This post is about planning a digital nomad lifestyle.
This website contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Using these links helps support our work, so we truly appreciate it if you choose to do so. Thank you for your support!
A digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom to work from anywhere in the world. But it’s not for everyone and creating a sustainable lifestyle requires careful planning and the right tools. Here’s a guide to help you design your ideal nomadic life for 2025, step by step.
Before we start, I actually want to recommend a book I read this year that I’ve recommended here before several times: How to Be a Digital Nomad by Kayla Ihrig.
Kayla is a digital nomad herself and put together a super comprehensive guide. She covers all the steps you need to take, things to consider, issues to anticipate and how to prepare for them. She also shared a lot of different stories from other digital nomads around the world and their own unique experiences!
But if you’re after a crash course, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your digital nomad journey in 2025.
Step 1: Choose Your Destination(s)
Start by selecting destinations that fit your budget, lifestyle and work needs.
- What to Consider:
- Popular Destinations for 2025:
- Europe: Portugal, Croatia, Estonia
- Asia: Thailand, Indonesia (Bali) [Bali is super crowded with digital nomads at the moment! Although it’s here as a popular place, I wouldn’t recommend it]
- Americas: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil
There are various expats/digital nomad groups online which you can join and chat to people to find out more about their experience living in a particular country. Just remember, everyone will have different experiences and opinions. I’ve had so many people ask me how much they need to live in London but it’s so hard to answer! Everyone will have different needs and lifestyles… just don’t be like me and come unprepared and with no emergency funds. I’m pretty sure I would’ve been able to avoid a lot of shitty jobs and situations had I not thought I could just show up here and wing it!
Step 2: Handle Legalities and Visas
Understanding visa requirements and tax obligations is crucial.
- Digital Nomad Visas: Research countries offering these visas or other alternatives like Portugal, Barbados or Croatia.
- Tax Considerations: Determine if you need to file taxes in your home country or where you’re working. Seek professional advice from nomad-focused tax advisors.
- Pro Tip: Register with your country’s embassy in case of emergencies.
Step 3: Set Up Your Workspace
A functional workspace is key to maintaining productivity on the road.
- Essentials:
- Lightweight laptop, noise-canceling headphones (here’s a more budget-friendly option), portable chargers.
- Reliable VPN for secure browsing.
- Cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Coworking Spaces: Use platforms like Croissant or Workfrom to find local coworking spaces that meet your needs.
Step 4: Organise Your Finances
Managing money as a digital nomad requires preparation.
- Banking: Open a global account like Wise or Revolut to manage international transfers and reduce fees.
- Budgeting Apps: Use tools like Mint or You Need A Budget (YNAB) to track expenses.
- Emergency Fund: Keep at least 3–6 months’ worth of savings for unexpected situations.
I can’t stress enough the importance of an emergency fund. You never know when something will happen you’ll need extra cash to replace something, fix some other, pay extra for hidden costs, etc. At the end of the day, the ability to get out of a tough situation is priceless!
Step 5: Secure Healthcare and Insurance
Health is wealth!! And it’s crazy how much we neglect or overlook it, especially when we’re younger…
- Health Insurance: Look into providers like SafetyWing or World Nomads which cater to digital nomads.
- Emergency Plans: Have digital copies of important documents like your passport and insurance details stored securely. If you can, share it with a trusted friend or two as well as carrying hard copies of the important stuff in case tech fails.
Step 6: Build Your Routine and Stay Productive
Maintaining a routine is critical to thriving as a digital nomad.
- Time Management: Use whatever works for you to keep organised: tools like Trello or Asana are quite popular but you don’t necessarily need them. Simple time-blocking on Google calendar can work wonders!
- Time Zone Apps: World Time Buddy helps manage meetings across multiple time zones.
- Pro Tip: Set boundaries between work and travel to avoid burnout.
Step 7: Pack Smart
Traveling light is a game-changer for digital nomads.
- Tech Essentials: Laptop, portable Wi-Fi device, universal adapter.
- Clothing: Stick to versatile pieces for different climates. Also, packing cubes are SO handy!!
- Extras: Pack a compact first-aid kit and backup hard drive.
- Pro Tip: Use packing apps like PackPoint to create efficient lists.
Step 8: Network and Find Community
Building a support network helps combat loneliness and keeps you motivated.
- Online Communities: Join platforms like Facebook groups or Meetup to connect with other nomads.
- Local Events: Check coworking spaces for networking events.
- Pro Tip: Use apps like Bumble BFF to find friends in new cities.
Step 9: Embrace the Local Culture
Part of the joy digital nomad lifestyle is experiencing different cultures.
- Tips for Immersion:
- Learn basic phrases in the local language.
- Try local dishes and explore cultural landmarks.
- Pro Tip: Join cultural workshops or cooking classes to meet locals and other travellers.
Step 10: Plan for Emergencies
Preparation is key to handling unexpected challenges. These are some repeats of items above but because they really are quite crucial!
- Essential Steps:
- Save local emergency numbers in your phone.
- Register with your home country’s embassy.
- Create a backup plan for lost items.
Step 11: Stay Healthy
Don’t neglect your well-being while on the move.
- Mental Health: Take regular breaks and stay connected with loved ones.
- Vitamin D: Supplement to combat winter blues, especially in low-sunlight locations.
- Exercise: Join local gyms, a run club or try out YouTube channels for at-home workouts. Better yet, go explore your new place! How about hiking? If you’re into it, you can also check out hiking groups on Facebook and MeetUp.
Step 12: Review and Adjust Your Lifestyle
The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t one-size-fits-all. Periodically assess what’s working and tweak your approach.
- What to Reflect On:
- Are you staying productive?
- Are you spending within your means?
- Are you truly enjoying your journey?
- Are you living the life you set out to live? It won’t happen overnight and that’s totally normal, but reflecting on it from time to time will help you make sure you’re actually moving towards your goals.
Are you looking to become a digital nomad?
