Travelling the world and getting paid for it – sounds like a beautiful dream, doesn’t it? Oh, but it can be so much more than a dream, it can become a reality and a way of life. The modern, digital world is opening all kinds of doorways and opportunities for those yearning to experience the cultures of the world and can’t imagine being chained to an office chair all day long. However, you need to be prudent in your approach, because travelling the world is business as much as it is pleasure – you need to monetize your travels and pave the road to financial security and independence. Here's how to combine work and travel and become a successful digital nomad.
Combine work and travel - become a successful digital nomad
1. Understand what it means to be a digital nomad
Being a digital nomad is as much about experiencing the wonders of the world as it is about kick-starting your own business and strategizing on how to monetize your investment. While you might have considered yourself abstemious when it comes to money and personal possessions, you will soon realise that you need substantial financing to fuel your exploits.
To that end, you will need to start up your own online business. This can be anything that interests you, from a travel blog, to a digital marketing agency – anything you can do on the go. Often enough, this will mean working strange hours, meeting deadlines instead of immediately hitting the town, etc. Remember, just because you’re travelling the world doesn’t mean you won’t have business hours.
2. Get the right tools
As a digital entrepreneur travelling the world, you will need to have numerous gadgets and tools at hand, ready to help you get the job done on a daily basis, regardless of your location. More than anything else, you will need to rely on your trusty laptop, so make sure it’s always operating in top condition.
Aside from your computer, you will need a rugged cell phone with a strong network and Wi-Fi connection, universal chargers, video cameras, a GPS device, a ready means to an internet connection, and a reliable online payment processor (such as PayPal). Be sure to have all of your social media accounts set up, and have a trusty cloud storage service on hand.
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3. Choose the right countries
While you might feel tempted to hit up the most exotic destinations first, you do want to be prudent in your approach. Make an annual list of all the countries you want to visit, and start off with the most suitable and welcoming destinations. This will not only help you get valuable experience but it will also make the transitioning process easier.
Be sure to choose countries based on their VISA requirements, exchange rate, internet access and coverage, online payment processor access, and of course their living standards. Be sure to build your financial success in suitable countries before exploring more closed off destinations - you don’t want to find yourself stranded in Shanghai with no money and no means of getting paid.
4. Choose a job you can do on the go
As mentioned earlier, you have plenty of career options to choose from in the thriving digital world. Nowadays, you can monetize any business venture if you can take it online, so if you have been an SEO specialist working from an office up until now, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pack your bags and take your work with you.
The best part about being a digital nomad is that you can take the time to learn new skills and do the things you love. The possibilities are numerous, and you can even get paid to take surveys online to earn some extra cash while on the go.
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5. Take the time to experience the culture
Finally, in order to truly enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle, you want to experience the local culture like a true native. This will also help you convey your observations and stories to the online world when writing up a blog or a short post on your social media.
People love reading about personal stories, so make sure you become a part of the local community as soon as you reach your destination, as this will help you build your online following faster.
The modern, technology-driven world is the perfect place to start up your digital business venture, so why not combine your career choices with the pleasures of travel and global exploration? Be sure to use these tips to pave the road to long-term success as a digital nomad.
Author: Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography who loves to talk about her experiences. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.
