The Truth About Being a Digital Nomad Family: 5 Things No One Talks About
Since the pandemic, we’ve seen the dream digital nomad lifestyle captivating the imaginations of many around the world. The idea of working from a beach in Bali one month and a café in Costa Rica the next is undeniably appealing. For families, this lifestyle promises a unique opportunity to expose children to diverse cultures and experiences. However, the reality of being a digital nomad family is far more complex than the idyllic images often portrayed on social media. I’ve always wanted to ensure that I’m not glamourising this lifestyle because while beautiful there are unspoken challenges that are often overlooked and too many people dive headfirst into this lifestyle without knowing the realities which can lead more often than not to people returning to their old lives disappointed and lost about how to sustain their dream life. While we are going to delve into the truths and hurdles that can occur as a Digital Nomad family, I want you to also see that it leaves room for a beautiful opportunity for growth and a lifetime of joy and beauty that few other lifestyles can provide.
1. It Can Be Exhausting
While the idea of travelling from one exotic location to another sounds exciting, the reality is that it can be exhausting. Packing up your life every few months, dealing with different time zones, and adjusting to new environments can take a toll on both physical and mental health. The logistics of travel, from securing visas to finding suitable accommodation, can be overwhelming. After year 2 of nomad life in around 10 countries we were tired. The tiredness hit for us at the start of 2020 and guess what big life changing event happened in 2020? Yep! Turns out that the pandemic actually occurred at the right time for us. It forced us to slow down (though we never stopped) long enough to sit still in Mexico and you know what, we loved it. I wander if this is one of the reasons we decided to call Mexico home. We were able stay long enough to fully embrace and explore one place and get a sense of what settling abroad could look like.
How We Embrace The Challenge: We’ve learned to appreciate a slower pace of travel, spending longer periods in each location. In the earlier part of our journey we would spend an average of 3 weeks – 2 months in each country. And after 2020 this stretched to 3-6 months in each country. This not only reduces the stress of constant packing and unpacking but also allows us to form deeper connections with the places we visit. We still get the bug to move again but 6 months is long enough to create some stability and routine that we started to crave while still finding some adventure.
2. It Can Get Lonely
Despite being surrounded by new people and cultures, loneliness can be a constant companion. As a digital nomad family, you are often far from friends and extended family. Building meaningful relationships can be difficult when you know you’ll be moving on soon and if it’s not you moving then your new friends may be on their way to new horizons. This transient lifestyle can lead to feelings of isolation, as you miss out on family gatherings, birthdays, and other significant events back home.
How We Embrace The Challenge: We’ve become very intentional about creating community wherever we go. We attend meetups and participate in community events to create connections. This is super important to us, probably one of the most important aspects of our life now. We also make it a priority to have family and friends visit us, and we regularly touch base with loved ones through video calls, ensuring we maintain strong ties with our support network.
3. Culture Shock
Every new destination brings with it a unique culture and set of bureaucratic challenges. Navigating different cultural norms can be daunting, and misunderstandings are inevitable. Like that time in Thailand when we were really annoyed about an issue with our apartment and the receptionist apologised about 100 times. Literally. We’ve never seen anything like it. We couldn’t stay mad and certainly couldn’t raise our voices. How do you argue with someone who never changes face? It was a quick and vital lesson in humility and equanimity. It made me realise how angry we can be in the West when it is always possible to maintain composure no matter what life throws at you. Ghana taught us a level of patience I never knew possible. I was also there in the early stages of my second pregnancy and it was rough, having to wait four days for someone to fix a leak when they insisted they would be there in 30 minutes. One of the reasons we left Ghana was because I ultimately didn’t have the patience to put up with a lot of the issues that arised.
How We Embrace The Challenge: We approach each new culture with curiosity and respect, taking the time to learn about local customs and traditions. This openness helps us integrate more smoothly. For bureaucratic challenges, we’ve learned to be patient and resourceful, often seeking advice from locals or sometimes employing them to navigate a hurdle. Our Expat friends have also helped us to overcome these challenges. Our dear friend Kristen taught us the importance of focusing on achieving one task each day in Ghana. Any more would only frustrate us and it was honestly one of the best pieces of advice we’d ever received and still try to live by to this day.
4. Always Feeling Like an Outsider
Whether abroad or back home, digital nomad families often feel like outsiders. In foreign countries, language barriers and cultural differences can make integration difficult. Conversely, at home (whatever that means now) your beliefs about life and the world we live in may set you apart from friends and family, leading to a sense of not quite fitting in anywhere.
How We Embrace The Challenge: We’ve embraced the idea of being global citizens, finding comfort in the fact that our experiences have broadened our perspectives. When returning home, we share our stories and insights with friends and family, which helps bridge the gap and fosters understanding. Abroad, we focus on finding common ground with locals, which helps us feel more connected. Being happy to be a forever student and seeing this life as a journey also allows us to develop a growth mindset that means leans into our unique story as global citizens.
5. The Ups and Downs of Self-Employment
For many digital nomads, self-employment is the key to maintaining this lifestyle. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. The uncertainty of income, the pressure to constantly find new clients, and the lack of a structured work environment can be stressful. Balancing work with travel and family time requires discipline and flexibility.
How We Embrace The Challenge: We diversify our income streams to create more stability, and we try to create a routine that balances work with travel and family time. It’s funny how as Digital Nomads I am constantly be thinking about our next move and the future always feels uncertain but the reality is that maintaining a fairly disciplined routine helps us tremendously. Routine means we ensure that we always meet our obligations while still enjoying the freedom that comes with this lifestyle.
So the truth about being a Digital Nomad Family?
Despite these challenges, the digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled opportunities and experiences that make it all worthwhile.
A World of Adventures
Living as a digital nomad family means that every day is an adventure. From exploring ancient ruins in Greece to hiking through the lush jungles and waterfalls of Costa Rica, the world becomes your playground. These experiences are not just holidays; they are a way of life that enriches your family’s story.
Raising Worldly Children
One of the greatest gifts of this lifestyle is the opportunity to raise worldly children. Your children grow up with a deep understanding and appreciation of different cultures, languages, and perspectives. They learn adaptability, resilience, and open-mindedness, skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Future Opportunities
The experiences and skills gained as a digital nomad family open up a world of future opportunities. Your children will have a unique perspective that sets them apart in an increasingly globalised world. The connections you make and the experiences you share can lead to unexpected career paths and personal growth.
The People You Meet
The digital nomad lifestyle introduces you to a diverse array of people from all walks of life. From fellow travellers to locals, each person you meet adds to your understanding of the world. These connections often lead to lifelong friendships and a global network of support.
Memories and Senses Alive
Living as a digital nomad means that your senses are constantly alive with new experiences. The taste of delicious and interesting foods, the sound of unfamiliar languages, and the sight of breathtaking landscapes create memories that last a lifetime. These experiences enrich your life in ways that are hard to quantify but impossible to forget.
No Regrets
Despite the challenges, we would not change a second of our digital nomad journey. The highs and lows, the struggles and triumphs, all contribute to a life that is full and vibrant. The memories we have created, the lessons we have learned, and the bonds we have strengthened as a family are invaluable.
Being a digital nomad family is not for the faint-hearted. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. However, for those who choose this path, the rewards are immense. The world becomes your classroom, your playground, and your home. The challenges you face only serve to make the journey more rewarding, and the experiences you gain are priceless.
In the end, the truth about being a digital nomad family is that it is a life of constants. We’ve built new habits, routines and values that give our life new meaning but its also the realisation where the only constant is change itself. It is both challenging and exhilarating, isolating and enriching. It is a life that demands much but gives even more in return. For those who dare to embrace it, the digital nomad lifestyle offers a unique and fulfilling way to experience the world.
FAQ 1: How do you manage your children’s education while travelling?
We have a very laid back believe about education and have often combining homeschooling with online learning platforms. This allows us to tailor the curriculum to our children’s interests and needs while ensuring they meet educational standards. Additionally, this life allows us to lean more into worldschooling where we incorporate experiential learning by visiting historical sites, museums, and cultural events, which enriches their understanding of the world. Now in Mexico they attend an alternative school that aligns with our values, offers social interaction and exposure toa different educational system.
FAQ 2: How do you handle healthcare and medical emergencies on the road?
Answer: We prioritise health by having comprehensive international insurance that covers us in multiple countries. Before travelling to a new destination, we research local healthcare facilities and identify reputable doctors and hospitals. We also carry a basic medical kit and ensure that our vaccinations are up to date. In case of emergencies, we have a plan in place for accessing medical care quickly, including knowing the local emergency numbers and having a list of nearby healthcare providers.
FAQ 3: How do you maintain a stable income while travelling?
Answer: We achieve financial stability by diversifying our income streams. This includes freelance work, teaching remotely, and passive income sources such as digital products ad affiliate marketing. We also maintain a disciplined work schedule, setting aside dedicated time for professional tasks. Networking with other digital nomads and staying updated on industry trends helps us find new opportunities and clients. Budgeting and financial planning are crucial to managing expenses and ensuring we can sustain our lifestyle.
FAQ 4: How do you choose your next destination?
Answer: Our choice of destination is influenced by several factors, including cost of living, internet connectivity, safety, and cultural opportunities. We also consider the climate and local amenities, especially those that cater to families. We often seek recommendations from other digital nomads and use online resources to research potential locations. Flexibility is key, and we remain open to changing plans based on new information or opportunities that arise.
