Being a nomad is unlike any other lifestyle. While the freedom to travel to different countries and explore new cultures is nothing but thrilling, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of those challenges is getting used to a new daily routine in an unfamiliar place. In this post, I will take you through a typical day for me. Grab your coffee or favorite drink and join me on this adventure!
I often get asked about my life as a traveler, or as some might call it, a gypsy or digital nomad. So, let me paint you a picture of what it's like.
First things first... Where do I stay and why?
I've always opted for Airbnb accommodations. The majority of the places I've stayed at have fully equipped kitchens, complete with pots, pans, dishes, and silverware. Additionally, there is always a plentiful supply of coffee and tea to keep me energized. Basic cooking essentials like sugar, salt, and pepper are readily available, and let's not forget the most crucial ingredient found in every European kitchen - olive oil. Some spaces have more like local seasonings, in Budapest and Greece, most Airbnb's have paprika as it is a staple item.
Also, staying in an Airbnb helps me immerse myself in the local culture, making me feel less like a tourist and more like an honorary resident. Ever gone grocery shopping in a foreign city? Or tried to decipher street signs in a language you don't know? Oh, the fun never ends! Plus, let's not forget the money factor! Staying in an Airbnb is usually lighter on my wallet than booking a hotel room. This means more money for local cuisine, spontaneous adventures, and souvenirs.
And to top it off - by using Airbnb, I get to support local entrepreneurs. Each booking helps an individual or a family earn a living and if you count the housekeeping team, potentially, two households earn a living. It's like adding a dash of good karma to my travels! So, you see, it's not just about where I stay... it's about the experiences I gather and the impact I leave behind.
Traveling soon and not sure where to stay, Airbnb descriptions can be deceiving. Comment on this post if you need some tips on how to choose the best location and space.
Next up, let's dive into what a "typical" day looks like for me working in Florida's EDT Zone.
Let me start by setting the stage...
During the first few days of arriving in a new country or city, my main focus is getting settled and familiarizing myself with the surroundings. I make sure to determine my location relative to the city center as that's where all the excitement is. When I initially started traveling, establishing a routine was quite challenging. It felt strange to have complete freedom in the mornings and work throughout the evening. This compelled me to wake up early, refrain from checking emails, and avoid thinking about work until after lunch. Adapting to a different schedule, took some time for my brain to adjust to. However, once I grasped the concept, I fully embraced the new schedule. I'll admit, some days are still a struggle, particularly when transitioning between cities or countries but it's gotten a lot better over time.
On day one, I begin by heading to the local supermarket to stock up on essentials such as toiletries, water, snacks like fruit and nuts, juice, and enough food to prepare morning eggs for those days when I feel like staying in bed a bit longer. I make sure to pick up some basics for a simple salad, should I not have time to run out or can't decide what to order, a salad with a bit of protein (fish or chicken) will usually suffice.
If you're a morning person, I would suggest whenever possible purchasing your grocery from the local open market vs a typical grocery store, it's not only cheaper but supports farmers and their families directly.
My morning-to-evening routine
930 - 1030 A brisk walk (I shoot for 15 - 20 min) to a coffee bar (Café)
1030 - 11 A short Youtube or Netflix HIIT workout
11 - 1230 Depending on the day, I may engage in some sightseeing, either on my own or through a guided tour. When I'm not exploring the city, I spend my time blogging or planning my next adventure. Occasionally, I'll have days where I simply relax and do nothing productive.
1230/1 I'm online and ready to work
5 - 630 dinner break (I either cook, order takeout, or dine out)
630 - 11 Back to work
11 - 1 I usually catch up with family or friends over the phone or indulge in some Netflix before falling asleep.
I intentionally skipped the obvious, bathroom breaks and showers, they are given.
How about my hair...
You all know how important weekly haircuts are to me, so how do I go about choosing a barber? As expected, it's not common for women to visit a barbershop in Europe, as they are typically seen as male-oriented. However, when it comes to barbers, their skill in cutting hair is what matters most. While my hair may have a different texture, a talented barber should be able to work with it, even if they don't get it perfect on the first try. I certainly don't want a repeat of that one time in Spain when I left in tears, but let's not dwell on that. In the countries and cities I've visited, you can find a barbershop approximately every 1500 meters. As I pass by, I take note of the atmosphere, and if it feels right, I walk in and inquire about making an appointment. More often than not, they can accommodate me and may even offer to cut my hair immediately. However, I prefer to give them time to understand my hair by politely declining and saying, "No, I don't have time today, I will make an appointment." I then show them a photo of how I want my hair to look, and while their attention is on my screen, I navigate to Instagram and ask if they're familiar with Step the Barber. I show them a video clip of him cutting a woman's hair. It's all part of my strategy. If they can replicate those steps once I'm gone, then my idea is that by the time I return for my appointment, my haircut will be nothing short of great, and at worst, satisfactory.
There have been a few instances when I was turned away from a barbershop, twice in downtown Portimão, Portugal, and once in Heraklion, Greece. Their response was quite straightforward, "We don't cut women's hair here, go to a salon" or a simple "No," as they shooed me away.
Now, let's move on from the topic of haircuts.
Next question, please.
Do I work and does my company pay for my travels?
Despite common misconceptions, I maintain a typical work week, dedicating 8 to 9 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Rarely do I request time off or log off early. On the occasions I do, it's usually towards the end of the week, allowing me to embark on a limited-offer tour, share a meal with newfound acquaintances, or simply have a day dedicated to travel. Although I now tend to travel on Sundays. As for who is footing the bill, I solely fund my adventures.
Let's finally address the question of loneliness.
To be honest, I don't experience it much. Initially, when I first began my travels, I did yearn for someone to bounce ideas off of, whether it be regarding destinations, transportation, or simply having a companion to share experiences with. However, I believe this desire stemmed from fear and a lack of confidence in my ability to navigate solo. Additionally, the persistent inquiries about whether having a travel partner would enhance my experiences also influenced my mindset. When presented with the opportunity to have someone join me on my journey, I declined. I genuinely appreciate and enjoy the freedom of traveling alone.
Please understand, I'm not suggesting that I never desire companionship. I'm simply stating that being alone does not leave me feeling lonely. I trust that when the right person comes into my life, I will be prepared and able to recognize their significance. Until then, I continue to relish in the joys of solo exploration.
Well, that's all for now, folks. I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
Do you have any follow-up questions or comments?
Feel free to let me know.
Thank you, friend. Love you very much. I am definitely staying close to God.
I love your blog! You are a beautiful, brave being and I pray God keeps you protected throughout your adventures.