We’re back for our final blogpost of this five part series about keeping an open mind. In the first post we looked at your job and future accommodation, then we had a think about budgeting and getting around, we took a look at the importance of insurance and community in the third before talking comprehensively about everything that goes into packing last time round.
In this last post, we look at the most important thing for all of this – your mindset! Travelling can be fast or slow, but however you do it you need to think about your mental and emotional health, and make sure you undertake every moment with a clear mind.
Keep an open mind, be flexible and enjoy!
Sometimes things happen that we cannot plan or predict. You will definitely encounter situations where it doesn’t go to plan or match your ideas with the reality of the situation. Most probably when you first start out as a digital nomad. But everything happens for a reason, and you can always learn from an experience. Then you can make sure you know what to do and not to do next time.
Sometimes you will make mistakes, you will trust people and get scammed. In some cases you might lose something or get robbed. It sounds like scare tactics, but it’s ultimately part of any life, especially one moving around. A friend of mine told me something that was really helpful with planning my budget – plan for the fuckups. Make sure you set aside a certain amount each month that you are ok with losing. Let’s say 100 dollars, it goes and then you forget about it.
If there is a mistake or a messup, and you lose some money, then knowing that you have already accounted for it and having set that money aside is like your own insurance policy. So if something does happen, you don’t end up having to fast for a week or miss out on a daytrip because you are tight with your budget. That way you can be more at ease with whatever happens. This however doesn’t mean you should be careless.
Take a step back and breathe
Also, you will meet a lot of new people and witness culture clashes everywhere. It’s easier said than done, but keep an open mind with whatever comes your way. Try to communicate and compromise on certain things, especially if you will be sharing a house with them.
You can also check out my first post on responsible travel and see if you can implement some of those concepts (environmental stewardship, inclusive economic growth and social well being) to your travels.
Lastly, this is an incredible opportunity for you to see the world and have new experiences while you’re working. So don’t get discouraged and enjoy it!
Whatever happens, you are not alone, there is a huge number of nomads already out there that you can connect with. They understand how it is especially at the beginning. If you know someone personally that has this kind of lifestyle already, learn from them. Jump on a call, ask them questions and get their advice. With this, then listen to your gut and you will know what is right for you regardless.
Time to reflect
I hope this checklist brings you some guidance and practical advice on how to start out. It might definitely seem like a lot now, but over time the process will become automatic to you. You will need less and less time to ponder, research and prepare.
In case of any doubts or questions, please reach out to me or to the association, you can hit us up on Facebook or Instagram. We are here for you!
by Antonija Bosanac
Antonija was born and raised in Split, Croatia. Now a restless traveller gone digital nomad in 2019, she’s passionate about building communities, volunteer work, education and human & civil rights. Currently working as a coach in the field of interpersonal communication and self development, she’s promoting change through individual work with clients; as well as being en route to getting a degree in psychotherapy. For her current location, check her Instagram profile.