These are not good times for travel or tourism in general. Some people cope better, focusing on themselves, their hobbies and their families while they wait for better times. Others, especially digital nomads, find the situation harder. And no wonder. A year ago, none of us expected travel to come to such a standstill, and it has now gone on for quite a long time. How are digital nomads doing during the coronavirus pandemic, and is it possible to become a nomad now?
Who are digital nomads?
To start with, let’s look at who digital nomads are. There are several types of freelance travellers. However, two features are typical of all of them and could form part of a definition of a nomad:
- They work online using a computer
- And they travel the world while doing so
How they travel, whether in a van or by plane, how often they move from place to place and whether they travel light (with just a backpack) or with lots of belongings differs from person to person. Some also travel as a couple, as a nomadic duo, while others swear by the joys of solo travel.
Can you travel as a digital nomad now?
The question you are probably most interested in is: What is the situation for nomads now, during the coronavirus pandemic? Can I set off on my travels as a digital nomad now, or should I wait at home?
The answer is not very simple. It depends on your values and goals, but also on your travel preferences and flexibility. Over the past year, travel has become something of a controversial topic, and everyone has their own opinion on it.
For digital nomads, however, it is a lifestyle and their love of travel tends to be truly enormous. If you are one of them and have long wanted to set off on your travels, you will certainly be pleased to hear that even today it is not the end of all your travelling days. You can still join the ranks of digital nomads today, you will just need more flexibility, planning and patience.
You can simply set off on your travels, though perhaps not to the places you would most like to go. Digital nomads often head to Southeast Asia, as it offers an exotic setting and good, cheap living conditions. In the current situation, however, it is not possible to enter most Asian countries. This is where the flexibility mentioned earlier comes in: you will simply have to go somewhere else.
But if you really long to travel and work remotely, you have quite a wide choice of countries you can travel to safely. Just look up the latest information, check with the airline that the flight on offer will really go ahead, and set off.
Žij Úspěšně tip: Are you planning a longer trip, or even thinking of moving to another country? Then you will find our 10 tips for moving abroad useful.
Jobs suited to digital nomadism
Digital nomads usually work over the internet using only a computer and phone. Nowadays, many professions can be moved online. Working from home permanently gives you the freedom to work from almost anywhere.
Which job should you choose if you are only just about to build an online business? You can try out many occupations, even without previous experience. Popular nomad jobs include:
- Social media management
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Copywriting
- Running an online shop
- Project work
- IT
For example, you can become a good copywriter fairly quickly and start looking for your first jobs after just a few weeks. However, writing alone will usually not be enough (at least at first) to give you complete financial security, which is why copywriters often also work in another area of online marketing or in photography.
You can also try to build up a base of followers on Instagram or another social network and become an influencer. However, this is quite a long-distance run.
How to become a digital nomad
Anyone can become a digital nomad. All you need is to really want it and to stay motivated when the first obstacles come along. The basic know-how might look something like this:
- Choose the field you want to do business in: You can take inspiration from the previous section or come up with something original. Who knows, perhaps you will find a gap in the market and earn good money.
- Set up your business: You can choose between setting up a company or getting a trade licence (živnostenský list). This makes you either a legal entity or a self-employed individual doing business. Both have their pros and cons.
- Start building your client base: Gain experience and take part in internships and courses to further your education. Above all, cast your net wide, as you need to catch your first fish, meaning customers or clients. Don’t forget to ask for a reference, as it will help you in the future.
- Prepare for your journey: Find out about your chosen destination, check that your documents are valid and whether you need a visa, and sell off any belongings you won’t need. Pack your bags and off you go.
- The initial excitement may wear off: After a few months, you may find that the initial excitement wears off. Be prepared for this too, and remind yourself of your motivation.
Many people imagine that digital nomads live a dream life. Perhaps you too long to work from the beach while sipping drinks. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but digital nomads work more than they travel. And those iconic photos of a laptop on the beach are just a social media illusion. You would not last long working in that heat, not to mention the sand, which would ruin your laptop.
Even so, combining travel with work is a wonderful way of living, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. You will learn a lot about yourself, improve your time management and, if you travel as a couple, it is the ultimate test of a relationship. I wish you wonderful experiences and as few stumbles along the way as possible.
