Digital Nomad or Location Independent

One of the common objections I hear from people hesitant about seeking location independence is that they don’t want to live life out of a suitcase. And I completely understand that, as it’s not something I would want to do either. However, I often encounter these myths about location independence, and I’d like to share some perspective on them.

It seems to me that people frequently conflate being a digital nomad with being location independent. However, they’re not the same.

By definition, a nomad is someone who does not have a fixed address and constantly travels from place to place. Someone who is location independent, on the other hand, has the ability (that’s the key word) to work from anywhere, regardless of location. Whether you prefer cornfields and want to live in England, or would rather reside near the beaches in Thailand, it’s your decision to make—one that shouldn’t be limited by what you do for a living.

Want to immerse yourself in Thai culture and learn the language? No problem for a location-independent person.
Need to relocate temporarily to care for a sick family member? Go ahead and move if that’s what’s required.
Dislike the political climate where you live? Consider another country while the situation at home resolves itself (if it ever does!).

Being location independent isn’t necessarily about being constantly on the move; it’s about having options. It’s about being able to move where your current circumstances dictate is best for you and your family.

Rather than adopting a nomadic lifestyle, I’ve chosen the path of slow travel. It’s a compromise between a nomadic lifestyle and putting down roots in a community. Slow travel allows you to have the best immersion experience while enjoying the benefits of extended travel. 

Travel shouldn’t be seen as a competition to collect the most passport stamps or see the most landmarks. The goal of travel is to let it change you, to see the world as others see it, and let it have a positive impact on you. And if you’re generous, to allow yourself to be a positive influence wherever you go.

Top 5 Myths of Location Independence

Myth #1: It’s a Mad Dash from Airport to Airport

Flying is no longer a pleasant experience, especially with today’s security measures. Neither is hurriedly trying to adjust your body to timezone changes, which is why people often need a holiday after their “holiday”.

It’s good to unplug from the “fast-food” culture in every sense of the word, including the idea that travel has to be “fast-food-like” to be enjoyable.
So, you’ve visited three countries in two weeks. Are you honestly going to tell me you got acquainted with the people or the culture? Not likely. But I bet you’ve perfected the empty-your-pockets-into-a-security-bin routine.

Myth #2: Sleeping at Seedy Hostels

Travel isn’t cheap. To save on travel costs, many travellers often opt for the cheapest accommodation: hostels. While it’s unfair to lump all hostels together (there are exceptions), most are dirty, lack privacy, and offer only the most basic amenities. You get what you pay for.
It’s far easier on the budget to rent a place short-term and leisurely explore your new location.

Travel is expensive because people splurge like millionaires during their two “allowed” holiday weeks each year. I’ve learned to travel how the locals do and have saved a fortune.

Myth #3: It’s Living Out of a Suitcase

While living out of a suitcase can be fun for short periods, it’s not a feasible long-term strategy for everyone. A nomad has to strike a delicate balance between needs and mobility. Most of us like some semblance of routine—a place to call our own, even if it’s temporary.

Travel can be stressful on both the mind and body, especially with frequent timezone changes. This stress is doubled if you’re travelling with family.
There’s great comfort in knowing that, after exploring, “home” is waiting for you nearby at the end of a busy day or weekend.

Myth #4: It’s Working Out of a Café with Your Laptop

Sure, it’s cool to boast about making money while sipping lattes in exotic locations. However, internet cafés are suitable for light browsing and social media, not for serious work. Believe me, I’ve tried.
If you need to work seriously—like calling clients or focusing on a project with a deadline—you’ll be far more productive in a designated workspace that suits your style.

Myth #5: It’s Like an Extended Holiday

There’s a huge difference between holidaying and slow travel. People on holiday have limited time to cram in as much sightseeing as possible before heading back home. They’re often restricted to the major highlights, which are great places to meet… other tourists. After two weeks of unfamiliar beds, untried foods, and differing time zones, your body will be aching to return home.

As a slow traveller, you allow your body to settle, and your mind to process your new surroundings. You’ll have time to visit landmarks, but you’ll also discover little-known spots away from tourist traps. You’ll find ways to make yourself feel at home and learn about the culture and its people.

Location independence is the Holy Grail for those who want a life of travel.

By being location independent, you can travel as much or as little as you want. 

You set the itinerary, not the airline ticket or a tour company.

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Thankyou for sharing 🙂