Every day, something new gets digitalized, and every time that happens, we have to adapt. 

So, it’s no surprise that some people are better at it than others, but what about when we don’t have a choice?

This is exactly what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was forced to work from home and adept. 

Different people adapted to the change differently, but one thing is for sure: the pandemic resulted in many more people appreciating the level of technology we have reached. 

Or, to put it simply, there was a rise of digital nomadism as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Digital Nomadism Evolved

Digital nomadism is not a new thing in the tech world. The term was created in the 1990s and simply means someone who travels frequently and likes to work from home. 

Originally, these remote workers didn’t have very much flexibility. Just think back to the old chunky laptops. It would be impossible to lug them around, let alone work with them easily. 

But then, something changed.

Apple introduced the MacBook in 2006 and the first iPhone in 2007. The most important feature of the first iPhone was its support for Wi-Fi and 2G internet access.

After this, employers realized the power of allowing their employees to work from wherever they are. Then apart from smaller, lighter and better laptops, software that supported remote work started evolving. 

Today, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all office jobs can be done 100% remotely. 

Technology as an Enabler

It’s true. Technology is the only reason this extreme shift was possible, for better or for worse. But how exactly does technology have such a big impact? Let’s take a look!

Advances in Communication Tools

When the pandemic hit, communication was one of the main problems. It’s not like there were no tools that allowed people to participate in a meeting from anywhere. After all, teleconferences were already a thing. But they weren’t cost-effective. 

That’s where collaboration software and project management tools came in. These tools allowed managers to organize work and provide a platform for all employees to communicate. Things li

Cloud Computing and Data Accessibility

Since COVID-19 required as little contact between people as possible, paper documentation simply didn’t make sense. Plus, since people already were shifting towards digitalization, the answer was right there. 

By using third-party cloud storage providers, companies could easily provide all their employees with access to any data. This was so successful that many companies continued using these systems even after the pandemic. 

Benefits of Digital Nomadism

Sure, this kind of shift was better for employers, but what about employees? Is remote work worth it for them?

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

Apart from the reduced social interactions with those you work with, this approach makes perfect sense. Digital nomads can choose their own hours, which leaves plenty of time for travel and exploration. 

Cost of Living and Economic Advantage

For classic work environments, transportation is a major factor that decides where someone lives. But with remote work, since there are no transportation costs, there are no restrictions. 

Workers can live in lower-cost regions and not pay big transport fees. On the other hand, companies have reduced electric bills and don’t have to provide as many adequate conditions, which is cheaper for them. 

Digital Nomadism Impact on Travel Trends

Since one of the main things that digital nomads do is travel, it makes sense that they significantly impact travel trends. 

Main Destinations and Nomad Hubs

Digital nomads often live in cities like Bali, Chiang Mai, and Medellín because they are cheap to live in, have active groups, and have beautiful scenery.

These places offer modern conveniences and unique experiences that draw online workers who want to be productive and have fun. In Europe, places such as Lisbon and Tbilisi have also gained popularity.

Influence on Local Economies

With so many digital nomads coming in, there is also a big effect on the local economy of the host cities. These nomads tend to have above-average incomes, and they are highly likely to spend more on local services, dining, and entertainment than traditional tourists.

They contribute to local businesses and inspire local entrepreneurs to adapt and find creative ways to meet these new needs.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated the rise of digital nomadism, showing how important technology is for allowing people to work from anywhere. 

As people got used to working from home, new nomad hubs sprung up, which changed the way people travelled and helped local businesses. 

Digital nomads now live and work well in places like Bali, Chiang Mai, and Lisbon because they can work from anywhere. 

This trend has not only changed people’s lives, but it has also boosted local businesses and services.