The Realities of Being a Digital Nomad & Running a Business
"Oh my gosh, you're a digital nomad? You must travel all the time!"
Sure, I get to spend mornings wandering through the quaint streets of Madrid, sipping a perfectly crafted coffee with a still-warm pastry in hand before heading to a cozy coworking space. And yes, that is still not lost on me. It really is the dream. But let’s clear something up: that dream doesn’t mean I’m bouncing between countries every weekend or working poolside with perfect Wi-Fi.
Being a digital nomad and running a business is a balancing act—part freedom, part logistics, and a whole lot of planning.
The Digital Nomad Myth vs. Reality
Yes, it’s a lifestyle filled with inspiration and adventure, but it’s also full of early meetings, missed connections (both digital and human), and packing strategies. If you’re thinking of combining travel and work, here’s what I’ve learned that actually helps you make it sustainable—and enjoyable.
1. Travel Light, Pack Smart
When I’m working while traveling, I only pack neutral outfits. It simplifies everything—especially when I need to look presentable for a client call but still want to enjoy the day out. Think: versatile pieces, minimal effort, maximum ease.
I also always carry a few non-negotiables:
A portable Wi-Fi device (Airbnbs and cafes love to lie about strong internet)
A ring light (because terrible lighting will happen)
External battery packs (honestly, this should be a given by now)
2. Schedule Intentionally
I try to start every travel day with at least two hours for me—quiet time to review my schedule, drink coffee, and mentally prep. No checking emails, no rushing into meetings.
Because I often work on U.S. hours from Europe, my “workday” starts around 1 p.m. That gives me the morning to be present with the people I’m traveling with—friends, family, whoever. If I don’t carve out that time intentionally, I end up multitasking the entire day and enjoying none of it.
Once the afternoon hits, it’s work mode. I draw a hard boundary: from 1 to 8 p.m., I’m in business-owner mode. Calls, emails, deliverables. I find that having this structure lets me actually be present in both parts of my life.
3. Know Your Environments
I’ve made the mistake of trusting hostels that promised “dedicated workspaces.” Turns out, that meant a ping pong table and bean bags—not ideal for client meetings. Always scout for quiet areas or book accommodations that specifically mention reliable work zones. When in doubt, co-working spaces are a digital nomad’s best friend.
Pro tip: Never trust the words “Wi-Fi on board” when it comes to planes and trains. Assume you’ll be offline and plan your day accordingly. Portable Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver, but even then—don’t bet your most important Zoom call on it.
4. Your Brain Won’t Always Feel Present
One of the hardest realities? Even on your “day off,” your brain might still be running through the mental to-do list: another email to reply to, another task that could get done, a campaign you forgot to check. That’s the double-edged sword of mobility—we’re always connected.
But here’s the deal: if you really want to travel and enjoy where you are, give yourself full permission to take the day off. Be all in. Because if you don’t, you’ll miss out on both the moment and the focus.
In Summary: Combining Work and Play as a Digital Nomad
If you want to travel and build a business at the same time, it is 100% possible. But it requires:
Tools that keep you connected and presentable
Clear time blocks and boundaries
Daily routines that ground you
Environments that support focused work
And most importantly, the mindset to know when to log off. Because the whole point of this lifestyle is freedom—not just for your schedule, but for your mind too.
So yes, I’m living the dream. But the dream takes planning. And Wi-Fi. And sometimes, a backup ring light.