Taking the plunge and going travelling or starting out as a digital nomad can be daunting. I know because I’ve been there. Those nerves still kick in every time I set off on a new adventure, no matter how long I’ve been doing this. To set you up for a successful journey, here is an A–Z of everything nomads and travellers need that has helped me along the way.
Accommodation
There are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming. Hotels, hostels, Airbnb, bed and breakfasts (yes, they do still exist in some places!), homestays, couch surfing. Ultimately, the choice comes down to budget and preference. Personally, I love hostels for the opportunities to meet other travellers. But I’ve also done homestays (great for learning another language) and I often get an Airbnb when I need to work. I review them all in hotels or hostels to help you decide what works for you.
Backpack (or rucksack)
Backpack or suitcase? Another dilemma before you’ve even set off! The truth? I adore my backpack. After years of use, it’s like an old friend. But I get that it’s not everyone’s choice. A couple of things to keep in mind before deciding:
Suitcases with wheels
- are great for short breaks and in towns and cities (but not for cobblestones)
- may be more secure if they have a hard shell
- are usually heavier and bulkier and may need to be checked in for flights
Backpacks
- are more flexible and easier to use across all types of terrain
- can have pockets for easy access to essentials without digging around everything else
- are cheaper and more versatile if you’re on the move a lot
As a bonus, backpacks can give your core and legs a good workout, as well as your arms! If you’re in the market for a backpack, start here.
Communications and clients
You don’t need me to tell you about all the apps out there and the ways you can keep in touch with friends and family. I’m sure you know all about those.
But if you are a digital nomad (or an aspiring one), then communication with clients will be on your mind. What works for me for both established and potential clients is full transparency. I’m open about the fact that I travel and I let clients know if I’m going to be offline. No email goes unanswered for more than 24 hours – even if that means I’ve put an out of office on to say I’m unreachable. It’s easier to do because I run my own business. So if you’re a remote worker and want to work overseas? That’s between you and your manager (see also VPNs).
And the most important element of all? If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. No deadline extension requests unless absolutely necessary, and no half-done jobs either. It does mean lots of forward planning. It could mean I miss out on something fun (if I haven’t planned it right). But at the end of the day, it’s the clients and the work that allow me to pay for travelling, so I don’t mess around.
Delays
Quite simply, inevitable! At some time, you will encounter a delay. It may only be a couple of hours, it may be days. It could be to your onward travel or it could be at a border crossing. Like the time the airline made an error and had changed my flight by 24 hours but not sent me the updated details. Or the Bolivian border crossing that was marred by taxi driver protests, creating roadblocks that meant walking a few kilometres to find a bus.
The best way to deal with them is to expect them. Factor them into your schedule and have a good book (or have downloaded something to watch or a podcast) to hand and sit it out (or walk!). You may also need to be prepared to find alternatives. A washed-out road between you and your destination may mean you have to find a way around that with alternative transport or a longer journey. Don’t despair, though. It’s all part of the travel experience! Some of my best travel memories happened because of a delay.
Ergonomics
It’s hard enough to get this right when you have a proper desk. So when it comes to working on the road, getting your ergonomics setup right for you becomes paramount to working comfortably and safely. I struggled with tennis elbow and tight shoulders for years even while working in an office. I discovered yoga, which mostly sorted out the shoulder issue. And I also found the right digital nomad tools for me ergonomically: a joystick mouse and a split keyboard. This is one area I say is worth investing some time and money on to figure out what works for you. If you can’t work comfortably, then nomading becomes nigh on impossible.
First aid kits
The last time I needed to break open my first aid kit was for another traveller who fell while running. You never know when you might need it or for whom, so it’s worth having. It doesn’t need to take up a lot of space or weight much but it could make a difference. This is what I have in my first aid kit.
Getting around
Moving around a new country is half the fun (at least for me!). Trying out all the local transport options means I’ve got some hilarious stories and some wonderful memories. My advice? Don’t be afraid to follow the locals. Whether you’re taking intercity trains or cross-country and international buses, everyone needs to get around somehow. In towns and cities, you’re more likely to take a bus, tram, metro or trolley. Or perhaps a moto (or regular) taxi or tuk-tuk. Use your own two feet to walk or hire a bicycle. Jump on a boat, hire a moped or car (with or without a driver). Whatever you choose, mix it up and you’ll have some lifelong memories. I think I’ve tried everything except electric scooters – so far!
Health and nutrition
I admit this one can be difficult at times, particularly if you have food sensitivities or specific needs. Or if, like me, you’re a picky eater. It’s not always easy to eat healthily while on the road. If you have access to a kitchen, bonus! Local farmers markets and supermarkets will have most of what you need to cook your own meals. Stocking up on fruit and veggies when you can or eating well for a few days straight makes a difference. And it can keep you going for those days when your access to nutritious food is limited or you’re subsisting on snacks on travel days. Also, don’t discount finding the local street food, where you can get some of the best, yummiest, healthiest food.
When it comes to doctors and medications, being prepared is key. Depending on how you travel, you may want to take out insurance that covers routine check-ups and medical care (see Insurance). If you have a home base and a regular doctor, it’s easier to plan around such visits. Bottom line: staying healthy will keep you on the road for longer!
Insurance
I’ve met so many people who never think to take out travel insurance or tell me they don’t need it. But what if something goes wrong and you need medical attention? Or your flight is cancelled late at night? I’ve had severe food poisoning and missed out on hiking the Inca Trail, and I’ve had to find hotels at short notice when flights have been cancelled. You’re not saving money by not buying insurance only to spend it on hotels and doctors or on buying new clothes because your suitcase is lost.
I’ve been using SafetyWing for a few years. They have two options. The Essential cover is ideal for travellers or shorter trips and covers all your basic needs. The Complete cover works for longer-term travel and digital nomads and offers routine healthcare options as well. You can buy either from anywhere in the world, not just your home country, unlike most insurance.
Joining a tour group or getting a local guide
Whether it’s a city walk, day trip or multiday adventure, joining a tour group can be a brilliant way to explore and to meet people. Unless you have a car, it can often also be the most cost-effective way to visit a far-flung destination or squeeze in lots of things in a short time. They are also a good way to support the local economy and tourist industry – which many rely on to make a living. Yes, it’s sometimes a bit touristy, but nomads or not, we’re still tourists!
Kickstarting your journey
No lie, this is the hardest thing of all. Even if you’re a seasoned nomad, those first few days can still be a little nerve-wracking and you can feel discombobulated as you settle into your travel rhythm. It takes me a couple of weeks to find my travel feet, and I’ve been doing this for years! Whether it’s your first trip or you’ve lost count, I would be concerned if there were no nerves at all. Go easy on yourself, plan to land softly and give yourself time to acclimatise.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to go freelance or become a digital nomad, this blog post might help: A Leap of Faith: So You Want to Go Freelance? If you want to work and travel but don’t know where to start, try How to Start Out as a Digital Nomad.
But do it. Don’t let fear stop you.
Laundry
Unless you’re on holiday for a fortnight, you will have few clothes, which means you’ll need to do laundry. There are a few ways to tackle this. If you’ve got an Airbnb or are in a homestay, you may have access to a washing machine. Similarly, hostels often offer laundry services for a small fee. If you’re in a city or town, there could be a laundrette near you. Then there’s hand washing in the bathroom sink, but who wants to mess around with that when you could be out exploring?
The most likely scenario is taking a bag of dirty laundry to the local dry cleaner and picking it up clean, dry and fluffed the next day. Or that evening if you’re lucky. In many countries across Asia, Africa and South America, that is often someone who takes in laundry as an informal income source. Ask around for a recommendation or look for a hole-in-the-wall shop with laundry hanging outside.
Medication and money
Perhaps you take regular medication or you may need to take some for an illness while on the road. Either way, it’s worth being prepared for any eventuality. Whether you put a plan in place for renewing prescriptions or take enough to see you through a shorter trip, start planning early. Some medications can be bought over the counter, while others may need a new prescription. Certain countries ban particular active ingredients and medications, and there could be hefty fines for ignoring the rules. Check what you can and can’t do before you travel and keep prescriptions with you (including the active ingredient name because brand names may differ) for customs or if you need a local doctor to write you a new prescription. And take out insurance to cover unexpected problems.
Managing your money is key to staying on the road for as long as you want to. It’s worth getting set up properly before you leave home and important to have good systems for keeping your money safe while on the road. Find everything you need to know on the money matters page.
Networking
If you’re self-employed, you probably rely on online networking with others in your field to stay up to date with industry developments. Or in many cases, just for a sanity check on certain things. Not to mention finding new clients. If you are a remote worker, you will need to be in touch with colleagues regularly. It’s easy to neglect networking until you need it, but when you do, you’ll miss it if it’s not there.
Getting into the habit of doing some form of networking whether you’re on the road or at home can be invaluable. It could be as simple as checking into LinkedIn once a week, posting and commenting. Or as involved as being on online networking channels (such as Slack) and having daily contact with colleagues. Whatever works best for you, find it and be as diligent as you can about it for your own peace of mind.
Office setup and working
Whatever you do and however you like to work, there are more options than ever out there for digital nomads. Even hostels have dedicated ‘office’ space nowadays – although it’s usually called something funkier and less work-like. Coworking spaces, libraries, cafes, hotels, there’s bound to be something that works for you. Need some inspiration? Here are my favourite weird and wonderful working spots.
Packing
How many times have you overpacked and ended up using half of what you take? Yep, me too. Or being caught out by weather and not having the right clothes or enough of them? On a recent trip to Morocco I had a lot of spring/summer clothes but unseasonably cold weather meant I only wore the same three long-sleeved tops and trousers for the entire trip. The rest went on a cross-country trip in my backpack! My ultimate packing list should help cut down on unnecessary weight and with finding the right things to take.
Quitting and overwhelm
First-time traveller or not, overwhelm can strike at any time. That visceral feeling that you can’t cope, that you’re so far from friends and family or that something has gone wrong at work can make you want to quit and go home.
Don’t give in. At least not immediately. The right answer for you at that time could be to return home. But before you make any rash decisions, take a few deep breaths. Get a good night’s sleep. Exhaustion can blow things out of proportion in our mind. Go for a walk or talk to another traveller if you can. I promise you: we’ve all been there.
Running and fitness
Gone are the days when it was harder to stay fit when travelling. We know so much more about keeping fit and have so many more tools to help us – especially online programmes, videos and support. From running or hiking to getting a gym day pass and finding a class – any class! – staying in shape has never been easier, even when you’re on the road. I now travel with my running shoes, a skipping rope and resistance band – all are lightweight and take up minimal space.
It does pay to be as fit as you can be before setting off as well. That way you’ll have some good habits to fall back on and if you do slack off a little, it’s not the end of the world. So really, you have no excuse. Walking around exploring, carrying a daypack, or slinging a backpack on and off on travel days, fitness is within reach.
Socialising and meeting people
This can be challenging at times, even for an extrovert. But I do believe that you are only ever alone when you choose to be. So while it may take a bit of effort, you can meet people on the road. Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation with someone, even in passing, to feel less isolated and alone. The trick is to open yourself up to engaging with random strangers you meet on a tour, at a hostel, on the bus or train. There are also apps for nomads and plenty of Facebook groups that help you to connect with others where you are. For some inspiration, try How to Meet People When You’re on the Road.
Travel days
Love or hate them, travel days are part of a digital nomad’s life. If you are a slow-mad (spending weeks or even months in one place), then they’re fewer and further apart. I like to move around more often and take in lots of smaller towns and out-of-the-way spots. So that means more days on the move and occasionally for long hours. For me, being on the road is half the fun. Buses and trains in particular mean I can experience a country’s culture by people watching or meeting fellow travellers. I can also watch the world go by and see all sorts of rural and city life from a comfy (usually!) seat.
Still, long and frequent days on the move can take their toll. In one way, I can use them as downtime to nap and listen to music. If you don’t get motion sickness, you could read or even get some work done. (Sadly, I can’t.) It does take some planning when it comes to work and deadlines, though, and let’s face it: a long travel day, even with naps, is still tiring.
Underrated destinations
As a traveller and digital nomad, and if you’re anything like me, you want to avoid the touristy, overpriced areas. Seeking out the smaller towns and cities, the ones that are a little mellower and definitely cheaper, could mean a more authentic experience and your money going further and for longer. While you’ll need to balance this with good connectivity if you rely on strong, consistent WiFi, those underrated destinations are often what’s best about travelling. So don’t be afraid to get out of the capital city the first chance you get!
VPNs
Virtual private networks, better known as VPNs, can help you keep your personal and client data safe. They act as a direct tunnel between your device and the website you’re using. They will mask your location and help prevent hackers from stealing your sensitive data. As a bonus, using a VPN can also mean choosing your location on streaming devices so you don’t miss your favourite show if it’s not showing where you are.
I’ve tried various VPN providers and the one I’ve settled on for the last few years is NordVPN. Use my referral link to try it out and get free months if you sign up.
WiFi and eSIMS
Finding decent WiFi is a digital nomad’s priority. It’s probably the most frequently asked question in social media groups. Depending on where you travel to and whether you’re in the city or countryside, getting good WiFi is worth looking into if you need to work. That said, don’t assume that it’s all bad. I found fibreoptic WiFi in Thailand to be better than in London a few years ago, so do check first. If staying in a hotel or Airbnb you can ask for a screenshot of a ping test before booking.
For browsing or emailing on the move, eSIMS (digital SIM cards) can be very useful. They’re not always the cheapest solution, but they typically have good coverage and you can hotspot from them. Often worth getting for the first week so you’re online as soon as you land, it also helps you get around while looking at local SIM options.
Xenophobia
Unpleasant but unfortunately it happens. I hope that it is something you never encounter on your travels. But you might. Most people are curious about those who are different to them and want to learn. I have been stared at for being blonde, tall, white, a solo woman, just different. I have had my hair and skin stroked to see how it feels, and I’ve had my photo taken without permission many times. While it can make me feel uncomfortable, I know it doesn’t come from a bad place but from curiosity and a lack of education.
But there is a small minority who is truly fearful of those who are different, and they can make us feel unwanted or on rare occasions be dangerous. Trust your instinct and move on if anything feels vaguely off. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, even if you are going to miss out on something you were looking forward to.
You time
You time, me time, downtime, chill time… whatever you want to call it, you need it. If you love your work too much or are a workaholic, making sure you have enough time off while travelling can be a challenge. Why? Because as well as factoring in time to work, you also spend time organising your next move and on travelling between places – also tiring! I’ve found a couple of ways to get around this.
Firstly, I have a hard stop from work so I can catch a sunset. I love them and so many parts of the world have gorgeous sunsets I don’t want to miss. Secondly, I treat travel planning as part of my off-time. I do some research over morning coffee or an after-work drink, or I spend time booking accommodation and travel. And, of course, I take some time off to explore after I finish a job, which could mean hiking or a day trip.
Zzzz – getting some good sleep
Perhaps one of the most crucial parts of travelling is getting a good night’s sleep. It keeps you rested, happy and healthy. But it can be elusive too. Do what you need to do to help you drift off: eye mask, ear plugs, white noise, cooling fan… How you sleep will in large part dictate what sort of accommodation you choose. Ironically, I found that sleeping in hostel dorms helped me become a better sleeper, but to be fair I find it easy to sleep almost anywhere. But… if you’re a snorer or like to pack or chat on the phone in the middle of the night, get your own room, please!