Is Digital Nomading really what it looks like on Insta?

The answer is not yes or no.  In most cases, it's a yes for those with western passports and western salaries ($100k+/year). 

For all others, it can be a dangerous adventure where you could easily get stranded, due to the need of complying with Western governments.

Let me share my personal story about almost 4+ years of what many would classify as a 'digital nomad'.

I have a dear friend, Mike, who knows how to hard sell when he needs to.  It was Thanksgiving 2017 and I had gone through a break up, and he said that I should come with him and his buddy to visit Tokyo.  Like many Americans who have not traveled abroad much or very far, I had tons of excuses. 

"It wasn't the right time."  
"How much is it going to cost?" (If only I knew at that point how cheap all this travel ends up being if you need it to be. Way less than traveling inside the US.)

Blah blah blah, anyway, as you can see I was convinced and I went with them to Japan and saw 3 cities in 5 days. And, if I was going to be in Asia, i needed to also visit Philippines since I had worked with my virtual assistant for two years on my at-the-time newer company, Handshaking.  

Anyway, for about 2 years, I backpacked and visited 20 countries and spent about half my time in the US and half abroad.  It was exhilarating.  It took me 30 years of living to really go and experience different cultures and learn many different ways to live a life, but I'm completely hooked on it.  

After those 2 years, I realized how much work it is to constantly be on the move. Despite so many stories on Instagram with signs in different languages and landscapes I had never seen before.  

I enjoyed it, but that was enough.  I was ready to MOVE ABROAD. Of course, I picked the Philippines due to having staff there. And, I moved there 48 hours before the Covid-19 lockdowns started.  Perfect!!

I'd say ever since Covid-19, paired with restrictions, that the quality of digital nomading has decreased.  It requires much more research and risk to travel about the world freely.  And that's with an American passport.  Those who need to apply to visa's to visit many countries, which you can research on Henley--see how strong your passport is.

Regardless of hassle, traveling around and living amongst different cultures is both a thrill that leaves you with lifelong lessons and perspective.  And sometimes the hassle is part of the journey. 

#justsomethoughts 

PS visit my Instagram, Delegatin, to learn about how travel has influenced my professional career.