When you think of digital nomads and their thriving businesses, what immediately comes to mind? Do you think of people heading to gorgeous resorts and typing away on their laptops at the beach? How about sitting in a little cafe in Greece, on one of those touristy islands? Do you even think of the hustle and bustle of a big city like Lisbon? Well, all of these scenarios are true. You can count on digital nomads to live mostly in more active areas.
It’s not hard to see why; there’s a lot to see, so much to do, usually a welcoming expat community, the locals are open to visitors, the shopping is great, plenty of restaurants, English is widely spoken, the internet is more reliable, and the list could go on and on. But what if you’re a wanderer by heart?
What if big city life just isn’t for you? What if you’d rather live and work somewhere more remote, like an island, the forest, or even the mountains? Is it even possible to be a digital nomad in these more remote locations?
Embracing Solitude
So, the big question here is whether or not you can be a digital nomad in more remote locations. Now you have to remember that basically, all digital nomads work online, hence the word “digital.” So you will need to have a device, and you will need to have internet. So technically, it doesn’t matter how remote you are; as long as there’s electricity and internet, as long as you can make it work, and it doesn’t interfere with your work, then you should be fine.
Plus, nowadays, with remote work being more prevalent than ever, it is technically easier to find accommodation both long-term and short-term, which is all about solitude. In general, remote locations offer a unique allure for those seeking solitude and immersion in nature’s tranquility.
Just think about secluded mountain cabins and off-grid beachfront retreats; these destinations provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. There are hotels, booking agencies, and, of course, Airbnb, which know people want this, and they cater to it. So it’s ideal not only for digital nomads but also for those who’re looking for workcation.
There are Connectivity Challenges
In general, when going to a new area, whether it be a new state, region, or especially country, you can expect some connectivity issues. It might even get to the point where you’ll have to know how to change iPhone IP address, and even use a VPN in the process. But it just doesn’t end there. For the most part, remote areas aren’t exactly known for having the best connection, right?
The practicalities of remote work can present challenges. Again, access to reliable internet connectivity is the number one priority for digital nomads, regardless of their chosen destination. While it varies depending on where you want to go, you can usually assume that remote locations usually lack infrastructure and high-speed internet options, requiring careful planning and resourcefulness to maintain productivity.
What About Balancing Isolation and Community?
Honestly, not everyone is built for city life, and sometimes, even small towns just seem a bit too much. So it’s entirely understandable why some people gravitate towards more remote areas; these are the ones offering solitude and serenity. While this sounds perfect, it can also be isolating for digital nomads craving social interaction and community.
Needless to say, digital nomadism is known for getting lonely pretty quickly; remote work, in general, has that reputation. But that’s why building connections with local residents, fellow travelers, or online communities becomes essential for combating loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging, even in the most remote corners of the globe.
How About Going Extra Remote?
There are some areas in the world where there isn’t any electricity, running water is a minimum, and basically, the internet will be hard to come by, too. Now, for some folks, this can be a dream come true, especially if you want to homestead or at least live a more rugged lifestyle. Besides, living and working in remote wilderness settings necessitates a degree of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. But bluntly put it, don’t expect to be a digital nomad in these conditions.
You need an internet connection and electricity. So, if you want to go 100% off the grid in a fully remote location, it’s just not going to work. So yes, you can be a digital nomad in a remote location, but not everywhere. But you can’t expect to be a digital nomad if you plan on being or living somewhere that has zero internet, no connection to data, and, of course, no electricity.