Becoming a digital nomad is a great way to see the world and live without the restrictions of an office or a strict nine-to-five schedule. It is not always as idyllic as some people will make it seem, however. There will be bumps in the road, and the better you are prepared for them, the better your life as a digital nomad will be. You also have to know if you're cut out for this kind of lifestyle. Let's take a look at a few things you'll need to assess before you consider becoming a digital nomad. We'll also give you a few valuable tips in case you decide to make the jump.

How Comfortable are You in Strange Spaces?

You first have to assess how comfortable you are with strange spaces and stimuli. If you easily get anxious in places that you're not familiar with, then you will either have to reconsider becoming a digital nomad or go to places that are closer to the culture we have here in the states. And don't assume that Europe will automatically be more friendly for US citizens. You should look at US territories like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or some of the islands in the Caribbean if you want something that will truly feel like the US but still has that exotic feel and the freedom you're looking for.

Do You Absolutely Have to Leave to Get the Benefits?

If all you want is to leave the big city and save on your living costs, know that you can always do that in the US. There are plenty of states in the country that will allow you to feel like you're somewhere completely different, and some are very affordable to live in.

You should check out up-and-coming cities in states that are lesser known and more sparsely populated. Some examples include Boise, Ohio, Asheville, North Carolina, and Fort Collins, Colorado, just to name a few.

The country has some great small towns and cities that will give you the same feeling as if you were in a small town in another country. So, be more open to local options, and look at what the country has to offer before assuming you'll be better elsewhere.

Do You Have a Surefire Way to Make Money?

Don’t assume that you’ll be able to get a job the minute you get to the country you have your sights on. Becoming an English teacher is not something you can count on, and if this is the idea you had in your head, you should start looking at other options because this might not be sustainable.

You need to leave with at least three months’ worth of expenses saved and have a guaranteed or quasi-guaranteed revenue stream. And, if you want to work in your destination, you need to know the employment rules there and see if you'll need to apply for any sort of special visa.

Tips for People Who Want to Become Digital Nomads

If after answering all of these questions you still want to be a digital nomad, there are some things that you'll have to do to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. You will need to choose your first destination very wisely and get as many second- and first-hand accounts as you can.

You will then need to start looking at your budget and gear. Equipment will be very important, as it will probably be what you'll derive your revenue from. This is why you will need to invest in backup equipment and a backup for these backups. You also need to consider things like basic necessities.

Don't assume, for instance, that you'll have easy access to drinkable water wherever you are. If you decide to go to a developing country, expect people to explicitly tell you that the water is not safe to drink. This is why you'll need to think about things like water filtration, and purification, and also have portable options.

So, it would be a good idea to look at ranges like Hydro Flask. They have all sorts of different bottles and containers that are perfect for digital nomads and people on the go. If you want to check out their selection, you can visit ssense.com.

Besides that, you will need to start looking at things like travel insurance, health insurance, and the state of healthcare in the city/country you'll be in. One very specific thing to look at is the type of activities you can perform while still being covered by any insurance policy. Some policies will not cover you if you engage in things like rock climbing, for instance, and you don't want to be stranded in another country with a huge hospital bill and no way to make money. So, read the fine print for any policy and take your time before choosing coverage.

Becoming a digital nomad can be exciting, but it's a very important and potentially life-altering decision. So, take your time before you fully commit to the idea and learn as much about the lifestyle as you can before going all in.