Everything Needed to Transition From Weekend Traveler to Digital Nomad

One of the most freeing career choices is going from weekend warrior to full-time digital nomad.

But this doesn’t mean simply packing your stuff and heading out on a one-way ticket. This can lead to great disappointments.

Proper planning plays an integral part in proving your decision right. 

If your approach contains the necessary characteristics, such as generating location-based income, staying organized legally, and having a professional mail address, etc.

Going nomadic can turn out to be one of the greatest decisions of your life!

Here’s what you need to do to set yourself up for success…

Key Takeaways

• Why So Many People Are Going Nomadic
• The 4-Step Starter Checklist Before Going, Nomad
• Why You Need A Professional Mailing Address
• Creating a Location-Independent Income
• Staying Legal & Organized Abroad

Why So Many People are Going Nomadic

Being a digital nomad isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle that hundreds of thousands of people are adopting every year.

In fact, according to MBO Partners, there are currently 18.5 million American workers who classify themselves as digital nomads. That’s an insane 153% increase from 2019 alone. And globally? Some estimates believe over 40 million people are travelling and working remotely!

So why the massive boom?

Because remote work is more mainstream than ever. Companies are beginning to offer flexible work policies, and a whole generation has realized they don’t need to be stuck in an office to do their best work.

Oh, and over 41 countries now offer digital nomad visas! Governments are competing against each other to welcome remote workers with open arms. Every country is offering special deals because nomads spend money in their country… without applying for “local” jobs.

The infrastructure is improving there. The opportunity is there. All that’s left is whether you’re prepared enough to make it happen.

The 4-Step Starter Checklist Before Going Nomad

Before jumping on a plane overseas, there are some important steps you need to take first.

These are the things most people ignore or overlook and end up regretting later down the road.

Here’s what you need to get done before going, nomad:

• Secure a consistent income. Remote employment, freelancing, or running your own online business. There has to be a reliable flow of income coming in every month.
• Open up a virtual mailing address. Banks, government institutions, and clients all need an address on file. Services like virtual addresses in NYC allow nomads to have a physical street address for receiving and managing mail from anywhere in the world. This is a requirement for anyone planning on doing this full-time.
• Get health insurance sorted. Don’t just get travel insurance. Do your research and find a health insurance provider that specializes in coverage for digital nomads and remote workers.
• Create an emergency fund. Ideally, you want to have between 3 and 6 months of living expenses saved up. You never know what could happen on the road, and it’s always nice to have that cushion.

This checklist is pretty straightforward, but each point is important. If you skip one, you’re just asking for problems later.

Why You Need a Professional Mailing Address

Speaking of issues… there’s one area that most aspiring digital nomads overlook.

Issue: You’re travelling abroad for an indefinite period of time. Which means you don’t technically have a permanent address to receive mail.

But did you know most banks, government agencies, and freelance clients require a physical address on file? That’s where having a virtual address comes into play.

Not only does having a NYC mailing address look professional. But it allows you to have a physical street address to receive and manage your mail from anywhere in the world. Without one, you’ll have a really hard time managing certain things.

Nomads will usually set up shop with a virtual mail service in the country they’re staying in. That way, they can receive USPS mail, scan it, and forward it to wherever they’re travelling at that moment.

Make sure to bookmark this section because having a virtual mail service is honestly one of the best decisions you can make before starting your nomadic journey.

Here’s what to look for in a virtual mailing address service:

• Physical Street Address (NO PO BOXES)
• Mail scanning with digital access
• Package receiving & forwarding
• Storage & shredding options

Creating a Location-Independent Income

You can live out of a backpack all you want. But if the money doesn’t follow, you’ll be back at square one.

Let’s break down your options:

Remote Employment

Most common transition for anyone who already has a 9-5. Many employers are opening up to the idea of remote employees, so long as they work out a “work from anywhere” policy.

Freelancing

You have the most flexibility as a freelancer. Writers, web designers, marketers, and developers. The list goes on. You do sacrifice consistency with clients, though.

Online Business

E-commerce store? Digital products? Content creation? These businesses can be scaled to generate unlimited income from anywhere with an internet connection. It’ll take you longer to get here, but the potential is insane.

Golden rule? Figure out how you’ll make money BEFORE you go. If you haven’t already, start remotely while you’re still at home. That way, you can work out the kinks before you’re far away.

Staying Legal & Organised Abroad

Finally. This is where many nomads get into trouble.

Here’s the deal.

Yes, you’re living it up in Bali and working remotely for a U.S.-based company. But that doesn’t give you a free pass to ignore your tax obligations back home.

Regardless of where you’re at in the world. Most countries tax their residents on worldwide income.

That being said, here are some ways you can stay on top of your legal requirements.

• Learn about your home country’s tax obligations. Unless you’re retired, work with an accountant who understands how to navigate tax returns for nomads.
• Pay attention to visa requirements. Don’t overstay your welcome! Just because your visa says 30 days doesn’t mean you can stay 30 months.
• Use cloud-based accounting software to keep your finances organized.

Digital nomads have to be extra organized with their finances and paperwork. That way, you don’t come home to a world of regret.

Wrapping Things Up

Weekend warriors. Escape artists. Digital nomads.

No matter what you want to call yourself. Transitioning into a full-time remote lifestyle is achievable. And it’s absolutely possible with the right preparation.

Let’s quickly recap:

• The digital nomad life is huge right now and only growing
• Prepare before you go. Income, insurance, emergency fund
• Get a professional mailing address to avoid tax & logistical issues
• Figure out how you will make money remotely
• Stay legal & organized, or it’ll come back to haunt you

There are tons of other small things that go into going nomadic, but if you get these 5 things checked off your list, you’ll be miles ahead of most people.

Remember… do the boring work before you leave, and the adventure will take care of itself.

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