Is Digital Nomad Lifestyle for Your Family? Top 10 Tips.

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In today’s fast-paced world, the idea of becoming a digital nomad has gained significant traction. The term ‘digital nomads’ have been thrown around as a sought-after lifestyle. The allure of working remotely from exotic locations while exploring new cultures and having the freedom to design your own lifestyle is undeniably enticing.

However, the picture-perfect image of a digital nomad family, often shown by the media, might make you question how practical this lifestyle really is. Can families genuinely balance work and travel at the same time, or does the reality involve chasing deadlines in different time zones, with the exotic location just serving as a pretty distraction?

When thinking about the possibility of a digital nomad lifestyle for your family, the decision is far from straightforward. It’s not just about the appeal of working from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris; it’s about juggling work, family duties, children’s education, and the demands of constant travel.

In this article, we’ll explore the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle for families. Drawing from our experiences and insights gathered from other digital nomad families, we aim to provide a balanced view on what it really means to merge full-time travel with the demands of keeping up a digital career.

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Understanding the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

The digital nomad lifestyle is all about using technology to work remotely while travelling and living… well, anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This lifestyle lets families step away from the usual daily grind and enjoy a more flexible way of life.

Digital nomads depend a lot on technology, like laptops, smartphones, and reliable internet connections, to stay in touch with their clients or employers. They often work as freelancers, remote employees, or run their own businesses, which gives them the flexibility to choose their own projects and set their own schedules.

The freedom to work from anywhere in the world is one of the main draws of the digital nomad lifestyle. This is particularly appealing for families. Unlike singles, families often have a deeper desire to spend quality time together.

The reason for this is simple. Parents want to make the most of their children’s formative years. They want to be there for the milestones, the laughter, and even the tears. They want to build a treasure trove of shared memories before their children grow up too quickly.

However, the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t without its challenges. It needs careful planning, the ability to adapt, some sacrifices, and a strong commitment to keeping a work-life balance. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the digital nomad lifestyle for families.

Pros and Cons of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle for Families

Pros

Flexibility: The digital nomad lifestyle for families comes with a heap of flexibility. You get to pick your own timetable and work from any corner of the globe that fits your family’s needs. This flexibility means more precious time together, strengthening your family bond.

Cultural Immersion: Being a digital nomad family lets you dive headfirst into different cultures and ways of life. Your children get to experience a variety of cultures, languages, and traditions, giving them a rich and unique education that goes beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom.

Travel Opportunities: This lifestyle opens up a treasure trove of travel opportunities for families. You can discover new places, visit famous landmarks, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime. Travelling as a family lets you bond over shared experiences and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around you.

Personal Growth: The digital nomad lifestyle can spark personal growth in both parents and children. It encourages adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills as you navigate different environments and situations. This lifestyle can also foster a sense of independence and self-confidence in children as they learn to adapt to new cultures and environments.

Healthier Work-Life Balance: The digital nomad lifestyle can potentially offer a healthier work-life balance. Without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job, parents can allocate their time more flexibly between work, family, and leisure. This can lead to less stress and a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Cons

Lack of Stability: One of the main hurdles of the digital nomad lifestyle for families is the lack of stability. Constantly moving from one place to another can be disruptive for children, making it tough for them to form long-term friendships or maintain a consistent education. It can also be a challenge for parents to find a sense of stability and routine in their work and personal lives.

Educational Considerations: Striking a balance between education and travel experiences while living the digital nomad lifestyle can be a tricky task. It requires extensive research and even potential school visits to find suitable educational options, such as enrolling children in local schools, private schools or international schools at each destination. There are other educational options such as online schools and homeschooling.

Socialisation: Another hurdle for digital nomad families is socialisation. While travelling, it can be tough for children to form lasting friendships or have a consistent social circle. Parents need to be proactive in finding opportunities for their children to interact with other kids, whether through local community activities, online platforms, or organised meetups for digital nomad families.

Healthcare and Insurance: Access to healthcare can be a challenge for digital nomad families, especially when moving between countries. It can be tough to find consistent and reliable healthcare services, and dealing with different healthcare systems can be complex. Plus, securing comprehensive travel insurance that covers all family members across different countries can be costly and complicated. By the way, we recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for around the world trips.

Financial Uncertainty: While the digital nomad lifestyle offers the freedom to work from anywhere, it also requires a stable source of income that can be maintained remotely. This can be a challenge for some professions and may require a significant career shift or the development of new skills.

Living Costs: The cost of living can vary greatly between different countries and cities. While some destinations may be more affordable, others can be quite pricey. Budgeting for the digital nomad lifestyle requires careful planning and consideration of these varying living costs.

The Ideal Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Without a doubt, there are digital nomad families who have truly mastered the art of travelling full-time while earning passive incomes through real estate, established businesses, and investments. They dedicate just a few hours each week to managing their finances and rarely stress about running out of money.

This, of course, is the ultimate goal for many aspiring digital nomads. This sustainable way of travel preserves the true essence of the digital nomad lifestyle. However, achieving this level of success and freedom before retirement age is not a common feat among millennials or gen z. It requires a significant amount of upfront work and time invested in building such income streams before embarking on full-time travel with kids.

The Unfiltered Truth of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

On the other end of the spectrum, digital nomads without multiple sources of passive income or a stash in the bank, tend to base themselves in areas like Chiang Mai, Penang, and other expat-friendly Asian cities.

We’ve seen many budding ‘influencers’ crafting the perfect Instagram reels, hoping to score freebies and collaboration. Others are dedicated vloggers, documenting everything and anything, from what they eat to what they do. Some may find themselves glued to their laptops, meeting the demands of various online gigs to support their digital nomad lifestyle. All the while living in shared or budget accommodations to make their lifestyle more sustainable.

Personally, I would’ve loved this type of lifestyle in my 20s, but it’s no longer a lifestyle a millennial family can afford without sacrificing other important things in life, like comfort, freedom, and quality time with kids. After all, aren’t those the reasons why we, as parents, travel in the first place?

Reality: Combining Digital Nomad Lifestyle with Family Travel

Of course, we can’t make such a statement without sharing our own experience of trying to combine full-time family travel and the digital nomad lifestyle.

Firstly, when you travel with young kids, your day is typically divided into two distinct halves. During the day, there are designated times for meals, naps, and playtime to ensure your children’s well-being and engagement. These parental responsibilities can impact the flexibility and duration of your explorations in each location. This is especially true during the summer months, when you may want to avoid the midday sun and lose a couple of hours during the hottest part of the day.

As most parents can relate, it’s only after the kids go down at night that you can finally have some alone time. Unlike when you’re back home and working a regular full-time job, it can be challenging to push through and dedicate your evenings solely to side hustles or additional work commitments.

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How We Failed to Live a Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Here’s the truth: if you have an insatiable wanderlust and an innate curiosity for every new place you visit, your nights will likely be spent researching the next family-friendly destination, planning activities, and making travel arrangements. Of course, this is assuming you’re not completely exhausted after a day of exploring, walking thousands of steps, or enduring long drives.

On other nights, when you manage to sneak in a nap with the kids and still have the energy to work, your evenings will be filled with tasks like organising photos and videos, keeping track of expenses, and even handling some of those every day mum duties like preparing sandwiches, cutting fruits, and doing a bit of handwashing.

And let’s not forget those rare nights when you actually have some downtime. Wouldn’t you rather savour the moment with your partner or make use of the amenities at your once-in-a-blue-moon luxury hotel?

Anyhow, I’ve challenged myself to juggle all of the above while still working on this blog and editing videos. It usually means I only get to sleep around 2 am. And as all parents know, you don’t get to sleep in the next morning either. Give it a try for a week, and you’ll quickly start feeling burnt out, realising that your travels no longer have that vacation-like bliss.

Speaking of which…

In an attempt to think outside the box and save some money, we once opted to rent a campervan. However, after two weeks on the road, we came to the realisation that it wasn’t as cost-effective as we initially thought. In fact, when factoring in the expenses of renting the vehicle and the campervan holiday parks along the way, it wasn’t much different from renting a car and staying in budget accommodations.

We ended up saving approximately $1,000 over the course of two weeks, but it came at a cost. We found ourselves constantly worrying about our hygiene, safety, and dealing with pesky insect bites throughout the nights. We also encountered unexpected challenges, such as enduring a heatwave with limited water supply. Despite our utmost vigilance regarding hygiene practices, we still caught Covid.

When weighing the pros and cons, we concluded that it simply wasn’t worth it, especially with our two kids in tow. We felt a tremendous sense of relief that we didn’t pursue our initial plan of embarking on a month-long drive along Route 66 in a campervan. The idea of being a digital nomad family in a campervan was quickly dismissed.

Perhaps a luxurious RV would provide a more comfortable option, but then the concept of “saving money” goes out the window, doesn’t it?

How to Successfully Adopt the Digital Nomad Lifestyle as a Family

Living the digital nomad lifestyle as a family is a journey like no other. It’s an adventure filled with excitement, discovery, and growth, but it’s also a path that comes with its fair share of challenges.

When we first started travelling the world, we thought it would be worth giving the digital nomad lifestyle a go. Our goal was to take the time to adapt to this new way of living and find our rhythm.

After 8 months of full-time travel, we found a couple of fantastic Montessori schools that we absolutely loved. We were happy with their multilingual curriculum and felt at home in the expat-friendly suburb we were staying in. If it hadn’t been for the visa limitations in Malaysia, we could have made it work and settled down there comfortably.

So, before diving into the digital nomad lifestyle as a family, here are the top 10 factors to consider.

1. Financial Stability

This is the big one.

The first step towards successfully adopting the digital nomad lifestyle as a family is ensuring financial stability. This lifestyle requires a reliable source of income that can be managed remotely, or even better, passively.

It’s also important to have a clear budget that takes into account the varying costs of living in different countries, accommodation, travel expenses, education, food, healthcare and unexpected costs. Remember, financial stability doesn’t just mean having enough to get by, but having enough to live comfortably and without constant financial stress.

Just to give you an idea: Start with US$15k a month for a family of 4.

So take into account your earning potential, the cost of living in different destinations and the style of living when choosing a nomad-friendly country.

2. Parental Roles and Responsibilities

Balancing work and family life as a digital nomad can be challenging. This lifestyle often blurs the lines between work, family time, and travel, so having a mutual understanding and agreement on who does what is crucial.

This may be deciding who will take the lead in planning travel logistics, who will handle homeschooling or coordinating with local or online schools, and how work schedules will be managed to ensure quality family time.

Remember, nothing is set in stone. These roles can be flexible and may change depending on the circumstances, so regular check-ins and open communication are key.

We know more about finding harmony at home and setting yourself up for freedom in our JourneyUp Program.

3. Prioritise Your Well-Being

Looking after your physical and mental well-being is paramount when adopting the digital nomad lifestyle. Make sure to carve out time for exercise, relaxation, and hobbies that help you recharge and stay focused.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s exploring the local surroundings, participating in sports, or practising yoga. Regular exercise not only benefits physical health but also improves mental well-being. We have 40 fun exercise ideas that you can do with the whole family in our JourneyUp Program.

Make an effort to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Explore local cuisine while also ensuring that your family’s nutritional needs are met.

Take time to relax and recharge. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or journaling, to reduce stress and maintain mental well-being.

4. Delegate

You can’t do everything alone, so make a conscious effort to delegate tasks or outsource to lighten your workload. Whether it’s hiring virtual assistants or hiring a local babysitter. Reaching out for help not only gives you some breathing space but also provides opportunities for your children to socialise with their peers.

Time management and productivity is such a big aspect of life that determines your success. That’s why we teach you all the strategies and techniques to carve more time out of your day in JourneyUp.

5. Have a Routine

Creating a daily routine can provide a sense of stability. This routine should allow for dedicated work time, quality family time, and personal time.

It’s important to set boundaries and communicate your availability with clients or employers to prevent work from encroaching on family time. It’s also important to let everyone in the family know about your expectations and guard your boundaries.

6. Health and Safety

Make the health and safety of your family a top priority.

Research healthcare options in the various destinations you plan to visit, invest in comprehensive travel insurance and educate yourselves about potential health risks and necessary precautions to ensure the well-being of your family. Carry necessary medications and vaccinations for your family’s specific needs.

We recommend WorldNomads Travel Insurance for international travels.

7. Leverage Technology

Technology is your best friend when living the digital nomad lifestyle.

Make the most of technology tools and apps to streamline your work processes and stay connected with family and friends back home.

However, remember to keep it simple and don’t overload your life with social media, apps and phones. Allow yourself and your family members to disconnect from technology and enjoy leisure activities.

8. Education & Socialisation

While the digital nomad lifestyle involves frequent travelling, it’s important to plan periods of stability.

If your visa allows, staying in one place for an extended period, anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, can provide a wonderful opportunity to fully integrate into the local community.

This longer stay can offer a deeper cultural immersion experience and allow your family to establish stronger connections with the local community. It also provides a sense of stability and routine for your children, which can be beneficial for their education and socialisation.

Online Learning: Online schools and homeschooling programmes offer flexible and high-quality education options for digital nomad families. These programmes often provide a comprehensive curriculum and the flexibility to learn at your own pace, making them an excellent choice for families on the move.

Use technology to facilitate social interactions. There are numerous online platforms where children can interact with their peers, join interest-based clubs, or participate in virtual playdates. This can help your children maintain friendships and social connections despite the geographical distance.

Engage in Local Communities: Wherever you are, try to engage with the local community. This can provide your children with unique cultural experiences and opportunities to make new friends. Participating in local events, festivals, and community activities can enrich your children’s understanding of the world and provide them with a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.

Meeting Other Digital Nomads in Your Area: Look for digital nomad meetups in your city, and attend local events, workshops, or festivals. These events can be a great way to meet both locals and other digital nomads. And don’t forget coworking spaces, they are fantastic places to meet other digital nomads and their families.

Incorporate Learning into Travel: This is our family’s favourite way of learning. Use your travel experiences as learning opportunities. Visiting unique historical sites, museums, and natural wonders can provide hands-on learning experiences that complement your children’s formal education.

9. Visa Considerations

Remember to check the visa requirements of the countries you intend to stay in. Some countries have strict regulations for long-term stays and some schools only accept enrollments from residents.

We had to give up on the idea of setting up our digital nomad home in Penang due to visa restrictions. As we’re getting the hang of digital nomadism, we are now considering applying for digital nomad visas in the near future.

10. Seek Out Resources for Nomads

There’s a wealth of resources out there specifically for digital nomads.

Nomad List provides comprehensive information on digital nomad-friendly destinations, including cost of living, safety, and quality of life. It also offers a community forum where you can connect with other digital nomad families and get firsthand advice and recommendations.

Worldschooling Central is a platform dedicated to supporting families in their homeschooling and world schooling journeys. It provides resources, educational materials, and a community of like-minded families to connect with.

Conclusion: Is the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Right for Your Family?

Deciding whether the digital nomad lifestyle is right for your family is a deeply personal decision. It’s a lifestyle that offers incredible opportunities for travel, cultural immersion, and flexibility. It can foster personal growth, resilience, and a unique educational experience for your children. It’s a chance to live life on your own terms, to break away from the 9-to-5 routine, and to show your children the world in a way that few families can.

However, it’s also a lifestyle that comes with its own set of challenges. It requires financial stability and a willingness to adapt to new situations. It demands a balance between work, life, and travel. It involves navigating socialisation, education and building meaningful and long-lasting connections.

In the end, only you and your family can decide if the benefits outweigh the challenges. It’s about understanding what you value most as a family and what kind of lifestyle aligns with those values.

The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but for those who choose it, it can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. It’s a journey filled with adventure, learning, and growth. And for many families, it’s a journey well worth taking.

As for us…

We’ve decided to go with the “either-or” approach for the time being.

Either travel full-time with kids, go to whichever continent our hearts (not wallets) desire and travel in comfort to ensure the health and safety of everyone. Chase experiences and try local delicacies. Spend wisely and have a balance. Use our nights to rest, travel plan and enjoy the amenities, the location and each other’s company. We’ll continue to document our travels and work whenever we can, but work will certainly not be a priority.

Or when our wallet runs dry, we’ll stop in Asia, send the kids to a local school and focus on building online businesses that can be automated. Manage and grow our investment portfolios and work on personal growth. Be digital nomads full-time and when we load up, we go again.

After all, we’re not stuck to being a full-time travelling family or living a digital nomad lifestyle forever. We can always go back to Australia, slow down, customise our own campervan and explore some of the best parts of the world during school holidays.

What do ya think?

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