When you open up your Facebook or Instagram apps these days, it’s not unusual to see images of remote workers sitting on a tropical beach, sipping a drink with a laptop in hand. But just how are these people making a good income? And how is it achievable? If you love the idea of travelling the world while earning money, you should consider becoming a digital nomad.
We offer entrepreneurs an unparalleled experience flying into, and out of, some of the hardest destinations to reach across the globe, so as soon as you choose to adopt this new way of working, we can get you to wherever you want to be. Read our tips below on how to become a digital nomad, and it could soon be you that is working from anywhere.
First things first: what is a digital nomad? The term refers to remote workers who frequently travel to different locations. Setting up in public libraries, coffee shops, co-working spaces and even on the beach, digital nomads rely on mobile hotspots to complete their work – wherever they want. Some of the common roles that lend themselves to a remote lifestyle include marketing, project management, IT, sales, transcription and software development.
Before you get started, it’s a smart idea to have a safety net. Having an income you can rely on for a few months in advance will be beneficial should an emergency arise. You should also get rid of any unnecessary expenses. When you’re paying for things that don’t positively impact your life, it’s time to say goodbye to them. If you’re on the road – or up in the air – constantly, you’re not going to need subscriptions or memberships to things you’re not using. If you have any possessions that are no longer a necessity, it could be a good idea to sell or donate them, too.
There isn’t one specific path to becoming a digital nomad, but by starting to reduce location ties, identifying your strong skills, building your business beforehand, deciding on your first destination and creating a plan and sticking to it, you’ll be able to work towards your goal.
The digital nomad lifestyle is an appealing one – if you can make it work for you.
If you would like to be able to work from anywhere, it is essential that you acquire or possess the right skills. Being a digital nomad is not as easy as you might think: when you travel the world for work, you will have to ensure that you have the right legal documents for the destination you are travelling to. Getting a visa is not always simple, and neither is figuring out how to pay taxes, or how to report your income in the various locations.
Another worry is that you’re not guaranteed an income. When you run your own company, there is always a risk that clients or customers might come and go.
In order to lead a location-independent lifestyle and have the best chance of success, you’ll have to know what motivates you and how to balance your work. Self-awareness will help you to form a good routine, as well as build a solid structure.
You’ll also need to be resourceful because when you’re a digital nomad, you’re an army of one. Equipped with a laptop that will provide you with a whole world of information, you can learn anything and everything on the go.
You will also need to be extremely open-minded and optimistic. Saying yes to the unknown is scary, but it might be the only way that you will ever grow. In different countries, you will be exposed to new cultures, but you must be curious about them, rather than fearful.
If you are looking for locations with a thriving digital nomad community, Bali, Buenos Aires and Lisbon are all fantastic places to start.
Bali has risen to become a global epicentre of remote working. From its deluxe yet extremely affordable accommodation options to its stunning easy-going cafes and bars, it makes for the perfect place to tap away at a laptop. With beautiful weather almost all-year-round, connections to Southeast Asia and extremely friendly locals, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with many digital nomads.
Buenos Aires is also an incredible location for wanderers. The cost of living, coffee house culture and expat community draws many people in every year. Finally, Lisbon should be another place to add to your list. Europe’s digital nomad hub has not only won many travel awards, but it also boasts a fantastic food and nightlife scene and has fast and reliable Wi-Fi – which is a necessity!
Get to all the destinations you want to work from in style with VistaJet. Flying to 96% of the world’s countries, we’re proud to be the first and only global aviation company. If you’re looking to become a digital nomad soon, get in touch with us and we will help you to organise your first trip.
