Working while you’re traveling full-time is a dream for many.
While it comes with amazing benefits, you better be proactive about your wellbeing to enjoy this lifestyle long-term.
After 7+ years of traveling without a fixed base (and still going strong), I’ve experimented a lot with the lifestyle, ways of performing at my best, and most importantly, feeling good, while constantly being on the move.
Here are 10 of my best tips to design a sustainable lifestyle as a digital nomad.
Define What Kind Of Life You Want
While this, and most of the tips in this post are essential even if you’re living a more traditional life, taking the time to think about what kind of lifestyle you want becomes extra important when you’re a digital nomad. Why? As you will notice, you have to be much more proactive, since certain things (like career development and getting to know people) just won’t happen naturally otherwise.
Also, when everything in theory is possible, how do you make sure that you prioritize right? By knowing what matters most to you, it will be so much easier to make decisions down the road.
Actions:
- Picture your ideal lifestyle and make a list of your priorities. I’ve organized my list based on categories (such as Career, Lifestyle, Relations, Health, etc.,) and importance (Must have’s, Nice to have’s, Avoid/Limit). Choose whatever format works for you. I keep track using Asana, my go-to project management tool to manage most things in life 😅.
- Don’t think about exactly what shape things should take as you write this down. Instead, stay open-minded and define different possibilities that support your priorities once you have them in front of you. If stability is important to you, you might for example realize that you shouldn’t move too quickly. If you love city life, you might re-consider basing yourself in that remote village for several months – at least for now!
Not sure where to start? Then head over to Questions To Figure Out What You Want In Life (And How To Get There).
Work With Something That
Makes You Feel Fulfilled
I’m a member of several forums for aspiring digital nomads and see many people that seem willing to do almost anything to just “travel with their laptop”. If we ignore the fact that working while traveling is about much more than that, taking the time to figure out something you actually enjoy is key if you want to be happy with this lifestyle long-term.
Doing anything just to be able to travel is a short-term solution and not very different from someone who’s sitting at their 9-5 hating what they do. With time, it will catch up with you. If you’re not happy with your life, escaping to paradise places won’t solve the problem.
Actions:
- We all have different priorities and some are ok with “a job just being a job”. While there is nothing wrong with that, ask yourself if that’s what you really want? If you did the exercise under point number one, you should already know.
- Define what makes you excited and how you could earn a living on it. Then create a plan to make that happen. Naturally, you have to start somewhere and won’t be living the dream from day one. At least you’re on your way and if you stay consistent, you will get there. Or even somewhere better that you can’t imagine at this point! Be patient and trust the process 😉.
Prioritize And Be Proactive
About Your Health
While you might be used to a 1-year membership at the gym and regular health checks at your local clinic back home, staying healthy while traveling full-time is different.
I love working out, so it’s more difficult for me to skip it for a few days than to just do it. Always having to find the best places to work out when you’re already busy can be discouraging sometimes, though. So your brain might start coming up with all kinds of creative excuses…
The same goes for diet. Every day is perfect for dessert and a few glasses of wine after all! Transforming your lifestyle completely, with new habits like always moving and being new in town, can also have an effect on your mental wellbeing.
Actions:
- Revisit your priorities under point one and think about how to manage to feel good long-term. You don’t need to have fixed routines if you’re not that kind of person (I’m not), but it helps to set flexible goals based on these insights. Such as “I’ll work out 3 times a week.” These can then be achieved in different ways, even if you’re traveling.
- Combine workouts with sightseeing and networking! I often go running to beaches or viewpoints. Joining a local gym is also a great way to meet people.
- If you’re on a special diet, apartments might be a better option than hotels. Things like making sure you’re having a comfortable spot to work from, not sitting too much, and a chill night once in a while, even if you’re in this amazing city, are other things that can boost your wellbeing.
- Do regular health checks. I usually do this when I’m visiting Sweden every summer.
Set Off Time For The
Important Things
There will always be a good day for an adventure. You’ll be surrounded by temptations, but to do well long-term, learning how to say no is key. In this way, you’ll have more time for those things that you really want to do.
Why say yes to an average meet-up or date when you can use the same time to build your empire or go on an amazing one instead? 👑
Actions:
- Make sure to set off enough time for things that matter to you. Be it work, good food, catch-up with friends/family, exploring, meeting new people, or some quality me-time.
- If you, just like me, have lots of different interests and struggle a bit with FOMO, have realistic expectations of yourself. You can’t do everything 100 % at the same time.
- Understand the importance of balance. Every time you say yes to something, you’re indirectly saying no to other things. Be cautious with how you spend your time!
Be Mindful About The Places
You’re Visiting
Some nomads and travelers only want parties, Wifi, and meet-ups with the same kind of people. Especially since Covid, it seems like many just want to be “free” and are pretty unconcerned about the problems of the countries they are visiting.
While everyone is free to choose their travel style, being mindful and curious about the local culture can give you more meaningful experiences. From being more present to getting to know the locals, and paying attention to your surroundings.
Don’t miss the opportunity to slow down and get to know the place you’re visiting. There is more to it than the main attractions. Mindful travel is also great for self-discovery as you become aware of how your thoughts, feelings, and sensations are impacting your perception of everything.
Actions:
- Learn a little bit about the history, politics, or other topics that seem important when you’re visiting a country. Once there, look at all that’s happening around you without any judgment. Try not to see what you’re used to as the only model. Instead, stay curious and open to differences. With the right attitude, everything becomes more exciting.
- Be respectful of local rules. A good example during these times is if all the locals are wearing masks, you might want to consider putting yours on too.
- Chitchat with the locals and listen to their stories. It’s a great way to learn more about a place’s history, culture, lifestyle, and have a more authentic experience. You might make new friends for life too, you never know!
- One of the luxuries of this lifestyle is that you’re able to slow down when you feel like it. While it’s fine to cross off attractions (I do too), don’t forget to enjoy each moment.
Don’t Underestimate The Importance
Of Genuine Relationships
“What about relations?!” is one of the most common questions I get. And it is definitely one of the biggest differences from living a more traditional life. If you don’t pay attention, it’s easy to end up in a routine where people come and go, conversations become similar and shallow, and contact is too short to really get to know each other.
For many who are on holiday, this is just fun. In fact, it’s often just what they’re looking for. Having a good time with anyone who seems cool at the moment, without thinking too much, because in a week or two they’ll go home to their “real friends” and more well-established relations. For you, it’s different though.
While it’s amazing to be able to meet so new people all the time, finding a balance between adventures and developing deeper relationships is key to maintaining this lifestyle long-term.
Actions:
- Be aware of who your real friends are and prioritize staying in touch. This is of course not only your responsibility, even if it’s a common trap to feel like it since you’re the “one who’s away”. Apart from regular calls, family and friends have also visited me at different places. After all these years, I feel closer than ever to them, which is pretty amazing!
- Invest time into developing new, genuine connections. This lifestyle will allow you to meet some fantastic people that you’d never have met otherwise. Be aware when you do and stay in touch if you really click with someone.
- Certain places are more known for having a community of for example nomads. Remember, it’s always up to you where you base yourself! If you want to get to know people better or spend time with your family, you can always slow down for a while.
- Find a good balance between going back to places and visiting new ones. I combine returning to my favorites (where I also have friends/family and feel pretty much at home) with new destinations. Even if you go back, there is always something new to discover. I love the mix of adventure and familiar.
Learn How To Enjoy
Your Own Company
Before starting this lifestyle, I was almost never alone. I didn’t realize it back then but think it’s pretty crazy when I think about it now.
While I had my own apartment, I always left early in the morning and came home late at night. My days were filled with social events and meetings – ranging from work to dance, martial arts, and everything else you can and can’t imagine. Even if I was happy, I don’t think I really knew how to spend quality time with myself. Now I love it!
Actions:
- Learning how to enjoy your own company is such an important skill. It gives you time to think, unwind, and makes you more selective of who you spend your time with. Go for what you want, no matter if you’re by yourself or with someone. Like eating at that nice restaurant, climbing a mountain, heading to that concert or club. When you see how amazing it can be, sometimes you’ll even prefer to do things by yourself! 😅
- If you’re in the mood for company or meeting new people, going out by yourself is great too. I often end up meeting more people when I’m by myself than if I’m accompanied by someone.
Invest Into Developing Your
Skills And A Professional Network
One of the things that I was most worried about when leaving my old job (which I liked, by the way!) to start my own business was career development and that professional network. I was working for a well-established company, where everyone had a mentor and knowledge-sharing meetups were taking place several times a week.
We had channels where one quickly could throw out a question to get input on different areas. And of course, those amazing colleagues in the office! How do you “replace” that when you’re working for yourself? How do you make sure that you always progress?
Actions:
- With time, I’ve come to realize that it’s nothing you can’t have when running your own business. It just requires much more initiative on your part! If you don’t actively look into what areas you’d like to further develop, no one will organize a course for you. Same for mentors, knowledge exchange, and networking in general.
- It exists so many online forums and groups for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and different industries. You can also connect with people directly via social/email, set up video calls, meet up in person and talk about ideas and opportunities. There are so many exciting conferences and courses you can sign up for too!
- Before the pandemic, l used to attend networking events in every big city I passed by. There are so many opportunities when you’re working for yourself. Your network often ends up more diverse. If you’re proactive, you’ll learn more than ever before.
Take Time Off
It’s easy to get trapped in some kind of in-between-work-and-vacation mode when you’re always based in different, dreamy places. However, it’s as important to take time off from work to stay productive.
When you’re an entrepreneur, work will never end naturally, so it’s up to you to set the limits. I often feel as I’m running several businesses at the same time – my own and my clients.
Actions:
- Listen to your body and experiment with the right balance to find what’s working for you.
- I usually take full days and “time blocks” off, where I’m trying to avoid everything work-related. These last couple of years I’ve also started to take proper vacations, which I never used to do before. I didn’t feel the need for it but now I love it! It helps me to reflect, find new inspiration, and the feeling afterward is priceless.
Be Open To Changes In
Preferences And Lifestyle
The best part about being a location-independent entrepreneur is the freedom to design your ideal lifestyle. Things don’t have to stay the same if something doesn’t feel right anymore. Just because you’ve been living in a certain way until now, you don’t have to continue.
Be open to that your preferences might change, and that’s both ok and exciting!
Actions:
- Do regular check-ins with yourself to see if you still like what you do. Journaling and time set off for reflections are a few ways to stay on top of how you’re feeling.
- Review the priorities you wrote down under point 1 regularly. Do you need to make any changes? This could cover anything from work and health to your travel style, relationships, or you name it. See what kind of lifestyle changes you might need to implement to support your new priorities, and make a plan to make that happen.
Figure Out What Works For You
There is no “one way” of living as a location-independent entrepreneur – you set the rules! Experiment and be aware when things don’t feel right anymore.
Everyone faces moments when they are feeling stressed, unmotivated, or not as happy. There are many different ways to feel better. Make it a priority to figure out what works best for you.
Would you add any tips to the list?
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