Being a digital nomad is a dream for many people who want to work remotely and travel the world. But what if you are over 30 and feel like you are too old to start this lifestyle? Don’t worry, you are not alone. There are many digital nomads who are in their 30s, 40s, or even older, and they are enjoying the benefits of working online and living in different countries. In this article, we will share some tips and advice on how to be a successful digital nomad over 30, and some of the best countries to choose from.
I’m over 40 (surprised?!) and have had 2 lengthy spells in Greece in 2023 testing the digital nomad lifestyle.
Why be a digital nomad over 30?
Being a digital nomad over 30 has many advantages. You may have more experience and skills in your field, which can help you find better clients and projects. You may also have more savings and financial stability, which can give you more freedom and flexibility in your travel plans. You may also have more clarity and confidence in what you want from life, which can help you set your goals and priorities.
Being a digital nomad over 30 also has some challenges. You may have more responsibilities and commitments, such as family, friends, or property. You may also face more health issues or age discrimination. You may also have to deal with the social pressure and expectations of your peers or society.
However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With the right mindset and preparation, you can overcome them and enjoy the benefits of being a digital nomad over 30.
How to be a successful digital nomad over 30?
Here are some tips and advice on how to be a successful digital nomad over 30:
- Plan ahead: Before you quit your job and pack your bags, make sure you have a clear plan for your digital nomad journey. Research the best destinations for your budget, lifestyle, and interests. Find out the visa requirements, cost of living, safety, internet speed, and culture of each country. Create a realistic budget and income stream for your travels. Have an emergency fund and insurance for any unexpected situations.
- Build your network: One of the most important aspects of being a digital nomad is having a strong network of contacts and support. Connect with other digital nomads online or offline, through platforms like Native Teams, Worldpackers, or Nomad List. Join local communities and events in your destination, such as co-working spaces, meetups, or workshops. Reach out to your existing friends and family regularly and keep them updated on your whereabouts and well-being.
- Take care of yourself: Being a digital nomad can be stressful and exhausting at times. You have to deal with different time zones, cultures, languages, and environments. You have to balance your work and travel schedules. You have to cope with loneliness and isolation. That’s why it’s crucial to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Eat well, exercise regularly, sleep enough, meditate, relax, have fun, and seek help when needed.
- Keep learning: Being a digital nomad is a great opportunity to learn new things and grow as a person. You can learn from the people you meet, the places you visit, the experiences you have, and the challenges you face. You can also learn new skills or improve your existing ones by taking online courses, reading books, listening to podcasts, or watching videos. Learning new things can help you stay relevant in your field, boost your confidence, and enrich your life.
What are the best countries for digital nomads over 30?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best countries for digital nomads over 30. Some of them are:
- Cost of living: Depending on your budget and lifestyle preferences, you may want to choose countries that offer affordable living expenses without compromising on quality or comfort.
- Safety: Safety is a priority for any traveler, especially for digital nomads who may stay longer in one place or travel alone. You may want to choose countries that have low crime rates, political stability, good health care systems, and friendly locals.
- Internet speed: Internet speed is essential for any digital nomad who relies on online work or communication. You may want to choose countries that have fast and reliable internet connections or access to co-working spaces or cafes with good Wi-Fi.
- Nature and wellness: Nature and wellness are important for any digital nomad who wants to enjoy the beauty of the world and maintain their well-being. You may want to choose countries that have stunning natural scenery, such as beaches, mountains, forests, or lakes. You may also want to choose countries that have wellness facilities or activities available such as spas, yoga studios or meditation retreats.
- Culture and activities: Culture and activities are important for any digital nomad who wants to immerse themselves in the local life and have fun. You may want to choose countries that have rich and diverse cultures, such as history, art, music, food, or festivals. You may also want to choose countries that have a variety of activities to suit your interests, such as sports, adventure, nightlife, or shopping.
Based on these factors, here are some of the best countries for digital nomads over 30:
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a country in Central America with coastlines in the Caribbean and Pacific. The country is known for its picturesque nature, biodiversity, and eco-friendly policies. Costa Rica offers a low cost of living, high safety standards, decent internet speed, and a friendly and relaxed culture. Costa Rica also has a special visa for digital nomads called the Remote Workers Visa, which allows you to stay for up to one year and extend for another year1.
- Georgia: Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordered by Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The country is known for its ancient history, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine. Georgia offers a low cost of living, high safety standards, fast internet speed, and a hospitable and welcoming culture. Georgia also has a special visa for digital nomads called the Remotely from Georgia program, which allows you to stay for up to one year1.
- Thailand: Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia with coastlines in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The country is known for its tropical beaches, majestic temples, vibrant nightlife, and mouthwatering food. Thailand offers a moderate cost of living, high safety standards, fast internet speed, and a friendly and fun culture. Thailand also has a special visa for digital nomads called the Smart Visa, which allows you to stay for up to four years1.
- Indonesia: Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania with more than 17,000 islands. The country is known for its diverse nature, culture, and religion. Indonesia offers a low cost of living, moderate safety standards, decent internet speed, and a warm and tolerant culture. Indonesia also has a special visa for digital nomads called the Single Entry Business Visa, which allows you to stay for up to six months1.
- Malaysia: Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia with coastlines in the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca. The country is known for its multicultural society, modern cities, natural attractions, and diverse cuisine. Malaysia offers a moderate cost of living, high safety standards fast internet speed and a friendly and respectful culture. Malaysia also has a special visa for digital nomads called the Malaysia My Second Home program which allows you to stay for up to 10 years1