Where Do Digital Nomads Actually Work From
Are you tired of seeing those picture-perfect images of digital nomads lounging on pristine beaches with their laptops?
Photo: My Khe Beach at Da Nang. I never work from a beach, this is me deliberately taking from “working from beach“ photo for this blog.
Well, let’s burst that bubble. While working from the beach might sound like a dream come true, the harsh reality is that sand in your keyboard and the glare on your screen can quickly turn your workspace into a hot mess, not to mention the lack of power outlet around and risk of sand getting into your laptop.
As we defy the shackles of conventional office life and embark on this grand escapade called digital nomadism, we find ourselves facing the eternal question: "Where the heck do I work today?"
Here are a few real-life locations where the nomadic tribe sets up our virtual offices, embracing the chaos and finding productivity in unexpected corners of the world.
CoWorking:
Photo: Some November late night at Selina CoWork, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Pros: These spaces offer a lively atmosphere, opportunities for networking, and access to amenities like Wi-Fi, coffee, and snacks. They often have a productive work environment with like-minded individuals.
Cons: Potential distractions, limited privacy, noise levels, more expensive than other working environments.
2. RV:
Photo: Stayed at a giant RV with proper kitchen, sofa, dining table, and bathroom at Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada. Here is a video tour of the RV.
Pros: Mobility and flexibility, ability to work and travel simultaneously, cost savings on accommodation, closeness to nature and scenic locations, personalized and customizable workspace.
Cons: Limited space and potential discomfort, reliance on stable internet connection and power supply, limited access to amenities, potential challenges with finding suitable parking and work-friendly environments.
3. Cafe with a view:
Photo: Sunset at Tacos La Neta Rooftop, Cartagena, Colombia
Pro: Each cafe has its own vibe, and the new customers coming in creates a dynamic environment to meet other people.
Con: There could be a lot of noise and distractions, with limited privacy. Wi-Fi could be unstable and unreliable.
4. Airbnb:
Photo: Quebec city, Canada during covid time. You can get really nice and creative airbnbs at an affordable cost, when you share an airbnb with others.
Pros: Provides a comfortable and familiar environment to work from. Offers privacy, flexibility, and the ability to personalize the workspace.
Cons: Possible isolation and lack of social interaction. May require setting up a dedicated workspace and ensuring a stable internet connection. Always ask for a speed test before booking a place for a long-term stay.
5. CoLiving:
Photo: Live it CoLiving in the heart of Barcelona, Spain
Pros: These spaces combine accommodation and workspace, providing a community of fellow digital nomads. They often offer shared amenities, organized events, and a supportive network.
Cons: Shared living spaces may lead to noise or privacy concerns. CoLiving spaces may have limited availability in certain locations.
If you like the concept of community living, CoLiving.com is the biggest platform to find a CoLiving. Use the CoLiving.com discount link to get up to 100 USD off your first booking.
6. Hotel:
Photo: Working from Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, possibly the best hotel to view the Niagara from the comfort of your room.
Pro: Hotels offer convenience, amenities, and services such as room service, housekeeping, and a dedicated workspace, providing a comfortable and hassle-free working environment.
Con: Working from a hotel may involve higher costs, limited social interaction, and potential distractions from other guests or hotel activities, requiring extra discipline to maintain focus.
How to Keep Your Computer Safe While Traveling
Now that we've uncovered the secret hideouts of digital nomads, let's dive into the realm of how to protect our beloved work companions. Your laptop is like your sidekick, holding all your secrets and helping you conquer virtual landscapes.
Laptop Cable Lock
Don't forget a laptop cable lock, the ultimate protector against laptop theft—because even superheroes need to take a bathroom break!
I always lock my laptop using a cable lock to a heavy item when I’m away from the desk. I know many of you have laptops without a lock slot, and that was my struggle as well, but I researched a few solutions, and decided to to add an adhesive plate with a lock slot to my laptop, and here’s my setup:
Step 1: Connect your laptop to a not-easy-to-move item nearby with a 4-digit combination laptop cable lock
Step 2: Attach an adhesive blad with a security slot to the back of your laptop
Compulocks/Maclocks Adhesive Security Slot Blade for Laptops
Laptop Stand for Ergonomic Working
As a digital nomad, you probably won’t have easy access to ergonomic chairs, but getting a portable laptop stand is a life changer as you hop from one place to another! I can’t imagine a digital nomad without one!
Insure Your Physical Safety While Traveling
But what’s more important than your workplace safety is your physical safety. Prioritize your well-being by considering travel medical insurance as an essential part of your nomadic journey.
Travel medical insurance acts as a safety net, providing coverage for unexpected accidents, illnesses, and emergencies wherever you go. SafetyWing is a travel medical insurance that was created by nomads for nomads. You can purchase a policy even if your trip has already started. You can pause and resume coverage with flexibility. 185 countries are covered and you don’t need to let them know about your itinerary in advance. Perfect for people like me who don’t know where they’ll be next month!
Travel safe and bye for now.
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