Lola Mendez

Lola Mendezhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/lola-mendezLola Mendezhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/caribbean/dominica/4-eco-adventures-on-the-nature-islandWith its diverse sea life, 365 rivers, and nine active volcanoes, Dominica is rich in natural wonders – and sustainable ways to enjoy them.2019-12-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/caribbean/dominica/4-eco-adventures-on-the-nature-islandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>This 29mi (47km) long, 16mi (26km) wide island, one of the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean, was dubbed with the Latin word for Sunday by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Environmental sustainability is inherent here. It was the first nation to be certified by the Green Globe program for sustainable development in 2005. This adoration of nature has made the island a phenomenal place for eco-adventures.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#reef">Snorkeling at Champagne Reef</a></li> <li><a href="#springs">Visiting the hot springs</a></li> <li><a href="#waterfall">Lessons in rappelling down a waterfall</a></li> <li><a href="#foraging">Foraging for food with a local chef</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip Notes</a></li> <li><a href="#podcast">Listen to the World Nomads Podcast: Caribbean</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="reef">Snorkeling at Champagne Reef</h2> <p>I have heard about Dominica’s Champagne Reef, one of the few places on earth where it’s possible to snorkel above a volcano. I’m with the responsible tour operator Nature Island Dive, and I’m not sure what to expect, but am hoping to see the effervescence caused by geothermal activity.</p> <p>Our expert snorkeling guide, Dizzy, picks up her speed and fins towards a scene straight out of a nature film. Nature herself is tickling me, as I joyfully swim through the rare phenomena of small gas bubbles rising from the volcanic seafloor. The venting attracts a slew of sea creatures and I see a school of squid for the first time, and catch a glimpse of an octopus, scorpionfish, and a sea turtle near the Scott’s Head Peninsula.</p> <h2 id="springs">Visiting the hot springs</h2> <p>Dominica has one of the world’s highest concentrations of dormant volcanoes, which lend themselves to epic hikes such as the famous Boiling Lake trek, an 8-hour round trip with an elevation of 2,600 ft (790m).</p> <p>After exploring Dominica’s mountainous terrain, I’m eager to soothe my body in the natural, hot sulfur springs the island is known for. I stroll between heated dipping pools, mud oozing between my toes, at the locally owned Ti Kwen Glo Cho in Wotten Waven, an unpretentious outdoor spa in the middle of the jungle, but only a 15-minute drive from the capital, Roseau. I’m the only foreigner here, but am warmly welcomed by locals.</p> <p>After soaking in the hot water pools, I dash into freezing freshwater, streaming out of an industrial pipe to form a shower. Indigenous flowers scent the air as I settle in for a long, warm soak in the rustic, outdoor copper tub, with the cascading waterfall in the background as my soundtrack.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/caribbean/boiling-lake.jpg" /><figcaption>The hike to Boiling Lake. Image credit: Getty Images / Joseph Thomas Photography</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="waterfall">Lessons in rappelling down a waterfall</h2> <p>There are more than 12 officially named waterfalls in Dominica, and it’s possible to rappel down the cascades. I join a beginner’s course with Extreme Dominica, and after gearing up, we receive training on how to rappel across a canyon, starting with an 8-foot ledge, which helps take the edge off my reasonable fear of jumping from taller heights.</p> <p>The terrain is easy to traverse – just a moderate fitness level is needed, and there’s an 11-year-old on our tour. We hike through the verdant jungle into a canyon and make our way along a mossy gorge. A series of thrilling jumps, rappels, and rock slides gets us down the face of six waterfalls and into cool natural pools. It’s intimidating and adrenaline-inducing at times – especially during a hair-raising, 25ft (8m) jump off a waterfall.</p> <h2 id="foraging">Foraging for food with a local chef</h2> <p>I’m vegan, and foraging is one of my favorite travel experiences – to me, one of the best ways to discover a destination is through its food. I meet Grant Lynott, executive chef of Zing Zing restaurant at the Secret Bay eco-resort, on a backyard-to-table nature walk, harvesting ingredients for a meal straight from the source.</p> <p>Armed with a wicker basket and a pair of gardening shears, we peruse the resort’s organic food gardens. Most of the plants we find were planted by colonizers from France and England (who competed for ownership of the island from 1632 until 1805, when the French withdrew). We pluck edible hibiscus flowers and wild herbs for seasoning, including moringa, sorrel, and bay leaves. I'm surprised to discover there are plants I had no idea were edible, including papaya seeds, which can be used to make pepper, and love trying their unique flavors.</p> <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip Notes</h2> <h3>Getting there</h3> <p>Several local airlines fly to Dominica from other Caribbean islands. There are occasional ferries from Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia. Hire a car with a driver to get around Dominica.</p> <h3>Hot springs</h3> <p>Wotten Waven is 15 minutes from Roseau. Entrance for visitors is US $10. You can store your belongings at the covered benches by each pool.</p> <h3>Snorkeling at Champagne Beach</h3> <p>Snorkel tours are US $30 a person including equipment, Marine Park fees, and a trained guide. Guided kayak snorkel tours are US $50 per person. Groups of four or more can be picked up in Roseau for an additional US $25 per person.</p> <h3>Rappelling waterfalls</h3> <p>A half-day tour starts at US $159 per person and includes equipment, a local guide, and pick up in Roseau. No prior experience is required. Bring swimwear and closed footwear.</p> <p>It’s important to check you’ve purchased the right level of travel insurance cover and have the appropriate qualifications for your chosen adventure sport before you leave home. Still not sure if you’re covered? Check your policy for more details.</p> <h3>Foraging</h3> <p>The foraging experience is US $182 per group (two to four people) and must be <a href="https://secretbay.dm/">booked in advance</a>.</p> <h2 id="podcast">Listen to the World Nomads Podcast: Caribbean</h2> <p>Learn about safety in Jamaica, bomba dancing in Puerto Rico, the hidden Dominican Republic, and more.</p> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/545890?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay"></iframe>Getty Images / Mike Lyvers 1514619555 Getty Images A young woman hiking near the base of a waterfall in Dominica.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/a-guide-to-ethical-eating-on-the-roadFood can be a minefield for the responsible traveler. Follow this guide to what you should and shouldn’t eat on your travels. 2019-09-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/a-guide-to-ethical-eating-on-the-roadhttps://www.worldnomads.com<div class="scholarships-assignment-snippet segment-margin-break"> <p>One of the main reasons we travel is food – there’s nothing better than tasting local delicacies and experiencing the local culture through what they eat. However, it’s important to know which dishes or ingredients are ethical to eat and which should be avoided.</p> <p>Do your research before you travel so you can enjoy your dinner without feeling guilty. Don’t eat something if you are unsure where it came from, or if it is <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/wildlife-experiences-to-avoid-on-your-next-adventure">endangered </a>– it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Here is a cheat sheet on the foods you should and shouldn’t eat on your travels.</p> <h2>Foods to avoid</h2> <p>Animals that are <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/directory?direction=desc&sort=extinction_status" target="_blank">endangered</a> should never be on your dinner plate. Not only should you not eat them, but you also shouldn’t eat in a restaurant serving them.</p> <h3>Sea turtle meat and eggs</h3> <p>While <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/turtle-conservation-in-costa-rica" target="_blank">sea turtles</a> are widespread across the world, all seven species are vulnerable or endangered. Even in many countries where poaching <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/confessions-of-a-sea-turtle-volunteer">sea turtles</a> is illegal, you’ll still see their eggs on sale in markets or available on menus.</p> <p><strong>Found here:</strong> Indonesia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Cayman Islands.</p> <h3 class="p1">Shark</h3> <p>Sharks are threatened because of finning (removing the fin) including endangered species such as the vulnerable mako shark and scalloped hammerhead. Finning involves slicing the fins off live sharks before putting the injured sharks back into the water to die. Shark fin soup is a delicacy served on special occasions in China, although demand has declined in recent years. Hakarl is fermented shark meat that is served in Iceland. Both should be avoided. <br /><br /> <strong>Found here:</strong> South Africa, China, Malaysia, Iceland.</p> <h3>Tiger</h3> <p>According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, tiger meat is believed to have medicinal properties and is also seen as a status symbol. After Chinese authorities cracked down on the tiger meat trade, the country’s visitors have turned to other Southeast Asian countries to get their fix of the endangered mammal.</p> <p><strong>Found here:</strong> China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam.</p> <h3>Pangolin</h3> <p>A type of scaly anteater, pangolins are highly trafficked animals despite being endangered and protected under international law. Their meat is considered a delicacy in China and Vietnam, while the scales are used to treat everything from asthma and kidney complaints to cancer.<br /><br /><strong>Found here:</strong> China, Vietnam, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea.</p> <h3>Puffins</h3> <p>Puffins are vulnerable, with numbers down 60 percent in some parts of the North Atlantic. Long a staple of the locals’ diet, the bird’s raw heart is still considered a delicacy. While puffin hunting is illegal in Norway, it’s still carried out in other Nordic countries, where you will see it on some menus.</p> <p><strong>Found here:</strong> Finland, Iceland, Faroe Islands.</p> <h3>Civet Coffee</h3> <p><a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/cat-poo-coffee">Civet coffee</a> – made from beans collected from civet droppings – is a much sought-after and expensive coffee. While the civet is not endangered, the animals are usually captured in the wild, caged, and force-fed coffee beans. Although some coffee comes from wild civets, it’s often impossible to know how the coffee has been produced, which is why you should give this a miss.</p> <p><strong>Found here:</strong> Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia.</p> <h2>What can be ok to eat</h2> <p>While none of these species are endangered, check your conscience before you partake in any of these foods.</p> <h3>Dog</h3> <p>While dogs are clearly not endangered, there are other issues to consider. While most of the dogs destined for the dinner table have been farmed, others (particularly in China) may have been strays poached from the streets. These dogs may have eaten things that would be toxic to humans.</p> <p><strong>Found here:</strong> Vietnam, Laos, China, South Korea, Nigeria</p> <h3>Bluefin tuna</h3> <p>Whether it's ethical to eat bluefin tuna depends entirely on where it was caught. They are now extinct in the Black Sea and endangered in the Atlantic. Make sure to ask your server where it was caught – if they don’t know, it’s best to avoid it. <br /><br /> <strong>Found here:</strong> Canada, Japan, Mexico, US.</p> <h3>Seal</h3> <p>Seal is consumed in the Arctic Archipelago and is part of the indigenous Inuit diet. While seals aren’t endangered, the meat often comes from seals that have been skinned alive and harvested for their pelts. Again, it’s often hard to know how the seal has been killed, so if in doubt, avoid it.</p> <p><strong>Found here:</strong> Greenland, Canada, Japan, Norway, Iceland.</p> <h2>Do eat these dishes </h2> <p>The good news is there are plenty of exotic (to Western taste buds at least) <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/eat-like-a-local-when-you-travel">dishes</a> that are perfectly OK to try. Whether you like them or not is an entirely different matter.</p> <h3>Lionfish</h3> <p><a href="https://secretbay.dm/lionfish-hunting-a-sustainable-supper-adventure-at-secret-bay/"></a>Lionfish aren’t native to the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico so the predatory fish wreak havoc on ecosystems, which is the reason they’re spearfished and eaten. <br /><br /> <strong>Found here:</strong> Dominica, Venezuela, the US, the Bahamas.</p> <h3>Insects</h3> <p>Insects are the future of sustainable animal protein so go ahead and give them a try when you’re in areas where they are commonly eaten. Witchetty grub, crickets, and cockroaches are popular across Asia and in parts of Central America. <br /><br /> <strong>Found here:</strong> Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Mexico.</p> <h3>Reindeer</h3> <p>Reindeer is a popular meal in Nordic countries, especially among the indigenous Sami population. Farmed reindeer <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/stories/discovery/my-day-with-a-sami-reindeer-herder"></a>are ethically raised in good conditions and are considered to be very healthy. <br /><br /> <strong>Found here:</strong> Norway, Finland, Sweden.</p> <h3>Camel</h3> <p><a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/camel-riding">Camels</a> are eaten across the Gulf and in parts of Africa – they are usually ethically farmed and reared just like cattle. Try camel milk, camel milkshakes or the (quite delicious) camel burger.</p> <p><strong>Found here:</strong><span> </span>Morocco, Somalia, India, Egypt, the UAE.</p> </div> <h3></h3>Unsplash/Tinh Kuong 0 Unsplash

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/top-destinations-to-explore-in-central-vietnamFrom Hue to Hoi An, our insider reveals the best off-the-beaten-path destinations in central Vietnam.2018-07-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/top-destinations-to-explore-in-central-vietnamhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The heart of Vietnam is home to many of the nation’s cultural gems, pristine beaches, and unforgettable views of spectacular scenery. While the popular destinations in central Vietnam are worth visiting, there are several off-the-beaten-track places to explore: the largest saltwater lagoon in the country, the hauntingly beautiful ghost town of An Bang, and Vietnam’s first street art village. Travelers can skip hectic Nha Trang and instead find soothing mud baths and ancient Cham ruins near Hoi An.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#cycle"> Cycle around Hoi An </a></li> <li><a href="#shop"> Shopping in Hoi An </a></li> <li><a href="#mysonruins"> Explore the My Son ruins </a></li> <li><a href="#cooking"> Take a cooking class in Hoi An </a></li> <li><a href="#danang"> Da Nang and the Marble Mountains </a></li> <li><a href="#haivan"> Hai Van Pass </a></li> <li><a href="#anbang"> An Bang ghost town </a></li> <li><a href="#hothuythien"> Ho Thuy Thien waterpark</a></li> <li><a href="#beaches"> An Bang and the beaches </a></li> <li><a href="#centralhighlands"> Explore the Central Highlands </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cycle">Cycle around Hoi An</h2> <p>The best launching point for exploring central Vietnam is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, the enchanting town where lanterns dangle from buildings lining the Thu Bon River.</p> <p>Hire a bike for the day and cycle out of town to the countryside, where you’ll pass rice paddies, massive water buffalo, and see the locals tending to their fragrant vegetable farms. When you get back to the Hoi An Ancient Town, take a stroll past the ornate Japanese bridge, the stunning Chinese Fukian assembly hall, where Chinese migrants met to socialize, and many French colonial buildings which are mostly painted in a golden-yellow color in to absorb the heat.</p> <h2 id="shop">Shopping in Hoi An</h2> <p>Hoi An was once a major hub along the silk trade route and is still the best place in Vietnam to get bespoke clothes made. Shop local for customized clothing at talented tailor boutiques, such as the family-owned BeBe. Take along a photo of what you want <g class="gr_ gr_387 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="387" data-gr-id="387">made</g>.</p> <h2 id="mysonruins">Explore the My Son ruins</h2> <p>Hop in a taxi, join an organized tour or, if you’re feeling adventurous, <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/do-i-need-a-license-to-ride-a-motorbike">hire a motorbike</a>, and enjoy the hour-long ride through quaint villages en route to the My Son ruins. Arrive at sunrise to peacefully explore the Hindu monuments that were destroyed during ancient battles, and the bombings during the Vietnam war. The decaying temples of the Champa people aren’t as big as Angkor Wat or Bagan, but there’s something alluring about the resilience of these crumbling structures.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/vietnam/mysonruins-istock-gundulagruterich.jpg" /> <figcaption>Exploring the My Son ruins. Photo credit: iStock/GundulaGruterich </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="cooking">Take a cooking class in Hoi An</h2> <p>Test your cooking skills at a local <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/food-in-vietnam-cambodia-and-laos">c</a>ooking class. A favorite among travelers is the Vegetarian Cooking Class at family-run Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant. The hands-on cooking class includes a bike ride to the Tra Que vegetable village to learn about local agriculture, and a visit to an open-air produce market to hand-select vegetables for the course. Local delicacies include the chewy <em>cao l</em><em><span>ầ</span></em><em>u </em>noodle dish with its secret ingredient of ash and the "white rose", which doesn’t contain any flowers!</p> <h2 id="danang">Da Nang and the Marble Mountains</h2> <p>Da Nang is Vietnam’s fastest-growing <g class="gr_ gr_110 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="110" data-gr-id="110">city,</g> and has several religious sites as well as a few quirky places to visit, such as the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire on weekends at <g class="gr_ gr_111 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Style multiReplace" id="111" data-gr-id="111">9pm</g>.</p> <p>Take a drive around the Son Tra Peninsula and stop by the gigantic Linh Ung Pagoda. The 219ft (67m) Bodhisattva of Mercy is the tallest Lady Buddha in Vietnam and protects the expansive bay from destruction by typhoons. Traditional bamboo basket boats full of sardines linger in the sea, as skyscrapers loom in the distance, making for an astonishing contrast.</p> <p>The best view of Da Nang is from the top of the Marble Mountains. On your way up, you’ll visit a stunning mosaic pagoda dedicated to a Vietnamese princess, Buddhist and Hindu shrines, and an underground cave depicting the levels of hell.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/vietnam/danang-beach-istock-yarapham.jpg" /> <figcaption>Da Nang beach. Photo credit: iStock/YaraPHam </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="haivan">Hai Van Pass</h2> <p>The most memorable adventure to have in central Vietnam is to drive along the Hai Van Pass. Hai Van means “the pass of rising sea” due to the daily phenomena of clouds filling a gap between the rolling hills. Hire a motorbike or hop in a taxi and take a full day to drive the scenic road from Hoi An to Hue. Alternatively, you could join an organized tour.</p> <p>Along the Hai Van Pass, most travelers stop at the Elephant Springs to cool off, but there are numerous waterfalls to be discovered. Don’t miss Dam C<span>ầ</span>u Hai, the largest saltwater lagoon in Vietnam with its colorful fishing boats, or the L<span>ậ</span>p An Lagoon where the sea meets mountains and oysters grow in abundance.</p> <p>The pristine Chan May Bay remains undiscovered. The entire beach is virtually empty, except for a few local food shacks and the occasional local floating on the crystal-clear waters on an old tire.<strong> </strong></p> <h2 id="anbang"><g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="109" data-gr-id="109">An Bang</g> ghost town</h2> <p>About a half hour before reaching the Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Citadel in Hue, stop off at An Bang, a sprawling cemetery where more than 4mi (7km) of incredibly adorned mausoleums have been erected. Each is an individual tomb, with mosaic artwork that would leave Gaudí speechless.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/vietnam/mosaic-tombs-an-bang-ghost-town-lolamendez.jpg" /> <figcaption>Endless mosaic tombs at An Bang ghost town. Photo credit: Lola Mendez </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="hothuythien">Ho Thuy Thien waterpark</h2> <p>The most famous dragon in Vietnam is near Hue at the Ho Thuy Thien abandoned waterpark. The massive dragon was once an aquarium and today serves as a canvas for graffiti artists. There are hollow water slides and other eerie rides to <g class="gr_ gr_122 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="122" data-gr-id="122">visit,</g> but tread carefully as the structures are vulnerable. It’s no longer possible to pay off the guard to enter, but if you take the footpath before the entrance and trek through the jungle (stay left), you’ll find yourself standing in front of the majestic dragon.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/vietnam/dragon-at-ho-thuy-thien-lolamendez.jpg" /> <figcaption>Vietnam's most famous dragon at Ho Thuy Thien. Photo credit: Lola Mendez </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="beaches"><g class="gr_ gr_120 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="120" data-gr-id="120">An Bang</g> and the beaches</h2> <p><g class="gr_ gr_121 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="121" data-gr-id="121">An Bang</g> is the most popular beach on the backpacker trail in Vietnam, but there are many nicer beaches to visit such as the aptly named Hidden Beach. Located just south of An Bang, (easily located using Google Maps) Hidden Beach boasts silky sand, turquoise waters and extremely cheap massages on the beach.</p> <p>Take a day trip out to the Cham Islands with local NGO Karma Waters to go <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">snorkeling or scuba diving</a>.</p> <p>Visit Tam Thanh, a fishing village that isn’t well-known to backpackers but will be soon due to its vibrant street art murals that depict daily life. Volunteers painted the town in 2016 to create Vietnam’s first mural village under the ethos of ‘art for <g class="gr_ gr_112 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="112" data-gr-id="112">better</g> community.’</p> <h2 id="centralhighlands">Explore the Central Highlands</h2> <p>After exploring the stunning coastline of central Vietnam, book a bus inland to the Central Highlands to learn about agriculture, see endless green vistas, and discover waterfalls off the beaten path. </p> <p>The pristine Hồ Lắk lake in Dak Lak is only accessible by boat. Travelers can explore the area by hiking the hills or <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/kayaking-or-rafting">kayaking to local villages</a> to try their hand at the region's famous pottery at artisans homes.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/vietnam/daklak-vietnam-istock-xuanhuongho.jpg" /> <figcaption>Dak Lak, Vietnam. Photo credit: iStock/<g class="gr_ gr_100 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="100" data-gr-id="100">xuanhuongho</g> </figcaption></figure>iStock/Gargolas 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/worldwide/expectations-and-realities-of-being-a-digital-nomadHow do digital nomads earn money? What are the realities of freelancing all over the world? A long-term nomad shares her advice.2021-10-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/worldwide/expectations-and-realities-of-being-a-digital-nomadhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>With remote work rising in popularity due to the global pandemic, there’s been an exodus of people leaving their desks behind in favor of making the world their office. Professional digital nomads can be found in all corners of the globe doing their jobs from paradise – or, at least, where there’s a strong WiFi connection. However, working while traveling isn’t as glamorous as social-media influencers would like you to believe.</p> <p>I’ve been on the road while working as an <a href="https://lolaannmendez.com/">independent journalist</a> for more than six years. When I started, I had never heard the term digital nomad and had no idea what to expect. I made many mistakes along the way. Here are the true realities of being a digital nomad, to best prepare you for your venture into remote work.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#pros">Pros and cons of being a digital nomad </a></li> <li><a href="#flow">Finding your flow</a></li> <li><a href="#equipment">Proper equipment for digital nomads</a></li> <li><a href="#income">Dispersing your income channels</a></li> <li><a href="#community">Finding your community</a></li> <li><a href="#covid">Being nomadic in the COVID-19 era</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="pros">Pros and cons of being a digital nomad</h2> <p>If you’re motivated to become a digital nomad after seeing photos of people sipping cocktails as they work on their laptops on the beach, you’re in for a reality check. First off, sand and laptops don’t mix. No one works from the beach – they work from a cafe by the beach.</p> <p>Being a digital nomad is the greatest career decision I’ve ever made. I love having the freedom to choose my hours, the projects I accept, and where in the world I want to be living. As a freelance journalist, I don’t have to adhere to a strict schedule and can work when I want as long as I meet my deadlines. On the other hand, it’s up to me to create a work/life balance and structure my days well so I can achieve my personal and professional goals for the week.</p> <p>But being a digital nomad isn’t for everyone. Transitioning from a traditional office job that is structured to being your own boss is a process – you have to learn how to manage your time and your workload. Fortunately, your nomadic colleagues will be there to support you and share insight from their journeys into location-independent work.</p> <p>What I find the most challenging is setting boundaries with my clients and adhering to them. When you live in a vacation destination it can be difficult to take a day off and put up an out-of-office alert as you may have convinced yourself that since you live in the destination, you can enjoy it at any time. Freelancers also need days off, whether it be a mental health reset or time off for a day trip.</p> <h2 id="flow">Finding your flow</h2> <p>Once you receive the approval to go remote with your employer, or have launched your own remote business, you’ll want to create a schedule that works well for your productivity and lifestyle. Personally, I can’t force creative writing to come. I have to wait until inspiration strikes and I have the energy to put digital pen-to-paper. Because of this, my schedule is dependent on both my mood and my deadlines – every week is different. I’m not a creature of habit, so I thrive on freelance work that varies from one assignment to the next.</p> <p>If you can set your own hours, work according to your energy levels. If you’re a morning person, work on the more challenging aspects of your job when you're feeling fresh and leave tedious housekeeping tasks to the afternoon when you may have less focus. If you’re not a morning person, sleep in and schedule meetings for the afternoon. In my first few years as a nomad, I only worked at night so that I could spend days enjoying my destination.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/digital-nomads/digital-nomad-night.jpg" alt="A woman works on a laptop in a co-working space." /> <figcaption> Set your hours according to your energy levels. Image credit: Getty Images / lechatnoir</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="equipment">Proper equipment for digital nomads</h2> <p>If you’re planning to be someone who doesn’t work from a home base, be prepared to lug along your laptop during your workday to cafes or coworking spaces. Don’t skimp on buying a sturdy backpack that supports both the laptop and your body. If you’re working in a tropical destination, get an anti-humidity laptop case and a laptop stand with a fan to keep your computer cool.</p> <h2 id="income">Dispersing your income channels</h2> <p>I’ve met digital nomads from all sorts of industries, from therapists to graphic designers. Many people can do their jobs from anywhere as long as they have their laptops. If you’re not in a full-time, salaried contract role and don’t have a non-compete contract, you may be able to diversify your funds by taking on gigs in multiple fields. Many journalists also take on work writing content for websites or marketing materials for companies. And digital nomads in all types of fields can earn passive money through <a href="/explore/worldwide/how-the-broke-backpacker-makes-money-easy-via-a-travel-insurance-affiliate-partnership">affiliate marketing</a> by recommending products and services they’ve used and love (including <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/">World Nomads</a> travel insurance).</p> <h2 id="community">Finding your community</h2> <p><a href="/explore/worldwide/how-to-avoid-feeling-lonely-on-your-gap-year">Being nomadic can be lonely</a> and making friends is crucial to your success as a digital nomad. I’ve found the most efficient way for me to be nomadic is to stay in one destination for as long as my visa allows (usually one to six months). Other nomads move frequently and only spend a week or so in a destination. This can make it challenging to form or become part of a community if you’re based in a destination where people tend to pass through quickly. If fleeting friendships exhaust you, hone in on cultivating relationships with locals and long-term expats.</p>Getty Images / Westend61 11213964056 Getty Images A woman works on a laptop while sitting on a balcony overlooking Florence, Italy.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-wiser/practical/work-from-anywhere-6-travel-tips-for-digital-nomadsFreelance journalist Lola shares her top tips for digital nomads, to help you stay productive while you travel.2021-10-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-wiser/practical/work-from-anywhere-6-travel-tips-for-digital-nomadshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>As remote work increases in availability and popularity, more people are doing their jobs from the road. The <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/digital-nomads">digital nomad </a>work culture is thriving, and the destinations that can support remote workers are increasing to meet the demand for nomad-friendly cities around the globe. Most digital nomads can do their jobs from anywhere they have reliable WiFi, logging in from their laptops to location-independent roles or juggling various gigs as a freelancer. I’ve been traveling and working as a <a href="https://lolaannmendez.com/">journalist roaming</a> the planet for the past six years. Here are six of my best travel tips for digital nomads.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#research">Research your destination and accommodation </a></li> <li><a href="#insurance">Buy a travel insurance plan </a></li> <li><a href="#communities">Join local communities</a></li> <li><a href="#coworking">Find a good coworking space</a></li> <li><a href="#balance">Maintain a work/life balance</a></li> <li><a href="#tech">Utilize the latest technology</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="research">Research your destination and accommodation</h2> <p>The more time and effort you put into your travel plan, the more prepared for success you’ll be. Be sure to check the length of the visa available to you, the weather during the season you’ll be traveling, and to get an idea of which neighborhoods may suit your needs. Do you want to be within walking distance to coworking offices, cafes, grocery stores, and a gym? Look on <a href="https://www.google.com/maps">Google Maps</a> and mark all of the places you’d frequent in a location, then check the distance between those spots and the accommodation you're considering.</p> <p>Research to ensure the destination you’ve selected has accommodation within your budget that will meet your needs. I typically search for places to stay on <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/">Airbnb</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/">Facebook Marketplace</a> before I arrive and then stay in a hotel for the first week in a new place while I view the listings in person before signing a rental contract. Always test the <a href="http://speedtest.googlefiber.net/">WiFi speed</a>.</p> <h2 id="insurance">Buy a travel insurance plan</h2> <p>Never travel without insurance. Being a burden on the local healthcare system, especially during a global pandemic, is downright neo-colonial. You may be in perfect health, but accidents happen. When I broke my foot in Vietnam, I was able to get the care I needed including a cast, crutches, and physical therapy thanks to my <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance">travel insurance plan</a>.</p> <h2 id="communities">Join local communities</h2> <p>Facebook groups and Whatsapp chats are a goldmine of information. I join groups for nomads in the new destination as well as local events, vegan, and yoga groups. I’ve made a community by posting in these groups to introduce myself or ask questions before I arrive. Facebook groups are full of location experts – at least one person in the group will likely be happy to respond to your inquiries. Posting in these groups can be the best way to learn about the best coworking offices, laptop-friendly cafes, and meetups. Once I’m at the destination, I connect in person with like-minded people I met virtually through the groups.<br /><br />Being nomadic can be lonely<span> and making friends is crucial to your success as a digital nomad. I’ve found the most efficient way for me to be nomadic is to stay in one destination for as long as my visa allows (<a href="https://www.sherpr.com/en-us/">usually one to six months</a>). Other nomads move frequently and only spend a week or so in a destination. This can make it challenging to form or become part of a community if you’re based in a destination where people tend to pass through quickly. If fleeting friendships exhaust you, hone in on cultivating relationships with locals and long-term expats.</span></p> <h2 id="coworking">Find a good coworking space</h2> <p>Finding a suitable workspace in a new-to-you destination can be a challenge. Utilize Facebook groups to ask for suggestions or search the options on <a href="https://www.coworker.com/">Coworker.com</a>. Ask if you can buy a day pass before you commit to a coworking space to make sure it suits your needs. If you take many calls throughout the day, pay attention to whether or not people are working in silence. If they are, check to see if there are private meeting rooms you could access should you have a meeting.</p> <p>If you prefer to work from cafes, always ask first if it’s okay to spend a few hours on your laptop while you eat and drink. Be mindful of the size of the cafe. If there are less than 10 tables it probably isn’t appropriate for you to sit there all day and work after buying only one meal.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/digital-nomads/digital-nomad-cafe.jpg" alt="A woman sits at the window of a cafe in Italy, working on a laptop and checking photos on her camera." /> <figcaption> Cafes can be great places to work remotely, but ask if it's okay first. Image credit: Getty Images / Westend61</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="balance">Maintain a work/life balance</h2> <p>Whether you’re working remotely full-time or occasionally, you probably chose to become a digital nomad for the freedom. Don’t forget to enjoy where you are! If you’ve a set 9-5 schedule, make a decision to shut your laptop and discover different restaurants during lunch and attend events or workout classes in the evening to socialize. If you're a freelancer and your schedule is flexible, don’t feel guilty if you take a day away from your computer to go on an adventure to a waterfall, winery, or whatever you please. Taking breaks when you need them maximizes productivity and creativity.</p> <p>If you can set your own hours, work according to your energy levels. If you’re a morning person, work on the more challenging aspects of your job when you're feeling fresh and leave tedious housekeeping tasks to the afternoon when you may have less focus. If you’re not a morning person, sleep in and schedule meetings for the afternoon. In my first few years as a nomad, I only worked at night so that I could spend days enjoying my destination.</p> <h2 id="tech">Utilize the latest technology</h2> <p>During the pandemic, many offices went remote, which benefits digital nomads as there are more <a href="/explore/worldwide/the-best-apps-travelers-should-download-before-they-go-overseas">apps</a> than ever to help keep us organized. <a href="https://trello.com/">Trello</a> is excellent for project management, <a href="https://calendly.com/">Calendly</a> is great for scheduling client calls, and <a href="https://zoom.us/">Zoom</a> continues to be the favorite platform for video meetings.</p> <p>Many new digital nomads make the rookie mistake of staying on their cell phone plan from home – although many offer service internationally, US-based phone plans are significantly more expensive than pay-as-you-go SIM cards overseas. Make sure your phone is unlocked so you can buy a new SIM card in each country you visit. Ask in local Facebook communities which SIM card has the best service, can be used as a hotspot, and has the most reasonable prices.</p> <p>If you’re planning to be someone who doesn’t work from a home base, be prepared to lug along your laptop during your workday to cafes or coworking spaces. Don’t skimp on buying a sturdy backpack that supports both the laptop and your body. If you’re working in a tropical destination, get an anti-humidity laptop case and a laptop stand with a fan to keep your computer cool.</p>Getty Images / Tom Werner 1828485774 Getty Images A trio of young travelers work on laptops in a cafe in Berlin.