alivewithad

A newsletter where you learn how to become a digital nomad from people who have been doing it for years.

Read Time: 8 Minutes

Hey, Shagufta here! Welcome to the 6th edition of alivewithad, a newsletter where I interview top Digital Nomads to share their insights and help you learn from their experiences.

Now, let me introduce the 6th guest of my newsletter!

Lights, Camera, and Action 🥁 👟🧗🏻‍♀️

Nomad of the Week is Nadine Maas🦘

Let’s hear her story told in her own words!!

Hi, I’m Nadine from the Netherlands.

I’m a Digital Nomad living my dream of combining work and travel while exploring the world. After spending 10 years living abroad and struggling to settle back into a ‘normal’ life in the Netherlands, I decided to take the leap into location independence. Since March 2023, I’ve been traveling full-time, working remotely from over 20 countries, and helping others create their own path to freedom as a Digital Nomad.

Did someone refer this newsletter to you?

The Nomad Story

1. How did you start your digital nomad journey?

After returning to the Netherlands, I spent four years brainstorming and thinking of ways to create a location-independent life. At some point, I realized that I could offer the skills I am good at and I like to do as a freelancer and start my own business as a Virtual Assistant.

This was my ticket out of corporate! I finally took the leap. I gave up my house, quit my corporate job, and set off.

It wasn’t easy, but it’s been the best decision of my life!

2. How do you balance work, travel, and personal time?

It’s all about creating structure, even when life feels unpredictable. I plan my work schedule carefully around travel days and ensure I have stable Wi-Fi. I work from Monday to Thursday, and the other days, I travel and explore.

3. What’s your most memorable travel story?

Oof, that’s really too difficult to answer because I’ve traveled so much and had so many adventures. But if I had to name two things that truly left a lasting impression on me, it would be doing Ayahuasca in Colombia and working from the Galapagos Islands.

4. What’s your biggest challenge as a digital nomad?

The biggest challenge is managing the unpredictability. From dealing with bad internet connections to navigating cultural differences, things don’t always go as planned. Solo travel can also be lonely at times, but it’s taught me to push my limits, think about solutions, and grow in ways I never imagined. The rewards always outweigh the challenges.

Through the Lens of a Nomad

5. What’s the cheapest country you’ve visited?

Thailand

6. What’s one item you can’t travel without?

Extension cord

7. What’s the quickest way to meet people in a new city?

Via WhatsApp groups and FB groups.

8. What’s the best travel hack you’ve discovered?

The best travel hack I’ve discovered is creating your own fake flight ticket as proof of onward travel. This trick helps you avoid booking a real ticket in advance, so you can stay flexible with your travel plans. It’s saved me so much time, money, and stress while navigating visa requirements around the world!

9. How do you find good Wi-Fi while traveling?

Doing really good research beforehand and reading the reviews about the Wi-Fi at a hotel/Airbnb.

Know Your Nomad (Rapid Fire)

10. Favorite city?

Rio de Janeiro

11. Top bucket list destination?

Antarctica

12. Best travel season?

All year round ;)

13. Essential travel gadget?

VPN

14. Favourite way to travel (plane, train, etc.)?

Over land by bus..this way you see much more!

15. One word to describe nomad life?

Adventurous

Favorite Digital Nomad Resource/s

16. Please share your go-to app, website, or a resource that helps you stay connected, manage finances, find accommodation, etc.

• Every country usually has FB groups and WhatsApp groups for Digital Nomads. Get connected here!

• Booking.com and Airbnb are my go-to for booking accommodation.

• I use the app Toggle Track to keep track of my working hours.

Let’s Wrap Up

17. If you could give one piece of advice to new nomads, what would it be?

Don't work 40 hours per week and travel. That can really be too much. Try to work fewer hours, that will give you more time to explore and travel and a better work/life balance.

Nadine has something for you! Here you go:

🚀 Ready to start working remote & become location independent? 🌍

Join my FREE masterclass on Thursday, January 16th, and learn how to kickstart your remote work journey! 🎉

🕒 Time:

• 1 PM – 2 PM ET (Eastern Time)

• 7 PM – 8 PM Dutch Time (CEST)

In this 1-hour session, I’ll dive into:

✨ Jobs you can do as a Digital Nomad

✨ Must-have skills to succeed remotely

✨ How to transform your unique talents into a thriving remote career

✨ The best places to find remote opportunities

💬 Bonus: live Q&A at the end—ask me anything about the Digital Nomad lifestyle!

Can’t join live?

No problem! 🙌 You’ll receive a replay straight to your inbox.

Sign up via the link below:

https://www.digitalnomadnadine.com/free-masterclass/

Thank you for checking our 6th edition, I appreciate your support. ❤

I will keep publishing such interesting interviews every Sunday at 11:00 AM sharp. To not miss any edition, subscribe to the newsletter here. 👐

I will see you next Sunday, till then keep traveling and conquering!

Your well-wisher,

Shagufta