Navigating the World as a Digital Nomad
It’s no secret that we have entered an era where your office can extend as far as your connection to the internet does. With remote work becoming the new normal, it has allowed individuals to embrace a nomadic way of life. This unique lifestyle, where work and travel coexist seamlessly, offers a previously unimaginable blend of adventure and professional fulfillment.
But what does it really entail to live and work without a fixed address, hopping from one exotic locale to another?
To shed light on this unique lifestyle, we had the pleasure of interviewing Bailey Lammon, a digital nomad who has been traveling and working remotely for several years. Bailey Lammon has been a full-time traveler since 2020 while working as a professional travel planner and Reservations Manager at Argos Destinations. Her experiences and insights into this nomadic way of life offer valuable lessons for anyone considering the path of a digital nomad.
The Art of Balancing Work and Travel
The digital nomad lifestyle isn't just about leisurely globe-trotting; it often involves a delicate balance between work and adventure. "It's been a slow progression into slower travel," Bailey explains. In the early days, she moved frequently, backpacking and fitting work between travel. However, over time, the paradigm shifted. "Now, we find a place to stay Monday through Friday with consistent Wi-Fi and work mostly during US hours."
Her partner Bertie, also a digital nomad, works in the stock market, so their schedules align. They dedicate weekends and mornings to exploring their current location. Their stays typically range from one to three weeks but occasionally extend to a month or more if they particularly enjoy a place.
Balancing work and travel as a digital nomad can be challenging and may require constant adjustment. "In the beginning, I thought I could do everything in one day, but you have to spread it out," she explains. They save explorations for the weekends and try to focus on work during the week. Having reliable Wi-Fi and access to a kitchen to minimize interruptions has been essential.
Flexibility plays a crucial role in the lifestyle. If Bailey and Bertie feel tired or need extra relaxation, they're not afraid to change their plans and stay an extra week in one location. It's all about maintaining the harmony between work and adventure.
Nurturing Relationships on the Road
Building and maintaining relationships as a full-time traveler can be challenging, but Bailey has found creative ways to stay connected with family and friends. "I'm the annoying friend who comments on every story or likes every post," she laughs. Leveraging social media and regular texting helps bridge the distance and strengthen her relationships.
One of the unexpected advantages of being a digital nomad is the opportunity to build a vast and diverse network of new relationships. Traveling to new places introduces you not only to the local culture but also to fellow travelers. This network can open doors to unique opportunities and connections you might not have encountered otherwise. Whether meeting locals or fellow nomads, the people you meet on the road can become invaluable assets in your personal and professional life.
Bridging the Language Barrier
One of the significant challenges of being a digital nomad is dealing with language barriers in countries where English is only sometimes spoken. Bailey shared some practical strategies for overcoming this hurdle. While English has become a global lingua franca, she emphasizes learning essential vocabulary and phrases in the local language, such as greetings and polite expressions.
"Hello" and "thank you" in the local language can go a long way in showing respect and building rapport with locals. Additionally, learning numbers can be helpful for everyday transactions. However, she notes that it's crucial to be sensitive to cultural nuances and intonations, as pronunciation can significantly affect communication.
Of course, Google Translate is a valuable tool for translating more complex sentences or questions when language barriers persist. Still, Bailey reminds us that literacy is not necessarily the norm in some developing countries therefore having a backup communication plan is vital. If all else fails, more often than not, she finds a local who speaks English and is willing to assist in making communication smoother.
The Cultural Perspective
When traveling, understanding and respecting local cultures is paramount. Bailey emphasizes the importance of approaching new cultures with an open mind and a desire to learn. "It's about acceptance and learning," she says, highlighting that travelers should view their experiences as pieces of the human puzzle rather than opportunities for judgment or exploitation.
Cultural sensitivity is crucial and extends to various aspects of daily life. For example, haggling is part of the culture in some countries like Morocco or India. Learning how to haggle respectfully, ensuring that both parties benefit, is essential for travelers. This is a part of her travels that Bailey makes sure to remain extra conscious about. In her book she's co-authoring (currently named “Traveling the World on the Weekend; Pro Tips for the New Kind of Traveler”) she writes about this exact topic and aims to shed light on these cultural nuances and provide guidance on how to navigate them while traveling.
Number One Piece of Advice
For someone considering embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, there are likely a million different things to worry about, but Bailey emphasized one key piece of advice. "Don't be afraid to ask for help.” Whether it's a person like a friend or a mentor or something like an online community, book, or influencer, learning from others is the best way to prepare yourself and gain valuable guidance and support. The digital nomad journey is unique for each individual, but a wealth of knowledge and expertise is available to help navigate it successfully.
About Bailey Lammon
Bailey is the Reservations Manager at Argos Destination, a professional travel planner with her own agency, and full-time traveler since 2020.
Her company B. Adventuras, specializes in crafting long-term around-the-world travel, affectionately referred to as "adult gap-years". Associated with and certified PRO with Fora Travel, she has a proven track record of crafting transformational travel for her clients in over 30 countries around the world and counting.
With a bachelor's degree in biocultural anthropology and a diverse background that includes home and life insurance sales and service in the Transportation Security Administration for the U.S. government, Bailey brings a comprehensive understanding and a passion for cultural nuances to the travel planning process.
