Hi future nomads!
I’m writing to you from the high-altitude city of Cusco, Peru!
It’s very beautiful here and the streets are full of life because of the upcoming Inti Raymi festival coming up on Friday. Last night, I watched fireworks from the square near my hostel.
I have a little bit of altitude sickness, so I’m sitting in my bed and ruefully watching the festivities out of my window.
Sometimes I love being a nomad because I have 5 friends from all over the world joining me in Cusco for my birthday this week.
Some of them happen to be here at the same time, and others are going out of their way to join me.
I initially feared I would spend my birthday alone, but now it looks like I’ll have a whole nomad crew to spend the day with.
That’s the beauty of things when most of your friends are travelers!
(P.S. Next week’s addition will come to you on Tuesday, since I’ll be busy with my birthday, friends, and visiting Machu Picchu!)
Mistakes I made planning this trip… (And how to avoid them)
I made a mistake in planning my current trip. And I’m here to tell you all about it.
Sometimes I plan too much.
As an online Zoom teacher, I was always terrified my WIFI wouldn’t be good enough for my classes.
As a result, I planned things too strictly to ensure my WIFI would be perfect.
Now I’m in a bit of a pickle.
I quit my job, and now have three totally free weeks in Cusco. Anyone who’s been here can tell you, that’s probably way too much time (for someone who can’t hike).
My family in Lima is begging me to spend more time with them there. I’m dating a Peruvian guy from Lima. I don’t want to sit in this expensive city bored.
I emailed Selina’s CoLive program about changing up my dates, and they got back to me with an action plan in 5 minutes (I know I talk about them a lot, but I’m truly impressed with their customer service overall since I’ve been in the CoLive program for the last 3 months). So, accommodation all set, no change in price.
The big problem is my flight.
I purchased a flight that doesn’t allow me to change dates. Now I’m spending hours talking to customer service trying to let them change my flight.
Here’s what’s probably going to happen: I’m not going to be able to change the flight, and I’m going to just have to buy a new fare.
End of the world? No, definitely not.
But definitely a bummer. And if I was on a tighter budget, I probably would be stuck in Cusco.
And this isn’t the first time it’s happened! I wanted to stay in Rio longer, but my flights and preplanning didn’t allow me to.
Most nomads suggest having flexibility, but what does that even mean?
This means not planning your entire trip in advance. If you’re a big planner, by all means plan ahead - but be willing to switch it up.
Someone will invite you to a cool town a few hours away. You’ll want to follow someone you’re dating to a different city than you planned. Or maybe you’ll end up somewhere you hate and desperately want to leave.
Buy plane fares that allow for changes and book accommodation that allows for some flexibility. Or, be willing to pay up the wazoo for changes.
Plan as you go, and enjoy the ride!
Location Highlight: Canggu, Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩 🏖
Canggu is one of the number one nomad destinations in the world, and certainly the #1 in Asia. Nomads flock here for its affordable prices, beautiful landscape, and nomad community.
Surrounded by beaches and rice patties, you can do Canggu on nearly any budget.
Be sure to try sate (skewered and grilled meats), babi guling (roast pigs and veggies over rice), and tahu (Balinese style tofu). Reviews on NomadList refer to Canggu as a “foodie’s paradise,” so even if Balinese isn’t your style, you’ll have plenty to try.
Where to Stay: Echo or Canggu Beach
When: Year Round (but expect it to be HOT)
Cost/Month: $1521 USD
Average Internet: 25 MBPS
Nomads: 9,400 there now
Source: Statistics from NomadList - an amazing resource for nomads!
Nomads: have a location you’ve nomaded in and would like to highlight here? DM me on Twitter (@alexaleighrome) with your location idea to be featured in the newsletter!
Nomad Question of the Week
How long are you in each location? (@brodydoes)
Short Answer: 3 weeks, MINIMUM (while working) - but you should probably stay way longer
I have a rule now, that I stay in each location a minimum of three weeks while working. And honestly, this is a shorter time than I think is ideal.
Especially if you are working 5 days a week, a month or more is probably ideal for each location.
On my first true nomad trip, I stayed in one location for 2 months and then moved around every 5-7 days. I was barely working, and it was still hell and a recipe for burnout.
So this trip, I decided I would try 3 weeks minimum in each location. I worked 3-4 days a week, and this ended up being a great amount of time overall. If I were working anymore, it would need to be a bit more.
Estimate how much free time you’ll have (and remember that you will need downtime too in order to not burn out).
From now on, I’m planning on staying places much longer. 1-2 months minimum for me after this trip while I’m working.
Try out different lengths of stays and see what works for you!
Be sure to DM me on Twitter (@alexaleighrome), reply to this email, or comment on Substack your questions about digital nomadism! I will answer all of them, but some of the most interesting ones will end up here!
Nomad News
Jessica Nabongo is the first black woman to see every country in the world (and her experience) - CNN (This is so cool, definitely picking up her book soon!)
Airports around the world are experiencing HUGE delays, here’s what Europe looks like - Washington Post (Seems like we all will have to deal with huge delays this summer!)
Best shampoo bars for every hair type - Conde Nast Traveler (I SWEAR by shampoo bars for travelers, find one here!)
“Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” — Stephen Covey
Thank you all so much for reading to the end of the newsletter!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition and found it helpful!
I’d love to hear what you think of the issue and any questions that you may have! Feel free to comment on Substack, reply directly back, or to DM me on Twitter (@alexaleighrome).
Have a great week, nomads!
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