Before diving into this post, a bit of context. Between 2019 and 2022, we lived a fully nomadic life, constantly moving between countries and building our lifestyle around freedom and flexibility. Since then, we have been living as expats, which gave me a completely different perspective.
Experiencing both worlds allows me to compare them from real-life experience — not theory. I have seen the highs and the lows of the nomadic lifestyle, and despite all its challenges, I still consider it one of the best ways to live. Why? Because of one thing: freedom. The kind of freedom that is hard to explain until you experience it yourself.
Nomad Life – Pros
Lifestyle. The lifestyle itself can eliminate many traditional downsides of working life. Imagine waking up and deciding where you want to work from next. One day you point to a place on the map — the next day, you are working from there. In most countries, you can stay up to 90 days on a tourist visa, and in some cases even 180 days (for example, Mexico).
There is a unique feeling when you wake up in your Airbnb apartment, surrounded by locals. You explore nearby grocery shops, cafés, and streets, and within days, you feel like a temporary resident. It is very different from a short holiday — you are not counting days until it ends. You can stay longer if you love it, or leave anytime if you don’t.
No commuting. You can eliminate hours of daily commuting. When working remotely, you can get ready in minutes, and after work, you are already where others travel to relax — whether that’s a pool, beach, or mountain view.
More money. In many countries, a large portion of income goes to taxes. As a nomad, depending on your structure, you may gain more control over your finances. This allows you to invest more, build a private pension, support family, or even live at a higher standard while still saving.
Networking. You meet people with a similar mindset — individuals who chose freedom over a traditional system. Apps like Nomad 10, local Facebook expat groups, and meetups help you connect quickly. These connections can turn into friendships or even business opportunities.
Personal development. Growth is inevitable. You experience new cultures, food, climates, and ways of living. You adapt constantly, becoming more flexible, patient, and resilient. Every day brings situations you may have never faced before — and that shapes you fast.
Nomad Life – Cons
Stress. Once the excitement settles, new types of stress appear. Long drives across multiple countries, unfamiliar road conditions, strict Covid rules at the time, and constant planning can become overwhelming. Travelling with a dog adds another layer — documents, vaccinations, and timing must be precise.
Accommodation is another major stress factor. Finding a place that is spacious enough for work, pet-friendly, has parking, and fits your budget is not always easy. Even when everything looks perfect online, reality can be different — uncomfortable beds, cold apartments, noisy neighbours, or strict owners.
Over time, we realised we could reduce stress by increasing our budget. We chose more reliable and comfortable accommodations, which improved our overall experience significantly.
Loneliness. This was one of the biggest challenges. Even in popular nomad locations like Playa del Carmen, building meaningful connections is not easy. Many nomads are younger, single, or live on very different budgets and lifestyles. For a long time, we actually had fewer real connections than in a settled life.
Relationship pressure. Travelling with a partner means sharing the same space 24/7 — work and private life combined. Without clear boundaries and communication, this can create tension. You must consciously adapt and fine-tune how you live and work together.
WiFi and power issues. Surprisingly, even in developed countries, internet and electricity can be unreliable — especially in rural areas. At times, I had to figure out how to work without power for a full day. Backup solutions became essential: mobile hotspot, extension leads, or even using shared building facilities.
Home base. Many nomads completely give up having a home. We decided to keep a “base” — a place with our belongings, comfort, and stability. After months of travel, returning there gave us balance and a sense of normal life.
The “weirdo” effect. Your lifestyle becomes hard for others to understand. Friends or family may question your decisions — especially around work, taxes, or stability. Over time, some relationships fade because your paths no longer align. You naturally start building a new circle with similar values.
Timezone challenges. If your work is tied to a specific timezone, your location matters. In countries like Brazil, Paraguay, or Mexico, I had to wake up at 3 AM to match Central European working hours. While it allowed afternoons to relax, this schedule is not sustainable for everyone.
Unhealthy work setup. You often work from kitchen tables, sofas, or garden furniture. Over time, this affects posture and physical health. I carried a portable laptop stand, mouse, and keyboard, but proper office chairs were rarely available. Without compensating through exercise, this becomes a real issue.
Why freedom matters to me
For me, this lifestyle has never been just about travel. It has always been about freedom.
Freedom from bureaucracy, from systems that complicate simple things, and from commitments that slowly build up until they control your daily life. Renting a home, paying endless bills, dealing with administration, and being tied to a fixed location — all of these come with responsibilities that can easily take away your flexibility.
I also wanted freedom from the limitations of a traditional job. A permanent, settled role often comes with restrictions — fixed schedules, limited holidays, and decisions made around what is allowed rather than what is possible.
As a nomad, I could travel not only when I was allowed to, but when I wanted to. Not only where my budget allowed for a short holiday, but where I truly wanted to experience life.
Despite all the challenges, I would choose this lifestyle again. Because in the end, freedom is not just a luxury — it is a different way of living entirely.
