6 Things Every Digital Nomad Needs For Success
The lifestyle of a digital nomad is perfect for those who hate feeling tied to any one place for too long. However, success only comes to some who try this lifestyle. If you’re looking for more than a longer-than-average holiday, you need determination, perseverance, and self-discipline.
As well as these personality traits, there are some essential things you’ll need to take with you to ensure success as a digital nomad.
5 things every digital nomad needs to get successful
1. Robust Luggage
As a digital nomad, the expectation is you’ll change location frequently and carry your life with you. To do this, you’ll need a robust luggage set that can take a few knocks, protect your belongings, and, importantly, is easy for you to carry.
A well-fitted rucksack is a good choice as, even when fully loaded is comfortable to carry on your back in any weather while leaving your hands free. Should this be different from your taste, then opt for a strong suitcase with sturdy wheels and handles.
2. Travel Insurance
Whether you stay overseas for an extended period or prefer to come and go from home as you please, travel insurance is a must. The type of trip you’re planning dictates the policy you want.
Thankfully there are plenty of options, and if you plan to come and go, often a multi-trip travel insurance policy is the perfect solution. You’ll appreciate the peace of mind by covering many potential trip-destroying possibilities like stolen luggage, adverse weather, and ill health.
3. A Grown-Up Outlook
Hey, I’ve been there, done that with the backpacker’s hostels and a new country every few days, kind of travel. It was an absolute blast and gave me many wonderful (and a few embarrassing) memories.
But it’s time to grow up if you’re serious about making a reasonable living off this digital nomad business. No one will get quality work done in a cheap hostel room with nine other people coming and going.
It’s okay to do some work sitting on the beach or in a café, but when you need to concentrate, give yourself the space to do so properly. Stay in a comfortable hotel or apartment that provides peace, or look into flexible office spaces.
It’s also time to slow down the travel and learn to appreciate being in one place for more than a few days. Your stories and work output benefit from spending quality time in one destination over constant whirlwind touring.
4. Find Your Strengths
There’s no one way of making a living as a digital nomad; what works great for one person might not be suitable for you. Figure out what your strengths are and find the best platform to showcase them.
A webpage developer with a laptop and stable wi-fi connection can work from anywhere, and so can an ESOL tutor. If you’re going the social media route, work out who your target audience is in advance and build an online following on your chosen platform before leaving home.
5. The Right Gear
A quick look online reveals plenty of common-sense packing lists of all the everyday things you need to take when planning to live out of a case.
However, you must take the necessary equipment when planning to work and earn as you go. Replacing a forgotten towel or USB cable is easy, installing a sizeable yet vital app over dodgy wi-fi less so.
Before setting off, go through every piece of equipment to ensure it works and fits your needs. If you are on video calls, check the camera and microphone on your laptop and phone, for example. Also, confirm everything fits securely in your luggage to save on nasty surprises when you arrive.
Most importantly, remember to bring a universal power adaptor, so your electrics work everywhere.
6. Knowledge Airline Allowances
The rise in budget airlines has made travel more accessible if you’re willing to travel light. In the past, a plane ticket generally included a standard checked-in luggage allowance, but not so anymore. Suddenly that budget ticket isn’t so budget friendly for those traveling with a lot of equipment like laptops and camera gear.
Consider how much luggage you need and research what various carriers offer. A laptop and a few light beachwear outfits could reasonably fit in a carry-on, whereas if you need a large bag with clothes for several seasons, it must be checked-in luggage.
At this point, a mid-range carrier may be priced similarly to a budget company and provide a more comfortable flight experience. If planning a few stops, research onward flights to ensure you’re not caught out on any of the legs with a significantly smaller luggage allowance because excess luggage charges are hefty.
Approaching life as a digital nomad requires the right attitude and several practical considerations like how best to earn money, what to take, and having proper insurance coverage. With these things, you have an excellent chance of success.
