Introduction
Working from a terrace in Mexico, in a coworking space in Lisbon, or under palm trees in Southeast Asia... Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? It’s no longer a fantasy; it’s a reality for thousands of professionals: digital nomads. Their daily life? Working remotely while exploring the world, enjoying complete geographical freedom.
But behind the Instagram photos and sunsets, there is real organisation, a unique lifestyle, tools, routines, challenges... And above all, a philosophy: that of building a life where work and travel are intelligently balanced. So, are you ready to leave everything behind to become a digital nomad?
Who is a digital nomad ?
A digital nomad is a person who uses digital technology to work remotely while being geographically mobile. Unlike traditional workers, they are not tied to an office or a specific city. Their only real need? A good wifi connection... and their laptop. The profiles are varied: freelancers, self-employed individuals, remote employees, entrepreneurs, and even entire teams working 100% remotely. Some set off for a few weeks, while others go for years. They all share a common desire: to live freely while remaining productive and connected.
Why stay at home if you can work from anywhere? Digital nomadism is the logical continuation of remote work. It responds to a quest for mobility, flexibility, and a lifestyle aligned with one's deep aspirations. Thanks to digital tools, one can now send a quote from Brazil, hold a Zoom meeting from Japan, or manage a project from a beach in Greece.
Why choose to become a digital nomad ?
The call of freedom and adventure
Let’s be honest : it’s often the freedom that attracts first. No longer having fixed hours, choosing where and when to work, being your own boss… It’s exhilarating. Digital nomadism offers the possibility to live outside the boxes, to break the routine, to experience each day as a new adventure. It’s also a way to reconnect with oneself, to discover other cultures, to step out of one’s comfort zone, and to nourish one’s mind as much as one’s wallet.
Finding a work-life balance
The paradox is that many digital nomads find more stability in this mobility. Why? Because they choose a pace that suits them. They are no longer subject to traffic jams, the noise of the office, or social pressure. They organise their day around what is important to them: sport, reading, learning, socialising… This lifestyle promotes a better quality of life, improved mental balance, and enhanced productivity.
Adopting a minimalist and connected lifestyle
Becoming a digital nomad also means decluttering. Leaving behind superflu objects, rigid habits, and imposed rhythms. We learn to live with less, but better. A backpack, a laptop, a good connection… and off we go. This minimalism is not a sacrifice, it is a liberation. It allows us to focus on the essentials: our work, our passions, our encounters, our freedom.
The essentials of the nomadic daily life
The laptop, the best travel companion
A good laptop, lightweight, powerful, with a good battery life, is your pocket office. It should enable you to work efficiently, conduct video calls, manage your files… anywhere in the world. Also, think about securing your data: backups in the cloud, external hard drives, strong passwords, VPN for your connections.
Wi-Fi, connectivity, and cloud tools
Without a reliable internet connection, there is no work. This is often the first thing a digital nomad checks upon arriving in a new country. Many coworking spaces, hotels, or cafés now offer quality Wi-Fi, but it’s best to inquire in advance. The cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, Notion…) is your best ally to never lose your documents. Communication apps like Slack, Zoom, or WhatsApp allow you to stay connected, even on the other side of the world.
Useful applications for organising daily life
Here are some essentials in the digital nomad's toolkit :
- Trello / Notion / Asana : for managing your projects
- Airbnb / Booking / Nomadlist : for finding suitable accommodation
- Revolut / Wise : for managing your money abroad
- Meetup / Couchsurfing / Facebook Groups : for meeting other nomads
- Clockify / Toggl: for tracking your work time
When used well, a smartphone and a few apps can become your secretary, diary, travel assistant, and mobile office.
Where to work when you are a digital nomad ?
Coworking, coliving, and connected cafés
When you are constantly on the move, you need to quickly find a reliable workspace. Fortunately, there is no shortage of options for digital nomads.
Coworking spaces are perfect for productive work. They offer a stable connection, comfortable desks, shared services, and, to top it off, a professional community at your fingertips. Moreover, they exist in most major cities around the world.
Coliving is another rising trend. It involves shared accommodation among nomads, combining housing, coworking, and community living. Ideal for those who want to forge connections without sacrificing comfort.
Finally, cafés with Wi-Fi remain a classic. Convenient for a short session, provided you have a good battery, headphones, and enjoy a lively atmosphere !
Temporary Locations and Flexible Accommodation
Living a nomadic lifestyle also means knowing how to find suitable accommodation. Platforms like Airbnb, Booking, or NomadStays offer numerous options: equipped studios, residences with offices, shared housing… Some digital nomads prefer long-term rentals on a monthly basis to stabilise their routine. Others opt for slow travel, staying several months in one city to truly integrate. The important thing is to find a balance between comfort, budget, and internet connectivity.
How to Choose Your Destinations ?
Key Criteria: Cost of Living, Internet, Safety
Not all destinations are created equal. To make a good choice, digital nomads generally assess: the cost of living (housing, food, transport), the quality and stability of the wifi, personal and health safety, the ease of obtaining a visa, and the climate and quality of life. Platforms like Nomadlist or Remote Year allow for comparisons of cities based on these criteria.
Favourite Cities of Digital Nomads
Among the must-visit hotspots, we find :
- Bali (Canggu, Ubud): tropical paradise with coworking spaces aplenty
- Chiang Mai (Thailand): affordable, welcoming, and well-connected
- Lisbon (Portugal): sunny, modern, and open city
- Tbilisi (Georgia): long-term visa and decent wifi
- Medellín (Colombia): Latin vibe and mild climate
But destinations change with trends, and every nomad has their favourites.
Administrative procedures for nomads
Visas for digital nomads
An increasing number of countries are offering specific visas for remote workers: Portugal, Dubai, Estonia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, etc. These visas allow for stays of several months, or even a year, while working legally from the country, without being a local employee. Before departing, it is essential to always check entry conditions, allowed durations, and necessary procedures (insurance, financial resources, accommodation…).
Taxation, social security, and tax residency
This is one of the most complex subjects of nomadism. If you frequently change countries, you may lose your tax residency in France. This means you need to carefully anticipate your status, social coverage, and reporting obligations. Ideally, you should seek guidance from a specialised accountant or gather information through expatriate and digital nomad groups. The golden rule: leave nothing to chance.
Health insurance and coverage abroad
Never travel without good international health insurance. Accidents, illnesses, or hospitalisations can be very costly abroad. Insurers such as April, SafetyWing, Chapka, or Heymondo offer plans tailored for digital nomads, including teleconsultations, remote reimbursements, and multilingual assistance.
Working Effectively Remotely
Time Management and Asynchronous Work
Working while travelling requires discipline. The number one enemy? Procrastination. Therefore, it is essential to establish a routine, even a flexible one: working hours, breaks, and personal time. Asynchronous work (not working at the same time as your colleagues) is a widely used method among nomads. The idea is to produce results, regardless of the time zone. And for that, the key is clear and constant communication.
Managing Productivity While On the Move
Every change of location = new challenge. One must adapt quickly, find their bearings, and identify good spots to work. Some nomads use pomodoros, task tracking tools, or reward systems to stay motivated. One piece of advice: always keep a buffer day between two destinations, to settle in and start off on the right foot.
Collaborating Online with International Teams
Slack, Zoom, Trello, Google Meet, Notion… Online collaboration tools are your best allies for working with clients or teams spread across the globe. Even without meeting in person, it is possible to create a genuine sense of cohesion remotely, provided that rituals are established, work is well documented, and communication is transparent.
Conclusion
Being a digital nomad is not just an Instagram trend. It’s a way of experiencing work differently, balancing freedom, exploration, and professional autonomy. It’s also a demanding lifestyle that requires organisation, flexibility, and the ability to adapt.
But for those who dream of stepping outside the box, travelling without sacrificing their careers, it’s an incredibly enriching choice. So… ready to embark on a new life of work and adventure?
Q&A
What are the best countries for digital nomads ?
Among the most popular: Portugal, Thailand, Mexico, Indonesia (Bali), Spain, Colombia, Georgia… They all offer a good balance between cost of living, internet connectivity, climate, and a community of nomads.
Do you need a specific visa to work while travelling ?
Yes, in some cases. Some countries offer visas for digital nomads that allow you to stay legally for several months. However, in others, you simply need to adhere to the tourist visa. Always check before you go!
How can you avoid isolation when working remotely ?
Join coworking spaces, Facebook groups for nomads, participate in local events, or live in co-living arrangements. The secret is to surround yourself with others, even when far from home.
Is digital nomadism compatible with family life ?
Yes, more and more families are choosing this way of life. It requires specific organisation (remote schooling, suitable accommodation, a slower travel pace), but it is entirely possible.
What tools should you use to work effectively while on the move ?
The essentials: Notion, Trello, Google Drive, Slack, Zoom, VPN, Clockify, and good international health insurance. They allow you to manage your projects, collaborate, and stay secure.
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