The Truth Behind Digital Nomad Travel: Pros and Cons
Digital nomad travel is a game changer when it comes to seeing more of the world. It has so many perks, but I won’t lie and say it’s always easy either. Here are pros and cons of working abroad as a digital nomad:
Pro: You can spend more time in a country.
Digital nomad travel gives you the flexibility to visit a country much longer than you would be able to on vacation. Countries that allow digital nomads often let them stay for up to a month or longer. That gives you the time to both focus on your work and see quite a bit as a tourist.
Con: Even with more time, it can be hard to fit in everything you want to see while you’re working.
When you travel while working, you have to make some sacrifices. I always try to remember that even though I’m missing out because of work, work is what’s allowing me to be there in the first place. I am still getting to see much more than I could if I was only traveling on vacations.
Pro: You can see more places than if you only used vacation time to travel.
Working as a digital nomad opens so many doors to travel. With this flexibility, you could theoretically travel full time if you wanted and see so much of the world!
Con: Digital nomad travel can be exhausting.
Trying to fit in work, making new friends, and seeing all the sights of a city can be exhausting even in just one location. If you travel as a digital nomad on a long-term basis, it can add up to be even more tiring.
To help with this, I recommend spending at least one month in each location if you’re working the whole time. I also recommend you take things slow and reserve time each week for relaxing on your own.
Pro: You meet many amazing people from all over the world who value travel, new experiences, and learning from other cultures as much as you.
This has to be one of my favorite parts of digital nomad travel. At home, it can be hard to find others who love and prioritize travel like you. It’s so great to meet folks who get it and to make friends from all over the world.
Con: You will feel like you’re missing out on things at home sometimes.
Naturally, if you spend an extended amount of time abroad, you’re going to miss out on things at home—holidays, birthday parties, etc. Sometimes you may feel homesick and that you’re missing out.
It can be hard to be away and miss these things. If this really gets to you, I recommend going home periodically and also inviting those you love most to join you on your travels when you can.
Pro: Digital nomad travel means you don’t sacrifice income to travel more.
Traveling as a digital nomad allows you to see the world without quitting your job. You can maintain financial stability and not have any extra financial stress looming over you while you travel.
Con: Time zone differences can be challenging.
If you have to work a similar time zone as your home country, that can be quite a challenge.
For instance, when I traveled to Lisbon for a month, I had to work 2 to 10 p.m. there. In some ways it was nice because I had the whole morning to explore, but it was tough to work so late and miss out on cool evening plans with friends. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to try to work U.S. hours from countries in Asia.
Pro: You can often lower your cost of living with digital nomad travel.
Depending on where you’re from, full time travel in other countries can often be more affordable. For instance, you can find a one-bedroom apartment on Airbnb for around $1,000 in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cape Town, South Africa. That’s much more reasonable than what I was paying for my one bedroom apartment in the U.S.
You can spend even less if you stay at a coworking hostel, house sit, or work with a program like Worldpackers where your accommodation is free in exchange for volunteering.
Con: Navigating legal and visa regulations may be challenging at times.
It can be confusing understanding where you are legally allowed to work on a tourist visa and how long you can stay in those places.
To help, I recommend seeing where digital nomad community-type companies run trips. You don’t have to travel with them necessarily, but seeing where they have trips is a good indicator that you can legally travel and work in those places. Companies like this include Remote Year, Hacker Paradise, WiFi Tribe, and Noma Collective.
Pro: Digital nomad travel helps you grow more as a person.
When you aren’t just visiting a place on vacation and you’re truly living there for a month or longer, you grow so much more. You have to learn to adapt to how things are done in that country, and that pushes you more outside of your comfort zone.
Con: You may have to deal with logistical issues.
Traveling abroad will pose challenges at times that can be stressful when you’re working. Whether it’s an issue with Wi-Fi, your accommodation, or something else, you’re bound to encounter some sort of problem.
To help eliminate some of this stress, I recommend going to a coworking space or finding an area with a number of coworking cafes. That way you have multiple places you can work from in case issues pop up.
Pro: You can find more inspiration for your work and life.
Traveling abroad opens your eyes to so many different things. From differing ways of living, perspectives, and culture, you’ll be exposed to so much more that can spark some inspiration and creativity for your own work.
Con: Digital nomad travel can make it difficult to establish a routine.
Every time I travel abroad as a digital nomad for an extended period of time, I find it difficult to maintain a healthy routine. It can be easy to fall in the trap of skipping workouts, eating out for all your meals, and staying up late.
But for your own health and sanity, it’s helpful to do what you can to try and maintain a routine. I recommend trying to establish this routine from day 1. If you start out without a routine, it will be harder to incorporate in later on.
Related: How to Convince Your Employer to Allow Remote Work Abroad: 9 Essential Tips
