Do you want to improve your work/life balance?
Four years ago, I realized that my “life” part was lacking and needed a big boost. As a baby boomer near retirement age, I wasn’t willing to wait until I retire (if ever!) to pursue a lifestyle change. I wanted to travel europe as a digital nomad, enjoy other cultures, and experience living like a local in my host country. Being honest with myself I realized—if not now, when?
So, I did something about it.
I now joyfully pack up my job for three months each year and travel as a digital nomad, to one of my bucket-list destinations. I spend the other nine months of each year at my home base in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. For example, l’ve been a digital nomad in iconic places like Florence, Bordeaux, Lisbon, Nice, Barcelona and more.
Doing so has had no negative impact. My job in public relations and travel writing never skips a beat. If you’re tempted to work abroad or you’re an aspiring expat, this may be the ideal solution for you as well. With a portable income, you can claim a favorite new locale as a respite from mundane work and stymied lifestyle routines.
Today, more people than ever before are dipping their toe in the water, opting for short work-abroad stays as a stepping stone to future retirement/live overseas decisions.
Jobs that make it easy to work online remotely are so inclusive today that this arrangement soon may become the “norm” for the entrepreneur, as well as big companies seeking to cut costs or improve employee satisfaction.
Already, today’s rising tide of digital workers includes writing and editing, marketing and sales, financial services, program management, travel reservations, customer service, medical consultation, technical support, and customer service.
It’s never been easier than in today’s shrinking world to travel europe as a digital nomad, living like a local in your host country. It’s easy to stay connected with colleagues and family back home thanks to all of our “devices” and “apps.” And, in growing numbers, there are expat networking communities you can plug into for social and business connections, giving you a quick-start to “living like a local.”
The benefits of venturing abroad and shaking it up a bit can be life changing. Staying for a few months, not a few days, in a new locale changes the experience from traveling as a tourist to living as a part-time expat. You’re free to savor every aspect of the adventure at your own pace.
If taking a work break to stroll the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean, or escaping on a day trip to Provence or a weekend trip to Tuscany is tempting, here are some travel tips to get started.
Where do you want to travel Europe as a digital nomad?
Prioritize a list of where you’d like to travel Europe as a digital nomad and experience living like the locals, not just visiting as a tourist. Then look closer to see which locations are most attractive based on lifestyle preferences and budget.
Decide if you want to stay central and walk to grocery stores, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and other services. Or, do you prefer to venture beyond and use local transportation to visit the city.
Review accommodation options, which include booking an apartment online through local companies, HomeAway, Vacation Rentals by Owner, etc. Furnished apartments normally include linens and cooking appliances (sometimes a washing machine and dishwasher). Whichever you choose, ensure reliable WiFi is available (included in the rent or for a nominal monthly fee).
And, since I’m not much of a cook, I stick close to neighborhood cafés and eateries that offer take out. I prefer to walk rather than take the bus.
Look at budget options
Surprisingly, living like a local can level expenses to the point that a high-end tourist destination becomes affordable. If you travel in low season, your flight and living expenses usually cost less. And, staying months usually lowers the rent. Plus, if you can lease your home back in the U.S., you’ll save even more.
Dining costs can be managed to fit a variety of budgets. With widespread availability of local markets you can save on grocery bills. And restaurants for all budgets exist for those in the know. To stay within your budget, choose a destination with a cost of living the same as, or lower than, at home.
I try to stay within my Ft. Lauderdale budget while abroad. I enjoy a mix of cafés and easily manage what I spend. Getting “clued in” to local dining options helps. Where the locals go, I go. Good quality food at reasonable prices has kept me within budget on the French Riviera, in Florence and in Barcelona.
Mobilize and Globalize
For each device you use for work, have a backup. My iPad is my PC backup, the iPhone is the iPad backup, etc. If Skype fails, FaceTime comes to the rescue.
Prior to arrival, learn where to go if WiFi service in your home or apartment is ever interrupted. Maybe it’s the bookstore downstairs (which has a coffee bar) or the outdoor café around the corner. (In many locations, WiFi is available in restaurants, bars, libraries, hotels, and more.)
A local expat community is a good business resource as well as a “social hub”. In Florence, when a friend’s computer “broke,” a capable network member readily fixed it – no problem.
Prepare to Have Fun
Before departure, become familiar with local top “things to do” for daily work breaks and weekend escapes. Joining an expat community like Internations, prior to arrival also jumpstarts the social side of your adventure. When you land, you’ll already be connected to a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable community network.
Living like a local and working abroad is a life learning experience full of fun, adventure, and reward. It can literally be life changing.
Dream high, plan well, take action, and enjoy!