Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Digital Nomad

As I sit in one of Bangkok’s modern co-working spaces right in the heart of Sukhumvit, I can’t help but reminisce about how different my working life looked just a couple of months ago. The hustle of the 9 to 5 routine, same commute, same desk. Now my ‘office’ changes by the week, and so does my perspective of work and life. 

Some days I’ll be enjoying my own comfort in my apartment, other days I’ll be sipping matcha in one of Bangkok’s adorable cafes, or trying to focus at a co-working space. I wouldn’t change this lifestyle for the world, it gives me the freedom to travel, make my own decisions and be my own boss.

It’s both a privilege and a challenge. It comes with lessons I wish I’d known before starting my freelance career in Asia. From working endlessly for your own business until you're burnt out, to trying to socialise and find my community continuously. Let’s discover everything I wish I’d known before moving to Bangkok to begin my digital nomad journey as a freelance travel journalist and copywriter. 

Digital nomad life means combining work with travel constantly.

The Reality of Digital Nomad Life

When thinking of digital nomad life, the first thing that springs to mind is working by the beach, sipping a coconut smoothie, enjoying the beautiful view and tranquil sound of the ocean. This was the image on my vision board at the beginning of the year, and while I manifested this and got what I wanted, this is not always the reality! 

For the first month of my move to Asia, I felt like I was on an extended holiday. However, that eventually faded when I started working with more clients, I became busier, with more deadlines to meet, and less time to explore the city I was living in. Soon, Bangkok felt like a home, and freelancing felt like work — minus the Sunday night scaries. 

Because many of my clients are in different time zones, I often found myself wrapping up my day just as theirs was beginning — which sometimes meant jumping on calls as late as 9 pm. As I’m new to my freelance career, I often find myself working late into the night or even on holiday, unable to switch off fully. The cliché of ‘life on the beach with a laptop’ is real, but the reality is that it’s not always great for your mental health. 

Creating the life I manifested.

Practical Tips I Wish I'd Known

It’s not always smooth sailing being a digital nomad; I’ve put together a list of practical tips I wish I’d known before moving to Asia as a digital nomad.

Visas

If you’re relocating to a new country and plan on staying a while, visas are necessary (most of the time).  It’s important to do thorough research, as many countries throughout Europe, Asia and America differ. If you’re only stopping for a short while, you may not require a visa. 

Thailand offer a 60-day tourist visa for UK residents, which can be extended for 30 days. Many digital nomads and expats do border runs to avoid overstaying, as they may not qualify for a long-term visa in Thailand. However, in 2024, the Thai government introduced the Destination Thailand Visa designed for freelancers and remote workers. The visa is valid for up to five years, and it allows stays of up to 180 days. Again, research the requirements needed to meet this visa, as you will be required to have specific funds and showcase evidence of your work.

Always check visa requirements when travelling to new countries.

Budgeting

As you’re working remotely, you have a solid income, which is great. However, if you don’t budget correctly, you’ll spend more money on flights, accommodation, food and co-working spaces than you think.

Since being based in Bangkok, I have travelled to four countries in three months, all while paying rent and bills. This is much cheaper in Asia, so it’s not as big a concern as it would be in the UK. However, most of my money is spent on travelling rather than living. While travelling, you need to budget in other factors such as food, costs of an Airbnb, temporary hotels or permanent accommodation, and if you’re changing location every six months, this can be quite a big spend. 

If you prefer to be in an office environment, or out of your apartment to spark creativity, co-working spaces and cafe costs also add up. Treating yourself to a lunch and coffee here and there, or putting aside a monthly budget for a co-working space, can become quite a big cost that you wouldn’t have working in an office at a full-time job.

For the first month of a new location, I keep track of costs in a spreadsheet, which helps me set aside a budget for the following month, then I am aware of how I want to live and the costs in that specific location.

Working remotely while travelling in temporary accommodation.

Healthcare

Healthcare and insurance are often overlooked by digital nomads, but they’re one of the most important elements of living and working abroad. Choosing an insurance company was one of the last things on my list, and something I almost forgot about. There are multiple providers out there, some more specific to regions and digital nomads. 

I found Safety Wing, which is specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers, covering extended travel and health worldwide. I pay £41 per month and this covers travel medical, emergency dental, trip delay and cancellations, lost luggage, driving accidents and much more. It’s reassuring to have while living in Southeast Asia, and an essential for digital nomads. 

There are plenty of insurance providers specific to digital nomads.

The Digital Nomad Lifestyle

It’s important to set yourself some boundaries, find a routine and discover your community to achieve the perfect work-life balance that you have lusted after for so long. Below are tips on how to achieve this.

Routine

Setting a structure is one of the most important elements; without a routine, you burn out or don’t switch off — something I really struggle with and am learning along the way. My routine from when I lived in the UK is a whole new way of life. I wake up at 8:30 am, work out at the gym for 9 am, have a slow morning making breakfast, then usually start work at 10:30 am/ 11 am. I work up until 7 pm most days, then have a stroll out into the city and discover a new place to eat — I never cook, and this is one reason why I love being a digital nomad in Bangkok. I mix up my weekly routine, sometimes working from home, a cafe, a co-working space or even on the go. 

Being in a routine has helped me structure my workload; however, I do find myself unable to switch off. This is something I need to work on. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself, but it can be difficult when it’s your income you are working for, and you want to deliver the best results for your clients. I need to take on my own advice, listen to my mind and body, and not overdo it. 

One of Bangkok's many co-working spaces, The Hive.

Finding Community

Moving to a new country or constantly travelling can be quite lonely. You’re beginning this new chapter alone and have no one to guide you along the way. Before moving to Bangkok, I researched Facebook groups for expats and digital nomads in the city and connected with some girls from those groups who I now call my good friends. You can also get to know your new friends, friendship groups, which gives you a wider community to feel a part of. Social media is an amazing platform for connecting with people. I have met so many people on my travels and while living in Bangkok. One thing is, you’re never alone when travelling in Asia. 

Explore areas and neighbourhoods where digital nomads hang out. In Bangkok, Thong Lo and Ari are popular with nomads due to the cafe culture and modern scene. There are many co-working spaces in these areas, and a real sense of community. Often, co-working spaces will host after-work events, which is a good way to connect with like-minded people who are in similar positions to you. 

Attend networking events, which could be in your industry or just general digital nomad/ entrepreneur events. These could bring many opportunities your way, but also give you a chance to meet new people. 

Networking will bring new opportunities and meaningful friendships.

Relationships on the road

From time to time, you will miss your friends, family and loved ones — it’s completely normal. There may be times when you feel less connected to life at home, but we’re lucky that today we have access to video calls, so relationships don’t fade. Even social media and messaging apps are great for connecting with friends and family once in a while. 

As a digital nomad, long-distance relationships are common, and other nomads will be going through the same thing. This and being away from home is a common ground that you connect on with your friends out here, so reach out to them if you’re ever feeling down or lonely. Handling long-distance comes with its challenges, but there are many ways to overcome them. Make sure you always have the next visit planned, stay in touch via FaceTime and Messenger, and plan trips for a long duration instead of a quick weekend break.

You can easily stay connected with your friends, family and partners at home.

The Benefits of Digital Nomad Life

Although there is a realistic side to being a digital nomad, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am still in the process of getting used to this lifestyle, it comes with uncertainty, stress and loneliness, but you also have more freedom, unforgettable moments, flexibility, a new perspective on life, and you grow into a new person. Explore the benefits below of being a digital nomad. 

Flexibility

There are days when I have to remember I have the flexibility and freedom to choose where I want to live and be selective of which clients I work with. I am grateful for this life, and many people sought after a lifestyle like this, something I once did, and I am now living my dream. 

I choose my own daily working schedule; instead of 9 am to 5 pm, I work 11 am until 7 pm, five days per week, with a lot of travel on the side. This way, I get to explore the city I live in, while discovering other parts of Thailand and Asia. However, that’s the other advantage of being a digital nomad: I can travel while working if I really want to. I don’t have to put in annual leave to see the world, as I am in control of my life. You create a routine and lifestyle that suits you, not society.

Having the freedom to work while travelling is great, but it can also cause burn out.

New Perspective

Living in Bangkok and travelling across Southeast Asia as a digital nomad has completely reshaped my perspective. I’ve always considered myself open-minded, but adapting to a new culture has transformed even the smallest parts of my daily routine in ways I never expected. These days, I eat Thai street food as casually as the locals — a huge change considering that, this time last year, I didn’t even like Thai cuisine. 

I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of local life — witnessing poverty up close, but also the resilience and joy that shine through regardless of circumstance. What has stayed with me most is how Thai people, despite often earning so little, approach life with such happiness and an incredible work ethic. Their dedication and positivity are truly inspiring. Experiencing this has shifted my mindset, always reminding myself to be grateful for what I have got. Even when times get hard, I’m always in a better position than most people in the world. 

Learning a new culture, trying new foods and living a new way of life is all part of the digital nomad lifestyle.

“Pinch me” Moments

Every day I have “pinch me” moments, from the little things of looking outside my window and realising I live in Bangkok, to the bigger memories when reviewing luxury hotels in Asia, as part of my job. It’s almost like “I made it” moments. There is still a lot I want to achieve, but this lifestyle has been in my vision for a couple of years, and I’m finally here. 

On a random Tuesday night, I might find myself at a rooftop bar overlooking Bangkok’s glittering skyline. A short two-hour bus ride takes me to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and Bangkok itself has become the perfect base for exploring the rest of Asia. From five-star hotels to stays in some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, these press trip  experiences give me constant ‘pinch me’ moments — and remind me how grateful I am for the life and career I’ve chosen because this is my everyday life now. 

Watching the sunrise from my beachfront villa in Vietnam was one of my biggest "pinch me" moments.

Digital nomad life is not always perfect, but it’s so worth it. I feel more content, more relaxed and freer knowing that I am in control of my life. This time last year, I felt stuck but knew this was the route I wanted to take. I thought it was impossible, but it’s far from it. If you’re determined, you can create this lifestyle for yourself, but go in with knowledge of what to expect. 

Discover more of my digital nomad lifestyle over on my Instagram and TikTok @sallysolotravels.