Summary of My Digital Nomad Journey
I Spent The Past Two Years Living As A Digital Nomad
In 2022, I made the decision to downsize and embrace the digital nomad lifestyle within the USA—without a traditional RV or cargo van. With a reliable internet connection, I embarked on a journey that has transformed my outlook on living and working remotely. Two years later, I am thrilled with my choice, enjoying the freedom to travel without being burdened by a mortgage or long-term rental.
How To Become a Digital Nomad
After five years in North Carolina, I reached a point of no return. My love for travel had always burned within me, yet I continually postponed it. Hence, I decided to take action and live without a permanent residence. This journey has had its fair share of highs and lows, and I wrote this article to provide insights for anyone interested in the digital nomad lifestyle.
From my experiences, I’ll detail how I transitioned, decluttered, where I resided, and the logistics of my life moving from place to place.
Why Did I Decide To Live A Traveling Lifestyle?
For years, the dream of living a nomadic lifestyle captivated my thoughts. I considered various options, such as a travel trailer or building a tiny home, yet I hesitated. Whether due to financial concerns, waiting for a travel companion, or fear of diving into the unknown, I continually postponed my dreams.
Reflecting on the fleeting nature of life, I ultimately decided to embark on my adventure at age 31 after a rejuvenating six-week stint in Mexico during the spring of 2022.
Setting up Residency to Work Remotely
Before embarking on my extensive travels, I had to consider logistics, particularly my residency and mail. Luckily, South Dakota allows remote workers to establish residency effortlessly, which is a fantastic option for digital nomads due to the absence of state income tax.
Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Obtain a virtual mailbox with a physical address to receive all your mail.
- Step 2: Spend a night at a campground or hotel in South Dakota and obtain a receipt for proof of residency.
- Step 3: Utilize your receipt and a piece of mail displaying your South Dakota address to acquire a new driver’s license.
Pros of Being a South Dakota Resident When You Work Online
South Dakota’s no state income tax is a significant advantage, saving thousands compared to other states. Furthermore, there are no vehicle inspections, allowing increased flexibility and minimal returns for annual checks.
Setting up residency here is primarily intended for travelers without a permanent home, making it ideal for digital nomads.
Rapid City, South Dakota
I first stopped in Rapid City for a week, where I completed my residency setup and explored nearby attractions, such as the beautiful Badlands National Park.
Where To Stay When Working as a Digital Nomad
The typical lifestyle of a digital nomad often centers around either van living or RV travel; however, I decided against these options due to space constraints.
Room for my dog
Traveling with my large, shedding dog was a primary concern. I found it challenging to live comfortably in a tiny space where my furry friend would be confined.
Room for my head
As someone who is 6’5″, fitting into a typical van was another struggle. Most vans did not provide adequate room for someone of my height, posing a constant discomfort while traveling.
Cost of Transportation – What Nobody Tells You
The cost of acquiring a van or RV can be considerable. Purchasing either often necessitates buying a truck for towing, which adds to the financial burden.
Costs of Purchasing a Van
Many potential digital nomads may find the expense of converting cargo vans daunting, with prices ranging significantly based on the age and condition. This financial factor contributed to my decision to explore alternative accommodations.
How I Traveled – My Nomadic Life
I navigated the country in my older Ford Escape, which has provided not only reliability but also ample storage space for my necessities. My accommodations varied from sublet apartments to rentals on FurnishedFinder, as well as occasional hotel stays.
Accommodation Costs
Here is a summary of my accommodation expenses over the past two years:
- Denver, Colorado: $2000/month for a studio apartment.
- Salt Lake City, Utah: $2519 for one month.
- Portland, Oregon: $800 for a room in a shared townhouse.
- Sacramento, California: $1800 for a studio apartment.
- Nashville, Tennessee: $2100 for a two-bedroom townhouse.
- Tampa, Florida: $2100 for a three-bedroom house.
- Zagreb, Croatia: $1866 for a two-bedroom apartment shared with a friend.
- Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada: $1880 for a two-bedroom house.
It’s essential to ensure a strong and fast internet connection when searching for accommodations, as this is vital when working remotely.
Monthly Expenses as a Digital Nomad
To summarize my average monthly expenses during my time as a digital nomad:
- Groceries: $570
- Accommodations: $2,022
- Gas: $423
- Food: $388
- Total: $3403
Over two years, my total expenditure approached $81,672, giving me a unique life filled with diverse experiences while maintaining a location-independent lifestyle.
Is Nomadic Life All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
These past two years traveling have been truly extraordinary, covering 18 cities, 11 states, and seven countries. However, I offer a realistic view—that the lifestyle might not suit everyone. While it opens up a world of opportunities, it also comes with challenges.
I recognize the freedom it provides, but the reality of constant moving can become overwhelming. There are certain drawbacks, such as the time and effort spent planning, packing, and moving. I often find myself longing for more stability and a chance to settle for a longer duration.
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle is Taxing
Regardless of how exhilarating traveling can be, it often takes a toll. As I pen these thoughts, I’ve been residing in Tucson, Arizona, for about a month, planning a longer stay for a better work-life balance.
A Digital Nomad Life is Time-Consuming
The constant need for planning and researching accommodations often distracts from enjoying my surroundings. I like having a structure to my travels, which requires advancing planning. This includes knowing local attractions and amenities.
Planning Travel Alongside Remote Work
Effective planning is crucial—not only for finding a place to stay but also for organizing exciting activities in new destinations. I generally find myself researching various activities, which can be time-consuming yet rewarding.
Recently, my co-founder and I launched Wandrly, a web app simplifying the process of finding attractions. It’s currently operational in Nashville, perfect for those seeking a more enjoyable travel planning experience.
Create a Digital Nomad Community
While I’ve made numerous acquaintances during my travels, forming deep friendships remains challenging due to the transient nature of my nomadic lifestyle. However, utilizing apps like Bumble BFF has helped me connect with others in various cities.
Fostering connections with other digital nomads may take time, but participating in remote working communities or coworking spaces enhances opportunities for meaningful relationships.
Is Being a Digital Nomad Worth It?
Ultimately, I believe wholeheartedly in the value of the digital nomad lifestyle. Despite the trials and complexities, the wealth of experiences I’ve gained is irreplaceable. The freedom to travel at will is indeed liberating, outweighing many of the challenges faced.
Tips for Aspiring Digital Nomads – Lessons Learned
Here are a few valuable lessons I’ve gathered:
Slow it Down
Culture shock and fatigue can arise from constant movement. Prioritize slow travel and consider spending three to six months in each new city.
Find Alternative Accommodations
Explore diverse accommodation options, such as sublets or using FurnishedFinder. This approach often minimizes costs and maximizes comfort.
Use Technology to Build Friendships
Networking through technology can ease feelings of loneliness associated with travel. It’s crucial to establish connections and cultivate a support network wherever you go.
Travel Light
Space is a premium while on the road. Aim to travel with only essentials to facilitate smoother transitions between locations.
Items to Make Travel Easier for Your Digital Nomad Adventure
- Rooftop cargo carrier: Useful for additional storage when traveling in a vehicle.
- Handheld vacuum: Helps keep your living space clean while traveling, especially with pets.
- Water purifier: Convenient for staying hydrated without the need to buy bottled water.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for restful sleep in unfamiliar accommodations.
- Organized storage: Keep items categorized in bins or bags for easier packing.
- Blanket and pillow: Ensure comfort wherever you stay.
- Lint roller: Vital for cleaning pet hair from your accommodation.
- VPN: Secure your online presence when using public Wi-Fi.
- Travel credit card: Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees for international work.
Digital Nomad Jobs
Cody may not have specified how he earned income on the road, but the opportunities are vast. A plethora of remote work options cater to the digital nomad community, ranging from content creation to virtual assistance. For inspiration, check out Best Travel Jobs to Spark New Ideas for Your Future Career.
Is the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Right For You?
This extensive reflection on my digital nomad experience serves to guide those contemplating a similar path. The rewards are meaningful, and the journey is incredible. If you’re considering the digital nomad lifestyle, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in!
