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Ever thought about travelling abroad but ultimately decided not to due to work commitments? Well, for over a decade, a form of working has combined the best of both worlds: being a digital nomad.

This guide will look at what digital nomads are, the benefits of being one, and how to do it safely.

What is a digital nomad?

Digital nomads are people who work while travelling the world. They have no set base. Instead of homeowning or long-term renting, nomads live in short-term lets, hotels, or hostels. And instead of an office, they work from cafes and shared workspaces.

Who are these digital nomads? Well, according to 2022 research from MBO Partners, they’re typically millennials (47% of all ages surveyed) and males (59%). They’re also likely to work in IT, creative services, or education and training. They’re well-educated too.

The benefits of being a digital nomad

So, why become a digital nomad? The big benefit is seeing the world without a time limit. Most people who go travelling have to come back home at some point. A digital nomad, however, can continue exploring the world as long as they have work to sustain their spending.

It’s also a great lifestyle for people who want to see far-flung places that might be out of their price range when travelling without working. And they can explore more of the location when they get there. For instance, according to Statista, the top remote-working city destination is Bangkok in Thailand. It’s understandable; the city is home to 10.5 million people and has a very long list of sights and neighbourhoods to explore.

Many digital nomads also speak of enjoying increased productivity while travelling. This can be due to the need to support themselves in a far-away location. The process of working abroad also undoubtedly pushes boundaries too. This can help improve adaptability and resilience.

Safety tips for digital nomads

If you want to become a digital nomad, you must do so safely. Follow these top tips:

  • Use a VPN – Having a reliable virtual private network provider by your side will protect your devices when using free public Wi-Fi networks. For instance, using a VPN for Apple devices can help you surf safely and reduce your data usage.
  • Data backup – Whether it’s your work or your photos, you never know when thieves might strike and do away with your devices when travelling. As such, it’s crucial you use a cloud-based data backup service, so you don’t lose any documents.
  • Travel Insurance – Travel insurance will protect your belongings and your health while away. Not all countries offer free healthcare, and fewer still offer it to foreigners, so always travel insured.

Would you be a digital nomad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.