Before I started running my online business full-time, I worked at a desk job where I received only a couple of weeks of vacation each year. Earlier in my career I spent more than five years in a position that provided no vacation time at all.
Although not everyone has access to paid time off, I knew that very limited travel time wouldn’t satisfy me.
Even though I often work while traveling because I’m location independent, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The ability to work remotely is a dream come true.
I love exploring new places while maintaining my work. Being a digital nomad isn’t perfect, but it’s immensely rewarding and fun.
In 2015 alone I traveled to Nevada, California, Washington, Wyoming, Utah, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and my home states of Colorado and Missouri. I spent most of the year on the road and don’t plan to slow down.
Right now I’m writing this while looking at the beautiful Jackson Lake and the mountains of Grand Teton National Park.
Many readers are curious about adopting a location independent lifestyle. It’s a great goal, but remember: being location independent still requires you to earn money and manage practical logistics.
Read on for advice on how to become a digital nomad.
Figure out how you will support yourself.
There are many ways to support yourself while traveling. Whatever path you choose, it’s wise to decide in advance.
You might find an employer who permits remote work, start your own business, freelance online, or take on short-term gigs as you travel. Planning your income source ahead of time reduces stress and helps you stay sustainable on the road.
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This leads to the next important suggestion…
Have a plan.
Having a plan is essential if you want to travel and work at the same time.
Important questions to consider when planning a location independent life include:
- How will you earn money while traveling?
- How much income do you need to cover living and travel expenses?
- Do you need to save money before you leave?
- How long do you plan to travel?
- What will you do about health insurance?
- Will you maintain a home base?
- How will you handle mail?
- How will you secure reliable internet access?
- Do you need visas or permits to work in the countries you’ll visit?
Determine your pace.
Decide whether you want to travel slowly or move quickly from place to place — each approach has pros and cons.
I prefer traveling slowly because it’s often more affordable; transportation costs usually consume the bulk of a travel budget, and staying longer in one place lets you enjoy it without constantly packing and moving.
Faster travel lets you visit more destinations in a short time. That can work if your work schedule is flexible, but if you need to hold a local job or maintain a consistent workload in each city, frequent moves can become difficult.
Backup all of your work.
If you work primarily from a laptop, back up everything regularly. Devices can be damaged, lost, or stolen — and losing your work can be devastating.
Keeping reliable backups will save you a great deal of frustration and protect your business and memories.
Work ahead.
Planning and working ahead keeps me calm and productive. Preparing content or work in advance helps when you encounter poor internet, fall in love with a place and want to stay longer, or face unexpected interruptions.
This strategy has helped me a lot, especially in remote areas where connectivity is unreliable. For internet on the road, I use a mobile hotspot device.
Unplug occasionally if you work remotely.
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is unplugging. When your office comes with you, separating work from life can be difficult.
Set boundaries: schedule work hours, take regular breaks, and make time to experience the places you visit so travel doesn’t become just another office setting.
Travel hack.
Since you’ll be traveling frequently, look for ways to reduce costs. Travel hacking through rewards and loyalty programs can significantly lower expenses or even provide free travel opportunities in some cases.
Related article: How I’ve Earned $2,500 In Credit Card Rewards In One Year
Keep yourself motivated.
Without managers watching over you, staying motivated is crucial. Create a routine and a designated work schedule to maintain focus and productivity, just as you would in a traditional office.
Accountability systems, goals, and time-blocking techniques can also help you complete tasks and meet deadlines while enjoying the freedom of remote life.
Enjoy yourself.
Ultimately, travel is about experiences. Don’t spend your entire trip stuck in a hotel room working. Get out, explore, and balance work with meaningful travel.
Work remotely, embrace new places, and make the most of your location independent lifestyle.
Would you like to live the location independent lifestyle? What other tips would you give someone who wants to become a digital nomad?