Digital Nomad Guide: Balancing Work & Adventure

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle for creatives involves more than just a sturdy laptop and a thirst for adventure. It's a careful balance between work and play—all while exploring the world. This guide walks you through the steps of becoming a successful digital nomad: from preparing for a nomadic lifestyle and adapting to remote work, to maintaining connections while traveling and planning for the long-term. So, if you're ready to balance work and adventure around the world, let's dive in.

1. Prepare for Nomadic Lifestyle

Before you open your laptop on a sunny beach or a bustling city halfway across the globe, there are a few important steps to take. Preparing for a nomadic lifestyle is about taking the time to plan and set goals, evaluate your financial situation, and decide on your destination.

List Down Your Goals

Before you pack your bags, it's important to clarify why you want to adopt the digital nomad lifestyle. Is it to explore new cultures? To build a location-independent business? Or perhaps to find inspiration for your creative pursuits? Setting clear, realistic goals will give you a sense of direction and help you stay motivated. Remember, this is not a never-ending vacation—it's a lifestyle. And like any lifestyle, it requires planning and purpose.

Evaluate Your Financial Situation

Living the digital nomad lifestyle for creatives doesn't mean you have to be rolling in money. But, it does mean you need to be financially responsible. This involves saving enough to cover your travel costs, living expenses, and unexpected emergencies. It's also wise to have a steady income stream to support your lifestyle. Whether it's from freelance gigs, a remote job, or a location-independent business, making sure you have a reliable source of income will make your nomadic journey less stressful and more enjoyable.

Decide on Your Destination

Finally, it's time to choose where you want to kickstart your digital nomad journey. Factors to consider include cost of living, safety, internet speed, and community. Bali for example, is popular among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, beautiful scenery, and a thriving community of remote workers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more urban environment, cities like Berlin or Barcelona could be your go-to destinations. Wherever you choose, make sure it aligns with your lifestyle and work needs.

2. Adapt to Remote Work

Once you've set your goals, evaluated your finances, and chosen your ideal destination, the next step in balancing work and adventure around the world as a digital nomad is to adapt to remote work. This involves choosing the right job, creating an effective work environment, and managing time zones.

Choose the Right Job

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle doesn't mean you have to give up a fulfilling career. In fact, the digital age has opened up a plethora of remote jobs that fit perfectly with a nomadic lifestyle. For creatives, this could mean freelance writing, graphic design, photography, or digital marketing. The key is to find something you love that also allows for flexibility and mobility. Remember, this isn't just about making money—it's about maintaining a satisfying work-life balance while exploring the world.

Create an Effective Work Environment

Working from a beach or a quaint café might sound dreamy, but it can also be distracting. To stay productive, it's important to create an effective work environment. This might mean finding a quiet space in your accommodation, investing in noise-canceling headphones, or even joining a local co-working space. Don't forget to set boundaries—while it's tempting to explore your new surroundings, remember to allocate certain hours of the day for work.

Manage Time Zones

One of the challenges of the digital nomad lifestyle for creatives is managing different time zones—especially if you're working with clients or colleagues back home. Luckily, there are plenty of tools and apps to help you keep track of different time zones. It's also a good idea to schedule meetings and deadlines in a way that won't interfere with your adventure time. Remember, balancing work and adventure around the world requires not just adaptability, but also good time management skills.

3. Balance Work and Adventure

The glamour of the digital nomad lifestyle for creatives often hinges on striking a balance between work and adventure. Too much work, and you might as well be back in an office. Too much play, and you may find yourself unable to sustain your lifestyle. Let's break down how to schedule your adventures, stay productive on the move, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Schedule Your Adventures

One of the most exciting aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle is the ability to explore new places. But exploring takes time, and you also need to work. The solution? Schedule your adventures just like you would schedule work tasks. This could mean setting aside specific days for sightseeing, or allocating a few hours each day to getting out and about. Scheduling your adventures ensures you'll have time to soak up your new surroundings without neglecting your work responsibilities.

Stay Productive on the Move

As a digital nomad, you're not always going to have the luxury of a stable work environment. There will be times when you'll need to work in airports, on buses, or even while waiting for a tour to start. Staying productive on the move requires a bit of planning. Download work materials ahead of time in case of spotty internet, and invest in a good power bank to keep your devices charged. It can be challenging, but with a little foresight, you can turn any space into a temporary office.

Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Finally, remember that the goal of the digital nomad lifestyle is not just to work from exotic locations, but to enjoy a fulfilling life that includes work, adventure, and relaxation. Prioritize self-care, make time for hobbies and relaxation, and don't feel guilty about taking a day off to explore. After all, what's the point of living in Bali if you never leave your apartment? Balancing work and adventure around the world is a juggling act, but with practice, you'll find your rhythm.

4. Maintain Connections While Traveling

Navigating the digital nomad lifestyle for creatives means not only balancing work and adventure but also maintaining connections while traveling. As we journey around the globe, it's vital not to lose sight of our roots and the relationships that matter most. Let's look at how to stay connected with family and friends and how to build a network of digital nomads.

Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Even though you're miles away, keeping in touch with family and friends back home is essential. Regular video calls, instant messaging, and social media updates can help bridge the gap. Remember important dates like birthdays or anniversaries and make an effort to be present virtually if you can't be there physically. You might be living an exciting life of adventure, but your loved ones still want to share in your journey.

Build a Network of Digital Nomads

As you traverse the globe, you'll cross paths with other digital nomads. Building a network of like-minded individuals can be immensely beneficial. Not only will they understand your unique challenges, but they can also offer advice, support, and companionship. Attend meetups, engage in online communities, and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with a fellow nomad in your coworking space. Remember, forging bonds with other nomads can make your experience richer and less lonely.

5. Plan for Long-Term

Living the digital nomad lifestyle for creatives doesn't mean you're on a perpetual vacation. It's a life choice, and for it to be sustainable, planning for the long-term is key. Let's explore some considerations for your long-term plans, including accommodation, healthcare, insurance, and how to prepare for unexpected challenges.

Consider Long-Term Accommodation Options

While hopping from hotel to hotel might seem attractive initially, it can quickly become tiring and expensive. Long-term accommodation options such as renting an apartment, staying in co-living spaces, or even house-sitting can provide more stability and help you save money. Plus, having a base can make you feel more at home, even when you're halfway across the world.

Plan for Healthcare and Insurance

When you're living the digital nomad lifestyle for creatives, you can't afford to ignore healthcare and insurance. Ensure you have a reliable health insurance plan that covers you internationally. Regular check-ups are also important, so factor these into your travel plans. Additionally, consider insurance for your equipment — your laptop and other tools are your lifeline, after all.

Prepare for Unexpected Challenges

The digital nomad lifestyle can be unpredictable, and unexpected challenges can arise. Maybe it's a global pandemic that restricts travel, a sudden loss of income, or a health issue. Having an emergency fund can provide a safety net in such situations. It's also important to have a backup plan — know what you would do if you had to return home suddenly, or if your remote job fell through. Remember, the unexpected isn't always bad; sometimes, it's just an adventure waiting to happen!

If you're looking to balance work and adventure as a digital nomad, be sure to check out the workshop 'How to Earn a Living and Travel the World' by Jasmine MacPhee. This workshop offers practical tips and advice on how to successfully combine your career with your passion for traveling, ensuring that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.