How to be a Digital Nomad During the COVID-19 Pandemic

How a Digital Nomad Can Stay the Course During the Pandemic

As with every sector halting during the pandemic, the travel sector took a huge hit. According to WYSE Travel, the travel industry experienced a 60% drop in the first quarter of the year 2020. As countries experienced the highs and lows of the pandemic, the current situation is seeing people traveling within the country. For example, citizens in Canada are making plans to visit other provinces, and Malaysia is seeing locals spending long weekends in islands or even exploring different states at a stretch. If you living in an expat destination or plan to move to one, this article explores how one can still be a digital nomad during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Becoming a Digital Nomad?

What’s it like being a digital nomad? They are remote, location-independent individuals who do freelance work through their own company or they’re employed by a foreign company. Digital nomads do not have an office base or worksite. Instead, they completely rely on the Internet and other information and communication technology to do their work. Hence, digital nomads can work anywhere in the world, from a cafe in a rural French town, by the sea in Bali, hotel rooms, etc., so long they have a strong internet connection.

Being a Digital Nomad During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Unfortunately, many digital nomads’ future travel plans look bleak due to the pandemic. Many businesses have been forced to shut down and the other half have resorted to working from home. When it comes to being a digital nomad during the COVID-19 pandemic, it really depends on how far you’ve been living the lifestyle.

Those who have been working remotely for a long time would have a strong client base and wouldn’t need to find new clients for work. It means your flow of income is stable and even if you’re unable to travel to your next destination, you don’t have to worry about getting work.

But there are still many small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and individuals who are turning to online workshops. They’re constantly looking for designers and content creators to help them push the virtual workshops to platforms.

Quick Tips

There are plenty of ways to be a digital nomad during the pandemic, here are some key pointers.

1. When you’re looking to land new expat jobs, look no further than your personal contacts and get in touch with digital nomad communities for work opportunities.
2. If there’s a lull in your career, it’s a great time to sharpen your digital skillset. Teach yourself something new that will help you progress your career.
3. Network and find new connections that will expand your professional network. Connecting with other digital nomads who are in the same boat as you give you plenty of insights into their current and future plans. You will get to know tips, tricks, and even possibilities of future work. On the other hand, you never know who might be grateful to get some tips from you.
4. Diversify your area of expertise. With the pandemic, you might not be able to make your expert skills your primary source of income. If you’re a travel expert, you can’t travel to produce content. But you can share or write productivity hacks and tips on packing. It may not give you a lot of income but it’s a start. Maybe you can travel, but only by car and you can explore how to market that idea into a source of income.

Borders Inviting Digital Nomads during the COVID-19 Pandemic

On the other hand, there is a silver lining to the situation. Several countries have opened their borders to digital nomads. Countries like Estonia, Barbados, and Bermuda announced new visas for digital nomads during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to restore their economy. Digital nomads have the opportunity to live and work for up to a year in these countries.

Staying Safe During Traveling

If you’re considering to live as a digital nomad during the COVID-19 pandemic and enjoying a seaside view in Barbados, it’s important to research on safety measures. Every country has its own COVID-19 testing regime and quarantine period rules. Ensure you do your research before traveling. Wear masks, carry a hand sanitizer, and wash your hands often during your trips. Be extremely mindful of what you touch as it is important you do not affect other people too.

What Digital Nomads Need?

As a digital nomad during the COVID-19 pandemic, the three things you need to consider when planning your move are finances, visa issues, and safety. When it comes to being safe, we encourage you to get an international health insurance cover. It’s a full-proof way to ensure you travel with peace of mind. Comprehensive Covid-19 coverage will cover you globally so you can travel from one destination to another without worry.