Almost everyone uses a laptop, smartphone, Bluetooth speaker, or other tech gadget during the day. This has led to the rise of digital nomads. These wayward wanderers adopt unique habits and practices to accommodate their mobile, tech-heavy lifestyle. Here are fourteen things digital nomads do, showcasing the rise of technology and the need to stay connected on the go.
1. Work from Cafés and Co-working Spaces
Digital nomads often use cafés and co-working spaces as their offices. These environments offer reliable Wi-Fi, networking opportunities, and a change of scenery from the usual work-from-home setup. These lively cafés are perfect for those who need a semi-structured environment to stay productive but can’t stay focused at home. Plus, they usually sell delicious coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and baked treats.
2. Live in Short-Term Rentals
Unlike most people who sign year-long leases or own their homes, a digital nomad tends to live in short-term rentals. Whether for work or just because they like a change of scene, they hop around from place to place, sometimes more than once in a given year. Services like Airbnb or local vacation rental businesses cater to this need, offering more flexibility and less commitment. Some nomads use it as an excuse for a nice vacation.
3. Own Minimalist, Multipurpose Clothing
Traveling light is essential. Rather than shelling out for the latest trendy shirts and shoes, nomads have minimalist wardrobes. They own a few versatile and suitable pieces that can work for professional or casual settings and in various climates. Clothing items that can be layered, dressed up, or down, and are durable and easy to care for are staples in a nomad’s suitcase.
4. Use Virtual Mail Services
For the most part, these nomadic techy people do not have a fixed address. For that reason, they rely on virtual mail services to handle them instead. These services collect mail, scan it, and send it digitally instead of putting it in the mailbox. Nomads can access their mail from anywhere in the world without needing to change their mailing address frequently.
5. Have Multiple SIM Cards
If you see someone sifting through a bunch of SIM cards, chances are they’re a digital nomad. By having these SIM cards, they can easily switch between networks. This is especially important in other countries for avoiding exorbitant roaming charges. Staying connected is crucial for a nomad’s work, so having local SIM cards helps maintain productivity and reduce costs.
6. Use International Banking Services
Managing finances across different countries can be complicated. Digital nomads often use international banking services or digital banks. These services offer low fees for foreign transactions and currency exchanges. They also make it easier to access funds anywhere while minimizing the fees typically associated with international banking.
7. Follow a Flexible Work Schedule
Do you want to work a flexible schedule? Consider becoming a digital nomad! You don’t have to work the typical 9-to-5 schedule. Digital nomads work at times that suit their current time zone and lifestyle, even if it’s at unconventional hours in the middle of the night. This gives them the freedom to travel and see sights they’ve never explored before.
8. Regularly Update Travel Documents
Because of the transient nature of their lifestyle, digital nomads need to keep travel documents current and up-to-date. This includes ensuring that passports have enough empty pages, visas are up to date, and any required travel insurance is active. By being organized, they can avoid last-minute scrambles before moving to a new destination. It also helps prevent inconveniences like missed flights.
9. Participate in Local Meetups and Events
It can be lonely to live a life always on the go. A digital nomad must find a way to be social however they can, especially when connecting about work projects. Whether it’s through business networking events or spending leisure time checking out local festivals, nomads can meet a variety of interesting people. Platforms like Meetup.com or Facebook groups also provide opportunities to meet locals and other travelers.
10. Constantly Learn New Languages
The number of multilingual people has increased over the last few decades. Living in various countries, a digital nomad is more likely to pick up the basics of local languages. This not only helps in everyday interactions but also enriches the travel experience. It’s easier to connect with local communities and cultures if you can speak their language.
11. Prioritize Data Security
Frequently using public Wi-Fi networks will put you at risk of cyber threats. To travel often for work, you must prioritize data security more than the average user. This can be done through using VPNs and secure data storage options. If you’re a nomad, take whatever precautions necessary to guard sensitive information and maintain your privacy online.
12. Develop a High Level of Self-discipline
When you’re traveling all over the world, it can be really easy to get distracted by all the new sights. To be a successful digital nomad, one must manage their own time effectively across different time zones. This requires a high level of self-discipline and self-motivation. There’s no one over your shoulder setting schedules and making sure you stick to them in the new environments you traverse.
13. Invest in Quality Tech Gear
Be ready to shell out some money if you want to live as a digital nomad. Since your work is primarily online, it’s important to invest in reliable and high-quality tech gear. This includes laptops, smartphones, noise-canceling headphones, and portable Wi-Fi devices. With these gadgets, you can work efficiently no matter your location.
14. Embrace a Global Network of Friends and Contacts
Building a global network is part of the digital nomad lifestyle. Many of these individuals forge connections with people they meet through constant travel. These friends and professional contacts are found all around the world. This not only helps in their personal lives but can also aid in their professional endeavors.
Live Like a Nomad
If you love the freedom of travel and the flexibility of remote work, then becoming a digital nomad could be a good choice. These voyeuristic individuals live a unique lifestyle, seeing sights, trying new cuisines, and learning new languages from all over the world. Just remember to adopt these practices and habits to keep up with the demands of all that movement and change. By doing so, you can balance work obligations with the enriching experiences that global travel has to offer.
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.
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