Are you thinking about starting a full time travel lifestyle? Traveling is one of the most fun and fulfilling things anyone can experience! However, choosing to travel full-time can be terrifying because there are so many unknown facts to consider. If you’re anything like me, be as prepared as possible before making any decision, so you do tons of research write and rewrite your pros and cons list. I created this to share everything I’ve learned on my journey to Nomad, so today, I will share the most important question to answer before you start a full-time travel lifestyle.
By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll be able to answer the questions “should I travel full-time,” “How to live traveling,” “Can you travel full time,” How to full-time travel and make money,” and “can you make a living traveling.”
After reading this post, you will know all about the best digital nomad resources, so you can feel beyond prepared to embark on your journey to nomad.
This post is all about the things to consider before starting a full-time travel lifestyle!
The Best Digital Nomad Resources
Financial Stability as a Full-Time Traveler
Financial stability and security are among the most important things to consider before traveling full-time. The nomadic lifestyle can be exciting and fulfilling, but it will be stressful and anxious if you are not financially prepared. To ensure peace of mind while on your nomadic journey, it’s essential to establish reliable income streams and create a realistic budget. Whether you are a nomad or not, having a consistent income and a thorough budget is a vital part of life, but when you are alone in a whole new country, it is part of your safety plan.
As a full-time traveler, your money must cover accommodation, transportation, healthcare, and emergencies. Before starting full-time travel, try to build as many marketable skills as possible that you can leverage as a freelancer or remote worker. You should also establish passive income sources. Have a three- to six-month emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses.
When budgeting for the nomadic lifestyle, make sure it covers all your expenses, including accommodation, transportation, food, insurance, healthcare, communication, savings, taxes, and fun activities. Creating a realistic budget makes you more likely to enjoy your travel journey because you will not stress how you will afford your lifestyle. Remember to include fixed and variable expenses when creating that budget because both will impact your finances, so be prepared.
If you assess and budget your finances before starting the nomadic lifestyle, you will be prepared for the journey and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a digital nomad.
Before going nomadic, ask yourself the following questions:
- How are you going to make money while traveling?
- Have you set aside an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or loss of income?
- Can that savings sustain you for 3 to 6 months if something were to happen to your main source of income?
- How will you balance your financial goals while seeking adventure and exploration?
- How will you develop a realistic budget that accounts for all expenses associated with traveling full-time, including accommodation, transportation, food, insurance, and leisure activities?
- What marketable skills do you possess? If not, what skills can you develop to make money online?
- How do you manage existing debts and avoid additional debt while traveling?
- Will you prepare to adapt your spending habits and lifestyle to accommodate varying costs in different countries?
- Do you have a reliable banking system to access and manage transactions while traveling internationally?
- What are the tax implications of earning income while living as a nomad, including potential obligations in your home country?
When Full Time Traveling, Be Emotionally Prepared
There are so many amazing things that come with being a digital nomad, but a huge challenge that most nomads face is anxiety, depression, and loneliness. These feelings tend to sprout from FOMO (fear of missing out), the lack of authentic relationships, and unhealthy work-life balance.
As a full-time traveler, you will want to explore your new location, but sometimes that is only occasionally possible. Nomads often struggle with balancing their work and life. Nomads tend to spend too much time exploring, which leads to a bad financial situation. Or they spend too much time working, which means they have no fun. Regardless of which side they may fall on, it does lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
There will come a time when you start to really miss your friends and family, especially when you miss out on significant events and holidays. At first, you will have too much fun to even think about it, but FOMO starts to set in after some time. You may be halfway around the world when your friends are having their annual 4th of July celebration, the birth of your family member happens, or even your birthday. After some time, most nomads start to feel lonely and depressed.
To be successful as a nomad, you must acknowledge the things that can affect you emotionally and prepare for them. I am not saying that it will prevent depression or loneliness, but it may help you understand and overcome those intense emotions healthily.
Before going nomadic, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you willing to do virtual therapy, especially when you’re feeling lonely or depressed?
- Does your therapist back home do virtual sessions?
- What virtual therapy platforms are you comfortable using?
- What are healthy ways you can deal with your emotions while traveling?
- How can you stay connected to your family, especially if there is a big time difference?
- How often would you like to visit your friends and family? Is that realistic for your planned lifestyle?
- Would it be possible to meet them somewhere in the middle?
- How do you cope with uncertainty and adapt to new environments and cultures?
- Are you equipped to handle setbacks and challenges that may arise while traveling?
- What boundaries can you establish to maintain a healthy work-life balance while traveling?
Safety and Security as a Full-Time Traveler
Traveling is a lot of fun, and you will create a ton of fond memories, but it can be dangerous. As a nomad, you constantly go to new places, which can put you at a greater risk. By prioritizing your safety and security, you will enjoy your time at that destination. You will also have to keep your essential documents, such as passports, visas, and insurance information, secure. I highly recommend making accessible digital copies, even if you’re not nomadic.
You must research each destination beforehand to ensure you know the potential risks. Even if you feel safe in a location, you must be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Knowing about the area’s safety concerns and keeping your guard up will reduce the chances of theft, scams, or other criminal activities, which could save you financial and emotional heartache.
Being prepared and vigilant when traveling to different locations will increase your chances of having a positive experience. Considering safety and security before arriving at your destination, you can confidently and responsibly explore the world and its cultures.
Before going nomadic, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you pay attention to your surroundings?
- How do you plan to keep your belongings safe while traveling?
- Are there any precautions to prevent theft or loss of valuables?
- Are you going to prioritize researching locations before you travel to them?
- What communication options are available at the destination?
- Do you have a plan and essential supplies for minor emergencies, like first aid kits?
- How are you going to keep your important documents accessible and secure?
- Are you willing to invest in safety tools like birdies, anti-theft bags, VPNS, Esims, and portable hotspots?
- Do you share your location with people you trust? Are you willing to share your location?
- Are you willing to regularly check in with trust contacts to update them on your whereabouts?
Full Time Traveling Healthcare and Insurance
Accessing medical care and financial protection while traveling is essential, so before starting a full-time travel lifestyle, consider your healthcare and insurance options. As a nomad, it is vital to have healthcare documentation accessible in case of any medical emergencies.
You should look into your current health insurance policy to see if it covers international travel. This option will only work for remote workers whose employers offer health insurance, and you still may need supplemental insurance.
Whether you have existing health insurance or not, it is vital to understand the policy you choose to ensure you can get the health care you need. When looking for travel insurance, ensure it covers emergencies and ongoing care within your budget. Also, look for insurance that covers prescription medications, dental, and vision care, so you have comprehensive healthcare wherever you go.
By considering healthcare and insurance, you will be able to travel with confidence. Knowing you have access to necessary medical care and financial protection in emergencies will help any nomad have peace of mind.
Before going nomadic, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your current health insurance policy provide coverage for international travel?
- If not, what type of travel medical insurance or international health insurance plan do you need to purchase?
- Are there specific insurance plans tailored for nomads that offer comprehensive coverage for long-term travel?
- Does your insurance policy include coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation?
- How do you file insurance claims for medical expenses incurred while traveling?
- Are dental and vision care covered under your insurance policy, or do you need supplemental coverage?
- Do you need to carry any specific documentation or medical records while traveling?
- Are there any restrictions on the types of treatment or medications covered for your pre-existing conditions while traveling?
- If you have a pre-existing condition, how will you ensure continuous care and regular monitoring while living a nomadic lifestyle?
- How will you manage your ongoing healthcare needs and prescription medications while traveling?
Travelers Must Be Flexibility and Adaptability
As a digital nomad, it is essential to be flexible and adaptable to thrive in an ever-changing lifestyle. Forever travelers must use these skills to embrace new opportunities and make the most of their experiences while traveling.
If you are traveling full-time, issues are bound to arise, and you have to be able to adapt to them quickly. Whether that is a delayed flight or an unexpected room cancellation, nomads will have to problem-solve and adjust to the unexpected change. By being adaptable and flexible, nomads will have more positive experiences throughout their travels because they can thrive during adversity.
As a nomad, you will learn to embrace new experiences, get out of your comfort zone, and develop coping strategies for dealing with uncertainty and change. As long as you are open-minded and flexible, you can overcome any challenges you face during your travels.
Before going nomadic, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you okay with unexpected changes in your plans and routines while traveling?
- How will I react to things that do not go as planned?
- Are you willing to try new things and step out of your comfort zone while living a nomadic lifestyle?
- How do you cope with uncertainty and ambiguity in unfamiliar environments?
- What is your backup plan for your internet not working? I wrote a whole blog post about this!
- How do you react when faced with unforeseen challenges or obstacles on the road?
- Can you adjust your plans and expectations based on feedback, new information, or changing circumstances while traveling?
- How do you manage your time and priorities effectively when faced with competing demands and opportunities?
- Do you communicate openly and respectfully in cross-cultural situations and when faced with perspectives and customs?
- What strategies can I use to maintain a positive mindset during times of uncertainty?
