Digital nomads used to be thought of as twenty-somethings backpacking from hotel to hotel looking for a place to plug in their laptops. However, flexible work and home-schooling have helped create a new kind of digital traveller who wants to see the world and make memories with family.
A recent Lonely Planet review called it “the anywhere worker.” Most of the anywhere-workers can be placed in high-tech jobs and 61% work full-time. About 70% of the people in this ranking are between the ages of 24 and 44, while 35% are between the ages of 45 and 54.
Almost half are married, and unlike the typical digital migrant, 70% are parents who bring their families with them. These spaces make it easier to balance work and travel. You can settle down, do your work and find help in interacting with others.
Co-working spaces that nurture the digital age typically provide work, temporary shelter and access to an initial community of like-minded people. However, you’ll be in luck if you’re willing to go the extra mile and let someone else handle the details.
Companies like Nomad Cruise and Remote Year bring together professionals who live and work for several weeks at a time. These companies take care of all the logistics so you can focus on work and exploring new places.
The rise of online talent marketplaces and telecommuting has made it easier for digital nomads to find work. There are also valuable points that provide a wide range of useful information. For example, Nomad List has information on the cost of living, pets, fees, visas and more for over 1,200 cities worldwide.
Recently, there has been a shift from value assessment to a focus on experiences. Millennials in particular are fuelling this trend. Instead of spending money on expensive watches or luxury cars, younger generations prefer to invest in activities such as concerts, rock climbing and culinary classes.
According to one study, more than three out of four Millennials would rather spend their hard-earned money on an exciting experience or event than buy a product. Additionally, 55% of Millennials say they are spending more on events and live events than ever before.
As it turns out, you no longer need to be in your office eight hours a day five days a week to be productive. Instead, you get to see the world, meet people from all walks of life and be free to work where you want, when you want.
Interest in this new independent living status has sparked interest in digital nomad visas. Searches for the word “nomad visa” increased incredibly up to 2,400% over the past five years according to the Trending Tracking Site Explosive Topics survey.
As a result, countries are introducing visa options to attract foreigners to stay for long periods. For example, Brazil has regulated the issuance of both temporary visas and resident permits to migrants working for foreign employers.
As a result, they can stay once and extend their visa for another period. Recently, Indonesia announced that the country is developing a new visa that would be valid five times – longer than any other digital nomad visa currently available. So far, 46 countries have jumped on board with the digital nomad visa.
