Eli | BecomeNomad: Recent Episodes

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It’s not always that BecomeNomad celebrates such an important milestone, so first and foremost we would like to thank each and every one of you! This project wouldn’t exist without you, and we hope that through our podcast and our blog, we are helping people, whether in a big or small way, to live their best nomadic life.

At the time of the celebration of the 100th episode a few months ago, Eli was traveling through the Balkans, a region he defined as one of his favorites in the world. Dan, for his part, was spending a great time in Berlin while planning a few escapades to the United Kingdom and Croatia. But this is one of the few instances in which actual traveling will take the backseat. The celebration of the 100th Become Nomad episode is a great occasion to reflect on our incredible journey (no pun intended) as nomadic people. We’re all in this together, after all.

Listen to the full pod below!

Keeping a nomadic journal helps celebrate the journey

There are many reasons why Eli and Dan decide every day to keep Become Nomad alive, each of them important, but after 100 episodes, it’s impossible not to think of it as some form of a logbook. Most people reading this will relate to not having a lot of consistency in their lives. No matter how disciplined and organized you are, the fact remains that a life of moving around doesn’t leave a lot of room for it. And that’s how we like it, right? No one gets into this lifestyle to find a restricting routine. But we all need it in some way, no matter how small.

This podcast certainly serves as a kind of journal, not just for the people involved in it but for everyone listening. Coming back to it and knowing that, on the other side, there are people who are going through similar experiences and have either advice on it or understand the situation is comforting, and brings a sense of normalcy in an otherwise unconventional life.

Eli opened up about the importance of the podcast in his life in this episode, and his insight could be enlightening to a nomad looking for somewhere to belong. In his day-to-day life, Eli has his own job. A job that’s different than most, of course, since it allows him to move around almost freely, but at the end of the day what you do for a living defines you. And that might be fine for some people, everybody is different, but being a nomad a lot of the time means being multiple things at the same time. Eli spoke on this and said that he surprised himself by being so consistent with this podcast (which we all appreciate) and reflected on how much it actually helps him.

He also said that Become Nomad is an essential part of who he is, that what we read and hear from him is a true facet of his personality, and that cultivating it comforts him greatly. Because he knows that if someday his work, the one project that defines a big chunk of his life, falls through, he doesn’t have to start from scratch. Because in the many dozens of episodes here, he has documented his nomadic life, he has given it shape, and he has discovered himself. So he will know where to start rebuilding himself.

Whatever shape your “logbook” takes (an actual journal, an audible logbook, another great podcast on nomad life, etc), keeping it will almost definitely help keep you grounded. It will be a compass to guide you through this sometimes convoluted life. You will have an actual place to return to and remind yourself who you are and who you were, and through that, figuring out who you want to be will be so much easier.

Even all these years in, digital nomading is a learning experience

Eli has been a digital nomad since 2010, so one would think that he’s now an expert on this lifestyle that has everything figured out. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but after over a decade, he said he’s still pretty much learning as he goes along.

This should not discourage beginners, though. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. He warned us in this episode that being a nomad is not a skill that you can master. In fact, he said he felt he knew more when he first started, while now he’s more comfortable embracing the uncertainty and getting a little bit lost from time to time. If you’ve been with us for a long time then you will have noticed that the type of content of this blog, and the podcast, has changed a lot over the years. This is due to two things.

First of all: what Eli was learning at the time. When he was just starting he was still trying to work out the best logistical aspects of nomadic life. The best way to travel, the best places to settle, the most efficient way of working… The pods at the time were a lot more technical.

That’s because second of all: the information we needed in 2012 wasn’t out there for us to find. So Eli had to learn through experience, and once he did he would put it out there for other nomads to hear. We don’t really need that anymore. There are enough blogs with tips out there. And that’s also not what has proven more useful for digital nomads, at least from Become Nomad’s perspective. Talking through experiences not with the purpose of writing down a list of bullet points but as a way to connect with a community enriches nomadic life more than anything else.

That’s also why the idea of massive success was not the goal behind this project. We’ve been very lucky over the years, but that was never the point. Our hosts just want to be companions to other digital nomads, entertain them, and if they get something out of it, then that’s a reward in itself.

100 more to go: Let’s look to our nomadic future

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’ve just started on this lifestyle, we’re here for you. As our host Eli said, “as long as it’s fun, we’ll continue.” That’s the simple yet lofty goal for the next 100 episodes. As long as this pod continues to be entertaining and helpful for our friends, you can be sure that Become Nomad will have your back. Nomadic life is a constant learning experience, as this podcast has been for our dear hosts, and we hope to continue sharing the growth and progress with you.

Lastly, you should know that Become Nomad is always open to feedback. You can leave reviews on Apple Podcasts and tell us what you would like to hear about. What you think would be useful to have more insight on or what kind of anecdotes you’d like to hear from our hosts. There are many that will crack you up, so just let us know!

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Many foreign people asked about Lithuania would probably affirm having heard of this country before but questions like where it is, how it looks like or what it is known for, would probably be accompanied by raising and lowering of shoulders. That’s why we’ve put together this guide of Lithuania for digital nomads.

Because widely unknown does not always mean less modern or uncivilized, and everyone stepping into lands of Lithuania can ascertain that themselves. This country, like few others, have a perfect balance between peacefulness and up to date technology. Thus, it is a great place for a digital nomad to spend couple of months in.

In this blog, we will present the general overview of the country together with some great tips on what not to miss out!

You can also listen to our podcast about Vilnius and the pros/cons of Lithuania for digital nomads here.

• The population of Lithuania is 2.8 million and it takes an area of 65,300 km2. It is the biggest of the Baltic States.
• Lithuania borders with Poland to the South, Latvia to the North, Belarus to the East and Russia to the South West. You can easily do a weekend trip and visit all of them during your stay!
• Lithuania has a rather flat landscape with the highest mountain (yes, mountain) of Aukstojas reaching 293.84 m.
• Forests cover approximately 34,8% of Lithuania′s territory, wherever you go, a forest, reservoir or any other natural gem is always on your way.
• The country has approximately 90 km of seafront with the cities like Nida, Kursiu Nerija, Sventoji- all three famous for breath-taking sand dunes and picturesque landscapes, as well as the only port town Klaipeda, and Palanga- extremely crowded on summers and known for the parties.
• The capital city Vilnius inhabits around 0.5 million people. Vilnius is considered one of the most unknown European capitals so it has comparably low traffic of tourists. The city has just enough people to do not feel alone but at the same time, you have enough space for yourself.
• Other major cities are Kaunas with the Ninth Fort for the history fans and Klaipeda
• Public transportation infrastructure inside and between the cities is well developed and cheap compared to other European cities.
• Lithuanians are generally open-minded people, friendly and not too religious.
• Important note for the digital nomads: Lithuania has one of the fastest Internet in the world, and it is free of charge in the public places, such as cafes and restaurants.

Useful Information about Lithuania for digital nomads* Visas: Lithuania is part of European Union and Schengen zone. European Union members can travel freely and stay up to 3 months without registering themselves in a country; if you are not European Union member, you might need a visa. Check it in the official websites to find out what visas are required. * Currency: Lithuania is a Eurozone country and the official currency is Euro. Unlike west of Europe or even Estonia, Lithuania is still very affordable. It is not Thailand but the value is great. * Transportation: Public transportation in Lithuania is great and there are trains, buses and even shared car rides, called Bananacar. For a more comfortable trip, choose either Ecolines or Lux Express buses that will take you to the major cities. In Vilnius, most of the people use “Vilniecio” card which is a special card for public transportation that can save you bunch of money. If you are staying in the city for a longer period of time, buy a month worth ticket for 30 Eur and you will have 30 days to take as many trips around the city as you want. Use trolleybuses, regular or fast buses. There are also options for 1, 3 and 10 days or just 30 and 60-minute tickets. Other than that, if you are planning on taking a trip around the country and want to stop at the villages, better rent a car. The easiest way to rent a car is using Citybee. * Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb might be great options. Airbnb might be a cheaper option with abundance of rentals in some extraordinary places, like, for example, farms. You can also find a nice apartment to rent in the city center for around 500-600 Eur/month or get yourself a private room for up to 300 Eur/month in local online advertisement site here. * Coworking and Wi-Fi: Tech park in Vilnius, situated in the neighborhood of Antakalnis is one of the best coworking places in Vilnius. It has a charming park, works 24 hours, is relatively cheap and provides all the necessary services for the daily tasks. Depending on the part of the city you live, you can use services of other coworking places that are closer to your accommodation. In the city center, you can find dozens of coffee places with fast free Wi-Fi. You can take your laptop with you, sit down in Coffee Inn, Vero Cafe or Huracan, grab a cup of coffee, something to eat and work in the city center. * Lithuania for Digital Nomads and the Expat community: Compared to other European cities, Vilnius does not have a huge Digital Nomad community but expats are everywhere. Many people come to Vilnius and other cities in Lithuania to settle down, work, marry and raise their children. The best way to communicate with them is using a Facebook group called Foreigners in Vilnius, it connects around 13k of foreigners and locals. The group is extremely active and could serve a great deal for any question you have: from legal matters, medical services to advice on where to hang out.

Recommended places in Lithuania for digital nomads to see* If you have a chance, put Curonian Spit in your must-see list. Since 2000, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by the two countries, Russia and Lithuania.
The Curonian Spit is home to the highest moving sand dunes in Europe. The average height reaches 35 meters, but there are some that go as high as 60 meters. One of the most recommended villages to stop by is Nida. A little town with traditional housing is just adorable and the dunes, of course, are spectacular. Once you have entered the sandy paradise, you are surrounded by a sense of tranquility. A lovely breeze is so calming and the landscape is a scenic wonderland. Nida, compared to other seaside cities like Palanga or Klaipeda, is pretty expensive but still affordable. Grab a camera with you and immortalize all the beauty around. * Kaunas is the second biggest city, known for the historical importance. In the late 19th century, Ninth Fort was constructed as a stronghold for the northern part of Silainiai elderate and was part of the Kaunas Fortress. When Kaunas and the rest of Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union (1940-1941 and 1944-1990 ), the fort was used as a prison and a way-station for prisoners who were to be exiled to the labour camps in Siberia mainly. Then, during the occupation of Lithuania by Naci Germany (1941-1944), the fort was used for execution of Jews, Soviets and others. Kaunas, as such, was also a temporary capital of Lithuania during the interwar period (1919-1939). Today, one visiting Kaunas can feel the echoes of history in most of the places since the authentic architecture prevails. When you are there, pass by Laisves (Lithuanian: “Freedom”) alley with 577 trees and enjoy the sightseeing objects of the city: the Garrison Church, Kaunas musical theatre and University of Vytautas Magnus. * Druskininkai is a spa town situated in the southern Lithuania, just on the border of Belarus and Poland with the Nemunas River flowing through. The city is really popular for healing mineral water tasting, fresh air and relaxing atmosphere everywhere you go. It is a great option at any season since the town has pretty impressive selection of spa and wellness centers, together with one of the biggest snow arena in Europe and Druskininkai aqua park. When all of that is seen and experienced, fun continues 9 km away from the city center in the park of Grutas where Communist-era statues and ideological relics related to those times are exhibited. It is an outdoor museum that remind of a theme park at the first glance but it also presents part of the harsh history that the Lithuanian nation had to live in. At the park there is a restaurant where visitors can have some traditional meals. * All the villages with the names just Lithuanians themselves can pronounce are perfectly incorporated in the nature. Wooden houses painted in different colors, farms, vegetable gardens, yards full of flavors and lovely bobutes (Lithuanian for “old women”) standing just on the entrance to her house- everything looks like from an old movie. Going from one bigger city to another, you will surely be passing some tiny villages. Do not hesitate to stop by and take a walk around. It is a pretty interesting experience, especially for those who are coming from the big cities. The other thing that still makes people surprised is the richness of the forests in Lithuania. Seasonal mushroom and berry picking is extremely common. For the foreigner, to experience the “Lithuanian way” is made possible through renting a cottage at the airbnb and staying overnight in the middle of nowhere. These rentals are usually nearby a lake. So, you can swim there, pick your own mushrooms and berries and grill them for dinner.

Most Recommended activities in vilnius* Despite being the country capital city, Vilnius is stunningly natural. Nature is everywhere you go: just some steps away from the Old Town, there is a wonderful park of Bernardinai with fountain that “sings and dances” on the summer evenings. Wonder how the Old Town looks from the up the sky? Walk on the Vilnia river side, get all the way up to the Three Cross Hill and enjoy picturesque view of Vilnius Old Town roofs. * For the best sunsets go to Barbakanas hil – a must-see in Lithuania for digital nomadsl. There you will not only get the best views of the setting sun, but during the weekends, enjoy the view of hot air balloons setting off right in front of your eyes, just couple of meters away. For the evening to be even better, grab something to eat in an open kitchen down the hill. The smell of grilled meat, fish and burgers give just the best summer vibes. * During a hot summer day, you can refresh in one of the lakes that are all around the city. Unlike in many world’s capitals, swimming in Vilnius lakes and rivers is absolutely safe. Due to severe winter conditions, most of the bacteria die.

Weather* Lithuania has four seasons that all are drastically different. Summers are definitely great there. For the ones who are tired of sizzling summers, Lithuanian ones range up to 25°C on the average. Besides that, summer evenings are comparably long and daylight is still present till 10 p.m. at least. * Contrary, winter is for the ones who enjoy some extremely low temperatures, going down to -20°C. Besides that, it is important to consider the fact that winter time can be pretty depressing since it is not only chilly but dark as well. Sun is a rare guest and daylight, in general, lasts only up to 8-9 hours daily.

Food* The variety of foods is huge and the prices compared to other Eurozone countries are extremely low – a huge plus of Lithuania for digital nomads with an appetite. In the capital city, one can find restaurants of almost any cuisine. One of the most popular restaurants is “London Grill” where you can get a full meal from 5 Eur. * Lithuania has such supermarket chains like Lidl, Rimi, Maxima, Norfa and Iki. Unlike in other European countries, supermarkets usually work on the weekends too, and at least in the capital city there is Maxima (among Vilnius people called “Mindaugo Maxima”) that is open 24/7. In the supermarkets the offer of traditional and international foods is great. Despite the fact that Lithuanians are more of meat-eaters, the selection of different sea food is great! Therefore, beer is a thing there. Supermarkets and specialized stores have dozen kinds to try out, so if you a beer person, you will love it!

PeopleLithuanians might seem hard-shelled at first glance but once you get to know them, they are super nice people to make friends with. The open-mindedness and no religious fanaticism makes conversations with interesting and culturally valuable. Lithuanians pride themselves on being very patriotic, even back then in Soviet Union times, when keeping up your Lithuanian identity was not easy at all.

History* Just few people know of a turbulent history of Lithuania. Lithuania was not always so little, in the 15th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the largest state in Europe. Back then, it was a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional state, with a great diversity in languages, religion and cultural heritage. No wonder, Lithuanians are proud. Nonetheless, at the end of the 18th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania splitted up and short after, Russia occupied Lithuania for the very first time. During the last two centuries, the country was storm beaten and ruled by German Nazi, Polish and Soviet Russians. Not only once but several times with short restorations of Independence. Every occupation left country poorer and poorer, though the spirit of Lithuanians was all time present. In 1990, the Act of Independence affirming the reconstruction of the Republic of Lithuania was signed. In 2004, they joined the European Union and NATO. * Topics that involve Russia are quite sensitive. Also, you might want to avoid some political discussions.

Economy* Lithuania’s economy is based on the natural resources and agriculture. With the help of the European Union funds, some people have joined farming, tourism in the villages or created educational programs. * Tech is on the rise as well, together with blockchain projects. * Different programs are created to build businesses and invest in Lithuania, like Invest Lithuania. * Worldwide Lithuania could be find in the leading positions among laser production. * Has potential to become next Estonia or Scandinavia.

Who and when should visit Lithuania?Summer is a great time to go to Lithuania for digital nomads. It is a perfect match for the ones who enjoy being surrounded by nature everywhere they go, and do not particularly like huge crowds of tourists around. Also, Lithuania is a great settling point from which you can easily visit other two Baltic States, Latvia and Estonia, as well as ramble around Kaliningrad (Russia), Poland and Belarus.

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Yes! Living a digital nomad lifestyle can be financially rewarding!

Sustaining the lifestyle of a digital nomad is challenging. Whereas emotional hurdles such as loneliness, societal pressure, and pushing out of our comfort zone can be difficult, the critical hurdle we consistently return to is financial. How do we sustain ourselves while pursuing a long-term journey as a digital nomad? This article will provide an overview of the main nomadic career opportunities to pursue to ensure becoming a digital nomad is financially viable.

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Nomadic Careers: Back to the BasicsThe life of a digital nomad is usually dominated by two different financial concerns. In the many conversations I’ve shared with fellow travelers, the first challenge discussed is usually how to afford to start your initial travels as a digital nomad. The second difficulty that arises is how to minimize any negative impacts on your career while transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle.

I’ve often found that the majority of people can determine some short-term money making strategy but struggle with developing a long-term plan. Understanding the distinction can be critical. Without a proper long-term plan, even the most talented nomads may end up pressured to put a definitive end date on their travels and return to a 9-5 position. The purpose of this article is to help you build a medium to long-term plan that will sustain you and your career prospects while you enjoy the thrills of a nomadic journey.

Initial FundingMaking enough money to begin life as a digital nomad is relatively simple. If you are from the developed world, initial seed funding can be saved while working an ordinary job. Building up a cushion of 6-8 thousand USD will help you take advantage of a normal career before heading out on the road. This can be a bit daunting. Many of us want to simply cut ties and set sail tomorrow. We don’t want to spend another grating day with our boss! However, it’s important to understand that initial savings are vital. Set a concrete departure date in your mind and look forward to that day. In the meantime, make the money needed to fund your transition.

Now, some aspiring nomads may think they don’t need initial cash savings to start their nomadic endeavors. That is a mistake. Traveling from city to city, country to country, and perhaps even continent to continent on a consistent basis means that trial and error will be your constant companions. Living with the existential threat that one false move could end your whole journey and blow your budget is too much weight. It will suck the fun right out of your new life and may even make quitting seem appealing. Instead, we must aim for financially sustainable ventures that are built on a responsible and purposeful savings foundation.

While meandering through the Roman Forum or enjoying a beer in Chiang Mai’s increasingly hipster Nimman district, you must also pay careful attention to your budget – how much you make and how much you spend. Rather than plotting a nomadic route through London, Zurich, and Paris, it would be more financially sustainable to begin in cheaper regions like Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia. The advantages of doing so are compounded when you learn popular digital nomad cost arbitrage techniques. Starting off in less expensive cities allows for greater time to develop a new cash flow. I’ve compiled an up to date list of the top digital nomad cities, check it out for some inspiration!

Digital Nomad Life is ExpensiveTwo visions of nomadic life tend to compete for traction in popular culture. One vision depicts a wandering hippie living on as little money as possible while relying on the hospitality of strangers and the winds of fortune to continue traveling. The other, that I subscribe to, is of a digital nomad carefully developing an income and working style that will support my long-term nomadic lifestyle. One vision costs more than the other.

By choosing to seek out a digitally nomadic or remote career, you are automatically selecting the more expensive option. Rather than spending all of your time finding the best deals or free accommodations, you must instead search for coworking spaces with high-quality internet, a place to stay that will ensure a good night’s sleep, and a proper data plan for your phone. If you’re going the coffee shop route, your drink bills will also begin to add up. Time is, as the popular quote goes, money. Digital nomads must streamline their time and productivity similar to stationary working individuals. Clients will expect the same productivity, work ethic, and reliability they receive from their colleagues. If you plan on couchsurfing without access to the internet you may not be able to deliver the quality of work expected from you.

A smaller point, yet equally significant, is that once you have discovered an opportunity for paid employment that supports your nomadic lifestyle, you will likely need to increase your quality of life anyway, thus increasing your costs. In working most of the day, it is important to spend your precious spare time doing activities you like and usually cost money. Happiness is, after all, the reason we’ve all decided to take the nomadic plunge. Having enough seed money will ensure your journey doesn’t end prematurely.

The Subsidy ModelBefore we begin a discussion on the main categories of nomadic careers, I’d like to introduce a concept I live by and frequently speak about in my startup lectures – the “subsidy model”. In essence, the subsidy model means that a profitable layer of activities is needed to subsidize not profitable, career building moves. A quality subsidy layer will allow you to either increase your net worth over time (preferable) or simply break even and ensure you can cover your expenses and avoid debt. Although your next activity may involve a great deal of uncertainty, the rewards may be quite high as well. The faster you create a subsidy layer, the less likely you are to dip into your valuable savings or take out loans – the end of your nomadic period will likely follow soon after. Save your savings account for real mishaps or emergencies.

Choosing a subsidy layer can be difficult. An easy rule to keep in mind is to make sure your subsidy layer is stable and reliable. Pursuing too many uncertain goals at once is a headache and potential recipe for unnecessary anxiety. By decreasing the level of risk related to your subsidy layer, you can maximize the risks you take on projects more important to you. Just a quick bit of advice, it’s best that your subsidy layer activity is something you are sure there is demand for, and you can provide easily. The less stable your subsidy layer is the less risk and uncertainty you will want to take on your next career activity.

Knowledge and skills play an influential role in determining how to pursue different nomadic careers. With less experience, it may be helpful to first develop a relationship with someone more knowledgeable in your field, a mentor-like figure, and work alongside them. Apprentice jobs can be very beneficial. They allow aspiring nomads the ability to create a sustainable subsidy layer while simultaneously developing skills that will benefit their future.

The following sections will introduce different branches of digital nomad careers in order from the lowest uncertainty to the highest uncertainty. Nomads with less cash and less stability should concentrate on building their foundation before advancing towards riskier options.

Nomadic Careers: Remote Working for a Single EmployerRemote working for a single employer is a wonderfully simple and stable way of transitioning towards a nomadic lifestyle. While a potentially very attractive option, it can also be difficult to convince an established company that it can be done. Therefore, One of the best ways to nail this kind of job is to transition to working remotely with your current employer. If you’ve established a strong track record of quality work and reliability it may not be difficult to make the transition. However, if you’ve just recently arrived at your firm, chances are the answer will be an emphatic no.

Other nomads may be shocked. Why keep an old boss? Why not shake off the chains of employment and become independent!? Well, stability can be a platform for further adventures. Working with a known employer can yield great benefits, especially if they continue to supply a salary and benefits. Unfortunately, some companies may allow remote-working, but on a freelance contract rather than an employee contract. Benefits are then phased out to save the company money.

A growing number of organizations are transitioning towards a remote-working model. Industry trends may be on your side and I’d recommend researching if companies you apply for a “9 to 5 job” have supported remote workers in the past. If your heart is set on becoming a digital nomad, working for a “remote-supportive” company could be an exciting first step.

Advantages

Stable paycheck from a company you trust (see freelancing section to understand why this is important).

No need to spend valuable time marketing to new clients and juggling different pressures. You can focus on producing your best work.

If you stay an employee, you might be able to keep some of the social benefits you will not have in your first freelancing years (social security, paid health insurance, pensions etc).

Disadvantages

A more rigid style of work (might involve set shifts). This can become especially difficult if you and your company operate in a different time zone.

Low flexibility to periodically disconnect and enjoy uninterrupted travel on your own terms.

Advancement opportunities may decrease. While working remotely, it tends to be difficult to benefit from promotions or other products of office politics. If you are the “odd person far away” you may be overlooked for assignments or promotions.

Working for one company usually involves focusing on one niche activity. This will not prepare you for your next digital nomad career transition, since you are not diversifying your activities on marketing, reaching out to new clients, and building exciting products. A classic case of having all of your eggs in the same basket. You are highly dependent on the favor of a sole employer.

Nomadic Careers: Freelancer ExtraordinaireA freelancer is similar to a full-time remote worker in that they work for a client and have tasks to accomplish. However, the two roles differ from each other in that a freelancer provides services for multiple clients at the same time, and usually for a limited amount of time per client.

Welcome to the club! Life as a digital nomad freelancer is certainly more entrepreneurial. To be successful, freelancers must independently market their skills and accomplishments in search of new clients. Crafting a polished personal brand is important and providing excellent work for your clients is essential. Until you curate a brand that accurately reflects all you can do and hope to accomplish, start low at any gig you can get to build the experience, reputation and skill set that is needed.

Once your reputation has been developed, you can then focus on attracting a client base. Diversify your reach, focus on your strong points, and continue learning new skills. Eventually, with a bit of luck and professional development, you will reach your own capacity for work and productivity. Then, you can begin hiring other freelancers to help you along with your assignments, which will allow you to scale even further if you wish to.

Advantages

Less dependency on one primary client.

There is room to rapidly increase your prices from project to project as your skill level increases.

Most freelance projects have an end date, making it easier to plan for travel breaks.

Freelance work usually does not involve a shift or rigid hours, thereby providing you more freedom and flexibility throughout the day.

If successful, freelancing could provide you the opportunity to develop your own agency of employees and fellow freelancers who you can delegate tasks to.

Disadvantages

Income is less certain than when working for a stable employer. This is due to varying assignments and potential collection difficulties.

Freelancing involves constantly losing and gaining new clients. Time spent marketing services will decrease time spent charging clients for your time.

Unlike a full-fledged business, running a freelancing network does not usually result in a wildly profitable exit scenario or a passive income stream.

Nomadic Careers: The Online Business RouteSomewhere in between a freelance approach and a startup approach lies the online business route. An online business provides a platform to sell a product rather than a personal service. A slight difference separates this type of online business from a startup. Businesses are wired to solve pains with models that already exist and are therefore less uncertain. Startups require a bit more discovery and ambiguity, which is why I love them. An e-commerce shop serves as an ideal example because it provides the freedom to sell products made by others. Chief responsibilities will include marketing, sales, and web maintenance. Lower risk options include starting a blog or podcast and seeking returns via affiliate marketing.

Advantages

It is easier to identify what products sell well and validate your approach to market.

You are not the service you sell, therefore you are free to work ON your business instead of IN it.

Potential opportunities for sustainable long-term growth.

Long-term growth could lead to an opportunity to sell your company.

Disadvantages

The initial investment required will automatically lead to a reduction in cash flow in the initial phases.

Heavy marketing and business skills is usually a must.

Reaching a level of income equivalent to your former salary could take years.

Statistics show failure is more likely than success.

Nomadic Careers: The Startup OptionFounding a startup is the ultimate plunge into uncertainty. Previous articles have offered insights into nomadic entrepreneurship; briefly, pursuing the startup option involves creating something new in the world that doesn’t currently exist. Although founding a startup is certainly the most difficult nomadic career path, it is my personal favorite. It should be noted that the risks founders must face can result in remarkable rewards. This path is not for the faint of heart. When freelancing, money may begin flowing immediately. However, startups require a degree of experimentation and validation that does not guarantee quick returns. Founders often work without a salary or funnel personal money into the project to keep it afloat.

Advantages

If successful, you will have ultimate freedom and an opportunity to sell your company for a life-changing amount of money.

The opportunity to create something new and exciting while building a product that solves real consumer challenges.

By selling a product/service that is scalable and disconnected from your personal management, you will gain more freedom.

Disadvantages

High level of uncertainty in regards to consumer demand and your chosen business model.

Low chances of success.

The initial funding required for startups is greater than all other options.

Founding a startup is an emotional and fiscal rollercoaster, filled with a few ups and many downs.

My ExperienceI’ve personally adopted a mix of the approaches discussed and worked a variety of nomadic careers. While pursuing a subsidy model of income by freelancing and helping entrepreneurs with business plans on Upwork, I began Lingolearn, an online language school. Freelancing helped me avoid dipping into my savings to support Lingolearn’s development. Once Lingolearn reached a comfortable level of stability and profitability I was able to transition to a full-scale startup model. I founded StartupBlink, a comprehensive map of global startup ecosystems, after four years of sweat, pivots, and hard work. Our team is just beginning to break even and the future is looking up!

The TakeawayWorking as a digital nomad can become confusing and uncertain. However, it is a life decision and a certain type of trade. Personally, I’d rather challenge myself to achieve the freedom that freelancing and startups can provide. Hopefully, this overview has provided you with an understanding of the different approaches you can take regarding nomadic careers. Remember, life is short, money is necessary, get to the road, work hard, play hard.

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Painting the world as a digital nomad

Meeting fellow travelers is consistently one of the most rewarding aspects of living a nomadic lifestyle. Whether in a café, hostel, or bar, conversations between like-minded people can yield impactful insights and valuable advice. Most recently, I sat down with Heajung, a painter, blogger, and fellow nomad here in Chiang Mai. Check out Heajung’s paintings and extraordinary stories on her blog, Fly High Oyster.

Heajung left behind a career as an occupational therapy assistant in 2016 to travel with her husband and pursue a nomadic lifestyle. Their journey has taken them to enchanting destinations such as Cartagena, Colombia, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, and Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we met in a bustling coffee shop to chat about their adventures. Our conversation touches on a variety of helpful themes including how to pursue a nomadic lifestyle as a couple, what it means to lose your anchor, and how to find purpose in travel.

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Heajung’s StoryAfter moving to the United States from Korea in her 20’s, Heajung pursued her education and a career in occupational therapy. For many, steady income and a happy relationship with her husband would have been enough. But, after a 3 week trip to Croatia in 2015, something changed. Although Heajung and her husband had traveled before, Croatia felt different. After exploring Dubrovnik, Zadar and the surreal waters of the Croatian Coast, they began to discuss what it would take to transition to a fully nomadic lifestyle.

How to Pursue a Nomadic Lifestyle as a CoupleDecisions grow by degrees of complexity based on the number of individuals involved. Whereas many nomads simply choose to travel by themselves, Heajung and her husband had to weigh two personalities, two lifestyles, two visions of what their future should look like, before taking the nomadic plunge. Their shared inspiration, though, was concrete.

Heajung remembers the months following their trip to Croatia clearly. Her husband, who had established a steady remote-working career, firmly supported the idea to leave life behind in the United States and start traveling continuously. Heajung, on the other hand, was not quite sold.

This highlights an interesting point. Beginning a nomadic lifestyle requires that we take the time needed to understand our motives and plans for the future. Specifically, What exactly do we want from life? What are we here to do? Answering these questions, or even better understanding them, will help frame our subsequent life and career choices.

It’s not often that we take time out of our daily routines to step back and analyze where we’d like to go, what we’re currently doing, and if we’re on the most appropriate path. When planning to live a nomadic lifestyle as a couple, these decisions are significantly amplified. If handled responsibly, they can lead to enriching conversations allowing partners to learn more about each other’s personal outlooks. If not addressed, they could lead to challenges and conflicts further down the road. The key takeaway – begin talking now. Don’t wait until you’re on the road to learn about your partner’s idea of financial freedom and future ambitions.

It took Heajung and her husband 6 months to agree to begin their nomadic journey – half a year of planning, deep discussions and organizing their next steps. Importantly, being so attentive and purposeful in the beginning has allowed them to thoroughly enjoy time spent traveling together. After 9 years of marriage, Heajung made it clear that traveling solo is not something she enjoyed in the past and traveling as a couple now allows her to share her experiences and avoid the loneliness that is so common for digital nomads.

Finding an Anchor In our lives, we have certain “anchors” that define us. A career, a title, perhaps even a salary. By embracing a nomadic lifestyle, we leave these anchors behind. Consequently, determining a new purpose becomes our focus. Before beginning her nomadic journey, Heajung had worked as an occupational therapy assistant. Leaving that “anchor” behind forced her to consider how society would perceive her and how she would perceive herself. She realized that chasing “social trophies” was not her purpose in life. Instead of merely responding with vague, cookie-cutter answers to questions like, “What do you like to do?” Heajung decided to find her true calling – “I’m not just here to work hard and wait for retirement. I’m supposed to be here to find something just beyond it.”

After leaving her old life behind, Heajung was free to explore her passions and develop hobbies. During the weekday grind, Heajung explained that she rarely had time to pursue specific interests, she was just “chasing the daily routine.” While enjoying her newfound lifestyle Heajung began to experiment by painting landscapes she had experienced in her dreams. Heajung connected deeply with her nightly visions and had a moving realization. “I found painting was my calling. I just know, this is what I’m supposed to do. It doesn’t matter anymore, that I’m not pursuing my career at home.”

Many of Heajung’s travels serve as inspiration for her work. She has an eye for detail and as mentioned in the show, enjoys sketching and painting in cafes where she can learn from people. In Heajung’s artwork, one can see a delightful mix of rich colors, inspiring landscapes, and a surreal, dreamlike quality that adds a degree of magic to everything she paints. Make sure to check out her work, you won’t be disappointed.

Nomadic PurposeMost of us have a few activities that make us extremely happy. However, we don’t often discover what those activities are. The inspiration, and sometimes the shock of living as a nomad can dismantle our comfort zones. Once removed from our cyclical surroundings, the world is new again. All roads are fresh and opportunities seem to find us. Thank you, Heajung, for a great discussion! It was inspiring to me and I trust it will be for others as well.

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Let our criteria for booking short-term accommodations guide your next trip!

Where you choose to live will have a massive impact on the quality of experience you will have in each location. The following article focuses on strategies and tactics for booking short and long term stays for digital nomads. This article will present strategies based on the length of your stay and the style of your stay. I will later present the platforms I am using to book accommodation, and the preferences I have for each type of stay.

My list is built around personal priorities so it would be best to customize this article on your own priorities and style of travel.

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Short-term StaysIf you are only arriving for a day or two, your accommodation strategy should probably change accordingly. Most of my short term stays are happening either on the weekend when I don’t work, or on weeks of vacation. That means that the focus of those stays is more on having fun and experiencing a location, than on work which I don’t do on the weekends.

Here are a few things I take into account when my stay is limited:

• How much of an hassle will it be to arrive to the place from the bus/train terminal?
• Considering that my time is limited in the location, is my accommodation well connected to the main attractions I want to see in the place I am staying?
• Is it a social place that allows interaction with other travelers or with the owner?

Most of those answers can be easily received by going over the reviews of the accommodation in whatever platform you are using to book the accommodation (more on that later), and by using google maps to see how well the location connects with the places you plan to visit.

In general, short term stays should not get you to an analysis paralysis state of spending much time deciding on the place. Even if you picked one that you don’t greatly enjoy, you will be only staying there for a night or two.

One week StaysOne week stays happen often, although I practice slow travel. Why?

• Sometimes I travel to a conference, or just change atmosphere with a week in a different place
• I usually don’t book a long term stay (one month +) without seeing it first and getting the vibes for both the town itself, and the accommodation
• In some locations that I stay over a month, I will start with a period of changing accommodation every week just for fun and getting to know more neighborhoods

As a digital nomad, I always start by booking my first accommodation in a new location for a maximum of one week. Emotional reactions and connections with a new location are impossible to predict; a one week trial period is an excellent way to analyze whether a location is a suitable fit or not. Spending the first seven days getting to know a new place allows me to experience the vibes and chemistry I develop with a city. In my own experience, I’ve visited Zagreb planning to stay for two days and ended up staying for three months. London, on the other hand, should have been a shorter stay, as it can be very difficult for digital nomads to budget for such a pricey city.

Other than making sure I connect with the city itself, another reason for booking short-term accommodations is to determine whether or not I connect with my initial accommodation. I try not to make virtual decisions regarding housing. Therefore, my one week trial period in a new location allows me the opportunity and proper amount of time to physically visit apartments or other accommodations and see if they are a good fit. We’ve all booked places online that turned out to be less than optimal and I don’t want to make any long-term agreements without fully knowing what I’m paying for. This goes for landlords or property owners as well. I prefer to meet them in person as opposed to making virtual decisions without an introduction.

Booking a short-term stay also allow for another fun way to get to know a new city: “hostel or Airbnb hopping.” New social landscapes can be exciting and different locations often have diverse neighborhoods that are all worth exploring. Booking brief stays at different hostels or Airbnb’s in multiple locations within a city will give you a much deeper understanding of your new, temporary home. Strategically hopping around cities can help you follow interesting cultural leads and learn more about a place than if you lived continuously in one specific section.

Booking PlatformsLet’s start with my preferred platforms for booking short-term accommodations:

Booking.com – If I opt for a less socially demanding option (Airbnb or couchsurfing), this is my default.

HostelWorld.com – Typically a backpacker’s default, it offers a great variety of dorm options. Although, Booking.com is also beginning to offer an increasing number of dorm options.

HotelsCombined.com – Another wide-ranging source for excellent deals across the globe.

Agoda.com – I’ve found Agoda to be particularly useful when traveling Asia.

If you are interested in a less commercial stay, here are two options that allow you to stay with locals:

Airbnb.com – Rent rooms/apartments from locals.

Couchsurfing.com – An amazing way to find a place to stay for free. Potentially better for those focusing on more traveling and less working, since you may be expected to share quality time with your host.

Short term accommodation hunting should not take too much time. You don’t want to spend hours peeling through a mind-numbing number of results only to feel overwhelmed about your trip. Remember, this is a short-term decision for a short-term stay. If you’re booking a place for less than a week, let go, make your decision and move on.

General ConsiderationsAccommodation costs are often the largest expense item for travelers. To avoid spending most of your budget on a place to sleep, adjust your standards accordingly. It’s always important to be safe, however, avoiding overly indulgent accommodations can help you save major amounts of money over the long term. Identify a budget for your short-term stay and avoid potentially superfluous costs that may not be important for you (i.e. breakfast buffets, television, daily cleaning). Instead, search for a comfortable, safe place to spend the night. By making price your first qualifier you avoid having to search through countless places that fall outside of your budget.

The internet is an excellent aid when gauging the quality of accommodation options. The intelligence of the masses helps travelers avoid scams and generally poor experiences. I take advantage of my fellow nomads’ knowledge and automatically filter out options with below average reviews. Similarly, I avoid options with few or no reviews because I have no idea what to expect. I would prefer a known poor option than an unknown and potentially unfortunate surprise. Searching for recent reviews is also important. If a hostel has no recent reviews it may be an indication that it has gone out of business. Generally, it is better to know this beforehand, or else you, like me, could end up in a small town on the Ukranian coast without a place to stay!

Skimming through reviews for red flags such as noise, cleanliness, or scams can help you avoid uncomfortable situations. Likewise, searching for particular characteristics you find appealing can also help you slim down your options.

Personal Priority One: CommunityBeing surrounded by the right community of people is important for me. I actively search through reviews and pictures to learn more about the social vibe of a particular accommodation because I value interacting with people, whether they are my hosts, local residents or fellow travelers. Many of these social interactions tend to occur in common spaces that foster connection and conversation. Different types of common spaces can include game rooms, dining facilities, reading areas, even coworking spaces. If I can find a variety of photos displaying a neat common space, this is a big plus for me. Likewise, I appreciate if a place has a mix of dorm rooms and single rooms. Dorm rooms hint at a high level of traffic and opportunities to socialize, while single rooms allow me to avoid noisy roommates while still enjoying the social benefits of other travelers when I’m up for it.

Personal Priority Two: LocationI’m not a huge fan of big cities, therefore, location is also a very important priority for me. Towering skyscrapers and honking cars don’t excite me as much as areas with more natural beauty. Typically, I try to find a balance and look for hostels or Airbnb’s that are in quiet residential areas with a local vibe. I much prefer being within walking distance of the city center, as opposed to living in the city center itself. With this in mind, for short-term stays, I do try to get to know a new city by looking hard for accommodation options in quiet residential areas. After developing more long-term plans I begin to search outside of the city for more natural options such as farms or communities with a connection to nature.

I love to start off my days with a minimum 30-minute walk each morning. This daily ritual is very important to me and I prefer to walk alongside mountains, rivers, or by the beach instead of weaving through traffic like I’ve had to do in Chiang Mai. That means, my accommodation should be quite close to a potential walking route, and away from cars and main roads. Google Maps can be very helpful in this regard, as it allows you to check your proximity to green parks and rivers. In addition to my proximity to nature, I also check my proximity to potential coworking spaces before booking. If you’re working, you want your commute to be as painless as possible. I search for options that are easily accessible by public transportation or by walking.

Key TakeawaysHere are six key steps to finding the right short-term accommodation options for you:

The Filter PhaseSet your maximum price and then sort your results by price, starting with the cheapest option.

Ignore all options without recent reviews. Ignore all options with no or few reviews. Then, use the average review score as a baseline (8+ on Booking.com and 4+ stars on Airbnb).

Once you’ve filtered your options, now you can move on to the picking phase.

The Picking PhaseRead reviews about a place and identify what past guests have found excellent and not so excellent. For example, a hostel may have a great social scene but poor internet. Identify how these key points fit your criteria.

Community settings are important to me and this question sums it all up. When I leave my room in the morning and return in the evening, what are the chances I will start a conversation with someone? If they are low, I avoid selecting that option.

Use the satellite view on a map platform to check the hostel or Airbnb’s proximity to main roads (noise), nature (key for a nice morning walk), and coworking options (ease of commute).

Book the best option until Friday and plan your next steps. I enjoy traveling outside of the city on the weekends. Checking out on Friday pushes me to explore new places!

One more option which exists and should be noted on short term accommodation will be to arrive to the city without any booking, and just wonder around and ask for options and prices. Some places are not listed on the accommodation directories, or will offer you discount since they save on the commission to the directory and can actually bargain with you face to face. I enjoy doing that from time to time, and received some nice discounts. However, I only do it on the weekends, when I have plenty of time to explore, and no rush to reach results.

Your TurnI hope my criteria for identifying short-term stay options help you craft wonderful travel experiences in the near future. Please use my template as an example and create your own methods for picking short-term stay options. By doing so, you will greatly increase your chances of meeting exciting people and enjoying your nomadic lifestyle. We’re all bound to occasionally stay somewhere we don’t particularly enjoy. Following these guidelines and creating your own are excellent steps to maximize your enjoyment and lower your chances of a disappointing stay. If you do have a negative experience, just remember, it is only temporary and may be a great story one day!

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One of the most daunting roadblocks preventing many would-be nomads from making the initial leap into a rewarding lifestyle is when to begin? The idea of perfect timing for digital nomads can be troublesome. I found a comment from April 2017 that focuses on the heart of the matter. Leah explained that she felt she had waited too long to become a nomad. Would it be too late, now as a grandmother, to begin living a nomadic lifestyle?

But here’s the thing about perfect timing for digital nomads: It is never too late. In fact, another comment, from Ton, sums up my feelings well. When deciding to become a nomad, life does not stop. Instead, it changes to fit our new circumstances. Ton’s example of living a nomadic lifestyle while also being a grandparent and homeschooling one of his 15-year-old children is proof that while many people believe living nomadically is only suitable for young people, this is not necessarily the case. Having a proper mindset at the outset of a new adventure is a much stronger indicator of success than simply having the “right timing.”

Whenever we decide to shift the direction of our lives, challenges will arise. Challenges of convenience, finance, and comfort may prevent us from fully committing to our dreams and aspirations. For Leah, and other grandparents wishing to become nomads, doing so is certainly within reach. Life is short and as far as we know, this may be the only chance we have to explore our world. Popular culture is filled with myths about perfect timing for digital nomads and actually everyone. All too often, we hear friends or colleagues discussing how they are waiting for “the perfect moment” to begin a new chapter of their lives, only to find the perfect moment never comes. Don’t fall for this myth.

New Circumstances Mean New ChallengesIt took me two years from the moment I mentally decided to become a nomad to the moment I physically stepped out on the road. I carefully and rationally planned the next steps I needed to take so that I could sustain myself in future adventures. The first decision is the most important.

Once I decided to become a nomad, the rest of my choices had to fit that model as well. Therefore, each decision I made consciously lined up with my objective of becoming a nomad and pushed me closer and closer to my goal. For me, that involved finishing my MBA, accounting practice, and organizing my first startup, LingoLearn. For others, this may involve organizing family affairs, selling a business, or overcoming fear of the unknown. Importantly, these actions are all part of the path towards a nomadic life. They are departures from our habituated lifestyles and will provide the momentum needed to take the next step. There is no roadmap to becoming a nomad, instead, the journey begins once the initial decision to pursue a nomadic lifestyle has been made.

With this in mind, it is important to highlight that living a nomadic lifestyle is not always easy, and may not be exactly what you expect. Consistent travel is filled with unexpected situations and opportunities. Deciding to become a nomad does not mean all of your challenges will disappear. Instead, you will swap some for others. Erick mentioned in his comment from January 2016, that he and his girlfriend decided to pursue a nomadic lifestyle after recognizing that their weekly grind was stifling their creativity and negatively impacting their outlook on life. However, Erick also identified that making money to sustain a nomadic lifestyle would be difficult. His challenges shifted as he moved from a static environment to a more dynamic environment. Pursuing a nomadic lifestyle is not about a living a perpetual vacation, it is about living a purposeful life that aligns with your values.

There Is No Perfect Timing for Digital Nomads… So Go for It!To conclude, I’d like to reference a comment, in all caps, from 2015, by Barry. After encouraging fellow nomads to “GO FOR IT,” Barry writes “YOU CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO BEING A SLAVE TO THE GRIND.” Importantly, each and every one of us has the ability to think, reason, and decide the course of action that best fits us. There is no reason why we cannot live a nomadic lifestyle and then return to build a new home in the future. We can define different periods of our life by different lifestyle decisions. What is most important, is that we live the life we want to live. Seneca, the stoic philosopher, once wrote the following lines to his friend Lucilius:

“Say to me when I lie down to sleep: ‘You may not wake again!’ And when I have waked: ‘You may not sleep again!’ Say to me when I go forth from my house: ‘You may not return!’ And when I return: ‘You may never go forth again!’ You are mistaken if you think that only on an ocean voyage there is a very slight space between life and death. No, the distance between is just as narrow everywhere.”

Our time is too short to live a life that does not enthrall us. If you want to be a nomad, regardless of age, occupation or circumstance, actively decide to begin your journey; that decision becomes your first step towards a new life.

Referenced Comments: Leah: “Hi you people make me feel so jealous, I wish I had the courage to live a nomadic lifestyle, unfortunately I feel I waited to long had five children and now three grandchildren.” – April 11th, 2017

Ton: “It’s never too late to follow your heart. I raised 4 kids, one of which is 15 and travels with me – I homeschool him so it’s a great learning environment. I have 3 grandkids, and two more by the end of the year & I say, Go for it!!!!” –April 11th, 2017

Erick: “I find it interesting to hear a few of you specify a timeline of about “3 months.” When I look back at my life and think of all the times I was happiest, they do seem to be after a major environmental change has happened. The in-between parts seem to dilute the overall richness of my life. I’ve alway done almost everything I was told to like focus on my college education and career. At 31 years of age I am now a successful Graphic Designer stuck in the same company doing the same exact routine every month. At this rate I will never be able to dig myself out of the debt school has caused. My creativity is stifled here, and I realize that on this current path the in-between period for me will be for the next few decades.

It feels like looking down a gun barrel with someone else’s finger on the trigger. My gf feels the same. She has always moved around her whole life and loves adventure. Between the two of uswe make nearly 100K. I’ve been poor, seen hunger and know how hard it is to make money when you have none. I also know that in the long run it doesn’t make you happy. So, we’re getting rid of our stuff and loading up our recently purchased used travel trailer to start out on the open road. I’m not sure what we will do for money, but I know better than to worry about it. There are many resources out there. We’re both smart, young and opportunistic. Life is very short and precious. I’m not going to wait until I’m almost dead to start traveling and enjoying my short stay on this planet. T

hese past few months I have researched what it would take to become nomadic and I believe this is the perfect resolution for us to get what we want out of life. Quite frankly I keep kicking myself for not coming to this realization sooner. I hope to see you guys on the road somewhere…” – January 4th, 2016

Barry: “GO FOR IT….I FELL EXACTLY THE SAME.. MOVE ON YOU CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO BE A SLAVE TO THE GRIND.” – October 28, 2015

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I came back from Colombia in June 2017. Overall, I loved it so much I have written an article on my impressions from this amazing country. Colombia is becoming a digital nomad destination, mainly (and only) due to the popularity of Medellin, one of the world’s top trending digital nomad destinations. The article was published in Spanish in Colombia’s biggest Magazine (Semana) and received much more attention than expected (or wanted) on social media. I am publishing it in English as it is a good read for digital nomad and long-term travelers who are living in Colombia, or planning to get there. The bottom line of it all is that Colombia is a spectacular country. And it’s going through a positive transition and should not be missed. Enjoy!

I have just left Colombia after a 6 month visit and I already miss it. My name is Eli David, and since 2010 I have lived a nomadic lifestyle, switching between countries every 2 months. I am an economist and accountant originally from Israel who decided that it is better to see the world rather than stay in the same location. To date, I have lived in more than 60 countries and publish articles about the nomadic lifestyle at BecomeNomad.

Staying in Colombia for 6 months was not planned, but it was hard to leave. Most of my time was spent in Medellin, Bogota, Pasto, and Bucaramanga. And I also made weekend trips to places close to those cities. For this article, it would have been easy to focus on the positive aspects of life in Colombia, mainly its people and nature. However, I think it would be more beneficial if I share the main things that are either missing or should be improved in Colombia. And I wanted to focus on social, economic, and environmental aspects that affect the country.

It should be noted that although I have a background in economics and the ability to compare my experiences here to dozens of other countries where I lived, I am not a local who lives the “Colombian reality.” So my apologies in advance if I get things wrong or offend you.

To sum up this extensive article, there is one root infection that is the reason for most of Colombia’s problems. It will probably not surprise you that this infection is corruption. As I will explain later, I have tried to understand why corruption is so prevalent here, and concluded that it is a cause of something much deeper. Colombia suffers from a severe lack of solidarity which directly causes and amplifies corruption. So let’s start going deeper.

Impressions from Colombia: The Problem of PollutionI am now staying in Madrid, Spain, and a few days here reminded me of the main reason why I would not stay in Colombia for an extended period. My Colombian friends, most of your cities are heavily polluted. And it seems that most of you are not aware of how dire your situation is. Pollution is mainly the result of old cars and buses that are still allowed to be on the road throwing fumes of smoke at pedestrians.

This is a life/death issue. Everyone living in a Colombian city is constantly breathing smoke, which will result in you and family members living less and suffer from more health complications. Madrid and other European cities have millions of habitants, but the air is clean. In Colombia’s case, the government is not putting effort into taking polluted cars and factories off the street. Reason being: There is not enough pressure from the public to make these kinds of tough decisions.

The “Pico y Placa” initiative is a nice start, but it’s an easy solution that doesn’t tackle the core of the problem: the polluters and severe lack of infrastructure. Just as cancer cannot be healed with aspirin and pain killers, your “Trancones” will only get worse. When I first arrived to Bogota in 2007, my friends told me about plans to build a metro. What happened?

Impressions from Colombia: A Look at TransportationFor a country with the nicest people on the planet, I never understood why it is so difficult to be a pedestrian in Colombia. When I arrived in Spain after 6 months in Colombia, I didn’t cross the street even when cars stopped for me in zebra lines because I couldn’t believe they were waiting for me. Your government has worse problems to deal with than pedestrian rights, so my only request from you, my fellow Colombians with a car, is to decide that from now on you will let people safely cross the street when you see them waiting in Zebra lines.

Crossing the street isn’t easy, but traveling between Colombian cities is even more difficult. True, the majestic Andes make land trips difficult, but your infrastructure is truly horrible. After traveling in a bus between Pasto, Bogota, Medellin, Bucaramanga, Cucuta, and the Caribbean cost, I can honestly say that your narrow roads are planned inefficiently, and make land travel unnecessarily long.

Flights have become the norm for traveling in Colombia, which is unfortunate. I can report from my travels that the guerilla is gone, and traveling by public transport or a car is safe. By doing that and avoiding planes, you will get to know how beautiful Colombia is, since the most majestic places are not found in cities. Flights create pollution, noise, and delay the growth and integration of smaller towns that are currently not visited by Colombians. Your neighbor country Ecuador is by no means more successful than you. Yet they have excellent roads and infrastructure. Someone robbed you for dozens of years, it is time to make sure this robbery end so you can heavily invest in Colombia’s infrastructure and future.

Impressions from Colombia: The Urban InfrastructureLet’s talk about your cities and parks. And yes, I am also talking to you my beloved Bucaramanga, “La ciudad de los parques”. Your cities are not fun to walk at all. Other than the pollution, you have very few parks which keep on disappearing every time a real estate project pays enough to get a permit to destroy one more of your city’s green lungs. The sidewalks are extremely narrow, forcing people into the street to mix with cars and motorcycles. Here is the sad news: it is not only your local politicians stealing the public space away from you. It’s also ordinary Colombians just like you who seem to have given up on the system to grab whatever public space is available close to their homes.

I suggest you start actively defending your parks and nature. Go protest each time a park is about to disappear. Make sure that the roads being built between your cities are planned without corruption and special interests. Think carefully about long term environmental implications. Defend your amazing nature! You are truly blessed with spectacular mountains, beaches, plants, and animals not found in any other country. And once it is gone you can never restore it.

The easiest way to start protecting your nature is by changing your own habits. The situation with plastic bags in Colombia is beyond absurd. In Europe, plastic bags are paid for, and people usually avoid them. In Colombia, you get one with anything you buy. Whenever someone is offering a plastic bag, decline and say you care about the environment. If your government is too busy to push for positive change, you as the people will have to set the norms for your government to follow. Don’t wait for them.

Impressions from Colombia: Health and DietObesity and diabetes are becoming incredibly frequent all over the world, and one of the things related to those diseases is the food we eat. Colombia made me fat.

Don’t get me wrong, Colombian food is tasty and I miss my Arepas and Banuelos, but it is hard to find a salad or non-fried food. I can only recommend changing the menu to protect yourself and your families. I love it that only in Colombia can you get hot chocolate with your breakfast as an adult, but this coca cola addiction needs to stop. Switch to water please.

Impressions from Colombia: An Unparalleled Welcoming NatureColombia has the friendliest people I have ever had the privilege to meet during my travels. Unlike in many other parts of South America, Colombians are not only friendly but also generally do not take advantage of tourists, and instead take care of them. On a few occasions, Colombians gave me discounts or services for free just so I would have a good impression of their country (Special thanks to Dr. Vicente Unigarro from Clinica Unigarro in Pasto, you are a great man!).

During my stay here, 2 of my hostels became a place where I felt I had a family. Nariño is my favorite Colombian region, and Antoni and Monica in Hostel Bohemia in Pasto are the main reason for that, in addition to the spectacular Green Laguna nearby.

My other Colombian family in hostal Rural Chitota near Bucaramanga. It’s run by the legendary Enrique and Diana who showed me how great life is when you live in a Colombian farm. However, being so friendly has some disadvantages as well. In Israel people complain about everything that doesn’t work or make sense, which leads to things getting better. If your rights are violated by corruption, crime, and inefficiency, you should actively speak out and change the status quo.

With so many years of internal fighting and trouble, I was sure Colombians will be much more tough and rugged… But I found out you are probably the sweetest people on the planet, and also a little spoiled. A lot of you avoid exploring the amazing nature your country is gifted with because it’s difficult to move between places, and complain when you don’t have a TV in your hostel room. You are missing out on exploring and enjoying your amazing country when you only look for comfort.

Impressions from Colombia: Jobs and Work CultureOne of the things that surprised me in Colombia was seeing older people actively working. In Bogota, I had a fun Uber ride with a 78-year-old driver. It is great to see older people who are not giving up and continue to work and provide for their families. You should embrace and support them, as they are boosting the economy and continue to feel relevant in a global job market that usually prefers younger people.

Surprisingly, the sharing economy fueled by technology has given older people the possibility to get back to the job market. Uber allows them to use their car to pick up passengers. AirBNB let’s them list their homes to receive tourists and visitors. In Israel, the taxi lobby has blocked Uber. So I was impressed that Colombia lets those services operate in the gray zone of legality. Let it continue, as those new economy businesses are breaking inefficient monopolies, creating jobs, and allowing more social mobility.

The sharing economy also improves the level of other service providers, who treat their clients badly without competition. If you are not sure what I mean, just take a taxi in Bogota. It should be noted that the older population must be given a chance to participate in the economy due to a nonexistent coverage of the Colombian Pension system. I have heard stories of people working for years and not receiving any pension. So the least you can do is to allow them to work, and give them the tools to do so efficiently.

Not only the elderly struggle with getting a job. In Colombia, the critical factor influencing careers is knowing the right people, especially in the public sector. Your job market is rigid. Once someone gets a job, they are afraid to change it even if they know it is not the right job for them. Rigid job market means that resources are not distributed efficiently. It also means that people are not working on things they are best at or enjoy doing. At the same time, talented workers who lack the necessary connections are left out of the job market. And this, unfortunately, leads them to illegal activities and increases crime.

The good news is that Colombians are hard workers. It was amazing for me to go on the metro in Medellin at 5:30 in the morning. Because it’s full of people fighting to support their families and build a future for themselves while juggling between various jobs. Your government should support a flexible job market that is open for everyone, instead of complicating things with unnecessary laws.

An example that comes to mind are the dozens of Monday “Puentes”. It might be good for tourism, but it’s bad for business, and more importantly, bad for your own personal freedom. As Colombians start working with clients and businesses around the world, it will be very hard to explain to them that half of your Mondays are a general vacation for everyone. Colombians deserve more vacation days than they have now. But forcing everyone to take vacations at the same time is counterproductive. People should be able to decide their vacation days individually. And this will also allow me to get a bus ticket to Cartagena in “Semana Santa” the next time I visit.

Impressions from Colombia: The Colombian FamilyThe collective vacations connect to another interesting phenomenon seen in the form of the Colombian Family. European and Americans leave their homes when they are 18, while Colombians seem to stay there forever. Your family unity is inspiring, but it might also cause your younger generation to have reduced ambitions.

Hard-working people and by entrepreneurs with dreams for change and prosperity are the ones who boost economies. The social norm of parents taking care of their children regardless of age might do more damage than good. It might also bring another negative phenomenon. When your bonds to family and friends are so powerful, there is no place to include anyone else outside that circle. Colombia needs more integration and solidarity, and fewer isolated families and friends that keep to themselves.

Impressions from Colombia: Tech GrowthRegardless of their education level, Colombians are also entrepreneurial. You see their streets full of small shops and fruit stands manned by expert salespeople. Colombia is surprisingly becoming a major hub for small technology firms as well.

My project StartupBlink is mapping startup ecosystems around the world, and Medellin is a star location in South America. Medellin is also becoming more popular for tourists and expats, which shows an incredible example of how a troubled location with the worst possible image has transformed to become a success.

Take the time to be proud of your country’s outstanding transition! In my first backpacking trip in 2003, Colombia was a pariah country I chose to avoid. In 2007, I took a courageous decision to arrive and fell in love with a country that had few tourists. Colombia 2017 is becoming one of the most popular touristic spots in Latin America. I will infuriate my friends from the left and right by saying that your last two governments did an outstanding job to manage both war and peace and get back control of the county that was virtually nonfunctioning. I honestly don’t understand why Colombians are so divided politically. Celebrate your transition, love and respect one another, and understand that you are one people. You will rise or fall together.

Impressions from Colombia: Internal RelationsThis opens a discussion about solidarity. It doesn’t seem like Colombians care about each other. It’s not enough to feel Colombian when the national team is playing, you should mostly feel it during tragedies and when people are suffering. People suffer a lot in Colombia. I was shocked to see daily life go on when the tragedy in Mocoa occurred with more than 300 casualties.

Israel’s strength is its solidarity. When tragedy occurs, our country is on hold, mourning, enraged. Solidarity sounds like a nice thing to have, but for Colombia it is crucial, since it will allow you to confront corruption. What is corruption? Taking care of yourself and your own circle at the expense of everyone else.

Colombian lack of solidarity brings corruption. If the only people you care about are your family and friends, you forget about homeless Colombians in your streets and in other regions like La Guajira and Mocoa. It seems like you have given up on them, and it is clear they’ve given up on you as well. If you start caring about the “lost Colombians,” corruption will diminish. It will become socially unacceptable just like in Japan, regardless of the punishment for it.

After living in more than 60 countries, it became clear to me that corruption is highly correlated with the norms and priorities of the ordinary people rather than politicians. Politicians are a reflection of the people, and have the same ethics and priorities of anyone else. Colombians complaining about corruption are often the same people who pay no taxes on their income. They’re jumping over the bus meter to avoid paying the full price, not respecting lines, or blocking the sidewalk with their car.

Impressions from Colombia: Class and CrimeColombia is generally not a safe country. That’s why many of you surround yourselves with electric fences… Only to find out that those fences can’t protect you from your own people. You are lucky enough to have no war of religion and ideology, it is only economic classes that separate you. Instead of building fences from your own people, it will be better to narrow the gaps. Instead, give everyone a fair chance to be successful so they have something to lose before deciding to jump over your fence.

Your crime problem is here to stay and will not be solved by Nobel prizes and peace treaties. I generally had luck traveling for 6 months without major incidents. Other than that one time where I was the only passenger in a bus that got robbed in the outskirts of Bucaramanga by a teenager with a pistol. Luckily, he looked at me and decided I don’t look rich enough. So he just robbed the driver of my 2,100 pesos ticket. Both the teenager and driver seemed to see this as a normal turn of events. The teenager had nothing to lose and the driver has no hope for change.

Crime will only get worse, as the gaps widen between successful Colombians and those who are weak and left behind with their poverty, lack of education, and addictions. Colombia should prioritize giving those people more possibilities to narrow the gaps. And heavily invest in education and other informal programs that give young and older people a chance. Cheer those people and become their fans. At the same time, you should make sure to keep criminals without hope in jails. It was not their fault to be left neglected for dozens of years by bad governance and a lack of solidarity. But unfair as it is, you shouldn’t let them back to your streets without a solution that makes sure they don’t go back to crime.

Impressions from Colombia: A Final WordI decided to visit Camarones in La Guajira for a break close to the sea and desert. While sitting and ordering a fish from one of the kiosks near the sea, a dog came close to my table. I felt sorry and gave it a few bones, then waited for it to leave. A few minutes later, a group of 7 small children started sitting around my table. They stared at me, and then had the courage to start eating the fish bones. The plate was clean after 2 minutes when they left.

The Colombia I have seen in Medellin and Bogota is only one part of a wider picture, a very disturbing one. I left Camarones on the same day feeling sad, but also very lucky that I don’t live there. Unfortunately, you can’t do the same. I am 100% sure that if those children remain hungry, it will get back to you.

People who have nothing to lose and children who’ve been neglected will be Colombia’s future problem. In a few years, you will see some of them defeated and asking you for money in the street. Or in a restaurant when you eat. Or when you are parking your car. You will see the more entrepreneurial version of them with a gun/knife threatening you and your family for your belongings. You might even see the demagogue or charismatic version of one of them as your next populist leader demanding justice for all while destroying your economy and your past achievements. Remember: You can’t keep yourself and your family isolated, safe, happy, and prosperous with fences. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Have any impressions from Colombia of your own? Leave us a note in the comments to discuss!

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What do you imagine when you think of quality in accounting? A luxuriously furnished office? A secretary who always remembers your name? Quality today looks a little different than it did forty years ago. As the world has grown and changed, so have our accounting needs. Today quality stands for flexibility, responsiveness, and precision. Which is why I’d like to introduce you to Taxes For Expats

Taxes For Expats offers services specifically conceived for American expats living abroad. They work with expats on every continent and in over 190 different countries to make sure that their taxes are filed correctly and efficiently. Instead of a fancy office they offer you a user-friendly website accessible from anywhere in the world. And instead of a secretary who remembers you, they’ll match you with a highly-qualified tax preparer who will accompany you through every step of the filing process.

So why is it important to find a preparer who specializes in international tax law? Living abroad can lead to some complicated tax situations and it can be hard to find an accountant who’s familiar with the problems you might face. The professionals at TFX have been specializing in taxes for expats for 25 years and in that time their name has become synonymous with quality. TFX is an accredited Better Business Bureau business and a member of the National Association or America’s Tax Experts. All the experts at TFX are either CPAs or IRS Enrolled Agents, and your tax return will be checked not only by your preparer but also by a supervisor.

TFX’s motto is “Living abroad presents enough challenges, filing your U.S. taxes shouldn’t be one of them.” This ethos is reflected in everything they do: from their live support which is available 18 hours a day to answer any questions you may have no matter where you are in the world, to their accessible and user-friendly Tax Questionnaire which is designed to analyse your situation quickly and painlessly, without asking you pages of extraneous questions.

And because they work in tandem with accountants all over the world, they may even be able to recommend you an accountant in your country of residence to help you file your local tax return. All of this, combined with their transparent pricing, makes it easy to see why TFX is consistently one of highest-rated expat tax preparers on the market. Check out their client testimonials and see for yourself!

To get an idea of exactly how easy the TFX system is, let’s take a closer look at their process which can be broken down into six simple steps. The first step is to create an account with TFX online. This involves creating a username and password and filling out some basic information. Generally, it takes about five minutes. Once you’ve created an account with TFX you’ll be able to access your account online and use it to request consultations, upload documents, and complete the Tax Questionnaire.

After you’ve finished creating your account, you’ll be asked to complete step two of the process: scheduling a 30 minute phone consultation with TFX. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to explain the details of your situation to your tax preparer. In turn, your tax preparer will ask you questions and outline the tax preparation process. Once you’ve hung up the phone, you’ll be ready to move on to the third step: completing TFX’s interactive Tax Questionnaire. The questions in the Tax Questionnaire are specifically designed to be clear and easy to answer.

Once you’ve completed the Tax Questionnaire, it’s time for the professionals at TFX to get to work. They’ll analyse the information you’ve given them and draft an electronic engagement letter outlining the scope and total cost of the work to be done.

Step four is a piece of cake: just sign the engagement letter and let TFX go to work on your return! Step five is just as easy on your end: while TFX does your taxes you can sit back and relax. Their usual turnaround time is fifteen business days–what will you use that time for?

Finally, TFX will send you your completed return so that you have the chance to review it and confirm that you’re happy with their work before filing. In step six, TFX e-files your return for you. Worried you might not be eligible to e-file? No problem, TFX will provide you with your ready-to-mail return along with specific instructions about when and where to send it. And if you’re ever audited, TFX will stand by you and advise you of the best course of action to take in dealing with the IRS. Six simple steps and you can stop worrying about taxes for the rest of the year!

TFX is the definition of quality in the modern world. Their founder, Ines Zemelman, is a renowned tax expert who specializes in helping individuals and small businesses to resolve complex international tax issues. Following in her footsteps, her professional multilingual team works to a very high standard and has made a practice of taking on complex cases.

Taxes For Expats works hard to combine the convenience and ease offered by modern technology with a human touch to offer you a streamlined stress-free filing experience. From your very first consultation right through to the end, your preparer will be available to answer any questions you might have about the filing process. You’ll have the flexibility to keep in touch anytime, from anywhere: by chat, email, or phone and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your taxes are in the hands of experts.

So step into TFX’s “office” and explore what they have to offer. Their website is packed with useful information such as their U.S. Expat Tax Guide for 2018 and handy tips about how to compare firms when you’re shopping for a tax preparer. Whether you’re looking for tax preparer now, or just thinking about the future, TFX is a great place to start.

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Un mode de vie nomade peut paraitre idyllique pour certains, mais il peut paraitre ingrat et avoir un goût amer pour d’autres. Comme tout le reste dans la vie. Être nomade a d’incroyables avantages et quelques inconvénients. Le développement rapide de la technologie est en train de faire baisser le nombre d’anciennes tribunes nomades. Celles-ci sont en train de s’installer. D’un autre côté, de plus en plus de personnes deviennent des « nomades modernes » en adoptant le mode de vie d’un nomade numérique, leur permettant de voyager constamment en travaillant à distance.

Passons en revue quelques caractéristiques majeures d’un mode de vie nomade et du nomadisme.

• Un nomade change de lieu constamment, passant d’un endroit à un autre. La plupart des nomades ont un endroit qu’ils peuvent appeler « maison ». Ce lieu est en générale là où leurs parents ou amis d’enfance vivent. Mais ils n’y passeraient pas plus de quelques mois par an en tant que résident. Ils ne s’installeraient pas non plus dans une nouvelle maison. Ils changent constamment de lieu, ils ne se sentent jamais vraiment chez eux, le changement est leur foyer. En fait, cela peut être difficile puisque tout le monde a besoin de stabilité et de sa zone de confort de temps en temps. Être nomade ne permet pas d’avoir le sentiment d’être vraiment chez soi, cette chose que vous avez amélioré, décoré et conçu. Cela appartient toujours à une autre personne (comme un hôtel, une location courte durée, l’habitation d’un ami, etc) et cela est toujours temporaire.
• Le style de vie nomade est plus important que tout, plus important que la carrière, les relations ou les biens. Si ce n’est pas le cas, cela ne sera pas un mode de vie qui durera puisqu’il est très difficile à maintenir. Une fois que vous avez décidé que votre mode de vie nomade est la priorité, vous trouverez un moyen d’arranger tous les autres aspects de votre vie avec cette priorité.
• Éviter les attachements – Un(e) nomade doit rompre avec les liens qu’il/elle a avant de commencer cette aventure, et reste loin des attachements même en vivant ce mode de vie unique. Mais, qu’est qu’un attachement ? La réponse est claire. Tout ce qui vous éloigne de la réalisation de ce mode de vie nomade. Pour que cela soit encore plus claire, c’est tout ce que vous avez (ou habituellement, pensez que vous avez) et que vous ne pouvez pas abandonner. L’emploi parfait que vous ne pourrez jamais retrouver, le chien que vous aimez tellement et que vous ne pouvez pas laisser, le/la fantastique petit(e)-ami(e) qui ne sera pas d’accord pour vous accompagner. Un aperçu rapide et intéressant – si vous avez tout (le job, le chien, le/la petit(e)-ami(e), etc) et que vous êtes heureux/se, ne les abandonnez pas. Mais si ce type de vie ne vous convient pas et que vous n’êtes pas heureux/se, dites au revoir à tous vos faux attachements et trouvez-en de meilleurs ou choisissez la voie du nomade à la place.
• Généralement, les nomades deviennent des personnes intelligentes, facile à vivre et intéressantes. La raison de cette évolution est évidente, ils sont exposés à de nombreux styles de vie, cultures et situations. Ce processus de changement constant est une très belle expérience d’apprentissage et quand vous apprenez, vous en savez davantage et devenez une meilleur personne.
• Les nomades ne prennent pas la vie trop au sérieux. Pensez-y. Quand vous êtes en changement perpétuel, que vous perdez en permanence tout ce que vous aviez avant de changer de lieux, alors cette compréhension de base s’impose à vous : « Tout est temporaire et rien n’est à vous ». Après avoir compris ceci, vous ne pouvez pas prendre la vie trop au sérieux, même si vous essayez… Quand j’étais plus jeune, j’avais un gros problème avec le fait d’accepter les « petites surprises » de la vie (les négatives), puisque j’étais habitué à ma routine et à ce que les choses fonctionnent. Hélas, même si vous n’êtes pas nomade, tout change et certaines choses pour le pire. Chaque fois qu’il y avait une chose qui ne suivait pas mon plan, je devenais très frustré. Depuis que je suis devenu nomade, la vie m’a enseigné que cela était une illusion. Dans un sens, cette expérience nomade vous change de l’intérieur et est recommandé pour les gens ayant des problèmes avec le lâcher-prise (même si le voyage peut être difficile).
• Les nomades voyagent légers. Votre sac-à-dos est votre maison. Mais puisque le logement n’est pas aussi important, il vaut mieux être libre et les choses deviennent un attachement également (si vous ne pouvez pas vous permettre de perdre un objet dans votre sac ou que vous ne pouvez pas le laisser seul, vous n’êtes pas libre).
• Les nomades sont respectueux, souriants et par dessus tout curieux. Si ce n’est pas le cas, pourquoi choisiriez-vous une voie où l’on apprend constamment ? Même plus que ça, un des plus grands ennemies des nomades est la solitude. Les humains sont des animaux sociaux, ce qui signifie que sans compagnie, nous nous flétrissons et devenons déconnectés de nous-même. Si vous n’êtes pas souriant, heureux et curieux, vous avez de grandes chances d’être seul. La plupart d’entre nous sommes aimé par notre famille peu importe qui nous sommes et par nos amis qui ont appris à nous apprécier avec le temps. Un nomade doit prouver sa valeur sociale rapidement, puisqu’il part bientôt vers sa prochaine destination. Vous avez compris : Soyez heureux ! Les nomades numériques essayent de résoudre le manque de vie sociale en choisissant des endroits qui sont en train de devenir des lieux de rassemblement pour nomades où ils peuvent trouver des personnes ayant la même façon de voir la vie.
• Les nomades pensent et s’adaptent rapidement. En tant que nomade, vous avez un problème constant avec l’information – tout est tout le temps nouveau. Vous ne savez pas ce qui est bon marché, vous ne parlez probablement pas la langue du pays, vous ne savez pas comment économiser de l’argent, etc. Cela signifie que vous ne pouvez pas prendre de décisions rapidement dans un environnement où vous êtes en constant manque de connaissance. La vie deviendrait assez cher et insécurisante. La bonne nouvelle est que l’expérience vous façonne et vous donne les outils pour apprendre à devenir meilleur dans ce domaine. Donc, si vous avez peur de votre ombre et que vous trouvez dur de prendre des décisions, devenir digital nomade de manière temporaire pourrait être une expérience bénéfique pour vous.

Il y a une grande diversité de nomades et chacun d’entre eux est différent. Avec le temps, chaque nomade personnalise son style de vie, comme celui que j’ai créé et que j’ajuste constamment.

Cela était une revue courte des principales caractéristiques du mode de vie nomade. Maintenant il est temps pour vous de décider si c’est quelque chose qui vaut la peine d’être vécu. Si c’est le cas, lancez-vous.

Translated from English to French by Anne-Laure Chorro from https://www.zerowasteforlife.com/

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The following list introduces digital nomad and travel blogs that I enjoy reading and that inspire me while working on the BecomeNomad blog...

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Flights are one of the most expensive items while traveling, especially if you are a long term traveler or a digital nomad. Yet, there are some easy ways of reducing the expenses that flight tickets gobble up. This article will focus on the specific mindset and methods to do so without using frequent flyer miles […]

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In our search for the understanding of non-attachment and change, we will turn to Judaism’s holiest day, Yom Kippur (Hebrew יום כיפור), also known as the Sabbath of Sabbaths. I find the mindset and rituals performed in Yom Kippur highly beneficial which can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their beliefs or story. So, what […]

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Long term travelers basic intuition is to keep on moving, the faster, the better. We’re here to live life to the fullest, to see as much of the world as possible which creates a feeling of urgency to switch between places. When I started my life as a digital nomad, I adapted an “Ultra Nomadic” […]

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As a freelancer, Startup founder, or digital nomad, you should consider the advantages of coworking when you pick your work environment. Working at home or taking your laptop to a coffee shop might sound like a dream, but for reasons we will introduce later in the article can also be challenging and frustrating. The other solution for […]

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Living the Digital Nomad Lifestyle means relying on the internet to financially sustain a modern nomadic life. This relatively new trend allows you to become location independent and constantly move between cities as countries while working remotely. The digital nomad lifestyle is rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways of living a nomadic lifestyle. This trend […]

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The nomadic lifestyle is unique: unlike most people in today’s world, nomads are constantly changing locations. However, the nomadic lifestyle allows you to choose from wide subsets of modes and methods of travel.  Listed below are some of the more common types of nomads that I have come across while on the road. If you are making the […]

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There are many ways to sustain yourself as a digital nomad, and I personally think the most fascinating one is building your own Startup, or in other words, creating a product or service (usually online) that didn’t exist before and becoming a nomad entrepreneur. It should be noted however that if you are interested in […]

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I present to you a list of the most valuable resources I have been using over the years as a digital nomad. I use many apps and websites, and some are not on this list, but I focus here only on those that are most relevant for traveling as a digital nomad. Happy travels! Select a […]

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The Nomadic lifestyle is fascinating and inspired many insights about travel and life in general. The inspiration is probably derived from the immense emotional roller coaster this lifestyle offers. Nomads switch between enjoying the the incredible benefits of being constantly on the road, to painful low points this lifestyle introduces. Here are some of the most […]

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Discussing the necessary skills a digital nomad needs in order to maintain a happy and balanced lifestyle is important since this lifestyle is probably not the best option for most of us. You should probably consider to pursue a nomadic path of long term travel if you have a critical mass of the specific skills […]

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Where are the best travel destinations to meet new people? In case you are traveling on your own, taking the time make sure your next destination is optimal for meeting new people is important for any human. Some places will simply not allow you to do that, while others locations will be abundant with options for new […]

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Download | Stitcher | Itunes   We’ve already gone through the advantages of a nomadic lifestyle, and now it’s time to paint the full picture and discuss the disadvantages of a nomadic lifestyle. Life, in general, puts a cost on every decision we make. If the nomadic lifestyle were purely advantageous, everyone would be doing it. […]

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The decision to become a Nomad and roam the earth for an extended amount of time (or even for life) can be made for a variety of reasons. A Nomadic Lifestyle does have some substantial disadvantages, but fortunately there are some key advantages to making the world your home. Download | Stitcher | Itunes   Advantages of being […]

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Download | Stitcher | Itunes – PART 1   Download | Stitcher | Itunes – PART 2   This article is personal, since it relates to a specific pattern I follow while living my digital nomad life. In a way, those rules are the pillars of my own nomadic “religion” and allow me to put some order in what at […]

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How to choose the next travel destination? Most of long term travelers are flexible when it comes to choosing our next travel destination, as this is part of the charm of having a nomadic lifestyle. However, it always pays off to invest time and thought into this decision, since the place you choose to go to will greatly affect your happiness and overall […]

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Spending time on preparation for travel will greatly increase the chances of fully enjoying traveling while avoiding those scary Oops moments of “I really wish I would have taken care of this while at home”.  Here’s a to do list of preparation for travel in order to have a much smoother travelling experience: Download | Stitcher | Itunes   […]

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We are honored to have our first Nomad interview with Earl Baron, from the very popular and recommended travel blog WanderingEarl. Earl has been living the life of constant travel for more than 5,000 days, and shares his experiences and insights about the reality of constantly changing locations. Download | Stitcher | Itunes  Click on play to listen […]

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Nomads are traveling constantly, and it can get confusing when your entire environment is always changing. By improving your orientation, you’re more likely to feel at home at your new location. Good orientation will also save you valuable time, and is especially helpful in places that aren’t that safe where you don’t want to be wandering around clueless (check this […]

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At first glance, the term “lifestyle design” might sound like spiritual new-age mumbo-jumbo. But for me, it’s a very simple concept: The understanding that a person can take control and design their own lifestyle to achieve happiness, freedom or whatever they see as a goal for life. The hype around this term started with Tim Ferriss’ inspirational […]

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In this interview with Aaron, we will learn about his unique way of living the nomadic life which includes weekly location changes, boat hitchhiking and much more. Download | Stitcher | Itunes   Aaron Freed is a true nomad. He avoids traveling with airplanes (kind of ironic since he spent 12 years as a pilot […]

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Books are a great source of inspiration, especially for the digital nomad path which is nothing but easy. The following list suggest some books which will make the transition into a digital nomad smooth on both practical elements, and especially on mindset and philosophy related to constant life on the road. 4 Hour Work Week […]

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Knowing the basics of long term travel on the cheap is crucial for a simple reason: The less we spend, the more time we can travel. Knowing how to travel on a budget also allows us to reduce our workload and have more free time since we can sustain ourselves with less revenue. Listed below are the most substantial tips to make […]

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View the Global CoWorking Map (A project I am working on) I’m a great fan of coworking and honestly think it is a lifesaver with clear advantages. However, it’s only fair to also bring up some of the potential disadvantages that coworking might have: Money. Coworking costs money. How much exactly will change drastically. In […]

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Traveling is riskier than staying at home and watching TV (for the short term only). Yet, traveling will give you unparalleled moments of joy and the risks can be managed with some preparation and the right mindset. We will now go over the major risks you can encounter while traveling and some of the ways you can mitigate […]

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Click here to view the Global Co-Working Map How do you find a coworking place that suits your needs? Once you’ve decided that working from home or a café is not the best option from you, the advantages coworking spaces offer should probably push you to go for this option, regardless of a few minor disadvantages. […]

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As a digital nomad or a short term solo traveler, the ability to meet new people while traveling will have a great affect on your happiness. Although getting to know locals might be preferable if you are a digital nomad who practices slow travel, meeting tourists is also something you shouldn’t miss out on since travelers […]

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This article will discuss one of the best channels available to digital nomads for finding a job: making a living by using online freelancing platforms as a tool for getting customers and getting paid. There are many sites with vast offering of jobs for digital nomad, starting with the massive Upwork Platform (a merger between the popular sites Odesk and Elance). […]

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So you’ve made the decision that a nomadic lifestyle is right for you – now what? Like every other big decision in life, it’s best not to jump into deep water without prior preparation. And yes, changing your life constantly is pretty deep water. Preparing yourself for all different aspects of becoming a nomad will […]

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The basic reality of a nomad is to keep changing location.  The first question that comes to mind when I think of being free: “Why don’t most of us spend at least some period of time in our lives as a nomad?” Upon further thought, the answer I find is that we can’t, and the […]

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When you arrive to your temporary base, it can be quite exciting. But we nomads have to adapt fast, so after a few days we already feel more or less like we are home. However, we can easily fall into the trap of feeling like a “local” too fast without exploring the location’s sights and culture. In […]

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An important question to ask yourself: Should I travel to a new place or to a place I’ve really loved before? There are several advantages to visiting a new place.  First of all, you’ve never been there before!  You’ll be exposed to a new culture and a new language (maybe a language you’ve been studying); there is a certain […]

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Meeting locals while traveling has huge benefits, and will make your stay in any place a very rewarding experience, so knowing some major tools to make it happen is important. Before we begin, let’s just mention the special ingredient that will increase your chances to have local friends: Be friendly and approachable. Locals have a […]

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Sleeping in the car is not really a recommended option, but sometimes it’s necessary. First of all, it’s not very comfortable!  You’re not going to get a good night’s sleep unless you are blessed with a super-luxurious car. Secondly, it’s not that safe.  If you aren’t careful where you park it you are putting yourself […]

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One of the challenges of a nomad is to constantly make an effort to build a social circle while traveling and changing locations to avoid loneliness and be happier. Before we move on to the actual ways of meeting people while traveling, a wise thing to do would be to first understand, who is it that […]

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While traveling, what we carry on our back is minimal and represents the most important things we decide to take with us.  In a way, our bag and our belongings are the closest things we have to a concept of ‘home’.  Therefore, it can be upsetting if our bag or belongs get stolen or lost.  In […]

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This article will discuss and introduce prominent historic Nomadic leaders and notable travelers. There are two main categories of Historic Nomadic leaders we can identify- The spiritual leaders, and the explorers. Starting with the Spiritual leaders, suprisingly, the Planet’s greatest Religions were conceived by leaders who were on a nomadic journey, as it seems that being on […]

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Nobody knows you when you are on the move. One of the reactions you can expect to get from relatives and friends when you travel often is envy.  The question is: why is this reaction so common when people are well aware that a nomadic lifestyle is not always fun and easy? I think one of the […]

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One of the biggest advantages of being a nomad is having constant exposure to various lifestyles and beliefs.  Most of us are brought up focusing on one belief and some of us don’t even continue that belief (some of us become less religious).  Being on the move allows you to be naturally exposed, as part of your […]

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So you’ve chosen to become a nomad. One of the most important decisions that you’re going to make is how fast you want to move around.  One way of becoming a nomad is by constantly, and frequently, changing your location so you can explore more places and cultures in a given period of time.  The contrasting […]

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There is no doubt that a nomad, by definition, is someone who changes from place to place.  However, before rejecting this way of life, we should take a deep look into what being a nomad really means.  The major element of a nomadic lifestyle is change, but, more importantly, the awareness and knowledge the change brings. So now the question […]

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Traveling for a short time can be great for bringing balance to your life, but when you travel longer it might have some consequences that will challenge your mental wellness and emotional balance. The biggest sources of stress and emotional fatigue are connected to the uncertainty of travel, lack of information and generally not having a […]

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A nomadic lifestyle may seem like heaven to some of us, but it can also be unrewarding and bitter. Just like everything else in life, being a nomad has some wonderful advantages and a few substantial disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss some of the main characteristics of the nomadic life. But first, we start with a short discussion of […]

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La decisión de volverse nómada y vagar por la tierra por un periodo extendido de tiempo, o incluso de por vida puede ser tomada por varios motivos. Hay un sinnúmero de ventajas claves de hacer del mundo tu hogar; independientemente de la razón que te hubiera hecho considerar esta elección, ser nómada: Es divertido: Las […]

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This article will feature specific travel posts which I see as extraordinary in some way or another. Some of those posts are by authors in the best travel&digital nomad blogs list I have gathered, but others can be either a one time article by writers, or posts by bloggers that are no longer active. Do […]

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You can Subscribe to the BecomeNomad Podcast on ITunes in this link Here you can find all the links for episodes of the BecomeNomad Podcast, sorted by category. Enjoy! BecomeNomad Topics Getting Started Tips on how to prepare for your new nomadic lifestyle. Preparing for Traveling as a Lifestyle   Skills Every Nomad Needs   Nomad Revenue Sources […]

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Uno de los retos del nómada es estar haciendo un esfuerzo constantemente para tener vida social mientras viaja para así evitar la soledad. (La felicidad es real cuando es compartida) Antes de empezar a hablar sobre las maneras de conocer gente, es necesario pensar antes, ¿a quién quiero conocer? Puede pasar que utilices mucho esfuerzo y […]

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Tomar la decisión de llevar un tipo de vida nómada no te limita a sólo un estilo de vida. Dentro del estilo de vida nómada caben muchas escuelas que la gente toma. A continuación hay una lista de algunas de estas escuelas con las que uno se encuentra en la ruta. Si estás pensando en […]

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Conocer locales mientras se viaja tiene ventajas increíbles, y hará de tu estadía una experiencia muy enriquecedora, por lo tanto conocer las herramientas para lograr contacto local es importante. Antes de empezar, hay un ingrediente mágico que incrementará mucho tus posibilidades de encontrar amigos locales: Ser amigable y estar abierto a todo. Los locales suelen […]

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Antes de empezar viene la primera pregunta para los hispanoparlantes, ¿Qué es un freelancer? Ésta es una persona que trabaja por su propia cuenta,  en cualquier ámbito., En el caso específico del trabajo por internet y por la predominancia de la lengua anglosajona en internet, a estas personas se les llama ‘freelancers’. Este artículo presentará […]

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Written by Steven Baguley. Like anything valuable in life, living the nomadic life takes a good amount of time and effort to make it work. It helps enormously if you’re already a certain kind of person with a certain kind of outlook. Below we present a checklist, a quick guide to the skills and strengths […]