GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST of 10 Things to Do Before Traveling Long-Term! Learn from my 15+ years of travel and remote work abroad: bit.ly/3iTqIbu 🏠 And here is the ULTIMATE resource I created for for finding monthly accommodation (that I personally use all the time): www.theprofessionalhobo.com/how-to-book-monthly-digital-nomad-accommodation-alternatives-to-airbnb/
So many validate points made here, its a lot for an individual to unpack and process. As someone who is seriously considering an overseas relocation when I retire from my current career and dabble with something online to give my brain a little something to do, figuring out where to go is just part of the process. The relations with family and friends is a big one and I know things will change once I've left. How those will evolve won't be known until then - its very organic and dynamic. Lastly, I don't see myself a fully nomadic - will most likely have a home base then travel from time to time. This will make cultivating new and meaningful friendships possible.
Profound insight! So many astute observations presented that I had not even seriously considered. We have just begun our expat journey 10 months ago and we’re witnessing firsthand the tips of several of your ‘pro’s & con’s’ icebergs. Great vlog, Nora. Thank you.
I dig your vibe Nora. Currently I'm not completely there however I plan on going to Malaysia for a staycation of approximately 3 to 4 months in 2024, check on work opportunities and go from there. My goal is to sell my home for as much cash as possible and live a much more relaxing comfortable healthier and affordable lifestyle. Love what you do Nora. 😎🤙
So many great gems in this video, Nora! I've actually watched it all the way through twice. Thanks for the honest reality check. I've never thought of myself as a digital nomad since I'm retired, but the pros and cons you talk about all apply in one way or another to people like me as well. I sold my house and most of my stuff, so I no longer have an anchor and I love how liberating that feels. I like what you say about lifestyle design freedom. I've been thinking about changing things up from my usual travel routine and hearing all the different ways you've lived nomadically through the years has really inspired me to think outside the box and maybe try something I'd never thought of before. The best thing is that if I try something else and I don't like it or get tired of it, I can always just change things up again. That's the joy of lifestyle design freedom! One thing that you didn't talk about that could be a simultaneous pro and con is how to manage diet and exercise while being nomadic. It has been a struggle for me to learn how to eat in a healthy way without putting on the pounds and to figure out a routine that will allow me to get sufficient exercise. That's the con. But the pro is that I am starting to learn how to do it and it's caused me to eat better and to focus more on exercise than I had been doing before. Now when I go back to the US for a few weeks to visit family and friends, I fall out of that diet and exercise routine and find myself putting on the weight and getting out of shape. Thank you again for the unvarnished truth about the digital nomad lifestyle!
Hi Jim, I think an episode about diet and exercise routines while traveling long-term is a great idea! Since you're currently on that path, do you have any suggestions / cautionary tales / things that have worked or not worked?
@@NoraDunn When I first started in this lifestyle I acted as if I were on vacation, eating whatever I wanted and not paying attention to exercise all that much. But this isn't a vacation, it's your everyday life. So I realized I would need to learn how to incorporate healthy habits into my new everyday life. For diet I generally only have 2 meals a day (a healthy breakfast and lunch), with a light healthy snack like an apple or similar in the early evening. And I don't overdo it for either of the meals. I usually don't have to worry about that if I eat at a restaurant because the portion sizes are more reasonable in the rest of the world. For exercise I walk as much as possible when I am out and about, take the stairs when I have the opportunity, and I love to hike. But sometimes weather can make it difficult to do as much walking/hiking as I'd like. So I've started staying in AirBnBs or hotels that have a fitness center so that I can use a treadmill when being outside isn't optimal. I've also started doing exercises in the morning with resistance bands for upper body strength. These diet and exercise routines have helped me feel much better.
Thanks again for another great video. I'm still working through your e-course too. I had to slow down because I found myself trying to do to much all at once - close/declutter past stuff, learn (and get) all the tech and plan the beginnings of my 1st freelance business (ideas all set, just need to break them down and implement), and learn all I can about the digital nomad life (plus "finish" raising 2 older teens - can't forget about that). Despite all this, I'm still looking forward to reaching my digital nomad (full time) goal and get back (after a 20 year detour) to my life-long dream of exploring the world. Hope to be traveling again in some way within 5 years and full time shortly after that. Thanks for the info and inspiration! - take care
Thanks for sharing, Celeste! Yeah, it's a ton of work and prep to get ready for lifestyle travel - especially when tasked with "finishing" raising kids! (Can't forget about that - ha ha)!
Well said. Much of what you shared is a commonality with my own travels. Something that I really noticed when I started travelling a lot and for extended period of time was the lack of interest pretty much everyone back home had with regard to my travel experiences. It’s fine everyone moves on and gets involved with what is happening in their own lives. Also as non travellers for the most part family and friends do not share the mental framework or sense of wonder and value of new experiences concerning travel that I have. When I return for visits I don’t try to share my experiences unless I am asked to do so, which seldomly occurs or inquires are superficial. As I said, it’s fine. Relationships have charged with the passage of time.
Thanks for sharing Dennis. I'm glad you've come to terms with this reality of the travel life. Like you, I only share when asked to (which is rare lol).
Thank You for the video. I love it !!! Is very usefull and original!!! I think that You have a Lot to Say an share related to the life o the people with the travel blessing or Infection jejej!!! I hope to see more of these, maybe a playlist, a book, a section in your blog!!! Thanks!!
Nora as always, so well done, thank you! Your wisdom and ability to communicate in a very pleasant and informative way is a well honed and crafted skill. “Be prepared to have a Paradigm Shift in your life (pro/con, good/bad..and as you put it “the ole 1-2 punch)”. :) The why you should and why you should not’s of being a Nomad..:) Probably where the expression came from, “be careful what you wish for, because you may just get it and become someone else in the process”..the ole 1-2 punch again:) What is your view of tipping? (I realise it’s a cultural thing such as in Europe) it’s not expected but even then I struggle with not/short tipping feeling a moral obligation to recognise great service and/or show gratitude by tipping. How have your feelings toward tipping changed over time? One end of the tipping attitude spectrum, “tipping is a moral obligation” to always tip for excellent service provided because the person providing you the fantastic service experience is there to make a living too and tipping is part of the anticipated cost of having the good fortune to have been wowed and served adding to the amazing experience”…to the far other side, “tipping eats up my cash, prevents/cost me from doing and having more experiences, I cannot afford to leave a tip, and I’ll never be here again so why bother?.” I tend to be an over tipper having the attitude that “everyone is trying to make ends meet” and especially a server who has demonstrated caring and pride in the level of service provided. So tipping to me is a cost to be planned for. That it’s part of the cost. I’ve got such an entrenched belief that tipping is a moral obligation (make the world a better place with every interaction)…that I refuse to travel or even hang out with cheap classless non tippers. Do I need Nomad Decompression Therapy? :) Keep up the great work and travel well. C W C
Thank you so much, Clayton! I detest tipping as an "obligatory" practice such as it exists in North America - it's a throwback to the days of slavery, and I think putting the burden on customers to properly compensate servers based on a personal judgement of how hard they worked is terrible. That said, I tip according to the practices of that country. I research in advance and adhere to what's considered normal for that country/culture.
Not yet, but that's a great idea! I did write this article though: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/filing-taxes-as-a-digital-nomad-everything-you-need-to-know/ and this one on budgeting: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/how-to-create-a-long-term-travel-budget-financially-sustainable-travel/
Thank you for sharing! Im considering being a digital nomad when my daughter goes away to college. I have a few years to plan and prep but thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. ❤
Norma where UR just now. Last seen ; As of late Wednesday morning, Norma was located about 410 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, or 615 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Maximum sustained winds were listed at 65 mph, and the storm was moving northwest at 7 mph. UR really Professional Hobo. Several places at once.
Really interesting video, Nora. I started watching your work a couple weeks ago while planning a European trip for next spring. I immediately suspected you were a theatre alum, just by the way you presented. My nagging question is health care. How do you get it and from where?
Ha! You can take a girl out of the theatre, but you can't take the theatre out of the girl ;-) As for health care, are you referring to something that covers medical emergencies abroad, or a full health care plan that covers preventative care as well? If it's just emergencies, then check this out: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/best-travel-medical-insurance/ If it's international medical insurance, then here's your primer: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/expat-insurance-travel-insurance-for-full-time-and-long-term-travelers/
I’m very curious to know how easy or hard it is to eat healthy. Although this digital nomad life is still in my future, I do a lot of Mon-Fri work travel in the USA and eating healthy is one of the biggest challenges (ok second to the maintaining friendships and ~dating).
It can be a challenge - since travel and changing locations can throw your routine out of whack. That said, as long as you're disciplined about your diet, you can stay healthy in most places.
I’d say it’s easier in countries outside of US and Canada. I’ve traveled all over and many countries value and integrate vegetables into their food, like Thailand and India.
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST of 10 Things to Do Before Traveling Long-Term! Learn from my 15+ years of travel and remote work abroad: bit.ly/3iTqIbu
🏠 And here is the ULTIMATE resource I created for for finding monthly accommodation (that I personally use all the time): www.theprofessionalhobo.com/how-to-book-monthly-digital-nomad-accommodation-alternatives-to-airbnb/
It's true, travel unites you with the rest of the world while isolating you from the people you know. Thanks for talking about it.
Well said, Charlotte! Wow. I may use that. ;-)
This was so honest and interesting. Your life experiences are… just wow. Hope to learn more!!
Aw....thanks Megan! :-)
So many validate points made here, its a lot for an individual to unpack and process. As someone who is seriously considering an overseas relocation when I retire from my current career and dabble with something online to give my brain a little something to do, figuring out where to go is just part of the process. The relations with family and friends is a big one and I know things will change once I've left. How those will evolve won't be known until then - its very organic and dynamic. Lastly, I don't see myself a fully nomadic - will most likely have a home base then travel from time to time. This will make cultivating new and meaningful friendships possible.
Sounds like you're well-positioned to take advantage of the best of all worlds! Good for you.
Great video! I am about to embark on more frequent travel; not a digital nomad; but your tips did help. Thank you 🙏🏾
I'm so glad it was helpful!
Great video, so true friendships are changing as much as our lifestyle, and we realising we have less and less in common
Thanks Catherine!
Great one ! I have been traveling for 4yrs and can relate to everything except the near death experience. Lost my theater friends too 😢😂
Thanks for sharing Dave! In a weird way, I'm glad you can relate.
Profound insight! So many astute observations presented that I had not even seriously considered. We have just begun our expat journey 10 months ago and we’re witnessing firsthand the tips of several of your ‘pro’s & con’s’ icebergs.
Great vlog, Nora. Thank you.
Thanks Raul! Icebergs.....good term for these concepts!
I dig your vibe Nora. Currently I'm not completely there however I plan on going to Malaysia for a staycation of approximately 3 to 4 months in 2024, check on work opportunities and go from there. My goal is to sell my home for as much cash as possible and live a much more relaxing comfortable healthier and affordable lifestyle.
Love what you do Nora.
😎🤙
Thanks Christopher! Sounds like you've got a killer plan too. Yay :-)
So many great gems in this video, Nora! I've actually watched it all the way through twice. Thanks for the honest reality check. I've never thought of myself as a digital nomad since I'm retired, but the pros and cons you talk about all apply in one way or another to people like me as well. I sold my house and most of my stuff, so I no longer have an anchor and I love how liberating that feels. I like what you say about lifestyle design freedom. I've been thinking about changing things up from my usual travel routine and hearing all the different ways you've lived nomadically through the years has really inspired me to think outside the box and maybe try something I'd never thought of before. The best thing is that if I try something else and I don't like it or get tired of it, I can always just change things up again. That's the joy of lifestyle design freedom!
One thing that you didn't talk about that could be a simultaneous pro and con is how to manage diet and exercise while being nomadic. It has been a struggle for me to learn how to eat in a healthy way without putting on the pounds and to figure out a routine that will allow me to get sufficient exercise. That's the con. But the pro is that I am starting to learn how to do it and it's caused me to eat better and to focus more on exercise than I had been doing before. Now when I go back to the US for a few weeks to visit family and friends, I fall out of that diet and exercise routine and find myself putting on the weight and getting out of shape. Thank you again for the unvarnished truth about the digital nomad lifestyle!
Hi Jim,
I think an episode about diet and exercise routines while traveling long-term is a great idea! Since you're currently on that path, do you have any suggestions / cautionary tales / things that have worked or not worked?
@@NoraDunn When I first started in this lifestyle I acted as if I were on vacation, eating whatever I wanted and not paying attention to exercise all that much. But this isn't a vacation, it's your everyday life. So I realized I would need to learn how to incorporate healthy habits into my new everyday life.
For diet I generally only have 2 meals a day (a healthy breakfast and lunch), with a light healthy snack like an apple or similar in the early evening. And I don't overdo it for either of the meals. I usually don't have to worry about that if I eat at a restaurant because the portion sizes are more reasonable in the rest of the world. For exercise I walk as much as possible when I am out and about, take the stairs when I have the opportunity, and I love to hike. But sometimes weather can make it difficult to do as much walking/hiking as I'd like. So I've started staying in AirBnBs or hotels that have a fitness center so that I can use a treadmill when being outside isn't optimal. I've also started doing exercises in the morning with resistance bands for upper body strength. These diet and exercise routines have helped me feel much better.
@@nomadjim Great routines and diet - thanks for sharing, Jim!
Fantastic video and tips - it captures so many of the areas we need to know if we want to have the lifestyle. I don't but love your stuff!!!
Thank you so much Laura!
Thanks again for another great video. I'm still working through your e-course too. I had to slow down because I found myself trying to do to much all at once - close/declutter past stuff, learn (and get) all the tech and plan the beginnings of my 1st freelance business (ideas all set, just need to break them down and implement), and learn all I can about the digital nomad life (plus "finish" raising 2 older teens - can't forget about that). Despite all this, I'm still looking forward to reaching my digital nomad (full time) goal and get back (after a 20 year detour) to my life-long dream of exploring the world. Hope to be traveling again in some way within 5 years and full time shortly after that. Thanks for the info and inspiration! - take care
Thanks for sharing, Celeste! Yeah, it's a ton of work and prep to get ready for lifestyle travel - especially when tasked with "finishing" raising kids! (Can't forget about that - ha ha)!
@@NoraDunn Thanks!
Well said. Much of what you shared is a commonality with my own travels. Something that I really noticed when I started travelling a lot and for extended period of time was the lack of interest pretty much everyone back home had with regard to my travel experiences. It’s fine everyone moves on and gets involved with what is happening in their own lives. Also as non travellers for the most part family and friends do not share the mental framework or sense of wonder and value of new experiences concerning travel that I have. When I return for visits I don’t try to share my experiences unless I am asked to do so, which seldomly occurs or inquires are superficial. As I said, it’s fine. Relationships have charged with the passage of time.
Thanks for sharing Dennis. I'm glad you've come to terms with this reality of the travel life. Like you, I only share when asked to (which is rare lol).
Great video, I appreciate your straightforward and fair assessments.
Also, thank you for sharing the accommodation guide. I plan to put it to use!
Yay! Glad it was helpful! And enjoy using the accommodation resource. I use it all the time!
Thank You for the video. I love it !!! Is very usefull and original!!! I think that You have a Lot to Say an share related to the life o the people with the travel blessing or Infection jejej!!! I hope to see more of these, maybe a playlist, a book, a section in your blog!!! Thanks!!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you like this theme in my content. More to come!
Thank you Ms.
Life is a choice. Experience is knowledge. World is too small to stay in one place.
So true!
I love your videos and the insight you bring to the nomad lifestyle
Thank you so much!
Nora as always, so well done, thank you!
Your wisdom and ability to communicate in a very pleasant and informative way is a well honed and crafted skill. “Be prepared to have a Paradigm Shift in your life (pro/con, good/bad..and as you put it “the ole 1-2 punch)”. :) The why you should and why you should not’s of being a Nomad..:) Probably where the expression came from, “be careful what you wish for, because you may just get it and become someone else in the process”..the ole 1-2 punch again:)
What is your view of tipping? (I realise it’s a cultural thing such as in Europe) it’s not expected but even then I struggle with not/short tipping feeling a moral obligation to recognise great service and/or show gratitude by tipping.
How have your feelings toward tipping changed over time?
One end of the tipping attitude spectrum, “tipping is a moral obligation” to always tip for excellent service provided because the person providing you the fantastic service experience is there to make a living too and tipping is part of the anticipated cost of having the good fortune to have been wowed and served adding to the amazing experience”…to the far other side, “tipping eats up my cash, prevents/cost me from doing and having more experiences, I cannot afford to leave a tip, and I’ll never be here again so why bother?.”
I tend to be an over tipper having the attitude that “everyone is trying to make ends meet” and especially a server who has demonstrated caring and pride in the level of service provided. So tipping to me is a cost to be planned for. That it’s part of the cost. I’ve got such an entrenched belief that tipping is a moral obligation (make the world a better place with every interaction)…that I refuse to travel or even hang out with cheap classless non tippers.
Do I need Nomad Decompression Therapy? :)
Keep up the great work and travel well.
C W C
Thank you so much, Clayton!
I detest tipping as an "obligatory" practice such as it exists in North America - it's a throwback to the days of slavery, and I think putting the burden on customers to properly compensate servers based on a personal judgement of how hard they worked is terrible.
That said, I tip according to the practices of that country. I research in advance and adhere to what's considered normal for that country/culture.
Great fresh perspective. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
@@claytonwchurchill9308 Thanks Clayton!
So interesting! Do you have an episode about budgeting and taxes as a digital nomad?
Not yet, but that's a great idea! I did write this article though: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/filing-taxes-as-a-digital-nomad-everything-you-need-to-know/
and this one on budgeting: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/how-to-create-a-long-term-travel-budget-financially-sustainable-travel/
Great video of pros & cons! Your a very rounded young lady and shine the light to anyone thinking about it. Thank you for sharing!💖
You are so welcome!
Excellent video, Nora. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for sharing! Im considering being a digital nomad when my daughter goes away to college. I have a few years to plan and prep but thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences. ❤
That is awesome! Stay tuned for more lifestyle-related content. :-)
Wonderful explanation! Wondering about health insurance and healthcare. How did that work when you had your accident?
Great question! I had international medical insurance (also called expat insurance), which took care of me.
Just fabulous …As usual ..Thanks Nora
Thank you too!
Really good info. Your concision and delivery tempo is refreshing.
Thank you kindly!
Norma where UR just now. Last seen ; As of late Wednesday morning, Norma was located about 410 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, or 615 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Maximum sustained winds were listed at 65 mph, and the storm was moving northwest at 7 mph. UR really Professional Hobo. Several places at once.
😝
Great video! Makes me want to travel outside my little bubble in the US just to test your ideas.
Yay! I'm glad you're inspired!
Very Insightful got me thinking....
Thanks!
Have you planned for your retirement? 401k, 403b, 457, etc.?
Yep! I used to be a financial planner. Saving and investing for the future is in my blood. ;-)
Really interesting video, Nora. I started watching your work a couple weeks ago while planning a European trip for next spring. I immediately suspected you were a theatre alum, just by the way you presented. My nagging question is health care. How do you get it and from where?
Ha! You can take a girl out of the theatre, but you can't take the theatre out of the girl ;-)
As for health care, are you referring to something that covers medical emergencies abroad, or a full health care plan that covers preventative care as well?
If it's just emergencies, then check this out: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/best-travel-medical-insurance/
If it's international medical insurance, then here's your primer: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/expat-insurance-travel-insurance-for-full-time-and-long-term-travelers/
Excellent! Have you stayed in Croatia for any length of time? If so how did you like living there?😊
I have not! It's still "on my list" :-)
I went in June on a cruise. Amazing history. You must!
@@cheyanneozzy69 Noted!
I’m very curious to know how easy or hard it is to eat healthy. Although this digital nomad life is still in my future, I do a lot of Mon-Fri work travel in the USA and eating healthy is one of the biggest challenges (ok second to the maintaining friendships and ~dating).
It can be a challenge - since travel and changing locations can throw your routine out of whack. That said, as long as you're disciplined about your diet, you can stay healthy in most places.
I’d say it’s easier in countries outside of US and Canada. I’ve traveled all over and many countries value and integrate vegetables into their food, like Thailand and India.
@@Better_ND_Travelthat’s great to hear!!! Not my experience in some parts of Europe but I’d “nomad” in Asia