will accept your medical insurance. Knowing where the nearest hospital can save precious time – and potentially your life.
• Emergency Number: News flash, it’s not always 9-1-1. It’s always good to know the local emergency number before you go, just in case!

Safety Precautions

• Wildlife Awareness: Ever dreamed of an expedition through the Australian Outback or a wild African safari? Of course you have! How about getting bitten by a rabid street dog or a venomous snake? Mauled by a Hippo? I didn’t think so. Know it, respect it, prepare for it.
• Local Environmental Risks: Headed off into the Andes or the Himalayas, know how to acclimate to the elevation changes and mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Planning on venturing to a seismically active zone? Know what to do in case of an earthquake or volcanic eruption.
• Keep Your Nose Clean: Know the local customs and laws. You don’t want to end up in hot water for something that’s perfectly normal and legal back home. If you’re clockably homosexual like me, maybe pass on the Middle East. If your entire personality is being a pot-head, Singapore and South Korea probably aren’t for you. You get the picture.
• Bring Condoms: If you’re into that kind of thing that is. You just never know when the moment might strike and you’ll want to be ready!
• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas. Walk with a purpose, nunca dar papaya, etc.
• Blend In: Avoid looking like a lost tourist to minimze your perceived ‘otherness’ or ‘exploitability’. Flashy clothes and expensive gadgets are like rob-me signs for thieves, so probably just don’t. If you don’t look local though, there’s only so much you can do. Everyone’s appearance comes charged with different stereotypes and preconceived notions. Try to anticipate it and do what you can to avoid becoming a target.
• Secure Your Belongings: Keep your wallet in your front pocket and other valuables out of sight. Use anti-theft bags and don’t leave your stuff unattended. You know, the basics.
• Don’t Engage: Peddlers, swindlers, and beggars alike would all love an opportunity to dig around in your pockets. It may come across as a bit heartless, but you’re likely nothing more than a human ATM to them, and endless arrays of scams can come out of these interactions. Don’t make eye contact, don’t respond, keep a distance, and don’t break your stride. If you really want to help the locals, there’s about a million and two other ways you can have a positive impact and outreach programs you can donate that don’t treat you like prey.
• Trust Your Gut: If a situation feels off, it probably is. I don’t care what anyone says, there’s no shame in getting the hell out of dodge by what ever means necessary when your spidey senses start tingling.

Food & Water Safety

• Street Food Savvy: Enjoy the local cuisine, but be smart about it. If a food cart looks like it hasn’t seen a health inspector in decades, maybe skip it. Unless you’re in Mexico City. In which case, I would eat the street tacos off of a public toilet seat like a sewer rat. It would be worth every gruelling second of the E-Coli infection to follow.
• Water Caution: Don’t drink the water — at least don’t assume you can. This applies to some regions of the world more than others, but not always is the water potable (drinkable) right out of the tap. So when in doubt, bottled water it out. You don’t need a firsthand experience of “Delhi Belly.”

Emergency Contacts

• Stay Prepared: Keep a list of emergency contacts in your phone, including local authorities and your country’s embassy. Y’all have seen the movie Taken, I don’t need to spell it out to you. A little prep can go a long way when things go sideways.
• Share Your Location: Whether with someone back home or traveling with you, ensure someone always has knowledge of your whereabouts. You can do this by adding trusted people on Find My Friends if you have an iPhone or by employing your explicit communication skills to tell someone where you are going and for how long. But above all, make sure to always shoot a quick text message to your boyfriend who is on another continent to let him know that you’re going to be exploring Parque Nacional Conguillio for the day and that you may not have service, so when he tries to reach you and he can’t, to not call the AirBnb host, the local Chilean authorities, ever park rangers office for every national park in the South American southern cone, the U.S Embassy in Santiago, and everyone you have ever met in your life trying to find you. I may or may not be speaking from experience here. Just let somebody know, it’ll save a lot of heartache for your loved one, and it could end up saving your life if things ever go awry.

While the allure of digital nomadism is the stuff of Instagram dreams, staying healthy and safe requires a little more than just common sense. It’s about being prepared, aware, and (admittedly) sometimes even a little paranoid. Know who you are, take proper precautions, and don’t go getting in your own way by playing with fire you don’t have any business fooling with. Worse things have happened than you not visiting every country in this world. Remember, it’s all fun and games until you’re down a kidney or being chased by a hippo. Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy!

5. Maintain a Social Life

Alright, you brave soul, so you’ve ditched the office environment and decided to see the world. Love that! But let’s face it, being a digital nomad can get lonely. Even if you’re traveling with a buddy, we all crave community and unfortunately you can’t just pack up all of your friends and family and take them with you. Here are some tips to keep you from becoming the weird hermit who talks to walls.

Here’s some word of advice for keeping your relationships alive and kindling new ones while on the go.

Practical Tips for Avoiding Isolation

• Travel in Packs: Convince your friends or family to join you at different points in your journey when you can. They say you can never really know a person until you have navigated a foreign country together.
• Fellow Nomads are Your Tribe: Fellow nomads understand the struggle. Make friends with them and share your travel horror stories over a drink or two. Nomad List and other similar platforms are great for this.
• Join Work Abroad Groups: These groups are filled with people who are just as lost as you. Dive in, introduce yourself, and make some new friends.
• Apps Aren’t Just for Dating: Use apps like Tinder and Bumble to meet new people. Using friend-finding modes makes it easy to connect with locals in a platonic sort of way, not just to swipe through potential dates (unless you want to of course).
• Get Involved Locally: Join local clubs or groups for activities you enjoy. Instant friends with common interests? Yes, please.
• Life’s Better When It’s Multilingual: Learning the local language can earn you major respect points and open doors to deeper connections. Unless you’re in France, then there’s really no winning. However, regardless of the language you learn, it enriches your life in a profound way.
• Hit the Nightlife: Nightlife can be a great way to meet people. Just keep in mind that real connections might be harder to form after a few too many drinks.
• Tech is Your Friend: Use social media and video calls to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Sometimes, a little digital connection can make a big difference.
• Join Co-working Spaces: Work and socialize in spaces designed for meeting like-minded individuals. Plus, they often host events and social gatherings.

So there you have it. Keep your social game strong, make a concerted effort, and don’t become the digital nomading equivalent of a goblin. Your mental health will thank you, and who knows, you might just make some lifelong friends along the way!

Conclusion

Being a Digital Nomad is amazing, it’s so rewarding and I wouldn’t trade these experiences for the world. However, the sobering reality is that being a working and traveling full-time and at the same time isn’t always always a cake walk; it requires discipline and adaptability to succeed in the fine balance required to be able to pull it off.

None of this is meant to be discouraging, but quite the contrary! I want you to be as ready as you can be so that when you take your first step out into the world you can maximize your time enjoying yourself; and minimize your time spent crying in a corner somewhere wanting to give up and go home.

Now go forth, adventurer! Armed with these tips, I hope you’ll find yourself a little closer to spreading your wings!