fbpx
Sunday, April 11, 2021
58 °f
Los Angeles
64 ° Mon
62 ° Tue
60 ° Wed
  • Login
The Travel Mom | Official Site
VACATION GIVEAWAYS
  • Vacation Giveaways
  • Travel Tips
  • Destinations
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Wellness
  • Favorite Things
  • RVing
The Travel Mom | Official Site
  • Vacation Giveaways
  • Travel Tips
  • Destinations
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Wellness
  • Favorite Things
  • RVing

No products in the cart.

  • Login
The Travel Mom | Official Site
No Result
View All Result
What is a Digital Nomad? (And How Can I Become One?)

What is a Digital Nomad? (And How Can I Become One?)

Molly Barnes by Molly Barnes
March 3, 2021
in RVing, Travel Tips
251
SHARES
584
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

There was a time when most of our lives revolved around two places: our home and our workplace. Sure, we went on the occasional vacation, but mostly, the daily commute acted as the glue that held these two halves of our lives together.

All that changed when the pandemic hit, of course. We learned that assumptions about the way we organized our lives weren’t set in stone. There were alternatives we’d never considered. So, now that we’ve been thinking outside the box, we can open our minds to more possibilities. 

If you’ve been cooped up at home, you probably want to get out more than ever. So what if you could get out… and stay out? What if you could keep working remotely, but create a mobile workplace and home life instead of being stuck in one place? 

Becoming a “digital nomad” — someone tethered to their work only through a wireless device and an internet connection — is not only possible, but it’s a great option to consider. Living as a digital nomad lets you indulge your wanderlust while still keeping your family and career grounded, as long as you have a source of wifi.

But you can’t just drop everything and hit the open road! There’s a lot you’d need to do to make sure your venture succeeds. With that in mind, here are some things to take into account for becoming a digital nomad:

Downsize your stuff

If you’re considering life on the road full-time, chances are, you’ll need to get rid of a few things. Even the biggest RV won’t hold an entire household full of stuff, so take inventory of your possessions and decide what you really need.

If you’re on the fence, chuck it. Anything that’s been stored in the basement for years and doesn’t have deep sentimental value should go. Remember: The lighter your RV, the better your gas mileage — and fuel costs in any large vehicle can be significant. 

When you’ve sorted out all the nonessentials, take everything you won’t need on a daily basis and put it in storage, so it doesn’t weigh you down on the road. There are plenty of things you will need, so be sure you have enough room.

Make a digital nomad budget 

Your expenses on the road will be a bit different than you’re used to. As mentioned, you’ll have to budget for fuel costs, which vary substantially from state to state, so do your research and account for those differences. Budget for food, too: You can save money by stocking up on nonperishable groceries and cooking rather than relying on fast food.

You’ll also need to account for the cost of finding a place to park your vehicle. Some places are cheaper than others, so map out your travel plans and do your research to find the most economical options available. 

Several private networks and travel clubs (Good Sam Club, Passport America, Escapees RV Club, Harvest Hosts, etc.) offer access to their facilities for a reasonable yearly fee. National parks are an option, too. Or you can opt to go “boondocking” and find spots to park without hookups. Some Walmart parking lots offer this option, among other places. 

Set up your ride

It pays to know what you’re getting into, so be sure you read your RV’s manual front to back, and make sure you’re up to date on maintenance. Understand how your hookups work and how to connect and disconnect your electricity, water, and sewer (in that order).

You won’t be driving all the time, so it’s a smart idea to pick up a portable CARB-compliant generator to provide power when you’re staying in one place for a while. This kind of generator meets California Air Resources Board standards, the nation’s most stringent environmental guidelines.

And while we’re talking about technology: Set up your remote workplace by purchasing a wireless network device and investing in a satellite antenna. Be sure the option for a Wi-Fi hotspot is part of your cellphone plan. Then look for campsites that offer strong internet service, so you can stay connected with work.

And this point is crucial if you’re self-employed: You’ll need a way to keep constant vigilance over your finances, including your credit status, bank account, and accounts payable and receivable. Online banking and bookkeeping services can help you stay on top of invoicing and other money matters.

Explore job options

Many job and career choices that fit well into a work-from-home model are just as suitable for the digital nomad lifestyle. Among them:

  • Social media marketing
  • Digital marketing/SEO optimization
  • Web and app development
  • Consulting
  • Bookkeeping 
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Resumé writing

Look for a field and position that fit with your passion and aptitude as well as your schedule and income needs.

Establish yourself

Check out the laws and regulations wherever you’re going. Different RV parks have different rules, and different states impose a variety of regulations. Only a few support full-time RV residency, so consider asking a friend or family member to let you use their address.

Wherever you choose to establish residency (aka the address where you have snail mail sent and pick it up), check out the tax laws to be sure you won’t spend more than you anticipated.

It might seem like there’s a lot to do if you want to assume the digital nomad life, and there is: It can represent a major shift in how you live. But we’ve already undergone massive changes in the past year, and this one would be entirely in your control, for once. If the prospect appeals to you, you’ll likely find the digital nomad’s lifestyle can be more than worth it.

Molly Barnes

Molly Barnes

I’m Molly Barnes. For several years, I’ve had a yearning to wander and travel. A lot of people wait until retirement, but I really wanted to do it while I’m young. In mid-2018, my amazing boyfriend Jacob Welch and I decided to leave our desk jobs and make it happen. We spent a few months backpacking abroad. When we returned to the U.S., we bought a used RV, put our stuff in storage, and hit the road. (Of course, it wasn’t quite that simple. There was a LOT of planning beforehand!)

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

  • I have had it with these scammers. I give trips away because I want to make travel available to people. Its an act of kindness. It’s disgusting that these imposters keep doing this. If you do not see a blue check mark it is not me. I never ask you for personal information like a credit card. Please block and report these horrible people.
  • I went to Miraval Austin with my sister.  Since this giveaway is for two people, tag who you would take if you win and why you chose this person.
  • ***tHIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED VACATION GIVEAWAY ALERT***

Happy Monday! I’m super excited to kick off Wellness Week and what better way to do it than to start with this The Travel Mom’s Vacation Giveaway of the week! I have so much content to share with you this week, special offers, and guests posts, but let’s get to it!

If you have been feeling off balanced lately and want to be more present and mindful this week’s giveaway is just for you!

This week, The Travel Mom’s Vacation Giveaway is to the award-winning Miraval Austin Resort & Spa. Enter for a chance to win:

🌺 4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS for two in luxurious accommodations

🌺FULL ACCESS to resort amenities and spa facilities

🌺UNLIMITED participation in daily yoga, meditation, hiking, challenge course activities, fitness, photography classes and more

🌺 ALL MEALS  including snacks, smoothies and non-alcoholic beverages

🌺 $175 NIGHTLY RESORT CREDIT per person, to spend on your choice of spa services, activities, and private sessions

🌺 COMPLIMENTARY transportation to and from the airport 

🌴 How To Enter on Instagram 🌴 

1. Ensure that you Follow the Travel Mom Page on Instagram.
2. Earn one entry for liking this post
3. Earn one entry for leaving a comment on why you should win the giveaway and tag @thetravelmom and @miravalaustin and hashtag #thetravelmom
4. Earn bonus entries at www.thetravelmom.com

#miraval #miravalaustin #miravalresorts #wellnessretreat #travelgiveaway #travelcontent 

🌼OFFICIAL RULES🌼
No purchase necessary to enter. Open to US residents only. 18 and older. Void where prohibited. This giveaway is not endorsed, sponsored, or administrated by Instagram. Giveaway starts 04/05/2021 at 7:00am PT. Giveaway closes 04/09/2021 at 3 pm PT / 6 pm ET.  One winner randomly selected at close of giveaway and announced 04/09/2021 at 4:00 pm PT on The Travel Mom Live show on Facebook and posted by 5:00 pm ET Facebook, Instagram, and thetravelmom.com
  • Hi, my name is Emily and I enjoy long walks on the beach.

Looking for the best beaches on O’ahu? {Save this photo for later} 

1. #waikikibeach 
2. #lanikaibeach
3. #hanaumabay 
4. #turtlebay 
5. #sunsetbeach
  • THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED ***🚨VACATION GIVEAWAY🚨 ***

#Aloha from Hawaii!

It’s Monday, which means it’s time for me to share The Travel Mom’s Vacation Giveaway of the week!

I knew that last weeks Hawaii giveaway was going to be huge but I was truly overwhelmed at the amount of entries and all the stories you shared about how special Hawaii was to you! So, let’s do another week of all things Hawaii, starting with this week’s giveaway. 

The Travel Mom’s Vacation Giveaway to Waikiki Beach, Hawaii includes:

🌺 5 nights stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort @hiltonhawaiianvillage 

🌺Complimentary Upgrade to Oceanfront View Room for Two

🌺 $500 credit for for activities, tours, food and beverage. Or The Travel Mom’s personal favourite a catamaran snorkel cruise to turtles up close and personal.

🌺 Personalized Destination Guide from The Travel Mom 

🌺 $50 credit to The Travel Mom Shop on Amazon

🌴 How To Enter on Instagram 🌴 
1. Ensure that you Follow the Travel Mom Page on Instagram.
2. Earn one entry for liking this post
3. Earn one entry for leaving a comment on why you should win the giveaway and tag @thetravelmom and hashtag #thetravelmom
4. Earn bonus entries at https://thetravel.mom/waikiki

#hawaiivacation #hiltonwaikikibeach #waikikibeach #thetravelmom #travelgiveaway #travelcontent 

🌼OFFICIAL RULES🌼
No purchase necessary to enter. Open to US residents only. 18 and older. Void where prohibited. This giveaway is not endorsed, sponsored, or administrated by Instagram. Giveaway starts 03/29/2021 at 7:00am PT. Giveaway closes 04/02/2021 3 pm PT / 6 pm ET.  One winner randomly selected at close of giveaway and announced 04/02/2021 at 4:00 pm PT on The Travel Mom Live show on Facebook and posted by 5:00 pm ET Facebook, Instagram, and thetravelmom.com.
  • Maui has so much to offer, from rainforests, to volcanos, to waterfall hikes, pristine beaches, but after a day of exploring, you can find me playing in the amazing @fairmontkealani pool! 🧜‍♀️
Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest

Categories

  • Catalina Island
  • Cocktail Corner
  • Community
  • Cruises
  • Deal of the Day
  • Destination
  • Destinations
  • Experiences
  • Family Friendly
  • Favorite Things
  • Field Notes
  • Food & Drink
  • Hawaii
  • Hotels + Resorts
  • Interviews
  • Los Angeles
  • News
  • Photo
  • RVing
  • Travel 2021
  • Travel Ideas
  • Travel Talk
  • Travel Tips
  • TV
  • Vacation Giveaways
  • Video
  • Wellness
  • Wine, Two, Three in Sonoma County

Tags

advice Backpacker beach Change Agent favorites Food Gear Hawaii Instagram Interviews Malama Mindful Travel Resources rving RV Share Solo Travel summer summer travel Tips Trip Plan tv vacation Wellness

© 2021 The Travel Mom - Powered & Published by STORIFIED.

No Result
View All Result
  • Vacation Giveaways
  • Travel Tips
  • Destinations
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Wellness
  • Favorite Things
  • RVing

© 2021 The Travel Mom - Powered & Published by STORIFIED.

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?