As the world becomes increasingly connected and technology advances, more and more people are choosing to embrace a nomadic lifestyle to become a digital nomad family. This trend is particularly prevalent among families, who are leaving behind the traditional 9-5 work routine and opting for a more mobile way of life.
What is a Digital Nomad Family?
What exactly is a digital nomad family? Simply put, it’s a family that works remotely while travelling the world. They have the freedom to work from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing them to explore new places and cultures while still earning a living. We hear a lot about individuals wanting a more flexible lifestyle and being location-independent. It certainly is more accessible for individuals to create this lifestyle. However, when you are a family with children, societal norms make it tricky or make it sound impossible to create this flexible lifestyle.
We are here to show you how families can also achieve flexibility and independence in their lifestyles. Increasingly, many families are opting for this way of living. We will also tell you about organisations that can help you organise this lifestyle.
However, before this, let’s discuss what you need to consider before becoming a digital nomad family.
Checklist for Digital Nomad families
Before you pack your bags and hit the road, there are some essential things to consider if you want to become a digital nomad family. We will break this down into different steps.
Do you have a Stable Source of Income?
First and foremost, you need to have a stable source of income that allows for remote work. This could be through freelancing, running an online business, or securing a remote job. Having a digital nomad income allows you more freedom and opportunities.
Plan your Budget
Next, you’ll need to plan your budget carefully. While being a digital nomad family can be cost-effective in some ways (no more commuting costs!), it is important to have a realistic understanding of expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and living costs in different countries.
Children’s Education
Probably one of the biggest factors to consider and one which is the biggest deterrent for families to adopt a nomadic lifestyle is the education of your children. If they are of school age, you’ll need to make arrangements for their education while on the road. This could mean enrolling them in online schooling programs or hiring tutors to supplement their education. You could also look into worldschooling or homeschooling, where you can connect with other digital nomad communities and families. Good resources and places to start would be looking at your local community to see if there are any like-minded people who perhaps homeschool their kids. There are also many Facebook groups that share information about world schooling.
We have tried many different education methods; we have been in mainstream education, where our kids attend traditional schools. We have also homeschooled and world-schooled during our travels around the world. We have also had our children in international school during our six months in Bali (you can do a full year or drop in). It is a personal choice of what you are comfortable with and what you feel is suitable for your children.
This year, we will be trying out a 3-month cohort with an organisation called Boundless Life. They organise cohorts to different world destinations and organise your children’s schooling, accommodation and co-working space, which is perfect if you want to experience what a digital nomadic family lifestyle would look like, especially if you are just starting this lifestyle and looking for a supportive community with other families in the same position.
A little more about Boundless and how it works?
If you would like to have more information about Boundless and try out a 3-month fully organised cohort, you can book a discovery call with the Boundless team. Remember to quote our unique code ASHA, and you will get £400 off your first cohort.
Boundless is a company creating communities around the world that cater to families who want the flexibility to work in different countries while providing their children with a world-class education.
What is remarkable is that they organise the school for the kids based on the Finnish System and also can adapt to a certain extent to your requests; they also organise the co-working space for the parents, the accommodation and the different activities for the community (children, adults and families).
It is a community where you can meet other families who also want to experience nomadic life. If you are new to creating your nomadic family setup, this could be a way to discover if this is a lifestyle for you.
How do you balance work and travel?
But what about the logistics of being a digital nomad family? How do you balance work and travel? The key is to have a flexible schedule and prioritize your time effectively. This may mean working early in the morning or late at night while exploring during the day, or setting aside dedicated work days and travel days. Or your children may be going to a local or international school, in which case it would be like any other day in your home environment.
Have a robust support system.
It’s crucial to have a robust support system in place. Being on the move constantly can be challenging, especially with young children, so having a supportive partner and a network of other digital nomad families can make all the difference. There are many resources available for those interested in becoming a digital nomad family, such as online communities, blogs, and podcasts. These can provide valuable insights and advice from families who have already taken the leap into this lifestyle. Give it time, it may take weeks to get used to the decision you have made.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
There are many benefits of being a digital nomad, and if you are curious about it or want to experience being a digital nomad family but are worried about taking such a big leap, then consider trying a 3-month cohort with an organisation like Boundless Life. What is great about Boundless is that they organise everything for you. You don’t have to worry about finding accommodation, a coworking space with reliable internet or even schooling for your children, which is often the main blocking point for people wanting to travel.
They will organise this for you, and you have the support of a group of families that are all in the same boat. All our readers also get a discount code for their first experience with Boundless. Not only do you have the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures, but you also have the chance to spend quality time together as a family while pursuing passions and dreams similar to yours.
So, if you’re ready to break free from the traditional 9-5 grind and embark on an adventure with your loved ones, consider joining the growing community of digital nomad families. It may not always be easy, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Reliable Internet Connection
Having a reliable internet connection is also important, as this is the lifeline for remote work. Researching options for wifi hotspots or investing in a mobile hotspot can help ensure you stay connected while on the road. This depends essentially on what country you will travel to, whether you will be on the move or slow-travelling. Don’t hesitate to reach out or comment below if you have any questions.
And don’t forget about staying organized! Keeping track of expenses, travel plans, and work tasks can be overwhelming, so finding a system that works for your family is crucial.
Lastly, as with any significant life change, it’s essential to have open and honest communication with your family. Make sure everyone is on board and has a voice in decision-making processes, including the children. This will help maintain a healthy and happy dynamic.
Becoming a digital nomad family is not just a lifestyle change, it is a mindset shift. It requires adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. But for those who are ready and willing to take the leap, the rewards can be endless. So, if you’ve been dreaming of exploring the world with your loved ones while still maintaining a fulfilling career, then don’t hesitate to join the growing community of digital nomad families.
But remember, the key to a successful digital nomad family lifestyle is finding a balance between work and travel, staying organized, and having open communication with your loved ones. With the right mindset and support system, you too can become a digital nomad family and create unforgettable memories together on the road.
Thank you for sharing these insights. I’d like to explore schooling options in Bali. Would you mind to share the name of the school that you enrolled in please?
Kind regards,
Leeann