Make It Work! Useful Tips for First-Time Digital Nomads

Just a couple of years ago, digital nomads were a small – even exotic – group of adventurers who'd mostly travel to Southeast Asia in search of a better, more joyful life. But ever since the pandemic, the way we see work and our place in the world has changed significantly. Working remotely isn't an extra anymore. In many companies, it's become the norm. In fact, 17.3 million American workers consider themselves digital nomads.

While working from home has plenty of benefits, those who crave a little more spice in their life should consider digital nomadism. But if you've never tried it before, finding the balance between work and play can seem tricky.

What should you keep in mind as a first-time digital nomad? How can you make the most of your experience? We explain this in the article below.

Choose Your Destination

Deciding where to work while traveling is one of the most exciting parts of digital nomadism. There are no boundaries – if you love spontaneity, you can simply head to the first place that pops into your mind. But if you're a planner at heart, it's good to write down a pros and cons list.

Every country and city has its own perks and challenges, but here are a few things you should think about:

WiFi Quality: Checking the region's WiFi quality is key. If it's not ideal, no worries! Portable WiFi devices can come to the rescue, but you should do your homework and plan ahead.

Infrastructure and Electricity: As you may know, some places in the world have scheduled 'dark hours' for electricity. This could be a dealbreaker for digital nomads with regular virtual meetings, so it's good to be informed.

Community and Other Travelers: If you enjoy meeting new people, find out if there are other travelers or foreigners around. It might make your journey more delightful.

Networking Opportunities: If you're a self-employed traveler, it's good to look for networking opportunities. Co-working spaces in popular digital nomad destinations could open doors to meeting potential clients.

Remember – there's no perfect digital nomad destination. It's all about your priorities. So, before you dive into this exciting journey, set aside time to do some self-reflection.

Divide Work and Pleasure

Finding the right balance between work and pleasure can be challenging, especially when working remotely in a new place. After all – there's so much to do, see, and experience! Not to mention all the amazing people you're going to meet.

To keep up your productivity, it's crucial to set clear boundaries between work and play. Most successful digital nomads have strict schedules in place that help them get through their daily tasks. Some prefer to dedicate entire days for either work or exploration – others prefer to divide each day. 

When it comes to digital nomadism, there's no one-size-fits-all. You must find the right approach for you.

Try to Travel Slow

If you're heading to a place you've never been to before, it may feel tempting to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible. But the key to a positive experience is taking it slow. Instead of rushing to a new city every few days, consider spending several weeks or even months in one place. 

This will give you ample time to establish a productive daily rhythm while allowing you to truly immerse yourself in each destination. Quality over quantity, right?

Check the Connection

As a digital nomad, you'll quickly learn that having access to a good internet connection is everything. Without it, you're doomed. That's why – wherever you go –  you should always do a little research about the Wi-Fi scene. Is it easily accessible? Or should you look for alternative options instead? 

We may be biased, but for travelers who require a lot of data, Nomad Internet is the best option on the market. You'll get unlimited internet and an excellent connection no matter where you end up adventuring. But don't just take our word for it – test it yourself and see how convenient it is! You can have a look at our plans here.

Figure Out How You'll Earn A Living

What seems perfect isn't always in reality. Freelancing might seem like the dream, but after a few weeks on the road, you might realize you're feeling as tied down as you did with a 9-5 job.

Consider the daily demands of your work. Will you need to be online at specific times? Or be on call constantly? Jobs with flexibility, of course, are the best fit for digital nomads.

Ending Notes

Being a first-time digital nomad is no walk in the park. Although the idea of exploring the world seems magical, it involves plenty of challenges too. But don't feel discouraged – the hassle is well worth it!