Visas

Many countries are adapting to the digital nomad hype by announcing digital nomad visas. This is where people have a chance to extend visas via a new system, customised specifically for nomads so they are able to stay longer. This in turn brings more people to their shores and helps their economy. Other than those exceptions you likely have to make do with the majority of the visas expiring around the 3-month mark, with exceptions of course. And some governments are more lenient on extending visas than others.

Check the regulations of the country you are visiting to ensure you know how long you can stay for, some places (for better or worse) may surprise you.

Natural Disaster

Dramatic I know but again coming from England where there is rarely if ever a great natural disaster, it's difficult to imagine a scenario where you are sipping mojitos on a beach while smashing away at your laptop's keypad when all of a sudden the tide goes back in. Before you can take the baffled look off your face you see a wave of water on the horizon, that’s right, Tsunami! I haven't been in that situation but it can and has happened to others.

There isn't much you can do about a natural disaster if you are caught up in it however you can avoid places that are prone to disasters, like hurricanes, at certain times of the year.

The big earthquake in Sanliurfa, Turkey & Syria borders (in 2023) is a good example of this. I was close to travelling there this year to visit the ancient site of Gobekli Tepe and may have stayed in this city as it's a good hub. We aren't to know sometimes and that's ok.

Safety

This is a big one, most big cities will suffer from some type of crime(s), and there are some noticeably worse than others (crimes and crime rates). As a guy, six foot plus, this doesn't concern me too much however I still wouldn't like to visit Ukraine right now or the slums of El Salvador. Yes, crime can happen in any country, even Switzerland, but some countries have much higher crime rates than others and that's just facts.

Use your street smarts and don't gamble with your life in questionable areas, especially if you are by yourself. Try to go in a group wherever possible.

Not finding adequate gyms

This one is a bit more of a personal rant. When I stay in a city one of the first things I look for is a decent gym, especially if I know I will be there for a while. I'll even try out a few of the gyms nearby and not just 'the best in the area'. Some gyms are just never going to cut it. Now, I love an old-school-steely-machines-pumping-music-type gym, I'm well accustomed to them and feel more at home in them. But some take old-school way too literally. A new set of dumbbells, floor panels, or an AC unit would not go amiss. However, if they are the only choice then for me it's better than no gym whatsoever.

Main cities are likely to have gyms everywhere these days but the smaller towns and remote areas are a little trickier in this case I tend to find the most active things I can to compensate. Hiking and bike riding are a good start.

Meeting new people

As an introvert, this is one of the main things that I was apprehensive about but the more I travel the more I am excited about meeting new people. People who enjoy travelling, and people that stay in places for a longer period of time, are usually on the same wavelength (like-minded) and are very approachable. Making friends or meeting people from all over the world is up there with one of my favourite things to do while gallivanting. It may take practice to open up to people but keep trying and it will become second nature.

A great way to start a conversation is by saying... "hello". Yep, sometimes that's all it takes or you can ask about the area and if they know any good local food spots. Everyone likes food.  

Meeting new people can be difficult for some which is why I have added it here. Travelling by yourself at all times isn't always ideal no matter how much of an introvert you are. Therefore I have also added it to the 7 great things about digital nomad (coming soon) as I feel it has a place in both.

I hope you find this piece useful. Most of the time it's about being mindful and having fun while working, there’s enough adventure to be found even in places you least expect it, so do not be disillusioned as even with the difficulties, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone that tells you not to go on this journey. In fact the advice is quite the opposite.

Enjoy! Safe travels.