When people hear the phrase digital nomad, they often picture someone lounging on a beach with a laptop, cocktail in hand, and not a care in the world. That’s not exactly how it works — especially when you’re actually trying to get work done.
I’ve spent the last few years splitting my time about 50/50 between home and working abroad, and I’ve learned that being a digital nomad is more about balance than escapism. This lifestyle has taken me to over 40 countries in just two years, and I’ve managed to do it all while working full time and using only about 20 days of PTO a year.
Here’s what it’s really like.
It All Started with a U.S. Road Trip (Thanks, COVID)
Like many, my remote work journey started during COVID. With offices shut down and remote work becoming the norm, I decided to hit the road. I took two six-month-long road trips around the U.S., working from Airbnbs, national parks, and coffee shops in cities I’d always wanted to visit.
I felt comfortable doing this because I knew most U.S. cities had reliable Wi-Fi, and my company had employees scattered across the country — I wasn’t alone in taking advantage of our new-found flexibility.
Early on, I discovered a few golden rules:
- Travel on weekends. Use weekdays to get into a rhythm — work, explore in the mornings or evenings, and truly get to know a place without feeling like you’re cramming it all in.
- Eat like a part-time local. I usually eat a light breakfast at home, go for fast-casual spots (harder to find internationally, but worth it) for lunch and dinner, and splurge on the occasional restaurant. Not drinking during the week helps keep costs — and focus — in check. After all, this isn’t vacation.
Taking It International: Europe and Beyond
Eventually, I took my first international working trip: seven weeks across Europe. My company had offices in London, Dublin, and Budapest, which made it easier to get approval — I split my time between those hubs and then wrapped it up with a week of vacation in Austria and Switzerland.
That trip changed everything.
Since then, I’ve worked from:
- South America (Chile, Argentina, Brazil)
- Central America (Nicaragua, Guatemala – twice!)
- The Caribbean (St. Lucia, Dominica, Barbados)
- Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)
- And Europe, multiple times:
- Croatia and Slovenia
- France, Monaco, Italy, and Malta
- Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece
Each trip was carefully planned around work hours and internet connectivity, but the reward? The freedom to explore the world without quitting my job or burning through vacation days.
Why Remote Work Makes This Possible
Being a digital nomad isn’t just about travel — it’s about freeing up time and redefining how you live your life. When you work remotely abroad:
- You skip the commute
- You spend less time on chores and errands
- Many international cities are walkable (no car required!)
- You’re not tethered to your usual social obligations — giving you more space to focus on yourself and your experiences
Example? If you’re based in Vienna, you can take a Friday off, hop on a two-hour train, and be skiing in the Alps by lunchtime — then head to Zurich on Sunday, ready to work again on Monday.
The Daily Grind — Nomad Edition
So, what does a typical day look like?
I stick to my regular EST work hours, which can be a puzzle depending on where I am.
- In Europe, I explore the city from 8am–2pm, then work from 2pm–11pm.
- In Oceania or Asia, it flips: I start work around 3am and wrap up by noon, giving me the rest of the day to adventure, relax, or nap. It takes discipline, but the early finishes are surprisingly freeing.
- In Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, it’s by far the easiest — usually just a 1–2 hour difference from EST. This means I can keep my regular schedule almost unchanged. I work during the same hours I would at home, which helps with productivity, consistency, and even coordination with my team back in the U.S. Plus, I still get to enjoy tropical beaches or vibrant cities before or after work without stressing about jet lag or late-night meetings.
During work hours, I stay focused. Sure, it’s tempting to ditch work and go sightseeing, but missing deadlines or losing momentum just adds stress. I save big meals for before or after work and try to prep quick lunches at home to keep costs and distractions low.
The Tradeoffs — and the Wins
Yes, being away from friends and family can be hard. You miss birthdays, weddings, and lazy Saturday nights at your favorite local hangout. But what you gain — new cultures, languages, friends from around the world — is something truly special.
For me, this lifestyle has been a dream. One that’s not always easy, but absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts
Being a digital nomad isn’t about escaping reality — it’s about redesigning it. If you’re strategic, disciplined, and willing to embrace the unknown, remote work can unlock a lifestyle most people only dream about.
No, you’re not on vacation. But in a way, you kind of are — every day.