Whether you’re drawn to the life of a digital nomad due to a desire to travel long-term or are simply craving a change – you must ensure that you are fully prepared for the realities of the lifestyle at the outset.
After all, while it can be a lot of fun, it is also challenging. For example, there’s a lot of paperwork to deal with, and you must learn to cope with being apart from those you love or care about.
With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can follow when first starting as a digital nomad, making the process as enjoyable as possible.
Do your research. Becoming a digital nomad is not a process that you should rush into, no matter how much of a travel pro you may consider yourself. After all, there’s a distinct difference between traveling for a few weeks and living in a foreign country – especially when obtaining the relevant VISAs or work permits. As such, you should be sure to carry out plenty of research ahead of time into your chosen destination(s) so that you can keep up to date with the necessary paperwork and legalities.
Find your home away from home. When traveling, staying in hotels and hostels can be a lot of fun. However, when you’re staying in a country for several months, this is less than ideal. After all, it means you’re often going without amenities such as a kitchen or laundry room, which can quickly make your day-to-day life much more expensive.
Furthermore, it can also leave you feeling as though you are living out of your suitcase, which can become tiring. As such, it is often advised that digital nomads seek out more permanent, long-term accommodation, such as by staying in two bedroom apartments in DC. This means you have a ‘home base’ that feels more like a home!
Find your community. Moving to a different country, even temporarily, can be incredibly isolating. After all, you’re moving away from your friends and family into a space that you are unfamiliar with. Fortunately, there are many different ways in which you can combat this. For example, making use of local co-working spaces is a great starting point, alongside joining groups specifically for digital nomads living and working in the area.
This way, you can connect with others in a similar situation to your own, who likely have plenty of shared interests. If they’ve been in town a little longer, they can also provide you with tips and advice or introduce you to others. Either way, this means that you’ll be able to establish a sense of community early on.
However, you should also remain in close contact with those you have left behind. You’d be surprised about the benefits even a simple phone call with a friend or loved one can have on your mood and outlook! As such, this is something that you should try to make time for in your weekly schedule.
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