Digital nomads are those who work and earn a living remotely while traveling to different cities or countries, often relying solely on a laptop and internet connection. They can be freelance writers, graphic designers, software developers, online coaches, remote employees, or entrepreneurs managing e-commerce businesses.
Unlike tourists or expats, digital nomads rarely settle in one place for long. They typically stay for weeks or months at a time, making adaptability key.
As of 2025, digital nomadism is booming as millions pursue a lifestyle that combines work and travel in cheap destinations. Enabled by technology and driven by a desire for autonomy, digital nomads are redefining work-life balance. While this lifestyle is enriching, it demands careful planning to avoid pitfalls that could disrupt work or affect personal well-being.
Your office view just got an upgrade - welcome to the nomad life
In this detailed guide, we share 20 actionable travel tips for digital nomads, covering everything from productivity and budgeting to health and accommodation.
Don’t just survive; you thrive while on the road as a digital nomad!
20 Travel Tips for Every Phase of Becoming a Digital Nomad
Becoming a digital nomad isn't just about booking a one-way ticket and hoping for the best—it’s about building a lifestyle that works wherever you roam. From choosing your first destination to finding Wi-Fi-friendly homes, these tips will help you navigate every phase of the journey confidently (and maybe a little coconut water). Ready to go from daydreaming to doing? Let’s dive in.
Phase 1: Planning The Move
Before you start living the dream, you’ll need to lay the groundwork. From picking the right city to sorting out your visa and budget, this phase sets the tone for your entire nomadic adventure.
1. Choose your destination wisely.
Where you live directly affects how productive, happy, and connected you'll be. Always factor in both affordability and connectivity. A gorgeous beach without Wi-Fi won’t help with Zoom calls.
Pick digital nomad-friendly cities such as Chiang Mai, which has cheap rentals and strong Wi-Fi, or Lisbon, which has a growing nomad community and excellent apartments.
2. Be visa-savvy.
Visa hacks for borderless living - work legally anywhere
Forget typical tourist or work visas and look into Digital Nomad Visas. These special permits allow you to live and work legally in a foreign country for an extended period. Consider countries like Portugal, Barbados, and Estonia—among the first nations to offer e-residency and remote worker visas.
Always check embassy websites or visa services for up-to-date info. Learn about freelance visas, too.
3. Slow down your travel schedule.
Adopt a "slow travel" approach. Stay at least 1 month in each location to really experience the place, avoid travel fatigue, and boost productivity.
Slow travel = better balance, which is good for your mental wellness.
4. Keep digital backups of everything.
Scan and save your passport, ID, insurance, and important documents in encrypted cloud storage. You’ll thank yourself later.
Other travel nightmares have solutions, too.
5. Build a budget before you board.
A digital nomad who runs out of cash is grounded. Avoid this by developing a sound financial strategy.
Know what your lifestyle will cost abroad. Research local prices, create a monthly budget, and pad it with an emergency fund. Apps like Trail Wallet or Spendee can help you track expenses on the go.
6. Manage your money transactions wisely.
Money moves matter when your ATM could be in Bali or Budapest
As a perpetual traveler, managing your money smartly is essential. Choose credit cards with travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees.
Stay on top of your finances by setting up payment and budget notifications to monitor your spending in real time and avoid surprises.
7. Use the right banks and cards.
Opt for digital banks with multi-currency support (like Wise or Revolut), so it’s easy to send and receive payments worldwide without costly exchange fees.
Your chosen banks should also be able to reimburse international ATM fees to avoid unnecessary charges while accessing your funds.
8. Set up auto-saving.
A savings buffer gives you peace of mind when income fluctuates. Set auto-transfers into a separate account for emergencies or future trips.
Learn more about finances and credit cards abroad.
Phase 2: Preparing Essentials
Once your plan is in place, it’s time to gear up. This is where you pack smart, choose the right tech, and make sure everything in your bag earns its spot.
9. Pack tech that works as hard as you do.
Tech that travels: Your mobile office essentials for 2025
A lightweight yet durable laptop with strong battery life, noise-canceling headphones, and a universal plug adapter are musts. Add a global Wi-Fi hotspot for backup internet in low-coverage locations and a solid VPN for security.
10. Don’t forget offline tools.
Kindle for downtime reading, a notebook for journaling, and downloaded Google Maps and translation tools can save the day when Wi-Fi is spotty. These items also help you maintain a work-life balance.
11. Pack smart with lightweight, versatile gear.
Opt for a 40L carry-on backpack to breeze through airports and avoid extra baggage fees. Pair it with a collapsible daypack that’s perfect for daily adventures without weighing you down.
12. Use packing cubes—seriously.
Compression packing cubes aren’t just trendy; they help you organize and compress clothes so you can travel with a carry-on only. Bring clothes in neutral colors, which you can easily mix and match, and with wrinkle-free fabrics. Include a versatile pair of shoes that can handle work meetings and hikes.
Bonus tip: Use silicone travel bottles for toiletries and refill as needed to comply with air travel restrictions.
Read more: The Essential Travel Gear for Working Abroad in 2025
Phase 3: Organizing Your Lifestyle
From Airbnb to Flatio - upgrading your nomad housing game
Now that you're on the move after finding the perfect digital nomad job, it’s all about staying balanced and productive. These tips will help you find reliable housing, keep your workflow on track, and actually enjoy the places you’re living in.
13. Find digital nomad-friendly accommodations.
Finding a comfortable, well-equipped place to stay is a huge part of your nomadic lifestyle. Instead of bouncing between unreliable and sketchy listings, consider specialized platforms that cater to remote workers.
Flatio is the go-to rental platform for digital nomads. Unlike short-term booking platforms, Flatio focuses on fully furnished mid-term rentals with verified landlords and no hefty deposits.
14. Prioritize comfort over cool.
A trendy apartment is lovely, but you’ll regret it if the Wi-Fi cuts out or the bed is rock hard. Always read reviews carefully and choose function over flash when booking long-term stays.
With Flatio, you can guarantee transparent pricing with no hidden fees, properties curated for WFH needs, and other excellent features. Whether you're staying in Prague, Lisbon, or Budapest, ensure peace of mind and a seamless renting process.
15. Move your body.
Walk everywhere, stretch between meetings, or try a new activity like paddleboarding or salsa dancing. Take time to explore your surroundings. Movement fights jet lag, stress, and screen fatigue.
Try yoga, too. It doesn’t just move your body but also helps clear your mind.
16. Protect your peace.
Self-care isn't optional when your office has no fixed address
Working and traveling abroad can be overwhelming, and nomadic burnout is real. The thrill of movement must be balanced with downtime. Schedule time to unplug, read a book, or just stare at the ocean. You’re allowed to rest—even when you’re living the dream.
You can track your mental health using tools like Moodpath or Headspace.
17. Maintain a daily routine.
Little rituals, such as morning yoga, a 10-minute journal entry, or a weekly laundry day, bring stability to an otherwise fluid lifestyle.
Routines like consistent meals and sleep times help you stay healthy while abroad. And say no to back-to-back flights and 3 a.m. work calls.
18. Use time zone management tools.
Determining time differences between countries can make you go crazy. Use apps like World Time Buddy to help schedule client calls across multiple time zones without losing your sanity.
19. Embrace asynchronous work.
Not every job needs live Zoom meetings. Communicate clearly, over-communicate when needed, and use tools like Loom or Slack to stay in sync without being “on” 24/7.
20. Optimize your workspace.
Wherever you are, set up a comfortable work zone with good lighting, a proper chair, and limited distractions. With the right setup, even a one-bedroom apartment can accommodate a cozy office.
Use travel resources to manage your nomadic lifestyle.
Turn the World Into Your Office—And Your Playground
Your new commute: Bed to café (with optional beach detour)
Living the digital nomad dream means more than working from tropical beaches. It’s about building a lifestyle that supports freedom, stability, and personal growth. With the right gear, solid routines, smart budgeting, and reliable housing platforms like Flatio, you can turn any place into your home office without compromising comfort or security.
The world is ready for you—whether you're heading to Bali, Budapest, or Buenos Aires. And remember: it’s not about chasing every destination; it’s about creating a life where you can thrive, wherever you land.
This article is written in collaboration with Flatio, an online housing rental platform that offers secure, flexible stays worldwide and focuses on safely connecting hosts with guests (digital nomads, remote workers, and slow travelers).
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