The World Is Yours, But Where Are You Going Next?

When you decide to live the life of a digital nomad, you come face to face with the question: where to next? It’s no mystery that the world is huge and the options of where to go are endless. In fact, it can almost be overwhelming to think about where to settle down for a bit. 

While most travelers have the luxury of seeing a picture of a destination on Instagram and decide that is where they will vacation, digital nomads have so much more to consider before deciding where in the world they want to spend their time and work. 

As you plan your next move, take these things into consideration. 

Cost of Living

There are some places in the world that are so affordable it just makes sense to go there while living the digital nomad lifestyle. Take Thailand, for example. While planning your next destination, consider the cost of living there. How much will rent be? How about groceries and dining out? Are cafes with wifi affordable? 

As someone who lives on the road most of the time, it’s important to budget and plan out your expenses ahead of time. Before moving to a new place, do your research to estimate how much you will spend there. This will help you to avoid financial struggles in the future. 

The Weather

Some like hot weather. Some like cold weather. Some like mild weather. Whatever type of weather you prefer, it should be one of the first things you research about your next potential destination. Weather can have a major effect on your happiness and experience in a certain place. 

Keep in mind the time of year you want to visit, too. While Greece is known for having beautiful warm weather, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s like that all year round.

Reliable WiFi

There is no greater struggle than having unreliable WiFi as a digital nomad. Your clients – and your wallet – depend on a stable WiFi connection. Ask other nomads who have traveled to the destination if they struggled with the WiFi situation. Before booking accommodations, ask the owner if they have issues with the connection. A quick Google search can help you find how many cafes in the area offer free WiFi as well. 

Digital Nomad Community

There are some spots in the world that serve as hubs for the digital nomad community thanks to their affordable cost of living and gorgeous scenery. While ultimately, the nomad lifestyle is lived alone, that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with other like-minded people. 

If you are looking to connect with fellow nomads, cities like Bangkok and Medellin are great digital nomad destinations. Cities like Paris and Dubrovnik, while great for tourists, don’t offer the same benefits to digital nomads. While deciding on your next destination, search for coworking spaces in the area, and talk to other nomads who have been there. 

Life-Work Balance

When you love what you do, it can be easy to fall into 12-hour days in front of your computer and never leave the house. Living as a digital nomad means finding a balance between your work and enjoying the exotic place you have found yourself. If you stay in your house all day, then what is the point of traveling? When researching your next move, consider if it will be a place where you can have fun and stay focused on your work. 

 A digital nomad living in Ibiza or Koh Phi Phi, known party destinations, may not find that perfect balance between work and fun. They’ll be tempted to party every night, sleep all day, and do it all over again. 

You know yourself best. Be realistic when it comes to whether a destination will be too distracting or not. 

Safety

It’s always a good idea to look at the safety statistics of your next potential destination. You should always take precautions when traveling somewhere new, but some destinations require more awareness than others. Educate and prepare yourself for any risks and dangers that may be common in your next destination. 

Where To?

Still lost as to where to go next? The best thing you can do is talk to other digital nomads about their experiences in different places. You’ll get an idea of what life is really like in certain cities and if they’re nomad-friendly.

Join Nomads Embassy and connect with a global community of digital nomads.