How to become a digital nomad family and travel the world
Being a digital nomad family might sound like a dream lifestyle (or have you running for the hills) but is it? A remote job, travelling the world, no pressure from a boss, sleeping late, staying the night out with the kids and waking up at your heart will… sound great, right? Well, it doesn’t come as easy as that. Like any other lifestyle, digital nomadism has its fair share of obstacles.
Whether you have just started your remote job because you wanted to break out of the rat race, or you’ve created a bucket list and wanted to spend more time with your family. Or, if you’ve packed up and already jumped on the plane for your first trip, our guide gives you a lot to take away.
Haste is waste
Do you love to make spontaneous decisions, only to regret them later? If yes, you need to drop that habit before going. Sure, a little spontaneity here and there makes life exciting, but being a digital nomad is no joke—you must be careful before taking any unplanned step or travelling to any place. You also have to remember that you’re not just responsible for yourself. You have kids with you, and you will need to ensure they are safe and secure.
It’s essential to think twice and research thrice before you go anywhere, especially for countries that require certain documentation and impose strict laws that foreigners may not be aware of but are punished for violating. For example, if you want to travel to Turkey, you’ll need to research their online-only visa system and application process well before your arrival. Always do your homework before taking off somewhere on a whim if you want to avoid potential troubles.
Don’t take your job for granted
Even if you have a few jobs lined up, you can’t depend on your clients or company to travel with you across time zones. Your savings are an essential backup safety net in case your income runs dry.
Most aspiring bloggers and remote workers would be the first to tell you that online gigs are rarely regular. Sometimes the demand is high, and other times there is none at all. So, to stay safe, break that piggy bank before you hit the road. Work as you travel and save some of your income for your next trip, and make sure you have reliable housing lined up. Sorting out a place before you arrive will save you a lot of stress, especially if you land late or during a busy season. Depending on the city, finding short-term rentals can sometimes be trickier than you’d expect. Platforms like HousingAnywhere Frankfurt (or another local area) can be helpful when searching for short-term rentals. Keep in mind that your family still need to eat!
Carry a spare backup set of supplies
As much as you love the idea of travelling, you also need to keep in mind that you must maintain a consistent workflow—which can be pretty unpredictable given all the variables you might encounter. Where will you find WiFi? What happens if your computer dies, or something breaks? What happens if there’s a pandemic? Oh… wait…
Come prepared with a spare battery, hot spot signal, battery case, and laptop mouse. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best is always better. Because unless you have a sizeable savings account, if you stop working, you’ll stop travelling, too. And if the pandemic halts you on your journey, you need to be able to continue working while your family are kept safe in secure accommodation while you wait.
Keep an eye on your bank account
Speaking of your bank account, don’t just take off to explore the world without a care in the world under the misguided belief that you’ll just figure it out when you get there. Sorry, that’s simply not how it works. Rather than quitting your job, see if your employer is willing to offer an extended leave or flexible hours.
Own a home or an apartment unit? Don’t sell it for access to fast cash; rent the property to tenants and have a friend or family member manage it while you’re away. You’ll generate passive income to fuel your worldly adventures, as well as a place to come home to when it’s time to head back.
If you’re travelling with an international credit card, be extremely careful as you swipe away. Unless you’re closely monitoring your bank account, it’s really easy to overspend and fall way out of budget. Pro tip: set aside a separate emergency account with enough money to get you a flight home tomorrow, in case something ever happens.
Unless there’s a significant exchange rate, carrying the foreign currency (safely!) with you on hand may be better. That way, it’s much easier to visually monitor your spending amount and dial back the frivolous purchases as needed.
Final thoughts
Enjoy every experience, make new memories with the family, meet new people, indulge in different cuisines, and devour diverse cultures. But, don’t be too hard on yourself as you figure things out along the way, and try to avoid treating your passion as a tedious job. Rather, consider remote work as an end to a means that’s helping you and your family live a life that most people only dream of.
*Collaborative feature post*
