The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad (Backed by Real Experience)

From the beginning, I agree that it is a bit long, but I am sure you will minimize the risk of having problems after reading this.

I would love to read such a guiding article for free before I start. I prepared it with this feeling while preparing it. I hope you like it and it will be useful to you, I am always open to any comments and feedback.

Now let's move on to the blog post :)

1. What Does Being a Digital Nomad Really Mean?

Being a digital nomad sounds pretty cool, let's accept it. You take your laptop and move to a beach town or an affordable metropolis with high-rise skyscrapers, work while sipping a cocktail at sunset... Isn't it like that?

Yes, sometimes, most of the time it really happens. But sometimes you're sweating in a hotel room with a broken air conditioner, trying to have a meeting with a client while watching the internet come and go. 

When I took the first step, I was very much attracted by the photos I saw on social media and the beautiful stories told. I thought, “I can do it too!” And I did. But I soon realized that this job is not a vacation. It is a lifestyle. And just like any lifestyle, there are wonderful parts and challenging parts.

In this article, I'm not going to give you fancy words, but a guide to getting started that will actually work for you. Here we go.

2. The First 3 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself

Before you decide to become a digital nomad, there are 3 critical questions you must ask yourself.
If you don't answer these questions honestly, you may find yourself asking “What am I doing here?” in a few months.

1- Why do I want to be a digital nomad?

Do you really want to see new cultures, work freely, live in different places? Or are you envious of the lives you see on social media and are only attracted to the glittery side of this life?

Let me be honest: I wanted everything at the same time and immediately :) I've learned over time that behind the sense of freedom I dreamed of, there is a serious responsibility and discipline. You don't have to explore and have fun, and you don't have to be all work and no play. At the end of the day, it's all about balance.

2- How long do I want to follow this lifestyle?

A year? A lifetime? Or just a few months of experience?

The answer to this question directly affects your decisions (budget, visa, business plan, accommodation, etc.). When I first started out, I went out saying “Let's see how the first 6 months will go.” Now years have passed and I am still on the road and I plan to be on the road even more. If I hadn't set a clear goal at the beginning, I would have floundered much more.

3- Am I really ready to be alone, to step out of my comfort zone?

Digital nomadism means new friends, great memories, but also sometimes feeling lonely and adapting to constant change.

Especially in the first months, it's not easy to be away from everything you are used to. I can tell you from my own experience, the first lonely breakfasts, getting lost in a country where you don't speak the language... These things are inevitable. But when you approach them with an open mind, after a while you realize that the most memorable moments are born out of them, and when you deal with them, you grow and become less anxious.

3. Financial Preparation: Being Realistic with the Numbers

Traveling the world freely is a wonderful dream. But the real world has invented such things as exchange rates, accommodation fees, health insurance and unexpected expenses...

And they usually don't respect our dreams very much. Remember this sentence:
Digital nomadism is a form of freedom that has no tolerance for unplannedness.

But are you really ready financially? Here are some things to think about:

1- Is Your Starter Budget Ready?

Ideally, you should have at least 3-6 months of living expenses set aside before you set off. This preparation gives you room for movement when things go wrong.

For example, the first time I went to Bali, I had a feeling of “Oh it's a cheap country anyway”.
But with the excitement and curiosity of going for the first time, and being new there, the expenses went 200% above my plan :) I had money, of course it wasn't a problem, but with the money I spent in the first month, I could have lived there in a great way for the next 3 months. 

Still, if you don't create a safe buffer budget for yourself at the beginning, small setbacks can turn into big crises. I am now moving forward with more logical and strong budgets.

2- How Solid Is Your Source of Income?

Digital nomadism is not a model to start with “I'll try something”. Many of my friends who tried it unfortunately couldn't sustain it and they returned to settled life in their countries even though they didn't want to. 

So you need to have a 100% sustainable income model. Freelance work, a remote job, passive income sources... Whatever it is, it has to be a regular and reliable flow.

When I first started out, I already had a lot of money, I didn't prioritize making money. The first months were good. But then I experienced how fast money can be spent and I had a reawakening. Now my priority is definitely to make money, and to live within that money, not touching the money in my bank. 

If you don't create a healthy income source, you will be left in the middle when a few clients' projects get canceled. So creating “multiple sources of income” is also really important.

A small suggestion: Test if your online income can cover all your living expenses for 2-3 months before you set off. Thus, you will have a “real-life rehearsal”.

3- Don't Ignore Hidden and Extra Costs

• Health insurance

• Emergency air tickets

• Visa fees

• Equipment repair (computer, telephone, etc.)

• Unexpected tax/accounting expenses while on the road

These seem really small, but when added up, they add up to huge sums. For example, if your laptop breaks down in Thailand and you have to buy a new one, an unplanned expenditure of 1000 dollars can seriously shake you up. 

A Little Reminder: If you are fully prepared financially, you will be able to overcome the difficulties you will encounter on the road much more easily. Nomadic life is already a game of uncertainty. At least keep the parts you can control intact so that you can be truly free.

4. Location Selection: “Instagram or Living?”

Yes, taking a photo with a coconut in Bali or Sri Lanka is great. But when you have to work at midnight for 3 weeks with terrible internet, an army of mosquitoes and the time difference, you don't care who posted that photo :)

That's why choosing a location is one of the cornerstones of digital nomad life. And I'm developing a great product that I've been working hard on myself, which you'll be able to access for free here very soon. I am breaking the surprise by explaining it for the first time :) 

1- Identify Your Priorities

When choosing a location, first answer these questions honestly:

• What is the most important thing? (Internet speed, cost of living, community?)

• Is the climate important to you? (For example, I realized that I cannot tolerate humid and very rainy climates for a long time)

• Is the time zone compatible with your work (working in America and living in Asia means working at night)?

It is a big mistake to go somewhere just because it is “popular” without identifying what is most critical for you. When I was living in Bali I was telling everyone “it's the place of my life!”, but not for a few of my friends who came, they said they would prefer it for much shorter stays.  

2- Research, Get Information from Real People

YouTube vlogs or Instagram posts may excite you. But learn the real experience from those who live there. Of course, learning from NomadVibe is still the best option, I want to remind you that :D 

• Reddit, Facebook groups, Nomad communities = real comments

• “Cost of Living” calculations = foreseeing living expenses

• Internet speed tests = find out if there is an environment where you can work

For example, if I had looked at Instagram before I went to Sri Lanka, I would have seen only palm trees and surfing. But when I read real experiences, I learned about power outages and internet breaks in some cities and I went prepared accordingly. And it was as I researched, there were really tough conditions on some days.

3- Think of the first trip as a test trip

Instead of entering into long-term contracts when choosing the first location:

• Arrange flexible accommodation for 1-2 months.

• Live the first month like a “test period”.

Because even if everything looks great on paper, sometimes the harmony you feel is very different. I loved the first week in Sri Lanka, hated the second week, didn't want to leave the fourth week. 

So the key to digital nomadism is definitely this: Be flexible, adapt quickly, don't be afraid of change.

A Little Reminder: You don't have to fit in everywhere. And if a place doesn't suit you, it doesn't mean that you are a loser. It just means your energy doesn't match the energy of the place.

You are the main character of your own life. Choose a location based on your reality, not on a dream filtered through someone else's filter. And don't be afraid to take action to change it if you don't like something.

5. Choosing Accommodation: “Hostel, Apartment or Villa?”

The city is chosen, the plane ticket is bought...
So, where will you stay?

Here is another critical part of digital nomad life: Accommodation. Because this is where you will work, rest and establish the feeling of “home”.

1- Hostels: Social but Noisy

• Advantages:
  You can make friends immediately. It's a great start, especially for solo travelers.
  It's also generally affordable.

• Disadvantages:
  You have very little private space. It can be hard to work.
  In some hostels the nights are like a party until the morning and it can be impossible to sleep.

I have never stayed in a hostel, I would like to one day just for the experience. But I heard from my friends that when they first went, they thought “hostel life would be very social”, and indeed it was. But after two weeks, he went crazy from not being able to have a proper online meeting :D So he went in search of a workable area in the long term...

2- Apartments and Airbnb: A Balanced Solution

• Advantages:
  You have your own space. You can cook in your own kitchen and work in a quiet environment.
  Ideal for short and medium-term stays (1-3 months).

• Disadvantages:
  It can be difficult to socialize when you stay alone.
  In some regions, Airbnb prices can be expensive compared to local living standards.

Recommendation: You can stay in a hostel for the first few days and get to know the area, then rent a guesthouse or villa once you get to know the area. When I first went to Bali, I first stayed in a guesthouse for 7 days, then I found an amazing villa 5 minutes from the beach.

3- Villas and Long Term Rentals: For those looking for comfort

• Advantages:
  Renting a villa is perfect in terms of cost/comfort, especially if you go with a group of friends or a partner.
  You get luxuries like a private pool, study room, garden.

• Disadvantages:
  More expensive. If you are alone, it can be boring both in terms of cost and isolation.
  Also, the minimum rental period is usually 3-6 months.

My experience: I rented a villa with my friends for about 1 month; it was a very expensive villa :) Everything was perfect, but it was not sustainable in terms of budget and did not make sense. Also, I was only there from sleeping to sleeping, the rest of the time I was either working outside or doing an activity. It wasn't worth the money I paid just to sleep and keep our stuff safe. But it felt so cool :D

Little Tips

• Compare prices: Check Airbnb, Booking, Facebook groups and local real estate sites.

• Check the internet speed: Ask your host for Speedtest results before you leave.

• Research noise and safety: Some areas, especially outside of city centers, may be quieter or more chaotic than you expect.

• Be careful when doing research: Unfortunately, a very good friend of mine got scammed in Bali last month :( He found a great villa, paid 3 months rent in advance so he wouldn't miss out, but the real owner of the villa showed up later and the situation was understood. The money disappeared..... So make sure to exchange money with people you trust. 

In summary

Each accommodation choice depends on your needs and mood at that moment. Hostel if you want to be more social at first → Apartment to focus later → Villa if you want comfort.

6. Budget Management: “Living Smarter, Not Like Rich”

The life of a digital nomad can look great on Instagram:
Endless coffees, palm-fringed coworking spaces, luxury beach clubs...

But in reality, if you don't manage your budget properly, your digital nomad dream can be dashed in a matter of months. Here's the reality: You don't need to be rich, you need to be smart.

1- Make a Monthly Budget, Not a Daily Budget

• It's very tempting to say, “I only spent 10 dollars today.”

• But does that $10 include coffee, transportation, internet, water, and groceries?

Think about each expense and aim for a monthly total. This way, “small daily expenses” will not accumulate and surprise you at the end of the month.

2- Determine Fixed Expenses in Advance

• Accommodation

• Internet (also if co-working membership is available)

• Food (separate budget for market and eating out)

• Scooter rent etc.

After clarifying these, budget for variable expenses such as “entertainment”, “sightseeing”, “shopping”. I think first basic needs → then pleasure.

3- Live Like a Local, Not a Tourist

• Local markets → Cheap and fresh food

• Local transportation → Bus/minibus/Grab instead of UBER 

• Local food → Eating a hamburger in Western restaurants can be 5 times more expensive.

My own experience: In the first months of traveling, I ate wherever I wanted to eat without thinking. And I spent many times more money than usual. Then, when I spent a little more time in the same country, I found more local places and discovered opportunities. From that moment on, I was very comfortable financially. 

4- Be Prepared for Unexpected Expenses

• Health expenses

• Visa extension fees

• Possible malfunctions in devices such as laptops/phones

• Airline ticket changes

Have a small emergency fund (at least 1-2 months of all your expenses).

5- Make Income and Expense Tracking a Habit

• Take 5 minutes every day or every week.

• Be aware of where the money goes.

Suggestion: I keep track of everything in an excel, but you can download an app that you can use easily.

In summary

Being a digital nomad doesn't mean being on vacation all the time. It means being the financial director of your own life. The price of freedom is good planning.

If you manage your budget wisely, you can stay on the road for a long time and live truly “free” without stress.

7. Work Environment: “Is Zoom Meeting with Coconut Water Really Easy?”

Those poses you see on Instagram under palm trees, by pools, on beaches with laptops are beautiful, yes. But when you try to work in such an environment in real life, glare, overheating of the laptop, internet breakdown and mosquito attack may be waiting for you :D Personally, I could never work like in those photos. It seems impossible for me.

That's why choosing a working environment is one of the most critical decisions of a digital nomad.

1- Wi-Fi is Holy

• Make sure to check the internet speed where you are going.

• In some regions, even 4-5 star hotels may have terrible Wi-Fi.

• Preferring places with coworking space saves lives.

Suggestion: Download an app that you can speedtest and test it immediately on the first day.

2- Are Co-working Spaces Really Necessary?

• If you're constantly in meetings or doing data-heavy work, yes, you might need one.

• Otherwise, some cafes or places where you stay may be enough.

But remember this: Co-working spaces are also a great opportunity to socialize. You can meet people from all over the world and make both business and friends. I have always preferred co-working spaces since I discovered their great benefits for me.

3- Noise and Comfort Factor

• Working on the beach is good for an hour, but in the long run, it eats up your back, your wrists, makes you sweat...

• Details such as ergonomic chairs and table height are very important.

You may not care about these at first, but you regret it when you get a stiff neck in a week. It's a matter of experience :D

4- Power Cuts and Alternative Plans

• In some tropical countries, power outages are part of life. Sri Lanka, for example.

• Is there a generator at your destination, do you carry a portable power bank?

Suggestion: Especially on meeting days, consider an alternative workspace (cafe, coworking, etc.).

5- Working Hours and Time Zone Difference

• If your clients or team are in a different country, be aware of the time difference.

• Sometimes you may have to work on “vacation time” and sometimes you may have to enter Zoom at 3 am.

In summary

Being a digital nomad does not mean “I can work anywhere”. If you don't choose the right environment, you can't work. And if you can't work, your nomadism is short-lived. You can drink coconut water after the meeting, but first find the right place to work :)

8. Health and Safety: “You're on your own away from home”

While the life of a digital nomad can seem so free and fun, health and safety is often underestimated or not top of mind. But remember: If something happens to you, especially abroad, there will be plenty of “get well soon”, but real help can be hard to find. Therefore, it is vital to be prepared in advance.

1- Never Travel Without Travel Insurance

• Even a simple flu can cost you hundreds of dollars.

• If you are going to participate in extreme sports (surfing, diving, etc.), make sure your policy covers it.

My own experience: A friend broke his leg in Bali and had no insurance. The hospital bill was 7 times the price of the return ticket.

2- Carry your medicines with you

• Pharmacies in the country you are traveling to may not carry all medicines.

• Especially if you have chronic illnesses, make sure you take spare medicines.

Suggestion: Create a small medical kit: Painkillers, diarrhea medicine, allergy pills, antiseptic cream, bandages, etc.

3- Pay Attention to Food and Water Hygiene

• You can't drink tap water everywhere.

• Street food is great, but eating it without paying attention to hygiene is a big risk.

A simple rule: Eat where the locals are busy. If it's full, the food is fresh and it turns over fast.

4- Tropical Diseases and Insect Protection

• Mosquitoes not only bite, but can also transmit sickness.

• Get a good mosquito repellent and make sure your accommodation has a mosquito net.

Extra Tip: Wear closed clothes, especially on nature tours. Walking in the woods in shorts might be a bad idea.

5- Make Your Own Safety a Priority

• Try not to walk alone late at night.

• Never leave valuables in the open.

• Use reliable companies, especially when hiring a taxi or scooter.

My own observation: No matter how “vacation-minded” you may be, it is important not to abandon basic safety habits, especially in big cities.

In summary

The “I'll be fine” mentality does not work in the life of a digital nomad. Taking precautions for your own health and safety is the first condition of living free. When you get sick or in a difficult situation, neither your friends on social media nor people you don't know will come to your aid. So be smart and take precautions!

9. Social Life and Loneliness: “The Truth Behind a Photo of Everyone Happy”

From the outside, the life of a digital nomad seems like a dream, a dream of coffee shops, beach parties and tropical islands.
But there is another reality: Loneliness can be one of the most invisible and challenging aspects of being a digital nomad.

1- Connections Can Be Superficial

• Since everyone is constantly on the move, the relationships you build can be short-lived.

• Someone you met and had a great time with one week ago may fly to another country the next week.

My own experience: I met a group of friends in Bali and we became very close in a very short time, but after 2 weeks everyone scattered to different countries. It's a good experience but also emotionally exhausting.

2- Finding a Real Community Takes Time

• Co-working spaces, nomad meetups and events are a good start.

• But it takes time, patience and sometimes a few failed attempts to build real bonds.

Suggestion: Instead of trying to go to every event to avoid being alone, focus on smaller, quality groups where you can find people like you.

3- Loneliness is Normal and Can be Managed

• Sometimes you may feel lonely even in an environment full of people.

• Don't be ashamed or avoid this feeling. Learning to manage loneliness will make your digital nomad life more sustainable in the long run.

My own tactic: On days when I feel lonely (which I usually never do :), I go exploring the city or attend a local event. Moving around works incredibly well to reset the mind.

4- Find Balance: Social Obligation vs. Your Space

• Socializing is nice but being out all the time can be exhausting, especially for introverts.

• Giving yourself space is essential for your emotional health.

A simple rule: Take at least 1 day a week completely for yourself. Do what you love, read a book, walk alone on the beach... In short, do whatever you want. Get used to spending time with yourself and love it.

In summary

Loneliness is inevitable in digital nomad life, but with the right approach and habits, this loneliness can turn into freedom. Don't judge yourself without knowing what is going on in the background of other people's happy, joyful Instagram photos. Everyone is fighting their own silent battles. You will too. And that's normal.

10. Mental Health and Motivation: “Endless Discipline, Not Endless Vacation Mode”

While being a digital nomad may look like complete freedom and vacation from the outside, the real story is a bit different: Without discipline, freedom doesn't last long.

1- Discipline = True Freedom

• Working on the beach sounds great. But it won't work if you stare at your computer for 15 minutes and listen to the waves for 3 hours.

• Only strict personal discipline can balance the disorganization that comes with constant relocation.

My own experience: When I first became a digital nomad, I was working without setting weekly goals. Then I realized that things always "fall through the cracks". Now I make a weekly, daily plan and stick to it strictly.

2- You're Not on Vacation, You're Working

• Yes, you're on a gorgeous island.

• Yes, the sunset is breathtaking.
  
  

But if you have a meeting in the morning, you should listen to the sound of the waves with a sigh and zoom in.

Reality:  Digital nomadism is not a "vacation" life, it's just a different "way of working".

3- Mental Health: Strategies to Save Your Energy

• Loneliness, ever-changing environment, uncertainties can tire your mind after a while.

• To prevent mental burnout:

- Create morning routines,

- Exercise regularly,

- Give yourself social media and screen breaks.

4- What to do when you lose motivation?

• Remind yourself constantly:
  Why did you start?

• Setting small goals makes it easier to focus on the big picture.

• And sometimes stopping, taking a break for a few days, is much better than starting again.

Experience: I once worked non-stop in Thailand, everything piled on top of each other and I felt so exhausted. I gave myself a 3-day unemployed, unplanned break. After that, my productivity doubled.

In summary

Digital nomad life makes the freedom you dream of possible only with constant internal discipline.

If you don't prepare yourself for it, both work and mood can fall apart in a few months.
But with the right systems, this life turns into a marathon. And the rewards of this marathon are great.

11. Travel Equipment and Technology: “What You Really Need and What You Carry for Nothing”

Being a digital nomad = fitting the burden of your life in your backpack. That's why every item is a critical choice.

1- What you really need

• A good backpack:
  A lightweight, durable and spine-protecting model saves lives.

• Laptop + Charger:
  Your bread and butter. It should be in an easy-to-carry, secure bag.

• Multiple Sockets and Adapters: Don't be a nightmare dealing with different socket types in every country. Carry a world adapter and a small socket with 3-4 outlets.

• Lightweight, comfortable shoes:
  You walk a lot everywhere you go. Uncomfortable shoes can turn your vacation into poison.

• Essential Medicines:
  Painkillers, stomach medicine, a few band-aids, etc. (Because it is not easy to find the right medicine in every country).

2- Futile Movers

• Overdressing: At first you think “I'll take this too, in case you need it”, then you carry a bag like a closet. When you need it, you can already buy most things cheaply from local markets.

• Fancy technology products:
  Portable printer, extra tablet, giant camera equipment... Most of the time, you are an unnecessary weight and an attention-grabbing target.

• Sports equipment:
  Treadmill shoes, yoga mat, weights. Everywhere you go there is a gym or nature. Unnecessary burden.

3- Technology

• A powerful VPN:
  A secure internet connection is essential everywhere (and in some countries to access banned sites).

• Spare Charger and Powerbank:
  When you're out and about all day long, your charge will determine your life.

• Noise-canceling headphones:
  Very valuable for concentration when working at the airport, in a cafe, in a shared office (my must-haves).

In summary

Moving with less and less = a more free nomadic life. Remember, the best equipment is not “the most you carry” but “the most you use”.

12. Common Mistakes and What I Learned

1- Setting off without planning everything

• It is good to be spontaneous, but going out without knowing the visa period and vaccination requirements can be a big problem.

• Things you say “I'll take care of it there” can sometimes be very expensive and stressful.

My experience: When I first set off, I thought I could get a visa at the door in Dubai, but I found out at the last minute that there was no such thing :/ I immediately found an agency and paid extra money to get my visa done in the fastest way possible. Since that day, I have been making a small “preparation file” in my head for each country.

2- Going with False Expectations

• You think everywhere is like Bali? No!
  Not every city is “cheap, the internet is fast and there is a coffee shop on every corner”.

3- Exhausted by Constantly Changing Places

• Changing cities every 2-3 days is tiring even just for sightseeing.
  If you work, it's complete chaos.

My experience: I learned that changing cities once a month is the healthiest formula for working and traveling. The “slowmad” (slow + nomad) mentality allows you to enjoy a place and focus on your work.

4- Economic Calculations

• “Everything is cheap here!”, then in the middle of the month, “Where did all the money go?”

My experience: I now set a “travel budget” for each month and try not to exceed it. Doing this does not restrict you, on the contrary, it liberates you.

5- Pushing Yourself into Loneliness

• If you are in a new city and you keep to yourself because “I don't know anyone anyway”, it is inevitable that you will feel bad about yourself over time.

My experience: Especially in the first days, going to a cafe, discovering a co-working space, attending an event gives you the chance to make connections quickly. It may seem like small steps at first, but in the long run it is a giant step for your mental health.

Conclusion:

There is no perfect digital nomad, there is an ever-evolving digital nomad.
Anyone who sees their mistakes quickly and learns from them can live this life for a long time. You will establish your own rhythm, your own system over time. Don't think that anyone starts like a superhero. True stories are written with patience, trial and error and a lot of flexibility.

13. “You Are Not Alone on This Journey” with Digital Nomad Stories to Inspire You

The life of a digital nomad may seem like traveling the world with your backpack alone, but you are actually part of a huge community. Every day, somewhere, someone, just like you, is making a new start, chasing their dreams, making mistakes, learning and growing.

Sometimes all you need is to see someone else making it.

That's why we collect digital nomad stories, real experiences and motivational resources to inspire you on NomadVibe!

• True stories

• Lived experiences

• Educational and honest videos

Join us for it all: 👉 Follow NomadVibe on Instagram! 👉 Watch True Nomad Stories on YouTube!

Remember:
Everyone started somewhere. Your story is being written right now.

Welcome. Welcome to real nomad life! 🚀

And as I always say, until the next post arrivederci folks :)