Digital nomad: How do you become one?

Do you dream of working from a beach café in Bali or a hostel in Lisbon? You can do just that as a digital nomad. More and more people are taking the leap, swapping their 9-to-5 jobs for remote work and earning a living online while travelling the globe. But how do you actually become a digital nomad, and is it really as perfect as it looks on Instagram? Let’s take a look!  

What is a digital nomad? 

A digital nomad is someone who earns money online while travelling. Instead of being tied to an office and a desk surrounded by too many empty coffee cups, you can work from anywhere on your laptop: a mountain cabin, a bustling city, or a tropical island. All you need is wi-fi and the right digital tools… or perhaps a little more than that, but we’ll get back to that soon. 

Why choose a life as a digital nomad? 

Der er mange grunde til at folk vælger at arbejde online og leve som digitale There are many reasons why people choose to work online and live as digital nomads: 

• Freedom: Work anywhere in the world. 
• Flexible working hours: Choose when you want to work. 
• Cultural experiences: Explore new cities, try exciting food, and learn new languages as you travel. 
• Networking: Meet new friends and fellow digital nomads. 
• Personal development: Step out of your comfort zone and discover new things about yourself and the world. 

For many, it’s about creating a lifestyle where work fits around life, not the other way around. 

Who shouldn’t become a digital nomad? 

The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Some find it too stressful or feel lonely when travelling alone without steady colleagues.  

Before you pack your suitcase, sublet your flat, and hand the goldfish over to your parents, it’s a good idea to ask yourself these questions: 
 

• Do you value stability and routine? 
• Do you thrive on the interaction with colleagues in the office, workshop, or café where you currently work? 
• Do you get stressed by uncertainty? 
• Do you usually miss your home and comfy sofa when you’re on holiday? 

If you answer “yes” to most of these, then the digital nomad lifestyle might not be the best choice for you. And that’s absolutely fine! You can still make money online while staying in Manchester or Brighton. 

How to become a digital nomad 

You don’t just become a digital nomad overnight. You need a plan and financial preparation, ensuring you have enough money to cover daily expenses while travelling, even during times when work is scarce. Here are the key steps to include in your preparations: 

1. Your savings

Life abroad can be unpredictable. Flights get cancelled, your laptop breaks down, you need new hiking shoes, and sometimes there’s simply not enough work. Start with savings that will cover 3 to 6 months of living costs. 

2. Set a realistic budget

Research costs in the countries you plan to travel to. Some places are affordable to live in (e.g. Thailand and Vietnam), while others can quickly drain your budget (Switzerland and Norway). 

Include the following in your budget: 

• Accommodation 
• Food and transport 
• Toiletries 
• Vaccinations 
• Travel insurance 
• Coworking space rental 
• SIM card 
• Digital tools 
• Leisure and unexpected expenses 

3. Sort out the practicalities

• Passport and visa: Check your passport expiry date and visa requirements for the countries you want to visit. 
• Insurance: Health and travel insurance are essential. 
• Tax: Check how you’ll need to pay tax on your income while abroad. 

4. Make a plan (and a plan B) 

Begin with one or two destinations instead of planning a year-long trip around the world. Have a backup plan in case you suddenly can’t move on from one destination to the next. 

5. Choose the right digital tools

Your laptop is your office. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right tools and a setup that makes working easy wherever you are. 

Cloud storage (e.g. Google Drive), project management tools (e.g. Trello, Notion), and reliable communication apps (e.g. Outlook, Teams, Slack, Zoom) are must-haves.

If you run your own business, you’ll also need tools that help you create a professional impression (even if you’re working in swimwear on the beach) and make it easy for potential clients and partners to reach you: 

• Build a website to showcase your services or work 
• Set up an online shop if you want to sell physical or digital products 
• Choose an online booking system so clients can schedule sessions with you.  

With one.com, you can set up a professional website in just a few hours, even if you’ve never coded before. You can add an online shop to sell physical and digital products (e.g. e-books, stock photos, or art) and integrate a booking system so clients can book coaching, therapy, language lessons, or yoga sessions no matter where you are in the world.  

You can try one.com’s Website Builder completely free – no commitment or credit card needed.

Remote jobs you can do as a digital nomad 

Not every job suits the digital nomad lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular options if you want to work remotely abroad (or from home): 

• Coaching: If you’re an expert in leadership, stress management, nutrition, influencer marketing, fitness, personal development, or something else, you can offer online coaching. With video calls and an online booking system, clients can easily schedule sessions with you wherever you are. 
• Freelance designer: There’s high demand for UX design, graphic design, web design, and digital illustrations. Good design software (e.g. Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate) and a strong online portfolio will take you far. 
• Freelance copywriter: Many small and medium-sized businesses need help writing blog posts, ad copy, and website content. If you’re great at writing in English (and possibly other languages), you can work with clients worldwide. 
• Web developer: If you can code, you can work online as a web developer from anywhere. Many digital nomads build websites and online shops for clients. 
• Virtual assistant: Busy entrepreneurs, small businesses, and influencers often need help with emails, scheduling, social media, marketing, customer service, and more. Work online as a virtual assistant, offering the services you’re skilled at and presenting them on your website. 
• Online teaching: Many digital nomads teach online – languages, drawing, web development, marketing, and more. With a professional website and simple booking system, you can quickly attract students. 
• Content creator: As a content creator, you can build an audience on your website, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms and make money through ads or brand collaborations. You might even share your travel experiences and inspire others to become digital nomads. 
• E-commerce: Sell physical or digital products online. If you have an online shop with one.com, you can easily manage it and accept payments while travelling. Even without your laptop, you can track orders from your phone with the Companion app. 

Your biggest challenges as a digital nomad 

The digital nomad lifestyle can look dreamy on Instagram and TikTok, but it’s important to be prepared for the challenges too: 

• Loneliness: Travelling alone can feel isolating. Many join co-working spaces or co-living arrangements to meet new people. 
• Time zones: If your clients are in the UK or elsewhere in Europe while you’re in Asia, you may have to work unusual hours to attend meetings. 
• Self-discipline and motivation: You’ll need willpower to stay productive and meet deadlines, even when you’d rather explore or relax in a hammock. 
• Poor internet connections: Wi-fi isn’t reliable everywhere, so always have a backup such as a SIM card with enough data or a café you know has solid internet. On RWCAFE, you’ll find café reviews based on their suitability for remote work. 
• Work-life balance: The line between travel, leisure, and work easily blurs. It takes practice to find a healthy balance.  

How to succeed as a digital nomad: 5 quick tips 

• Start small: Take a short trip as a test run before committing fully to the digital nomad lifestyle. 
• Build an online network: Join Facebook groups, forums, Discord servers, and other digital nomad communities. 
• Invest in quality gear: A good backpack, noise-cancelling headphones, and a sturdy laptop stand make a big difference. 
• Expand your skills: Learn new abilities along the way to attract a wider range of clients and stay ahead of competitors. 
• Create a strong online presence: Build a professional website with clear contact details and information about yourself and your services. This helps you appear more trustworthy and makes it easier for potential clients to find you. 

Take the leap – create your dream life 

Becoming a digital nomad is about more than just travelling. It’s about creating a lifestyle where you control your working hours and workflow. It takes courage, planning, and persistence, but if you succeed, the reward is a life with more freedom and adventure. 

Why not start building your digital base today? With one.com’s Website Builder, you can create a professional site, set up an online shop, and let clients book your services online. 

Try it free and take your first step towards your dream life as a digital nomad.