Welcome to my new digital nomad interview series! I'm excited to introduce you to digital nomads who inspire me so that you can learn from them how to create your dream life of travel and working online. If you're interested in stepping into the digital nomad sphere, but feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin with building your dream life, this series will delve into the biggest questions and mysteries around digital nomadism. We tackle the practical detail of being a digital nomad, choosing your destinations, finding remote jobs for digital nomads, how to structure your days and finding a remote working style that works for you. But we also take a look at the bigger picture – what does the future hold for digital nomads?

I'm Lucy, a solo travel expert from the UK who has spent a decade travelling and working as a digital nomad. I've explored over 50 countries and I'm passionate about combining adventures with slower, more intentional travel that allows us to connect on a deeper level with the communities we visit. In this series, I'll introduce you to digital nomads who have turned to a remote lifestyle for many reasons and from a range of backgrounds to explore an alternative way of living and working online. They'll share insight into what they have gained from this remote lifestyle and the lessons they've learned along the way.

The Essentials for  Aspiring Digital Nomads

Before we get into the interview, don't forget to check out these articles if you're thinking of becoming a digital nomad. They're packed with useful tips and actionable advice for making the remote laptop lifestyle your reality.

If you are considering digital nomad life, you will need a travel insurance policy as your safety net. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential provides coverage in 175+ countries, and they've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. My favourite thing about the policy, as a digital nomad, is that I can add-on electronic theft insurance for up to $3000 worth of electronic valuables. This is HUGE for someone whose entire life and business is their laptop, camera, phone and tech. They also cover:

  • Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
  • Emergency dental care up to $1000
  • Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
  • Coverage for lost checked luggage
  • Flights home if something bad happens
  • Continued coverage for visits back home
  • Coverage for motor accidents
  • Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

If you need coverage for a longer period, you might consider looking at their Complete plan - includes all Essential features, plus comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, most countries in the world, including in your home country.

Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers

Interview with a Digital Nomad

From Corporate Life to Remote Jobs for Digital Nomads

It's time to meet our special guest for this interview – Luca Mussari. He's a former corporate professional turned full-time digital nomad. In his early 20s, Luca moved from Italy to London seeking better opportunities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to reevaluate his priorities and pursue a location-independent lifestyle. Luca began his digital nomad life as a freelance SEO consultant, which allowed him to work remotely. Then, alongside Irene Lidia Wang, he co-founded Freaking Nomads, an online publication and community offering guides, tips, and resources for digital nomads. Recently, they also launched Remote Nomad Jobs, a platform connecting remote workers with curated 100% remote job opportunities.

Are you a full-time or part-time digital nomad?

I am a full-time digital nomad and have been embracing this lifestyle for the last three years.

How do you earn money as a digital nomad and has this changed over time?

Initially, I worked as a freelance SEO consultant. A year after creating Freaking Nomads, I dedicated myself full-time to the platform. More recently, my efforts have also been directed towards improving Remote Nomad Jobs.

What first inspired you to try digital nomadism?

The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for change, almost forcing me to reassess my life and career goals. The desire for greater freedom and flexibility led me to explore the digital nomad lifestyle and ultimately leave London after 9 years living there. The prospect of combining work with travel and experiencing diverse cultures was incredibly appealing to me and it really motivated me to pursue this path.

What is your approach to digital nomadism? What's your travel style and how do you choose places to stay?

I prefer slow travel, spending extended periods in a location to fully immerse myself in the local culture and community. In terms of accommodation, I gravitate more towards local guesthouses to experience the places I’m visiting in a more authentic way and also supporting locals. Depending on my mood and work requirements, I alternate between co-working spaces for focused sessions and cafes for a more relaxed setting.

What have been your favourite destinations for working remotely as a digital nomad?

I really enjoy exploring niche destinations! San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua, for example, has a cool, laid-back atmosphere, making it an interesting place to work from, even though it's more of a surf town than a digital nomad hub (a lot of surfers are digital nomads too, so it’s an interesting bunch of people you get to meet!)

Weligama in Sri Lanka is also one of my favourite places with its beautiful beaches and a growing digital nomad community. Recently, I spent time in Dali, China, which is only recently appearing on digital nomad maps. It's a stunning place, and super interesting remote workers are starting to go there.

What has been your least favourite destination as a digital nomad?

Unfortunately, Tulum, Mexico. Despite its popularity, overcrowding and higher living costs impacted the overall experience for me. What are the biggest challenges you have faced as a digital nomad? Maintaining a work-life balance and dealing with FOMO, for sure. The allure of new experiences can sometimes distract from work, so it’s essential to establish a disciplined routine to ensure productivity while still enjoying the benefits of travel.

What do you love the most about being a digital nomad?

The freedom to explore diverse cultures while maintaining my career is incredibly fulfilling. The flexibility and autonomy that come with this lifestyle allow for personal growth and a broader perspective on life and work.

What do you think about digital nomad visas? Would you consider one?

I believe digital nomad visas are a positive development. They are one of the few legal frameworks and ways that legitimise the nomadic lifestyle to this day. They offer stability and the opportunity to integrate more deeply into local communities. I have considered applying for one and might do so in the future!

Is digital nomadism what you expected? Any trends or shifts in the digital nomad movement?

Initially, digital nomadism was about location independence for me. Now, it's more about understanding the value of time -- you could be exploring rather than working all the time! A big trend I've noticed in the digital nomad community is definitely the rise of non-technical indie hacking. which I also share about on my Twitter/X.

How do you cope with loneliness as a digital nomad? How do you find community?

Engaging with local nomad communities and participating in co-working spaces helps a LOT. Attending events and meet-ups is great for making connections with like-minded individuals and creating a support network.

Any advice for aspiring digital nomads?

Start by securing a stable remote income and choose destinations with established nomad communities (I started going to niche places later in my nomad journey). Embrace flexibility and be prepared to adapt to different environments. Building a routine that balances work and exploration is key to sustaining this lifestyle.

What do you see for the future of digital nomadism and your life as a digital nomad?

Through Freaking Nomads, we aim to provide no-BS insights and resources to support digital nomads in navigating this lifestyle and truly making the most of it, from picking destinations to riding the best tech gear to finding remote jobs the quickest way possible. Remote Nomad Jobs connects with this latter thing, empowering individuals to easily find 100% remote opportunities, kick-starting their journey.

Looking ahead, I envision digital nomadism becoming more mainstream, with increased support from governments and businesses worldwide. As more people realise they don't need to go to the office to make a living and can embrace freedom, this lifestyle will continue to grow and evolve.