What is a Digital Nomad? (And How to Become One)
Have you ever wished you could travel more and enjoy complete flexibility in when and where you work? If so, you might want to consider becoming a digital nomad: a freelancer who travels while they work.
Read on to learn more about the digital nomad lifestyle and how you can become one yourself.
What Is a Digital Nomad?
“Digital nomad” refers to someone who works remotely – usually online – while traveling from place to place. Some digital nomads move around constantly, hopping from location to location every few weeks or months, including from one country to another. Others prefer taking shorter, regional trips to focus on immersing themselves in specific destinations before moving on.
Thanks to smartphones, laptops, and a growing range of online tools, digital nomads can work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection – whether it’s a busy city café, a serene beach resort, a coworking space in a foreign capital, or an RV overlooking the Grand Canyon.
This lifestyle offers a sense of adventure and freedom that isn’t always possible in a traditional office setting.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad
Of course, as with any lifestyle, being a digital nomad has its pros and cons.
Pros of Being a Digital Nomad
✔ You can choose when and where you work, escape the daily commute, and spend more time enjoying your surroundings.
✔ Changing locations, cultures, and experiences helps keep things fresh, which can combat boredom and burnout.
✔ You can spend more time doing the things you love, like exploring your surroundings or trying out new activities.
✔ You’re not limited to living in expensive cities, and you can often benefit from lower living costs in certain regions.
✔ You’ll get to meet people from diverse places and backgrounds.
Cons of Being a Digital Nomad
✘ Figuring out work permits or digital nomad visas can be complex.
✘ Coordinating with clients or team members can be stressful if you’re in different parts of the world.
✘ A stable internet connection is crucial. If you encounter connectivity issues, your work can grind to a halt.
✘ Constantly living out of a suitcase means you might miss the familiarity and convenience of a permanent home.
✘ Freelancing often means feast-or-famine earnings, so, if you’re working as a freelancer, you must be prepared for lean periods or unexpected expenses on the road.
How to Become a Digital Nomad
While there’s no set route to becoming a digital nomad, there are some steps you can take to start your journey.
1. Assess Your Skills
Before you embark on a digital nomad lifestyle, it’s essential to evaluate your current skills and determine how they can translate into remote work. Many digital nomads start with skills they already have, while others invest time in learning new ones to increase their job opportunities.
Start by asking yourself:
- What are my strengths? (e.g., Am I a strong writer? a creative thinker? highly organized?)
- Do I have any experience working remotely? If so, what tools and workflows helped me stay productive?
- Can my current job be done remotely, or will I need to switch careers?
- What new skills can I develop to enhance my ability to work independently?
There are countless remote-friendly careers to explore – we’ll look more at that later!
2. Research Your Destinations
If you’ve got a list of places you’d like to visit as a digital nomad, it’s important to research them first to make sure you know what to expect. Read up on:
- The language and phrases you’ll need to know (don’t assume everyone will speak English)
- What affordable accommodation is available for the period you plan to stay
- Local laws regarding employment and taxes
- Any particular locations you want to visit or work from, and how accessible they are
- What facilities and services, such as hospitals, are nearby
The more prepared you are for your travels, the more you’ll get out of being a digital nomad.
3. Prepare a Financial Safety Net
Many digital nomads are freelancers, but freelance work can be unpredictable. Make sure you have a cushion for emergencies (e.g., unexpected medical costs or travel delays). Before you set off on your travels, consider:
- Selling items you won’t need on the road
- Renting out your home while you travel
- Opening a dedicated savings account
- Buying working abroad travel insurance
- Estimating a realistic budget
It’s also wise to get an international credit card to reduce or eliminate international transaction fees while you’re away from home.
4. Research Digital Nomad Visas
If you plan to stay in one location for an extended period, check the requirements for working remotely – some places demand specific digital nomad visas, while others allow remote work on a standard tourist visa. Digital nomad visas differ from tourist visas in two main ways:
- They allow travelers to work in the country they are visiting.
- They last longer than some other visas, with the average digital nomad visa spanning 12 months. However, they can last up to five years, depending on the country.
Unlike more traditional types of work visas, digital nomad visas do not allow the applicant to work toward citizenship. However, as they also don’t require the visa holder to have a fixed address or an employer based in their country of choice, these visas can provide the flexibility many digital nomads are looking for.
Currently, 66 countries offer digital nomad visas, including Australia, Mexico, and the Bahamas, with many more planning to follow the trend.
The application rules vary by country, but they tend to include the following requirements:
- A minimum income
- Proof of employment or that you own your own business
- Evidence that your work is remote (i.e., it can be done from anywhere in the world)
- A valid passport
- Up-to-date health and travel insurance
If you’re interested in a particular country, visit that country’s government website or check the Visa Guide for application information.
5. Get the Right Gear
A successful digital nomad lifestyle is often flexible, freeing, and minimalist. However, the following essentials will make working while traveling much more efficient and comfortable:
- Backpack – You’ll need a sturdy, lightweight, and comfortable backpack with pockets and compartments to organize your belongings. A backpack can double as a carry-on during flights and as your daily bag, making it more convenient than lugging around a suitcase (especially if you’re trying to stay mobile and not overpack).
- Laptop – A reliable laptop is one of the most important tools for any remote worker. Try to choose something compact, lightweight, and durable, with long battery life. It’s also important to make sure your laptop has adequate processing power for your work tasks, and the right ports and connections (e.g., HDMI, USB-C).
- Smartphone – Your phone can be your portable office, navigation tool, translator, time tracker, and more. Before traveling, make sure your phone is unlocked so you can easily switch to local SIM cards and avoid hefty roaming charges. Consider installing apps for time tracking, translation, maps, and currency conversion.
- Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or satellite Wi-Fi– A solid internet connection is essential for remote work. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot (a pocket-sized router) allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet, often with more security than public Wi-Fi. Another option is a satellite internet service designed for travelers. These aren’t suitable if you’re changing countries often, but if you’re based in one country, the hefty initial outlay may be worth it. These options are especially useful in destinations with limited internet access or unreliable connections.
- Noise-canceling earphones – From busy airports to crowded cafés, noise-canceling earphones help block out background noise, allowing you to focus on work or video calls with clients. Wireless earphones keep your workspace neat and clutter-free when you’re on the go.
- Universal travel adapter – Not all countries use the same plug types or voltage. A universal travel adapter with various sockets and USB ports is essential to charge your devices. Look for adapters with safety features to protect your gear from power surges.
- External storage – An external hard drive or SD card is essential for backing up important files in case of computer issues and for transferring large files. Having a backup of your data can be a lifesaver if your device is lost, stolen, or suffers a computer disaster.
- Power bank – If you’re an adventurous nomad working in remote or outdoor settings without readily available power outlets, a power bank will keep your devices charged. Look for one with multiple ports and quick-charge capabilities.
- Cable organizer – Staying organized is key when traveling. A cable organizer keeps USB cords, earphones, and chargers neatly stored, preventing tangles and damage.
6. Connect With Other Digital Nomads
Connecting with other digital nomads will provide you with a sense of community, plus tips and advice on navigating the nomadic lifestyle.
Some communities will even help you find jobs, accommodation, and co-working spaces.
Check out some of these sites for digital nomads:
- Couchsurfing – a tool for connecting with locals willing to host travelers
- Nomad List – information and stats about what it’s like to live and work in thousands of different locations
- Outsite – a way to find accommodation and workspaces designed for freelancers
With an estimated 40 million digital nomads worldwide, you’re sure to find people to connect with and friends for life!
5 Popular Careers for Digital Nomads
Luckily, there are a lot of jobs that are suitable for digital nomads. All of them will require a reliable computer and a connection to the internet. Experience or specific education might also be necessary for some.
Appropriate jobs for digital nomads share a few key features. First of all, you need to be able to work remotely. Ideally, the job will have deadlines that you need to meet or a flexible schedule, so you can organize everything from various time zones.
Here are some of the jobs we think are the best…
1. Language Teaching or Tutoring
English teachers are in high demand in many countries to teach English as a second language (ESL), English as an international language (EFL) or English as an additional language (EAL). This is an especially good option if you have native-like fluency in English, but there are people everywhere who want to learn a variety of different languages.
All you need to do to get started is to be fluent in the language you are going to teach. Some jobs require experience, a university degree, or a teaching certificate, but there are plenty of jobs available for new teachers who can get started by simply recording a lively teaching demo.
If you’d like to learn more about becoming an English language teacher, take a look at this guide from The TEFL Org: How to Become an Online English Teacher?
2. Blogging
People write blogs on almost any topic. You can even have it focused on something to do with your travels – making it a great job for digital nomads. All you need to do is pick a topic or theme, choose your platform, then start writing and posting on a regular basis.
If you want to be a professional blogger, you need to make money doing it. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to monetize your blog. Getting sponsored, promoting online ads, or doing affiliate marketing are just a few ways your blog can provide you with an income.
Sound like a job for you? Check out our posts on How to Start a Blog for Free and Make Money and How to Write a Travel Blog to find out more about getting started.
3. Proofreading and Editing
Do you have a keen eye for detail and a love for language? If so, a career as a freelance proofreader or editor might be right for you.
Proofreaders and editors play a crucial role in ensuring written content is clear, polished, and professional. As a proofreader, you’ll focus on correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Editors, on the other hand, take a more in-depth approach, improving clarity, structure, and overall readability.
Whether you’re reviewing business reports, academic papers, or creative writing, all you need is a laptop, a reliable internet connection, and strong language skills. Many proofreading and editing jobs don’t require formal qualifications, but training can make you a more competitive candidate. Completing a professional proofreading or editing course – like Becoming A Proofreader or Becoming An Editor from Knowadays – can help you refine your skills and gain confidence in your abilities.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of proofreading and editing, check out our guides: How to Become a Proofreader and What Is Copy Editing?
3. Digital Marketing
Marketing is an essential part of any business, and with the rise of digital platforms, it has become one of the most accessible careers for digital nomads.
There are many different paths within marketing, for instance:
- SEO specialists help businesses improve their online visibility through search engine optimization, ensuring their content ranks well on Google.
- Social media managers create and curate content, engage with audiences, and develop strategies to grow a brand’s presence across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
- Brand marketing managers focus on shaping a company’s identity, ensuring its messaging is consistent and compelling across all channels.
- Email marketers craft engaging email campaigns that nurture customer relationships, increase engagement, and drive sales.
- Content marketers develop blog posts, articles, and other long-form content to educate audiences, boost brand authority, and improve search rankings.
While some entry-level marketing jobs require little experience, having a background in marketing, communications, or business can give you a competitive edge. Many digital marketers also take online courses to build their skills in areas like content marketing, email marketing, and analytics. Certifications from platforms like HubSpot, Google, and Meta can help boost your credibility and attract more clients.
If you’re ready to explore a career in remote marketing, have a look at these guides to digital marketing and becoming a digital marketer.
4. Graphic Design
Graphic design is a highly sought-after skill in the digital world, making it a fantastic career choice for digital nomads. Whether you’re designing marketing materials, website visuals, or social media graphics, this career offers creativity, flexibility, and the freedom to work from anywhere.
There are many different paths within graphic design:
- Brand designers create logos, color schemes, and visual identities that help businesses establish a strong, recognizable brand.
- Web designers focus on designing the look and feel of websites, ensuring they are visually appealing, user-friendly, and aligned with a brand’s aesthetic.
- UI/UX designers specialize in optimizing digital experiences, designing intuitive interfaces and improving user interaction with websites, apps, and software.
- Illustrators craft custom artwork and digital illustrations for books, advertisements, websites, and product packaging.
- Motion graphic designers create animated visuals and video content for social media, advertisements, and entertainment projects.
While some graphic designers are self-taught, having formal training or certification can give you an advantage. Online courses in design principles, typography, and software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma can help you develop essential skills. Building a strong portfolio showcasing your best work is key to attracting clients and securing projects.
If you’re interested in starting a career as a freelance graphic designer, take a look at these guides from Adobe (How to Become a Graphic Designer) and Coursera (What Is a Graphic Designer? And How Can You Start?)
5. Freelance Writing
Freelance writers create a wide range of content, from blog posts and articles to website copy, product descriptions, and marketing emails. Two of the most popular freelance writing paths are content writing and copywriting:
- Content writers focus on informing, educating, or entertaining an audience through well-researched articles, blog posts, and guides.
- Copywriters, on the other hand, specialize in persuasive writing, creating sales pages, advertisements, and brand messaging designed to drive action.
There’s a high demand for skilled writers across industries, meaning you can find work in a niche that matches your interests, whether it’s travel, finance, technology, or health and wellness.
To get started, you’ll need strong writing skills, an understanding of grammar, and the ability to research effectively. While formal qualifications aren’t necessary, taking a professional
writing course – such as Knowadays’ Becoming A Freelance Writer or Becoming A Copywriter – can help you sharpen your skills, learn industry best practices, and build a portfolio. Many writers also find work by pitching to clients directly, signing up for freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or networking through social media and professional groups.
If you’re ready to start your journey as a freelance writer, check out our guides: What Is Content Writing? and What Is Copywriting?
Become a Digital Nomad
If the idea of traveling and working remotely resonates with you, you’ll want a reliable income stream that can be managed from anywhere in the world. That’s where Knowadays can help. Our Becoming A Freelancer course takes you step by step through setting up your freelance business in any field. We offer self-paced, CPD-accredited online courses that teach you everything you need to start a freelance career. You can even try them out for free!
Updated on March 31, 2025
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