Itching to ditch your office and embark on a new adventure? The dream of remote work and world exploration is closer than you think! Before hitting the road, let’s look at the pros and cons of three popular digital nomad lifestyles:
1. Van/Bus/RV Life: Your Mobile Home Office
Imagine: waking up to a new view daily, your home (and furry friends) always with you. Sounds idyllic, right? But remember, compact living is not for everyone:
Pros:
- Unmatched Flexibility: Explore diverse landscapes at your own pace, changing locations regularly. Mountains,beaches, or family visits—your choice!
- Cost-Effective: Can be cheaper than rent if resourceful. Stealth camping is free, campsites range from $500-$1200/month.
- Spontaneous Adventures: Follow the weather, chase sunsets, choose destinations on the fly.
Cons:
- Compact Living: Creative workspace solutions and constant packing/unpacking are required. Prioritize convertible workstations—a comfortable chair, monitor, or standing desk setup might be key.
- Logistics Maze: Finding water, dumping tanks, and navigating parking restrictions adds complexity.
- Stealth Camping Savvy: Newbies, consider campgrounds until mastering balancing work spots with great 5G/Starlink signal and free overnight parking. Use iOverlander for stealth options.
Pro Tips:
- Coworking Champions: Invest in a coworking pass for community and amenities like coffee, kitchens, fast Wi-Fi,and meeting rooms. Costs: $10-$50/day, cheaper with bulk passes.
- iOverlander Master: Find water, dump stations, and even stealth camping spots with this app.
- Reliable Internet: Invest in strong 5G or Starlink for uninterrupted work. Consider unlimited/100-200GB 5G plans and Starlink for remote areas. Check coverage maps before heading out. Remember, good internet is crucial!
- Campground Oasis: Embrace campgrounds for longer, stress-free stays or when needing showers and laundry.
2. Airbnb Hopping: National Explorer Kit
Feeling the itch to explore but crave some home comforts? Consider a month-long city stint! Not a city person? Hit the road in your car and stay outside the urban bustle for a slower-paced adventure.
Pros:
- Comfort is Key: Enjoy a dedicated workspace, full kitchen, unlimited water, and other homey amenities with a month long Airbnb rental.
- New Experiences are Everywhere: Immerse yourself in different cultures and local flavors, there’s so much to explore in a new city or town!
- Transportation Triumphs: Stay in central locations with lots of activities and sightseeing to maximize your adventure time. For city dwellers, choose rentals with good public transportation for daily errands and easy exploration.
Cons:
- Pricey Pads: City Airbnbs can be expensive. Tip: Choose longer stays (>1 month) for cheaper per-night rates. Most offer long-term discounts (30-70% off).
- No Wheels, No Freedom: Limited exploration outside the city might require taxis or rideshares. Choosing to drive, instead of fly, is a huge benefit!
- Packing Procrastination: Frequent packing/unpacking can disrupt your rhythm. Our sweet spot is 1-2 months per Airbnb, giving you enough weekends to explore without sacrificing downtime.
Pro Tips:
- “Dedicated Workspace” Filter: Find work-friendly setups on Airbnb using this search filter.
- Embrace Longer Stays: Minimize packing hassles and save money by renting for a month or more.
- Hybrid Hustle: Combine Airbnb hopping with Van/Bus/RV life for a mix of comfort and flexibility. Having a vehicle saves money on transportation and lets you escape the city.
3. International Basecamp: Live, Work, Explore
Ready to delve deeper into a new culture? Beware, you will unlock a whole new level of wanderlust with this type of travel, and you may never go back. This is where the magic happens.
Pros:
- Deep Dive Immersion: Live in a new country for a month or more, truly absorbing the culture. Consider locations that offer digital nomad visas such as Portugal, Bali, or Mexico, allowing you a longer stay.
- Weekend Wanderlust: Explore nearby cities or countries on your weekends, creating unforgettable memories and experiences.
- Vacation Versatility: Combine remote work with travel to maximize exploration and take smaller more frequent vacations. Take 1-2 vacation days before/after the weekend to enjoy exploring a new area without sacrificing days off to travel.
Cons:
- Time Zone Twists: Adjusting your work schedule to different time zones can be tricky. Maintaining normal work hours might restrict which zones you travel to.
- Flight Frenzy: Flights can be expensive and time-consuming, limiting spontaneous travel. Plan international trips and book flights at least 6 months in advance.
- Weekday Wanderlust Blues: Work hours might restrict weekday exploration, saving the fun for weekends. Stay in areas with plenty of nearby activities—new restaurants, cafes, or walkable sightseeing spots.
Pro Tips:
- Choose a Central Hub: Opt for a location with plenty to see and do within easy reach.
- Start Domestic: Consider working remotely within your country before venturing abroad to test the waters.
- Time Zone Tango: Communicate clearly with colleagues about your adjusted schedule and be mindful of meetings.
Bonus Tips for the Savvy Traveler:
- Off-Season Oasis: Travel during off-seasons to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Embrace the Flow: Be prepared to adjust your schedule and plans as needed. Flexibility and spontaneity is the best part about this lifestyle!
- Work-Life Balance Bliss: Remember, it’s not always a vacation, but a unique blend of work and travel. Remember to balance your busy days with time to rest and enjoy yourself.
Ultimately, the best travel style is the one that resonates with your soul and suits your work setup. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, embrace the adventure!
And remember, no matter which path you choose:
- Check your company’s remote work policies (some restrict travel destinations).
- Plan for internet access: 5G, Starlink, or reliable Wi-Fi are crucial.
- Consider time zone differences: adjust your schedule, or choose destinations that align with your work hours.
- Embrace flexibility: travel during weekends, and be prepared to adapt plans as needed.
Happy travels and productive workdays!
Kay & Phil Digital Nomads 