Picture yourself backpacking through the Swiss Alps. The sun shining on your face as you look up at the magnificent mountains. No manager asking you for that report. No boring Zoom meetings.
Picture yourself backpacking through the Swiss Alps. The sun shining on your face as you look up at the magnificent mountains. No manager asking you for that report. No boring Zoom meetings.
Or imagine you’re surfing on one of Thailand’s pristine beaches. After a day on the waves, you go back to your hotel, check in on your online business, and order dinner with a Mojito.
This doesn’t have to be your retirement dream when you hit 65 years old. You can live this life now. But only if you set your mind to it, and have the courage and confidence to start an online business.
Entrepreneurs around the world are living as digital nomads with just a laptop, toothbrush and a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Digital nomads enjoy the best of both worlds. They earn a stable income from a remote job and have the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle. Its easier than ever to work online while seeing the world. Most digital nomads exclusively earn money online. We'll show you precisely what you need to know to launch an online business and take the first step in your digital nomad life.
Before becoming a successful digital nomad, you must plan for the journey, from defining your goals to finding the perfect online work or launching your own online business. We'll break down every step of the planning phase of the digital nomad lifestyle.
One thing you'll notice about successful digital nomads is they started their careers with a clear motivation. Whether your vision is to create financial freedom, spend more time with your loved ones, or free yourself up for travel, hone in on why you want to become a digital nomad. Once you clarify your why, you can laser focus on finding the perfect remote work for your goals.
Many jobs can be done remotely, but not all can be done without experience. If you're looking for a remote work opportunity, you can start without a lengthy resume; you must find opportunities that leverage your expertise in other areas. Consulting, teaching online courses, and freelance writing leverage your existing experience in other industries to make money online.
If you've ever dreamed of seeing your name on a book cover, Amazon KDP empowers you to become a published author. You have complete creative control over your work, from writing and editing to designing the cover and setting the price. This means you can write about your passions, share your expertise, or create simple, low-content books like journals and planners. The best part? Amazon's massive marketplace gives you access to a global audience, and you earn royalties on every sale. To get started, explore resources like Amazon's free KDP University, and platforms like Publishing.com, which offer courses and AI-powered tools to streamline the process.
We think one of the best ways to make money online and work as a digital nomad is to use Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. With a little education and motivation, it’s super easy to start an online self-publishing business with Amazon’s KDP platform. You don’t even have to be an author. You can put together a short eBook or even use a ghostwriter to create a full-length book. Publishing on Amazon’s KDP is free and they give 70% royalties for each eBook you sell. That adds up fast.
We’re so passionate about this last business idea that we’ve put together a free on-demand webinar that teaches everyday people how they can make money through Amazon. In just a few simple steps, people are bringing in thousands of dollars a month in totally passive income. This would easily allow you to live and travel as a digital nomad.
Want to run your online store without the hassle of managing inventory? Dropshipping is your answer. This business model lets you partner with suppliers who handle storage and shipping so you can focus on marketing and customer service. Dropshipping is when you sell T-shirts, hats or other physical goods online with no upfront inventory costs. In other words, once your online store is set up, the customer buys a t-shirt and the manufacturing company you use creates a shirt and ships it. You don’t have to spend a bunch of money to buy 1,000 T-shirts and then try to sell them.
It’s a way to build an online business with practically no money down and lots of potential benefits in revenue streams. It’s also relatively easy to set up an online store for your products. Again, you won’t need to handle inventory since the supplier ships directly to customers. There is a very low barrier to entry and you’ll be able to run your business from anywhere in the world.
Platforms like Shopify make it incredibly easy to set up your store, and you can start with minimal investment. As your business grows, you can easily expand your product offerings and scale your operations. To find reliable suppliers and trending products, check out platforms like WooCommerce and Sprocket.
Have you always had a knack for writing? Does writing come easily to you? Did you excel in your English classes in high school and college? You may want to consider starting a freelance writing business.
The digital world thrives on content, and that's where skilled freelance writers come in. Businesses constantly need blog posts, articles, website copy, and more. If you have a knack for words and grammar, you can offer your services on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Start by building a portfolio with diverse projects, and gradually increase your rates as you gain experience and confidence. Websites like ProBlogger offer valuable resources and job boards specifically for freelance writers.
Offer your writing services to clients and soon you’ll have a solid list of connections to keep your work steady.
Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge? Turn your expertise into a source of income by creating and selling online courses. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare provide the tools and infrastructure to host your courses and reach a global audience. Whether you're a tech whiz, a marketing guru, or a creative artist, there's an audience eager to learn from you. Start with a topic you're comfortable with, and gradually expand your course offerings as you build your reputation.
Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical or creative assistance to businesses, entrepreneurs or other customers remotely.
The rise of remote work has created a huge demand for virtual assistants. These skilled professionals provide administrative, technical, or creative support to clients from anywhere in the world. If you're organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy taking on diverse tasks. Platforms like Fancy Hands, Belay Solutions, and Time Etc. connect virtual assistants with potential clients seeking their skills.
If you like to help others, being a virtual assistant could be really rewarding. And the pay can be good—certainly enough to cover your costs of living as a digital nomad.
Becoming a virtual assistant offers flexibility, a ton of different opportunities, and of course the chance to work remotely. Look at your skills, experiences and interests to determine your areas of expertise as a virtual assistant. You can focus on tasks like administrative support, research, content writing, customer service or project management. Identifying your niche will help you target specific clients and tailor your services to their needs.
If you're a social media-savvy indy not turn your passion into a profession? Businesses need help managing their online presence, creating engaging content, and growing their audience. You can create and schedule content, engage with their followers and analyze metrics. Lots of people out there are looking for help with managing their social media accounts and don’t really have the time to mess with it.
You could even start your own social media agency that offers clients digital marketing services like SEO, content marketing and paid advertising campaigns.
As a social media manager, you can work with diverse clients, develop creative strategies, and leverage tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social to streamline your workflow. Build a strong portfolio with social media accounts to showcase your skills.
Do you have specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular field? Offer your services as an online consultant and help clients solve problems, make informed decisions, and achieve their goals. Use your expertise in a certain field to offer coaching or consulting services to clients via video calls or online courses. You could become a life coach, diet coach, health and wellness coach or financial coach—the sky’s the limit! You could even create a digital course and sell it to start earning passive income to fund your digital nomad life.
Platforms like Clarity.fm and Coach.me connect consultants with clients seeking their expertise. Set your rates, work flexible hours, and build a reputation as a trusted advisor in your industry.
No matter how you make money online as a digital nomad, the key is choosing something you love to do. Keep your why in mind, pursue something you’re passionate about, and start with the right strategy. Then, you'll be on the way to a happy digital nomad life!
Starting a podcast can be an awesome way for digital nomads to carve out their own niche, create a loyal following and make money at the same time. Armed with a laptop, a microphone and Internet connection, you’ll have all the tools you need to launch your podcast.
Podcasting allows you the flexibility to record episodes at your own pace, edit on the go (or on the beach), and connect with your audience from wherever you are.
Traveling will also help you generate ideas for content that resonates with people from diverse cultures. In your podcast episodes, you can share your unique insights, stories and expertise, creating a connection with your listeners.
As a digital nomad, you’ll also have more opportunities for collaborations, sponsorships and partnerships with people and businesses from around the globe. And you’ll be building your personal brand and establishing yourself as an authority in your niche.
Monetizing your podcast can give you the sustainable income stream to live as a digital nomad. Revenue streams like sponsorships, advertising, merchandise, offering exclusive content or bonus episodes to your audience, affiliate marketing or Amazon’s Creator Program are all ways to make money on podcasting.
You could also become a graphic designer. Maybe you already have design skills you can tap into or polish that will enable you to start a freelance online business. You can provide design services like logo creation, website design or social media graphics. And websites like Fiverr and Upwork are great for freelancers to find their next job.
Becoming a graphic designer can be a really fun and creative field. If you have a passion for visual communication and want to pursue a career in graphic design, develop your skills and knowledge. Start by gaining a foundation in design principles, color theory, typography and composition. You can take a design course that will help you learn everything you need to know.
Tutoring others also gives you the chance to earn money and work from anywhere in the world. You could teach English to foreign exchange students or even help students prep for college entrance exams like the ACT or SAT. Offer tutoring services in various subjects or languages through online platforms or through your own website.
The first option is almost as old as the Internet itself. Blogging. Yes, blogging is still a thing—and people are making real dough by sharing their tips, stories and experiences on a personal blog.
Starting a blog can be a perfect business idea for digital nomads. It allows you to create a global community of readers and connect with like-minded people from a variety of backgrounds. Your blog can be a hub for fellow travelers, aspiring nomads and others interested in your niche. By fostering discussions, encouraging comments and building readership, you can grow a community of supporters and collaborators who share your passion.
As your blog grows in popularity and influence, you can explore various revenue streams such as affiliate marketing. This is where you promote products or services and earn a commission for each sale or referral made through a unique affiliate link. You can also make money on your blog by running ads, providing sponsored content, digital or branded products, or even offering exclusive content or services.
These days, demonstrable skills can be just as valuable as previous experience. If you want the perfect digital nomad job, you must ensure your skills are up-to-date and relevant to online work. Look for job postings similar to what you want to do to find the most relevant and sought-after skills. Once you know what you need to learn, there are plenty of online platforms where you can brush up on your skills, cheap or even free!
While the specific skills you need will depend on your chosen field, here are some key areas that are valuable across many remote jobs:
In addition to technical skills, soft skills like time management, organization, and self-discipline are also important. These are essential for staying productive and motivated when working remotely and managing your schedule.
By investing time in building relevant skills, you'll be well-equipped to succeed as a digital nomad and navigate the ever-evolving online landscape.
Most people become a digital nomad to free them up for more travel. Before you take your new digital nomad job on the road, you should look into where working remotely is already successful for others.
If you asked 100 people, "What are the best digital nomad jobs?" You'd get 100 different answers, which is true for remote work destinations. While there's no perfect place for everyone, some areas are more friendly toward people who travel while working remotely. What makes a place digital nomad-friendly?
Relocating to a new country involves careful consideration of several key factors. Visa regulations are paramount, with requirements varying based on your nationality, purpose of stay, and length of time you intend to live there. Understanding the cost of living is crucial, including expenses like housing, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare, which can differ significantly from your home country. Reliable internet connectivity is essential for modern life, so it's crucial to research availability, speed, and cost in your potential new location. Finally, consider the community and whether it fits your lifestyle and values well. Language, cultural norms, social activities, and safety improve your well-being in a new environment.
With so many incredible destinations beckoning, how do you decide? The good news is, you don't have to pick just one! Digital nomad jobs move with you, so if you don't find the perfect spot right away, there's no reason not to try another! Many digital nomads enjoy spending time in:
Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Bali also offers a digital nomad visa.
Offers a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and an established digital nomad community.
Portugal combines European charm with a growing tech scene and good infrastructure. If the nice weather isn't enough, Portugal is on its way to developing a digital nomad visa program like Bali's.
Colombia boasts a pleasant climate, affordable living, and a welcoming culture.
While there's no one place that's the easiest to be a digital nomad, there are things that make some places better for remote workers than others. Make a list of places you'd like to see or work from that have temporary or remote work visa programs,
Building a financial cushion to provide stability and peace of mind before embarking on your nomadic adventure is essential.
The traditional 9 to 5 provides stability through a location-based model. Digital nomad jobs give you the same income without being nailed down. A financial safety net makes it easier to leap with both feet without assuming any financial risk.
You've researched how to become a digital nomad with no experience. You've defined why you want a digital nomad job, brushed up on your skills, and researched destinations. What do you need to do to get on the road? Follow this checklist to cover your bases:
For most of us, working on the road and not being tied down to a specific location is new. If you grew up thinking that settling down was the only option, setting off on the road can be overwhelming. Set yourself up for success by slowly transitioning into a nomadic life. Even if you could start a remote job tomorrow or launch a digital business today, you must carefully move into full-time travel. Remote work can feel isolating if you're used to seeing the same people every day. Ensure you have a support network before you take the leap.
How much you need to earn online to live a digital nomadic lifestyle depends on many factors. Where you live will determine the minimum cost of necessities like housing and healthcare, but the rest depends on your lifestyle.
Factors that influence your minimum income:
Here's a general guideline:
Tips for Managing Your Finances:
Remember: The beauty of the digital nomad lifestyle is its flexibility. You can adjust your spending and travel plans based on your income and priorities. Don't let a specific income number discourage you. Start with what you can afford and gradually increase your earnings as you gain experience and build your online business or freelance career.
Let’s check out the amazing benefits of being a digital nomad.
And what even is a digital nomad?
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, traditional boundaries are fading away into the history books—giving rise to a new breed of adventurers: the digital nomad. These wandering spirits have unlocked the secret to living life on their terms.
The allure of becoming a digital nomad is undeniable. It promises a life untethered from the mundane and filled with unforgettable experiences. Imagine the whole world becoming your office. The open road your companion.
Here are just some of the benefits…
Now that you’re officially excited about building this life, let’s see how to make it happen. Because life costs money—even if you’re staying at a cheap European hostel and eating bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Many people think the digital nomad lifestyle is exclusively for fresh-out-of-college twenty-somethings. The truth is digital nomads can be any age. Many people become a digital nomads at retirement age. There are even advantages to taking on a nomadic lifestyle at 30 plus. By your 30s, you've likely gained professional skills, life experience, and maturity that can be assets in the remote work world. You've had time to explore different career paths and identify your passions and priorities. You may have more savings or resources to invest in your digital nomad life. Some of the benefits of starting after your twenties are:
Many people successfully transition to the digital nomad lifestyle in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. It's about your mindset, willingness to learn, and desire for freedom and flexibility.
Navigating the digital nomadism lifestyle is an adventure, but you don't have to do it without a compass. There are tons of resources for remote workers. Here are some of the best tools and platforms to point you in the right direction:
Bonus Tip: Embrace the power of online communities! Connect with other digital nomads through forums, social media groups, and local meetups. Sharing experiences, advice, and support can make your career more fulfilling.
Working on the road can provide a life of freedom, flexibility, and adventure. But like any lifestyle change, it comes with challenges and requires a certain mindset to thrive. Here are some closing tips to help you succeed as a digital nomad:
Now is the time to take control of the direction of your life. Don’t let another month go by waiting for someone to force you to do it. Take action now! Set goals and deadlines for yourself and, most of all, believe that you can do it.
The benefits of becoming a digital nomad go far beyond just the allure of travel. It’s an entire lifestyle—a mindset shift. It brings liberation, flexibility, more productivity, and the opportunity to build amazing friendships with people around the world.
Embrace the power of the Internet and start building an online business today. Soon you’ll be ready to pack up your laptop, put in your resignation, untether your spirit and join the ranks of those who have chosen to live life unbound.
Ready to take the leap and design your dream lifestyle?
Register for our free training today if you want to learn the most direct path to earning recurring income online! You'll discover:
Making a living doing something you love while having the freedom to see the world is a daily reality for other successful digital nomads. You can join them on the adventure, too! Let us show you how to become a digital nomad with no experience through self-publishing! Sign up for our webinar today and take your first step into the digital nomad lifestyle.
The world is waiting for you…