Is becoming a digital nomad simply a way of seeking a life of travel, filled with purpose? I'm loving the conversations this new digital nomad interview series is opening up as we bring new voices into the conversation. As I share this article, the US is in political turmoil once again with many raising the question of whether life in the US is a safe option. With more turning to digital nomadism than ever before, perhaps life as a nomad is the new American dream? 

Interestingly, I discovered figures from the MBO Partners 2024 State of Independence found that 18.1 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads, an increase of 4.7% year over year and a growth of more than 147% since 2019. Today, 11% of U.S. workers call themselves a digital nomad. So naturally, I was curious to get the US perspective on the digital nomad movement and discover the motivations behind leaving the US for life on the road. Today we're chatting with Tasha Prados about her experiences of digital nomad life and what she sees for the future of the movement.

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

Tasha Prados is an award-winning strategist and digital nomad creator. Tasha is the founder of Duraca Travels, where she shares inspiration and practical advice for digital nomad life, solo female travel, and outdoor adventures. Tasha’s first travel articles appeared in Mic in 2016. Since then, she’s had bylines in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Insider, and more. As the founder of Duraca Strategic, Tasha coaches freelancers and consultants on how to consistently attract premium clients they adore and partners with social impact brands to craft marketing and brand strategies that actually work. Since 2019, Tasha has been to 24+ countries as a digital nomad. Tasha is a Meta-recognized Dale Tú creator and sought-after speaker.

Are you a full-time or part-time digital nomad? How long have you been a digital nomad?

I’ve been a full-time digital nomad for five years, and I’m not planning on slowing down any time soon!

How do you earn money as a digital nomad? Has this changed through your digital nomad journey?

I have my own business doing branding and marketing strategy coaching for social impact organisations and business coaching for freelancers and consultants. I quit my job and started the business in September 2019, when I became a digital nomad. This was pre-COVID, and remote work wasn’t much of a thing. I thought I’d do it for 1-2 years and then “go back to DC and get a real job.” I had $30K saved up to travel in case the business didn’t work out. Five years later, I absolutely love being my own boss and being a digital nomad, and I’m committed to both!

What first inspired you to try digital nomadism? 

At some point, I heard about “digital nomads.” I thought this concept sounded amazing – I loved the idea of working AND traveling, at the same time. I had worked…eh. I had traveled…and to be honest, when I was just traveling, I didn’t love it. I felt like I had no purpose. I wanted to feel like a contributing member of society. I wanted to make a difference. So I felt like if I could do both – that could be the key to living life to the fullest. To really enjoying the time when I was not working, and living a more balanced lifestyle (can you tell I’m from Washington, DC, a city full of Type A workaholics?). And if I was really enjoying my life and time – wouldn’t that make my work better, too??

What is your approach to digital nomadism?

I like to spend 1-3 months in a place, but sometimes end up somewhere for 1-2 weeks or less between that. I love co-lives and WiFi Tribe – community is essential if you’re doing this long term, interspersed with solo travel and alone time to recharge. I like to go geographically so I can get to know regions and cultures better, keep travel days shorter, and save money!

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

I love almost everywhere that I go, and the longer I stay somewhere, the more I love it. I did Peace Corps in Peru, studied abroad in Spain, and lived in Vietnam for about a year during COVID, so those are some of my faves!

What has been your least favourite destination?

Santa Marta, Colombia. Not my vibe.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced as a digital nomad?

To be honest, I don’t think being a digital nomad is that challenging. It’s definitely not fun when you get salmonella alone in Mexico City on Christmas or Air France loses your checked bag for 17 days or you’re heartbroken and alone in Tulum, but I think the pros far outweigh the cons. I’ll gladly do the occasional 5am or 10pm call to live this beautiful life.

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

Everything. The combination of being my own boss and being a digital nomad, to me, is the ultimate freedom. I get to work with who I want, doing work I love, from wherever I want, and I have money and time freedom. I’ve had more once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the last year than many people have over decades. I love that I get to do work I love while experiencing the world while I’m young and able-bodied. I love who I am as a digital nomad – adventurous, free, and open.

What do you think about digital nomad visas? Would you consider one to stay longer in a destination?

Yes! They’re a great option to stay somewhere longer. I’m glad to see countries creating policies for the new global reality we have.

Is digital nomadism what you expected? Has it changed for you?

It changed a lot after COVID. Pre-COVID, being a digital nomad was a much more alternative path and it was a lot harder to achieve – you had to really work for it, so that self-selected to a certain kind of person. Now, a lot more kinds of people are working remotely and traveling.

How do you cope with loneliness as a digital nomad?

I’m almost never lonely as a digital nomad or a solo traveler; traveling solo it’s actually SO easy to make friends. I tend to stay in co-lives or do WiFi Tribe chapters – and then take time alone in between to recharge my social battery.

Any advice for aspiring digital nomads?

It’s all on my blog! You can read all my tips for how to become a digital nomad, and get my digital nomad checklist!

What do you see for the future of digital nomadism?

For me: Longer stays, eventually having a few home bases and maybe a place to go back to regularly. 

Generally, I see:

  • Countries creating more policies around digital nomadism. Immigration and tax laws will start catching up.
  • Remote work isn’t going anywhere. We’ve already seen companies break into two camps – those requiring a return to the office, and those embracing remote-first policies. Companies that learn how to thrive with location-independent employees are going to get the best talent and the best return on their investment.
  • Travel brands waking up to the fact that they can get so much more business from this high-frequency traveler. Airlines, hotels, and other travel brands will start to create products and services tailored to nomads so they can cash in on our brand loyalty.

Follow Tasha @duraca.strategic for no-nonsense business strategies and @t.prad for travel tips.