When you're constantly on the move, one of the biggest challenges you can face a a digital nomad is finding fulfilment. At what point do we stop and ask ourselves whether we are travelling with purpose, or merely to escape? When you live a transient lifestyle, it becomes that much more difficult to forge those vital and authentic connections and build the community we humans crave. But by choosing to travel and work remotely, we're already one step closer to our dream life, we sometimes just need the reminder that we are the architect of our own life.

In today's digital nomad interview, we're delving into the impact of the remote lifestyle on physical and mental health, how it helps to drive creativity and the challenge of balancing freedom with hard work to ensure longevity. If you're considering digital nomadism, but you're concerned about finding community on the road, here you will get the opportunity to learn from a woman who has created a community of her own and combines remote working with intentional community gatherings.

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

This month's digital nomad interview is with a great friend of mine and someone whose path crossed with mine many years ago during the pandemic. Maja Mika is the incredibly inspiring woman behind Yoga With Maja, but over the last six years she has expanded her business and is now a global  transformational retreat facilitator, creating life changing experiences that encourage you to step out of your shell, and live in the glow of your light. It seems astonishing that after all these years we are still yet to meet in person, but have been friends ever since I joined her online yoga classes during those Covid years. Her positive outlook and the safe space she created for women to simply be, is a true testament to her ability to bring people together even in the most difficult of times.

Maja has been a full-time digital nomad since 2023, but now offers in-person retreats to provide a sanctuary for the soul, allowing us to step away from the noise and distractions of daily life, and reconnect with our deepest selves. From yoga, breathwork and meditation, to opportunities to become a mermaid and swim with wild dolphins – her retreats give you time to re-focus on your body, nurture your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit.

 

What first inspired you to try digital nomadism?

 
Freedom to travel and share unforgettable experiences with like-minded individuals is a gift. There are certain people who are drawn to travel in a group, individuals who are not only open-minded but also open-hearted, embracing the possibility of vulnerability. These are the people who come together to share their journeys, to grow, and to create deep connections that last a lifetime.

How do you approach digital nomadism? 

Right now, I'm based in Poland, my home country which I left when I was 8 years old. I say "home is where my dog is". I moved here 3 months ago, and know that it's temporary. I plan to move again early 2026 - where? I have some ideas, but I'm waiting for my heart to give me the sign that it's time. I do travel every month, either to host a retreat, host a workshop/event or to explore new retreat locations.  
 

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

That's a tough one! I think Cyprus is pretty cool—it’s a popular spot for digital nomads, and I can definitely see why. I love places that offer a balance between nature and city life and Cyprus is great for that. Florida was similar for that! I’d work in the mornings and then spend the afternoons by the ocean, which felt like the perfect combination of productivity and relaxation.
 
Guatemala was another highlight! I stayed at Lake Atitlán for a month, soaking in the beauty of the area while attending metaphysics lessons and preparing for my Egypt Dolphin Retreat. The food was incredible, and the area had a wonderful mix of nature, peaceful spaces for work, and a quiet, grounded energy. The only downside was the spotty internet connection, which made it a bit tricky at times, but overall, it was an amazing experience!
 

What has been your least favourite destination?

I also did a bit of remote work in New York City, but I found it too loud and busy—there wasn’t really anywhere to replenish. Central Park was nice, but again, it was super crowded. A lot of digital nomads love fast internet, and while I can appreciate a solid connection to get my work done, I also value moments where I’m not constantly connected. For me, it’s about striking that balance. I can do my work, but I also need space to step back, to breathe, and to disconnect. Those moments of stillness allow me to brainstorm and really FEEL into what work I should focus on next. I need that quiet, uninterrupted space to reflect and let my ideas flow freely, rather than just rushing from task to task.
 

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

Being a digital nomad has given me incredible freedom, but it has also come with a lot more responsibility. I’m my own boss, and that means everything depends on me – if I don’t take action, nothing gets done. There’s no one to pass the buck to, and that can be both empowering and overwhelming at times. Balancing work and life while constantly being on the move can be a huge challenge. You're in a new, exciting place, and you want to explore, experience the culture, and enjoy your surroundings—but you have deadlines and work commitments that don't stop just because you’re in a beautiful new city.

It’s easy to get caught up in the feeling of being on vacation, especially with social media showing what looks like endless adventures. But I have to constantly remind myself that I’m still working, and my success depends on maintaining focus and discipline. Finding that balance can be tricky, especially when you’re juggling the temptation to step away and immerse yourself in your surroundings versus the responsibility to stay productive.

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

My life is never boring. Every day is different, and there’s a beautiful mix of routine and flexibility. I thrive on structure and discipline, but being a digital nomad allows me the freedom to break away from traditional constraints. I can choose where I want to work, whether it’s a quiet café in Bali, a co-working space in Limassol, or a peaceful spot by the ocean. The spontaneity of my lifestyle is what excites me the most—being able to decide, at a moment’s notice, that I want to head to a new destination or take a last-minute trip to a retreat location.
 

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

Not right now. I have a company based in Cyprus, and I am looking into a new venture in another country right now that may mean I am based more around 4/5 countries, rather than being constantly on the move around the world. 
 

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

When I first started out as a digital nomad, I definitely had this idealised image of what it would be like. I pictured working from beautiful locations, constantly meeting new people, and exploring different cultures. And in many ways, that’s exactly what’s happened—I’ve been lucky enough to visit some incredible places and connect with amazing people. But what I didn’t expect was how much discipline and self-motivation it would take to actually make it work.

In the beginning, I was all about the freedom and adventure, but over time, I’ve realized that it’s about finding a balance. Now, I understand how crucial it is to set boundaries, stay focused, and make sure I’m actually getting work done while also making space for rest and reflection. It’s not just about being somewhere new, but really being present and making the most of both the work and the experience.

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

Coping with loneliness as a digital nomad isn’t always easy. You form deep connections with people, and sometimes you see the potential for lasting relationships, but then you move on to a new place, and it’s hard to stay in touch as consistently as you'd like. Social media makes it easier to stay connected, but it’s just not the same as meeting up for a spontaneous coffee on a Sunday morning with a friend in a new city. Over time, I’ve come to accept that there will be moments of loneliness, but also times when I'm social and with people I had met before. It's a constant ebb and flow.

My community has become the people who join my retreats. We create truly unforgettable bonds over the course of a weeks pent growing, discovering, and reflecting on who we are and what we want from life. These shared experiences make the connections so much deeper. Even after the retreats, we stay in touch, and many of my guests return for another retreat, so in a way, we keep that connection alive. It’s not the same as having a local group of friends, but it gives me a sense of belonging and meaningful relationships that transcend the distance.
 

Any advice for aspiring digital nomads?

My biggest piece of advice is to really focus on creating a solid foundation for your work. The freedom is amazing, but it comes with responsibility. Make sure you're self-motivated and disciplined enough to stay on top of your work even when you're in a beautiful new place that makes you want to explore all day. It’s easy to get distracted, so finding ways to set boundaries and stick to a routine is key.

Also, don't be afraid to start small. You don’t have to jump into the full-on digital nomad lifestyle right away. Try working remotely for a while or take a short trip to test the waters
 

How has being a digital nomad impacted your physical and mental health, and your creativity?

Becoming a digital nomad has certainly had a significant impact on both my physical and mental health, though it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, the constant movement and change of scenery can be invigorating. I’ve found that new environments spark creativity in ways I didn’t anticipate, and I’ve learned so much about who I am and what’s important to me. Physically, the constant travel can be tough on the body. It takes me a while to adjust to new places, and sleep often suffers when I first arrive somewhere. Plus, finding the same beauty products and vitamins can be a challenge, so I often stock up and travel in bulk.

Mentally, the unknowns can be a bit scary sometimes. I often wonder, how will this place be? What if I don’t like the accommodation or the food? Will I feel safe as a single woman? These questions can create some uncertainty, but they’re also part of the journey.
 
Digital nomadism has made me more aware of my needs—physically, mentally, and creatively. It’s a lifestyle that demands flexibility, self-care, and the ability to adapt, but it’s also one that has allowed me to grow and evolve in ways I never imagined. It’s not always easy, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Living this way has helped me tap into a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose.
 

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