I’ve always had dreams of long term international travel, before I even knew it was called being a nomad. I never could have even dreamt up the concept of being a digital nomad though.
But what does nomad (digital or not) even mean anyway? Because in the past, it mostly meant backpacking with the bare essentials, staying in hostels, working odd and sometimes low-paying jobs (online or offline) as you go to pay your way, skipping the luxuries and higher dollar tourist excursions. Of course this all isn’t to mean it’s not still an amazing lifestyle. The digital nomad of the past didn’t care about things, they cared about exploration and freedom and the true beauty in the nature, buildings, culture and people around us. They were rich in freedom and love and life.
But times are a changing – and there’s a new digital nomad in town. She (or he) makes a decent or even amazing living working a remote job or even running her very own online empire. Her wants are still the same, that freedom and experience and beauty and inner-peace and fulfillment.
But she still wants to get her hair and nails done regularly (like she did back home), and she might upgrade her flight seat to first class every once in a while (it depends on the rate that day, cuz she still has her limits too), and she keeps buying new clothes and needing to get larger and larger luggage.
The point is – the NEW digital nomad has no rules. They may relate more to her digital nomad sisters of the past, or she may be making her own rules as she goes about what’s important enough to her in life to make it a priority even when it’s not always easy.
Three things you might not guess she has in her luggage:
Vibrators. Oh come on, don’t be shy. She spend lots of time alone (I mean unless she’s partnered and traveling as a duo), it only makes sense. The only issue is accidentally leaving one in her bed when the housekeeper comes, or leaving it behind all together when she packs up (both of which have happened to me) – then there was the time I had one totally vanish (I have my theories).
Huge yummy candles. Candles are like super heavy and when her bag is already pushing the maximum allowable weight limit, it seems like one of the first things that should go. BUT. The truth is the next Airbnb or hotel or hostel she lands in is her home. Whether for a week or a month, that doesn’t matter, it’s her safe space, her reprieve from a busy day of work or exploring.
And those little touches can go a long way. So whether it’s a citrus lavender scented candle or her favorite high end body wash or shampoo – if it’s going to make her feel good, it’s worth it to try and fit it in. This isn’t all about sacrifice.
Big comfy jammies. I know they take up a lot of space (I mean how many day to day items could you fit into that space instead). But umm hello, she’s going to be traveling for months! Chances are she’s gonna want to have some Netflix and chill days and be as cozy as possible and she’s gonna want those huge comfy sweatpants! She better fit ‘em in!
Three things she looks for in her airbnbs:
Walkability. She may rent a car anyway, but it’s still nice to be able to go for a nice stroll and hit a cute cafe – or maybe even book a blow out or a yoga class without getting behind a wheel. Getting used to a new environment every month or so can be overwhelming, but a great location can make a huge difference.
A well-stocked kitchen. Whether she just likes to cook, wants to eat as healthfully as possible, doesn’t want to blow all her money on food or just wants to be able to make her favorite holiday desert around that time of the year — a fully equipped kitchen is so important!
Washer/Dryer or at least an incredible fast and easy solution. A laundromat is just the last place she wants to be spending her time and resources (especially if she might have to do laundry a bit more often due to living out of a single suitcase).
Three things she might be found doing, no matter what country she’s in:
Shopping. Whether it’s for groceries, cruising the local mall/s, or even heading to a ‘dollar store’ and going on a sticker spree. When she slow travels, she gets to have time to explore more than just the big stuff. She gets to explore the everyday ordinary stuff too. And it all gets to be special. Because it is, I mean she’s in Bali, or Europe, or Singapore (or wherever, you know)!
Eating Fast Food. Ok if she’s on a health quest – this may not be that often, BUT if she loves Mcdonald’s breakfasts (for example, *cough*cough*), you can bet she’ll be trying a Sausage McMuffin in every country she can. Not every meal has to be local street food, or a cultural delicacy. And comfort food takes on a whole new meaning sometimes when her tummy or appetite is having issues.
Going to a Movie, or amusement park. While sometimes she’s exploring the coolest architecture, cultural events, or natural wonders. Sometimes she’s just grabbing a soda and some caramel corn and watching that new movie that just came out on the big screen. Whatever she likes to do at home – she still likes to do abroad too. Plus checking out movie theatres (and amusement parks) in other countries becomes interesting all on it’s own. Do they have movies in english? What movies are available to watch? What snacks do they offer? How much are their movie tickets compared to back home?
In closing.
I’m sure there is much more I could share about the new digital nomad. But that’ll have to be another time! Cuz I’ve got just a few more days in Bali left to enjoy before heading to Turkey! And, as you’ve read, I’ve got some major suitcase logistics to work out.
