Imagine traveling the world while doing what you love most, whether it’s coding, writing, painting, or whatever makes your heart sing. Believe it or not, you can bring your dream to life. It won’t be easy, but the rewards will be worth it.
Let’s say you’re good at sales. Make a business plan, create an eCommerce website, and upload your products. Ideally, choose a no-code platform like Wix so you can easily add, edit, or remove content as needed.
Next, partner with a dropshipping supplier or fulfillment company so you don’t have to stress over inventory management and logistics. With this approach, you can work from anywhere and build a thriving business while enjoying life to the fullest.
That’s just one example of how to balance business and travel. Here’s what you should know before getting started.
The Rise of the Digital Nomad
In a 2024 survey, 18.1 million Americans described themselves as digital nomads. That’s a 147% increase compared to 2019. Nearly 40% of respondents were millennials, 26% were Gen Zers, and 14% were 55 or older.
Another 21 million Americans said they want to embrace this lifestyle over the next two or three years. But, as the researchers note, only 7% to 9% of those who plan to become digital nomads actually do so.
The truth is that not everyone can pursue this way of life. While it’s possible to become a digital nomad at any age, you also need discipline and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
Be prepared to live out of a backpack, work in less-than-ideal conditions, and attend virtual meetings while dealing with jet lag. Plus, you must stay compliant with international tax and labor laws, have proper documentation, and know your rights in the countries you work from.
These aspects can be challenging, but once you get the ball rolling, everything starts falling into place.
Think about all the resources you have at your fingertips: widespread internet access, remote work tools, co-living spaces, rental platforms, and much more. You just need to take the first step.
How to Balance Work and Adventure as a Digital Nomad
Digital nomadism isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and you need a well-thought-out plan to make it work.
First, be realistic about how far you’re willing to go.
Would you describe yourself as a creature of habit? Then you may not feel comfortable jumping from one location to another or spending days on the road. A better approach is to spend a few weeks or months in one place before moving on to the next.
Consider your ideal work setting, too. The idea of working on a beach may seem glamorous, but it’s rather unrealistic (unless you’re a lifeguard!). The sand, heat, and sunlight can make it difficult to use your computer and get things done.
Also, think about your health. Even minor issues like a common cold, knee pain, or backaches can interfere with your travel plans. So, make sure you can afford and have access to medical services in the countries you visit.
That being said, here are three strategies to balance work and adventure as a digital nomad.
Find a Job You Can Do from Anywhere
According to recent research, 35% of digital nomads were freelancing in 2023. Another 31.1% held full-time jobs, 13.6% ran a business, and 6.8% were self-employed.
These findings confirm that whether you’re an entrepreneur or an employee, you can become a digital nomad. What matters most is finding a job you can do from anywhere.
Let’s see a few examples:
- Web developer
- Content writer or copywriter
- Graphic designer
- Software Engineer
- Social media manager
- Virtual assistant
- Digital marketing specialist
- SEO manager/executive
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Online tutor
- Language teacher
If you’re not that much into tech, look for remote customer service jobs. Alternatively, consider working as a freelance travel agent, project manager, or accountant—depending on your professional background.
Another option is to offer online consulting or coaching services in your area of expertise.
For instance, many personal trainers offer fitness coaching over the internet. Some also sell online courses or make money from affiliate programs and sponsored posts.
Be Mindful of Your Spending
Being a digital nomad isn’t cheap. Depending on where and when you travel, you may end up overpaying for food, accommodation, internet, and other basic necessities. Not to mention the cost of flight tickets, which skyrocketed over the past few years.
These expenses can take a toll on your budget and force you to work more. If that happens, you’ll have little or no time to chill down and explore your surroundings, which would defeat the purpose of travel.
The solution? Be mindful of your spending and come up with a solid game plan.
Take accommodation, for example. Most hotels and Airbnb are on the pricey side, have low availability, or don’t allow long-term stays.
What you can do is join chat rooms and Facebook groups aimed at digital nomads, expats, or people searching for long-term accommodation in the city you’re heading to.
If, say, you want to spend three months in Rome, check out these Facebook groups:
- Accommodations in Rome 2024/2025
- Official Rent a Room in Rome
- ROME – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets
- Rent in Rome
- Digital Nomad accommodation and co-housing
- Digital Nomad Havens: Co-Living & Co-Working Spaces
Alternatively, consider house or pet sitting, which comes with the perk of free accommodation.
All you need to do is join pet-sitting groups on social media or platforms like Trusted Housesitters, Rover, and Nomador. Fill out your profile and look for gigs in the countries you’re interested in.
Create a Travel-Friendly Routine
While it’s important to leave your comfort zone when traveling, you should still have some sort of routine. Otherwise, you may not be able to do your work and get the most out of your experience.
Schedule dedicated time slots for each task, but be prepared to adjust your routine as needed.
For example, you could work a few hours in the morning, take the afternoon off, and resume your work later in the day. Or start work early so you can finish by 2:00 or 3:00 PM and do whatever you feel like.
Things are a bit easier if you run your own business. You can work more on some days than others, make your own schedule, and outsource the projects you don’t have time for.
So, are you ready to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle? Look into the best free website builders, set up your site, and take the first steps to a career that gives you the freedom to work on the go. Ideally, start with easily accessible locations where you can do your job and travel around without unexpected surprises.
