Nomadic Horizons: Embracing the Digital Wanderlust and Finding Balance
1. What inspired you to embark on a digital nomad lifestyle, and how did you make the initial transition?
The reality was, with prices of rent so high, and the possibility of working remotely, I decided to go on my own journey. I went to Germany to work and returned to Portugal, it was back in 2018, before the pandemic, and after the pandemic I realized I could leave Portugal and starting being a nomad and try a few new places.
2. Can you share some of the most significant challenges you faced in the early stages and how you overcame them?
I'm a bit of an introvert and I don't like to party that much. It was a challenge to meet people who didn't want to drink all the time. I was lucky to find people that were a match to my interests but sometimes meeting new people was very draining for my energy. Feeling lonely was also common, but I feel alone all the time, and enjoy my own company. I decided to at least be alone in Rio de Janeiro and enjoy my coconut, and work on my mindset in order to have fullfilling moments.
3. How do you balance work and travel, ensuring productivity while soaking in new experiences?
It was the biggest challenge of all, I think I failed a bit, work sometimes was delayed and people complained. I felt tired often, and then I felt guilty when I had no time to tourism and I missed some city main landmarks because of work and mental exhaustion. I have ADHD, so it was a very complicated time for me, but rewarding because I learned how to organize myself better.
4. Your Instagram feed is a mosaic of beautiful destinations. How do these places influence your work and creativity?
Thank you! As a designer, content creator, artist, and inspiring writer, every single one of my travel experiences gives fuel to my ideas, I often find myself day dreaming, lost in my thoughts. I don't travel to escape anywhere, I travel to create new worlds inside myself and inspire others to do so. Interesting that my feed looks beautiful but I didn't look for the Instagram shots most of the time, but I really enjoy exploring with color and narrative on my postings.
5. What are your top recommended destinations for fellow digital nomads and why?
I really loved Buenos Aires, I wish to return there. It's a forget gem, not overly crowded, not super touristic and Argentina is extremely rich in culture, and the people are friendly and there's a lot of beautiful coffee shots, libraries and music all over the place. I need to return there and maybe stay longer.
6. Networking and community are vital aspects of the nomadic lifestyle. How do you build and maintain these connections while traveling?
I joined activities that interested me, from walking tours, dance lessons, yoga and so on, that helped me create connections with people with similar interests.
7. What are the essential tools or resources that support your digital nomad lifestyle?
Extra everything! Bring an extra phone, an extra credit card, some savings, make your own food, don't take coffee outside everyday, and a flexible spirit!
8. How do you approach traveling sustainably and responsibly, respecting the cultures and communities you visit?
Coming from a overly crowded city like Porto, I understand this. I usually go to places that aren't saturated making myself happy for discovering hidden gems. Interact with the locals, learn the language, if you have the possibilities give them a nice tip or recommendation, try to find yourself in the city without following the crowds and the clichés, and I promise that there's a wonderful experience waiting for you in every corner. I found beauty in the small moments, taking a coffee in Buenos Aires and watch football with the local boys and things like that. Not everything needs to be a 10/10 Instagram experience.
9. For those inspired by your journey and considering becoming digital nomads, what practical advice would you give them?
Save money, follow your gut, don't forget to eat well, meditate, drink water and find joy in the little moments. Travel saturation is real, from what I talked with other digital nomads
10. Looking ahead, what are your plans or aspirations as a digital nomad? Are there any destinations or projects you are particularly excited about?
Going to check Irland next month, if I like it maybe I will spend a period in the highlands for a while!
