Traveling can profoundly affect one’s soul by broadening one’s perspective and understanding of the world. It can also help break down cultural barriers and prejudices and foster empathy and compassion for others. However, recent travel restrictions have made it challenging to go out and explore the world. So, for now, one good way to plan your next trip or adventure is to watch these inspiring movies about nomads.

It can be a source of personal growth and self-discovery because it allows people to step outside their comfort zones and gain new experiences and insights. Traveling can also be a source of inspiration and renewal for the soul because it allows people to connect with new places, people, and cultures while recharging their spirits through exposure to new and different environments.

9 Movies About Nomads That Will Inspire You To Explore The World

If you’re still figuring out where to go, check out these movies about nomads to help you decide. These nomad movies and documentaries inspire viewers to travel the world by showcasing the beauty and diversity of different cultures, landscapes, ways of life, and even the minimalist lifestyle.

These movies about nomads highlight the personal growth and self-discovery that can come from embarking on a journey, like an epic road trip, solo hike, exploring the Alaskan wilderness, or crossing the Indian Ocean.

Learning about the nomadic life of actual and real life nomads could provide a powerful motivation to help you go after a location independent lifestyle and craft your own real life story filled with your own adventures as you step outside your comfort zone. Additionally, these famous nomad movies can provide a glimpse into the freedom and adventure experienced while traveling and experiencing the digital nomad lifestyle.

Nomadland

One of the best movies about nomads is “Nomadland,” which is a 2020 American drama film directed by Chloe Zhao and written by Zhao and Jessica Bruder. The film stars Frances McDormand as a woman named Fern who, following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, becomes a modern-day nomad, living the van life throughout the American West and camping in Bureau of Land Management sites.

The movie received critical acclaim and has been praised for its stunning cinematography, performances, and portrayal of the nomad lifestyle. The film was nominated for multiple awards, including six Oscars, and won several of them, including best picture and best director, at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Critics have praised the film for its realistic and compassionate portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle and its sensitive and nuanced exploration of themes such as community, loss, and resilience.

The film has been described as a “beautiful and deeply felt tribute” to the nomadic community and has been commended for its ability to convey the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with living on the road, as well as its honest and unflinching depiction of the challenges and hardships that the nomads face.

Expedition Happiness

Another headliner in the list of best movies about nomads is “Expedition Happiness,” which is a 2017 German documentary film directed by Felix Starck and Selima Taibi. The film follows the journey of a young couple, Felix and Selima, as they renovate a school bus and travel across North America with their dog.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics; some praised the film for its stunning visuals and portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle, while others criticized it for its lack of depth and focus on privileged travelers.

Critics have commended the film for its beautiful and evocative cinematography, which captures North America’s stunning landscapes and natural beauty. They also praised the film for portraying the couple’s relationship and their experience living on a bus.

However, some reviewers have criticized the film for its lack of depth and focus on privileged travelers and for not fully exploring the challenges and difficulties of living on the road, neglecting the issues faced when embarking on a digital nomad lifestyle.

Overall, the movie is visually stunning, capturing the beauty of the nomadic lifestyle and the adventure of traveling with a loved one. Still, it may need a deeper exploration of the challenges and difficulties of living on the road.

Wild

Among the movies about nomads released in the past years, “Wild” is arguably one of the most widely acclaimed. It is a 2014 American true story drama directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and written by Nick Hornby. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as Cheryl Strayed, a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone as a way to cope with the recent loss of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage.

Critics have praised the film for its powerful and emotional performances, particularly Witherspoon’s portrayal of Strayed, which has been described as “brave and raw.” They also praised the film for its realistic and honest portrayal of Strayed’s challenges and emotional turmoil on her journey.

The film has also been lauded for its cinematography, which captures the breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Crest Trail, and for its ability to convey the sense of independence and self-discovery that accompanies a solo journey.

Overall, the movie is a well-crafted and emotionally powerful film that tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a solitary journey.

Tracks

“Tracks” is a 2013 Australian biographical drama film directed by John Curran and written by Marion Nelson. The film stars Mia Wasikowska as Robyn Davidson, a young woman who embarks on a solo journey across the Australian desert with her dog and four camels.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its performances, particularly Wasikowska’s portrayal of Davidson and the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Australian desert.

Like most movies about nomads, it featured spectacular landscapes. It particularly focused on the Australian desert, which was captured in the film’s beautiful and evocative photography.

The film has been hailed for its ability to depict the sense of adventure and self-discovery that comes with setting out on a journey alone. They also gave the performances high marks, singling out Wasikowska for her “compelling” and “nuanced” turn as Davidson.

The film has also been commended for its realistic and honest portrayal of the physical and emotional challenges that Davidson faces on her journey and its exploration of themes such as identity and self-discovery.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Another standout in this list of movies about nomads is “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” It is a 2013 American fantasy-comedy-drama film directed by Ben Stiller and written by Steve Conrad.

The film stars Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty, a timid and daydreaming photo editor at Life magazine who embarks on a journey to find a missing negative for a photograph that will be the last ever printed in the magazine.

Critics have praised the film for its visually stunning shots and performances, particularly Ben Stiller’s portrayal of Walter Mitty, which has been described as “charming” and “endearing.”

They also found the film’s depiction of the beauty of the world and the process of coming into one’s own to be uplifting and moving.

However, some reviewers and fans of digital nomad movies criticized the film for its slow pacing and for not fully exploring its themes, such as the transition from print to digital media, the loss of jobs and the sense of identity that come with it.

All in all, the movie is a visually stunning film that tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a journey to find a missing negative and the beauty of the world. It’s one of the most inspiring movies for any aspiring digital nomad. But it may need to explore the themes of a nomadic journey it presents fully.

The Way

“The Way” is a 2010 American drama film directed by Emilio Estevez and written by Estevez and Jack Hodge. The film stars Martin Sheen as Tom, an American ophthalmologist who travels to France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Estevez), who died while hiking the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage trail in Spain.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its performances, particularly Martin Sheen’s portrayal of Tom and its portrayal of the personal journey of the main character.

Critics have praised the film for its performances, particularly Martin Sheen’s portrayal of Tom, which has been described as “poignant” and “moving.” They also praised the film for its realistic and honest portrayal of the emotional journey that Tom goes through as he grapples with the loss of his son and the meaning of life.

The film has also received praise for its superb cinematography, which portrays the stunning scenery of the Camino de Santiago, as well as its ability to express the spiritual and personal revelation that comes with embarking on a pilgrimage.

Overall, it is one of the movies about nomads that’s well-crafted and emotionally powerful. It effectively tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a pilgrimage journey and the loss of a loved one.

Eat, Pray, Love

No list of movies about nomads is complete with “Eat, Pray, Love.” This is a 2010 American true story romantic drama film directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt, and Elizabeth Gilbert. The film stars Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman who embarks on a year-long journey of self-discovery across Italy, India and Indonesia.

Critics have praised the film for its performances, particularly Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Elizabeth Gilbert, which has been described as “engaging” and “sincere.” They also praised the film for its ability to convey the personal growth and self-discovery that comes with embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

However, some reviewers criticized the film for its lack of depth and focus on privileged characters and for not fully exploring the challenges and difficulties that come with personal growth and self-discovery. The movie has also been criticized for its representation of the culture and spirituality of the places the main character visited.

Overall, the movie is a well-crafted and engaging film that tells a story of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of a journey across three different countries. But it may need a deeper exploration of the themes it presents and the representation of culture and spirituality of the places visited.

A Map for Saturday

“A Map for Saturday” is a 2007 American documentary directed by Brook Silva-Braga. The film follows Silva-Braga as he embarks on a solo journey around the world, backpacking and staying in hostels, to explore the world of long-term solo travel and the people he meets along the way.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle and the director’s personal journey.

Critics have praised the film for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the nomadic lifestyle and for its ability to convey the freedom and adventure that comes with living on the road. They also praised the film for its portrayal of the director’s personal journey, which has been described as “inspiring” and “eye-opening.”

The film has also been commended for its ability to capture the diversity of experiences and perspectives of travelers from around the world and for its exploration of themes such as identity and self-discovery.

Seven Years in Tibet

“Seven Years in Tibet” is a 1997 American biographical war drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and written by Annaud and Becky Johnston, based on the 1952

book of the same name by Heinrich Harrer. The film stars Brad Pitt as Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian mountain climber imprisoned in India during World War II, who escapes and travels to Tibet, where he befriends and becomes a tutor to the young Dalai Lama.

The movie generally received positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its performances, particularly Brad Pitt’s portrayal of Heinrich Harrer, and for its portrayal of the culture and spirituality of Tibet.

The film has also been commended for its cinematography, which captures the stunning landscapes and culture of Tibet and for its honest and unflinching portrayal of the story’s historical context, including the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

Overall, the movie is a well-crafted and evocative film that tells a story of friendship and personal growth through the lens of a journey to Tibet and the people and culture encountered along the way.

Conclusion

Travel-related or digital nomad movies can be a great way to explore the world without leaving your home, and they can inspire, educate and entertain you. They offer a glimpse into the freedom and adventure experienced on the road.

Many movies about traveling feature characters on a journey of self-discovery; these stories can be relatable and inspire personal growth in the viewers.

More importantly, movies about traveling can inspire anyone to travel and pursue the digital nomad experience. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of different cultures, landscapes, and ways of life, movies about traveling can spark a sense of curiosity and adventure in viewers.

They can also highlight the personal growth and self-discovery that can come from embarking on a journey and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Additionally, digital nomad movies or films about traveling can provide a glimpse into the freedom and adventure that can be experienced while traveling, inspiring people to plan their trips.

However, it’s important to note that digital nomad movies are a form of storytelling, and the representation of a place or culture may not be entirely accurate or reflective of reality. Nonetheless, this list of remarkably inspiring and most famous nomad movies can still push people to explore the world and have their own experiences and perspectives as digital nomads.

A video conferencing light plays a crucial role in Zoom meetings and other video calls as it greatly impacts the visual quality of the video and can affect the overall experience of the conversation.

Good lighting can enhance the appearance of the person on camera and make the video appear more professional and polished. On the other hand, poor lighting can create shadows, uneven lighting, and glare, which can make the video appear dark, unprofessional and hard to see.

What is video conference lighting?

Video conference lighting is a type of lighting setup that is designed to enhance the visual appearance and create a flattering angle for a participant during a video conference call, such as Zoom calls.

It is typically placed on or near the webcam or camera and provides additional light to the face when natural light is insufficient, making the user appear more visible and vibrant on the video call.

Video conferencing lights can be used in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and other professional environments, to improve the overall quality of video calls and make them more effective for communication. Some of the best lighting setup options are LED lights because they provide bright and even light, and they don’t get hot.

Pros and cons of using a video conferencing light

Pros of using a video conferencing light:

• Improved visibility and video quality: Proper lighting can help to reduce eye strain and make the video more comfortable to look at for long periods of time. Additionally, it can help to bring out the person’s facial expressions and get rid of harsh lines caused by poor face lighting, making it easier to read emotions and nonverbal cues which is important for effective communication.
• Greater flexibility: Video lighting can be used in a variety of settings, such as at home, in a conference room, or on the go.
• Increased productivity: With improved visibility and video quality thanks to an additional light source, users are better able to communicate effectively with their colleagues and clients.

Cons of using a video conferencing light:

• Additional cost: A video conference lighting setup can be an additional expense, especially if you need to purchase a separate device or accessory.
• Additional setup: Depending on the type of video conferencing light or studio lighting kit you choose, there will be additional setup required before video or Zoom calls.
• Potential for distraction: Some users may find that the light is too bright or distracting, which could impact their ability to focus on the call. This is why they prefer natural lighting as much as possible or an overhead lighting setup instead.
• Power source: Some lights require to be plugged in, pretty much like a desk lamp or a light stand, which can be an inconvenience for those who want to take the light with them when they travel.
• Intrusive: Some people may consider it intrusive to have a bright light shining on their face during video calls or Zoom meetings, especially if they’re not used to it.

Overall, using a video conferencing light can have many benefits in terms of visibility and video quality, but it also has some downsides to consider, such as cost and setup. Ultimately, whether a video conferencing light is right for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Best video conferencing lights for digital nomads

When choosing a video conferencing light, there are several factors to consider:

• Lighting type

  Different types of lighting, such as LED, fluorescent, or incandescent, can provide different levels of brightness and color temperature. Most users want their equipment to make them seem like they have natural lighting instead of artificial-looking “Zoom lighting.”

• Brightness and color temperature

  The brightness and color temperature of the light will affect how well the user is seen on the call, and also how it affects the overall ambiance of the room. More importantly, it’s crucial to choose a video lighting that offers you a flattering light.

• Size and shape

  Video conferencing lights come in different sizes and shapes, from handy ring lights to the more complicated three point lighting setup, and choosing the right one will depend on the space and equipment available.

• Portability

  Some video conferencing lights are portable and can be easily moved from one location to another, while others, like those including panel lights, are designed to be mounted in a specific location.

• Adjustability

  Some video conferencing lights can be adjusted in terms of brightness and color temperature, which can be useful in different lighting conditions.

• Battery-powered or plug-in

  Some lights require to be plugged in, which can be an inconvenience for those who want to take the light with them when they travel.

• Compatibility

  Some lights are designed to be used with specific devices or camera setups, so make sure that the light you choose is compatible with your equipment.

• Price

  Video conferencing lights can vary widely in price, so consider your budget when making your choice.

By considering these factors, you can choose a video conferencing light that best suits your needs and preferences.

Best overall video conferencing light: Lume Cube 18-inch Wireless Light

The Lume Cube 18-inch Wireless Light is a portable, wireless LED light that could be a good option for video conferencing.

Pros of Lume Cube 18-inch Wireless Light

• Wireless: The light can be controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth, which allows you to adjust the brightness and color temperature without having to physically touch the light.
• Brightness and color temperature: The light has a color temperature range of 3200K-6500K, and it’s fully adjustable to match the room light. It also has a brightness of up to 1500 LUX, which is enough for video conferencing.
• Portable: The light is lightweight and small enough to be easily transported, making it a good option for those who need to take their video conferencing light with them on the go.
• Battery-powered: The light has a built-in rechargeable battery which allows you to use it wirelessly and it also has a battery life of up to 90 minutes at full power.
• Compatibility: The light is compatible with Lume Cube App, which allows you to control the brightness and color temperature with your smartphone.

Cons of Lume Cube 18-inch Wireless Light:

• Price: The $199.99 price tag of this light may be considered expensive compared to other options on the market.

Best USB light for video conferencing: Logitech Litra Glow Premium LED Streaming Light

The Logitech Litra Glow is a high-end premium LED streaming light that is specifically designed for video conferencing, streaming, and content creation. It is a small, portable and versatile light that can be mounted on any camera, laptop screen, and tripod.

Pros of Logitech Litra Glow Premium LED Streaming Light

• Bright and daylight-balanced light: With a color temperature of 6000K, the Logitech Litra Glow provides a bright, daylight-balanced light that helps to reduce shadows and illuminate the face, making it ideal for video conferencing and streaming.
• Portable and versatile: The Logitech Litra Glow is small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. It can be mounted on most cameras, laptops and tripods, providing a lot of flexibility in terms of positioning.
• Dimmable: The Logitech Litra Glow is dimmable from 100% to 1%, so you can adjust it to the best lighting intensity to suit your needs.
• Built-in rechargeable battery: The Logitech Litra Glow has a built-in battery that provides up to 3 hours of continuous lighting, which is convenient for users who are frequently on the go.

Cons of Logitech Litra Glow Premium LED Streaming Light

• Price: The Logitech Litra Glow is a premium product and its price of $59.99 is relatively high compared to other Zoom lighting or video call light source options.
• Battery life: The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 3 hours of continuous lighting which is not very long, so if you plan to use the light for a longer time, you may need to bring a power bank to recharge it
• Size: The Logitech Litra Glow is quite small, so it may not be able to brighten dark videos or provide enough light for larger spaces or for use in darker conditions.

Best clip-on light for video conferencing: Auxiwa Clip-on Selfie Ring Light

Auxiwa Clip-on Selfie Ring Light is a popular video conferencing light due to its portability, adjustability, and ease of use.

Pros of Auxiwa Clip-on Selfie Ring Light:

• Clip-on design: The light attaches easily to the top of a laptop or computer monitor, making it easy to use during video calls.
• Adjustable brightness and color temperature: The light has 36 LED bulbs that can be adjusted to three different brightness levels and three different color temperatures, which allows you to customize the lighting to suit your needs.
• Portable: Ring lights are generally lightweight and small enough to be easily transported, making them good options for those who need to take their video conferencing light with them on the go.
• Affordable price: The light is relatively inexpensive at $15.99 compared to other options on the market.

Cons of Auxiwa Clip-on Selfie Ring Light:

• Battery-powered: The light requires 2 AAA batteries to operate which can be an inconvenience for those who want to use it for long periods of time.
• Quality of light: Some users have reported that the light is not as bright as they would like, and that the color temperature can be inconsistent.

Best video conferencing light if money was no object: Rotolight Video Conferencing Kit

The Rotolight Video Conferencing Kit is a popular video conferencing light kit that includes a camera-mountable light, a ring light, and a tabletop light, making it suitable for different video conferencing needs.

Pros of Rotolight Video Conferencing Kit

• Brightness and color temperature: The lights have a color temperature range of 3200K-6500K, and it’s fully adjustable to match the room light. They also have a brightness of up to 1400 LUX, which is enough for video conferencing.
• Adjustable: The lights can be adjusted to suit different lighting conditions, whether you’re in a conference room or working from home.
• Portable: The lights are lightweight and small enough to be easily transported, making them a good option for those who need to take their video conferencing light with them on the go.
• Battery-powered: The lights have a built-in rechargeable battery which allows you to use them wirelessly and they also have a battery life of up to 90 minutes at full power.
• Compatibility: The lights are compatible with Rotolight App, which allows you to control the brightness and color temperature with your smartphone.

Cons of Rotolight Video Conferencing Kit:

• Price: The Rotolight Video Conferencing Kit is a good option for those looking for a versatile video conferencing light kit that can be used in a variety of settings, but it may be considered expensive at $300 compared to other options on the market.

Best video conferencing light for those on a budget: Razer Kiyo Ring Light

The Razer Kiyo Ring Light has received positive reviews as a video conferencing light. Many users have found that the ring light helps to improve the lighting in their video calls and makes them look more professional.

Pros of Razer Kiyo Ring Light

• Bright and even light: The Razer Kiyo ring light provides a bright, even light that helps to reduce shadows and illuminate the face, making it ideal for video conferencing and streaming.
• Adjustable color temperature: The Razer Kiyo ring light has an adjustable color temperature that ranges from 2700K to 6500K, allowing you to choose the right color temperature to suit your needs.
• Built-in camera: The Razer Kiyo ring light has a built-in camera with a resolution of 720p, which is convenient for users who want to use the light and camera together.
• Adjustable brightness settings: The Razer Kiyo ring light is dimmable, allowing you to adjust the brightness to suit your needs.

Cons of Razer Kiyo Ring Light

• Camera quality: The built-in camera has a resolution of 720p, which is not very high quality and may not be suitable for professional use.
• Size: The Razer Kiyo ring light is quite small, so it may not provide enough light for larger spaces or for use in darker conditions and may be unable to eliminate harsh shadows in a Zoom video or other video conference call.
• Compatibility: The Razer Kiyo ring light is designed to be used with specific Razer devices, it may not be compatible with other devices.

Good lighting is key to good communication

Good lighting is important for good communication in Zoom calls or any other video conference because it helps to ensure that the person on the other end of the call can see you clearly. When the lighting is poor, it can create unwanted shadows and make it difficult for the other person to see your face or read your facial expressions.

This can make it harder for them to understand what you’re saying, or to gauge your emotional state. Good lighting can help to eliminate these problems and make it easier for the other person to see and understand you.

Additionally, good lighting can make you appear more professional and put-together, which can help to establish trust and credibility. Poor lighting can give the impression that you’re not taking the call seriously, or that you’re not prepared.

Furthermore, good lighting can also help to reduce eye strain and fatigue, making it more comfortable for you and the other person to participate in the call.

In summary, good lighting can help to improve the visual aspect of video conferencing, making it easier for the other person to see and understand you and making you look more professional and trustworthy. It also helps to make the call more comfortable for all parties involved.

While there is no one “best” lighting for video conferences and Zoom calls, the ideal choice will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user, some factors to consider when choosing a video conferencing light include the type of lighting (such as LED bulbs or fluorescent), the color temperature and brightness of the light, the size and shape of the light, and whether it is portable or mounted.

Ultimately, the best video conferencing light will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user, as well as the space and equipment available to them.

How to Generate Passive Income

Learning how to generate passive income online can help free you from the traditional daily grind of 9 to 5 work and lead you towards financial independence sooner. Passive income is a broad topic that encompasses everything from selling a few eBooks to managing real estate.

The Internet makes passive income even more accessible to those looking to break free of regular paychecks and aiming to learn how to make your money work for you. With 90 percent of adults online regularly, it’s no wonder that people are eager to find an online passive income stream.

Setting up and maintaining avenues of passive income can seem daunting, but there are a lot of options out there to fit any lifestyle or background.

Managing your personal finance needs shouldn’t be too complex. You don’t even need too much capital or take out a personal loan to start investing, making money, and building wealth. Your upfront investment can come from your residual income (or discretionary income) or a bit of cash from your savings account and grow your cash flow from there.

Here we’ll go over some of the most helpful types of passive income ideas for those looking for reliable sources of income that aren’t tied to a 9 to 5 timesheet. You can experiment with these options until you find the passive income path perfect for your personal finance journey.

What is passive income?

A great way to get started with earning passive income and boosting your cash is to define just exactly what it is.

Passive income technically refers to income streams or money made from real estate investing, such as rental properties, or a business that you are not directly involved in.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll broaden the definition just a bit to include passive income ideas where you can make money without being directly involved on a daily basis. It’s a way to expand your bank account with little or no effort (well, almost!).

This means side gigs / side hustles and online businesses where you’re getting paid without having to clock in every morning after a grueling commute. It’s basically making money work for you.

Of course, like any plan toward reaching your financial goals, you still need to be involved to some extent. All passive income ideas demand a time investment and monetary investment. People tend to over-glorify passive income to make it sound like it’s “free money” with zero sweat equity, describing it as a path toward financial independence where you simply sit back and collect checks from the beach.

But the truth is no business or venture is completely hands-off. There’s always some level of management.

Just how “passive” is passive income?

Let’s say you have a property management company running your house, but that doesn’t mean you can throw your phone away and disappear into a jungle without ever checking back in.

You would still need to be actively involved in managerial jobs like:

• Managing repairs and remodels
• Managing employees and contractors
• Keeping up with legal requirements

An online passive income stream can come from two different sources. You may be earning money online in an online business or simply working in the online industry.

We’ll go over both options here. Some ways of making money work for you online are side gigs, while others are fully-fledged online businesses.

What are the most common ways to make passive income online?

The world is your oyster here, and you can establish a passive income stream on just about any corner of the Internet. You can build wealth and set up income streams from online ventures.

Or you can earn money and start taking monthly payments from an online platform or business that you start and run yourself from the comfort of your own home office.

Don’t worry if it sounds daunting, there are scalable options for every skill set, risk tolerance, and budget.

Ways to earn passive income

Here are some of the most common passive income ventures and what you can do to earn passive income online. Whether you’re looking to augment your residual income or net income, come up with ways to secure a pension income in the future, or simply add to your savings account, there’s a way to make money work for you.

1. Sell informational products

2. Sell digital goods

3. Affiliate marketing

4. Build an affiliate marketing niche site

5. REITs

6. Day trading

7. Savings account

8. Amazon

9. Dropshipping

10. Ads on your targeted niche website

11. Rental income

Sell informational products

You’ve spent most of your life accruing unique knowledge and skills. Now it’s time to put that information to work for you! In terms of personal finance, this is a great way to make money work for you.

This can mean writing and publishing eBooks, creating online courses, or selling other informational materials. You can sell your online classes via sites like Coursera or Skillshare, or you can run them through your own website.

Teaching isn’t just for university professors. People from all industries and walks of life can make money online by helping others hone their craft. Your knowledge is your upfront investment. As long as you can deliver solid information in a professional manner, you can boost your cash flow and savings accounts by selling a course on just about any topic.

Tip: Some informational products, like eBooks and white papers, can double as marketing tools for your online business. You may even consider giving them away for free to qualified leads. This eliminates their use as passive income but turns them into high-quality marketing tools, instead.

Sell digital goods

You can sell more than just eBooks digitally. A digital product is anything that exists virtually, with no physical components that need to be assembled or shipped. Examples run the gambit from media like podcasts and eBooks to web software.

The advantage of digital goods is that once you’ve created the product, you can sell as many as you want without the need to invest money in additional requirements, unlike traditional products which require raw materials for each copy made.

You can always choose to sell your digital goods through your own personal website, or you can opt into an established sales platform like Etsy.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income online. It is especially great for those who already have an established online presence with traffic and an audience. By linking to products in your blog or on social media sites, you will get dividends from the sales those links attract.

This requires little or no effort on your part. You don’t even have to have a site with a ton of traffic to get started in affiliate marketing. There are several niche sites you can create to promote others’ products.

Amazon is known for its affiliate program and other sites like eBay and several online brands. You can also select products from an affiliate network like Commission Junction, ShareASale, and so on.

The rule for affiliate marketing overall is simple: be honest with your audience and sell a product you genuinely care about and is useful to your audience.

Build An Affiliate Marketing Niche Site

Your website can take in money from multiple avenues, not just traditional ads. If you’re curious to try your hand at affiliate marketing, you’ll be pleased to know it’s incredibly easy to sign up for most affiliate programs.

Typically, affiliate programs are free and you simply click to receive the special link for use on your site. The hard work comes into the picture when you have to actually design and maintain your site.

Going niche is ideal if you want to earn money and a steady income and set yourself apart from the tens of thousands of creators. Picking a niche topic will help you establish brand authority and give you more room to rank highly for keywords. What defines a niche site? Specificity.

Let’s say you’re crafty. Instead of trying to start up a website or blog about all things arts and crafts, focus instead on something more specific. For example, crafts that can be made from used clothing.

Then you can pump up your content with targeted keywords related to recycling clothing. You’ll also be in a prime spot to use affiliate links for crafting tools or sites that let people sell their finished creations. So, start investing in building a good name, and once you establish your reputation, you can watch the money work for you in the long run.

REITs (Real Estate Investments)

If you want to get into the real estate game but don’t have the money in savings accounts or the desire to start buying and managing properties, you can look into Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). These are companies that manage real estate ventures and you can buy into them much like how you might purchase dividend stocks.

To further simplify the process and lower the barrier to entry, you can try eREITs, or online funds, that are crowdfunded.

I invest in Fundrise, an online investment option that you can buy into for lower minimums (typically $500-$1,000). I have seen returns between 3-15% (and that 3% was during the height of COVID!). A much better investment than the bank and one of the most passive ways to invest and watch your money increase.

I am a fan of investing in the real estate market over stocks due to real estate always increasing on average by 3%, even with the upcycles and crashes.

Stocks have much more volatility and are not asset-backed so if you lose money, you lose money. Also, companies can go out of business or lose market share, whereas housing never loses its position as a necessity.

Day Trading

That being said, a lot of people are able to earn a great passive full-time or side income by trading stocks online. Sites like Forex.com allow you to try your hand at day trading.

Getting into the Forex market can be intimidating, but fortunately, there are demo accounts for beginners. It’s advisable that you start with one of these limited demo accounts to get the hang of properly closing deals and managing leverage.

Savings account

Not everyone’s a big risk taker, and that’s okay! There are still opportunities to put your money to work for you and you can earn passive income online without risking your whole savings.

A less risky venture than stocks or REITs is a simple savings account.

You have a ton of options in this area, so take some time to shop around for the best deals and lowest fees. Betterment Cash Reserve is one option that offers a competitive APY with no fees.

Amazon

You can earn passive income online by selling through Amazon or a similar site, such as eBay or Walmart.com. You have a lot of room to play around on these sites and design a custom online store that matches your lifestyle.

Some people pair with wholesalers and retailers to sell a consistent inventory of products while others use their Amazon stores to sell secondhand goods.

To truly earn passive income with your Amazon store, digital goods are your best bet, because you can sell multiple copies quite literally in your sleep. So while you’re doing what you love, people are buying your goods and you don’t even have to bother with packing or shipping!

For digital goods like eBooks and online courses, you may also want to try sites like Payhip, which offers a set of promotional tools different from Amazon’s. Most sites do not have rules about exclusivity, so offering your goods on different platforms can help you cast a wider net for potential customers.

Dropshipping

There are many types of online businesses that you can start to build wealth and, hopefully, use to develop a comfortable retirement plan, but one of the easiest to slide into without a lot of startup capital and mostly only demands sweat equity is dropshipping.

When you operate a dropshipping e-commerce store, you don’t have to worry about buying and stocking inventory. When a customer orders a product, you will then order it from a third party and have it shipped directly to the customer.

This way you bypass the traditional model where you store goods at your place of business or in a warehouse somewhere.

The most obvious benefit of dropshipping is that you don’t run the risk of losing money on unsold inventory. You’ll get to run your own store with none of the traditional overhead like renting out warehouse space or worrying over which products to stock the most.

How to start dropshipping

Your first order of business is to pick a niche. Dropshipping ventures are most successful when they don’t spread themselves too thin. You don’t want to try and be the Walmart of dropshipping. Instead, focus on a niche product to sell. Remember, you won’t be stocking inventory, which mitigates some of the financial risks.

Next, you will need to partner with a supplier. In order to keep your prices competitive, you’ll need to get in touch with a manufacturer or wholesaler directly. You won’t make much money by buying things at retail prices and trying to resell them for even more.

Fulfillment by Amazon

Amazon’s advanced fulfillment options are another way of dropshipping to earn passive income online. With FBA, you are responsible for procuring your products and sending them to an Amazon fulfillment center.

Then, when you sell the products on Amazon, they will be shipped directly to your customers without any additional work on your part.

This is just another way of managing a digital storefront without having to turn your garage into a product warehouse.

Ads on your targeted niche website

It doesn’t get much more passive than traditional ads. If you’ve got a website, there’s no reason you can’t make some money off of it! And you don’t need any expertise or special business skills to do it. Here are just two of your options:

PPC (Pay Per Click Advertising)

Signing up for Google AdSense means that relevant advertisements will be placed on your site.

Then when people click on these ads, you get cash! Your profits on Pay Per Click advertising could be anywhere from $.05 to $5 for every person who clicks on the ad.

Directly selling ad space

Google AdSense is very intuitive, but it’s not the only way to put ads on your site. If you’d rather, you can cut out the middleman entirely and sell banner ads or other ad space on your site directly to companies. In doing this, you have more control over your pricing.

There are two ways to charge for ad space. The direct route is an upfront monthly fee that you negotiate with the advertiser based on your site’s average traffic.

Alternatively, you can charge a CPM rate. This second option means you are paid a certain amount per every 1,000 monthly visitors to your site, and your paycheck goes up or down depending on your traffic.

How much money you make from posting ads on your site is going to depend on the kind of traffic your website generates. Obviously, the more eyeballs you get on your site each month, the more money you can make from your ads.

Rental income

Establishing and managing a rental property or a full real estate portfolio takes a lot of time and a huge amount of investment capital. But you’ll be glad to know that it’s not a zero-sum game. You don’t have to be the next Sam Zell to make passive income off of real estate.

The answer is renting the property you already own, or subletting your rental. This will provide you with extra income for your travels. If you’ve embraced the idea of living and working anywhere, you don’t have to give up your traditional “home”.

If you rent out your place while you’re fulfilling your workplace wanderlust, your property can essentially pay for itself. It may even earn a little extra!

This eliminates the worry of “what do I do about my house while I’m living or working abroad?”

Why should I invest in earning passive income online?

Establishing and maintaining passive income still takes work. It’s not completely set-it-and-forget-it. But when you gain money this way, your paycheck is not strictly tied to your productivity for that day.

With passive income, you’re typically reaping the rewards of hard work laid down in the past. This gives you much more flexibility over your work schedule.

For some people, passive income makes up the majority of their salary, but for most passive income earners, this money is used to supplement a more structured job. Passive income has a lot of perks!

The additional income get to set aside part of your net income to prepare for other things such as coping with the rising inflation rate and interest rates, opening a high yield savings account, studying the stock market to eventually become an accredited investor and invest in more lucrative individual stocks like dividend paying stocks, treasury bonds, or mutual funds, or learning more about company’s operations for immediate diversification of your money streams.

What are the Benefits of passive income?

Earn extra cash

The biggest appeal of passive income is that it provides extra money without compromising your regular job.

Create a “buffer” of income between job changes

That dead zone in between quitting one job and starting the next can be frightening, but passive income offers you a safety net to carry you through transitional periods.

Be your own boss

Most passive income opportunities are solo acts, meaning the only supervisor you’ll be answering to is yourself. It can be a nice change of pace for many people.

Create financial security

Passive income can tide you over on a rainy day. If you lose your job or an unexpected large bill arrives, your passive income may be what makes the difference.

Live anywhere

Passive income allows you to unshackle yourself from the traditional work environment.

Earning enough passive income lets you have peace of mind that your finances are taken care of. You can spend less time punching the clock and more time being with your friends and family.

Best Passive Income Opportunities: Conclusion

Passive income is a great way to make extra money without overloading your daily work schedule. With most passive income plans, you can choose when you put in the work to create the passive income-generating product and then continue to make money off of it even after you’ve “clocked out”.

There is still maintenance work to be done, though. So I recommend investing in passive income that you won’t mind maintaining.

For example, if you go with the eBook example, write about topics you’re genuinely interested in rather than just chasing trends.

You can also delegate and outsource.

You may start as a one-person show, but your passive income avenues will soon grow. Then you will be able to create a business structure that allows you the freedom to work where you want when you want.

There’s a whole wide world of passive income out there, find your slice of it and take it!

Best Way to Communicate Internationally: Top 7

While it is certainly nice to get away, it’s also nice to stay in touch with family and friends along the way. Whether you want to share your stories and pictures of your travels, or send SMS messages to simply say, “I’m okay,” it’s necessary to maintain contact with those you love. And even though it sounds like something that should be rather easy, it can actually be daunting to figure out how to receive text messages overseas without roaming or find the best communications apps to stay in touch.

You can’t necessarily just pick up your phone and call (especially if you are travelling overseas) and some of your “normal” communication methods aren’t available when you’re out of your service area. So, what are you to do to stay in touch?

Thankfully, cell phone plans now often have an international plan that covers international texting and offers mobile data roaming. Most major carriers, such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint, provide a few different options that enable you to seamlessly turn on your phone the minute you hit the ground and be able to communicate in multiple countries. No need for those old Internet cafes!

Downloading a good travel or communication app is a great first step. And, since I’ve been shopping for the best way to keep international communication channels open with my loved ones, I’d like to share with you the top communication apps that I’ve found to help you communicate while traveling abroad.

If you’re looking for business communication, then your international plans and mileage may vary with some of these apps as most were designed with personal communication in mind. However, depending on your job, you may still get some use out of these.

Now, if you’re eager to make sure you don’t lose touch with friends and family while you travel abroad, here are 7 apps to stay connected via your phone abroad.

Best App for International Calls & Messaging: Best Choices

1. Zoom

Let’s start with the big one. A few years ago, Zoom was something you might have used for work. Fast forward to life post-2020, and it’s a household name thanks to remote workers. You might have even heard grandma say something like “Do you want to Zoom this weekend?” (Who would have thought that would happen!). But it’s hardly surprising since it is no doubt one of the best ways to communicate internationally.

The best part is you only need 4mb of download speed to access Zoom! Maintaining a good wi fi connection on a video app is so much easier than it was in years past.

You can see other important speed requirements for your remote work lifestyle here.

Zoom has a chat function, where users can keep receiving messages and sending messages both within and outside of actual calls. But, it’s primarily a video conferencing platform. Of all the options on this list, this is the one with the most crossover between personal life and work. For example – ever had a virtual Zoom happy hour? Cheers!

You can host multiple people on the same call, much like Skype. Beware that the free app or the free version will limit your call length to 45 minutes if you have more than two people on at once (but there’s nothing stopping you from ending the call and immediately redialing to reset your time limit).  Zoom is a great way to stay in touch with multiple family / friends / colleagues all at once whether you’re in the same home country or other countries.

It’s a good way to keep in touch, receive messages, and reconnect with your community as traveling overseas can sometimes be lonely.  Plans start at just $15/month if you want unlimited time and people on the call.

2. Facebook Messenger (and Facebook) 

You can use the Facebook Messenger app to have instant access to conversations with family and friends. You can send multimedia messages instantly over your phone’s data and make video calls to loved ones overseas or even just within the local country area, making Facebook Messenger one of the best ways to communicate internationally.

Of course, you can use the Facebook app to get an update on everyone’s lives or give your own update and feel as connected as you would if you were right there next to your people.  You can even share your travel photos on your Facebook page as you take them, which helps you keep track of what you did and when.

3. WhatsApp (now owned by Facebook) 

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app for travelers, the only hitch being that your friends have to also have the app to receive messages and send messages with you. So, if you do plan on using this free international texting option when traveling overseas, you’re better off asking the people you intend to contact to download it on their mobile device before you go. Other than this minor inconvenience, Whatsapp is no doubt one of the best free app for international texting to date.

It is connected by using your phone numbers, except you won’t get charged cell phone rates or data roaming fees when using Whatsapp. Now part of Facebook’s family of apps, this messaging app functions similar to Facebook Messenger and is great for sending messages, multimedia messages, and virtually unlimited texting particularly with those who don’t have a Facebook account.

WhatsApp gained a lot of popularity by travelers and anyone without the same cell phone plan or international plans on their mobile devices or sim cards but need to stay connected.  As data increased and cell phone SMS messaging was too expensive, WhatsApp gained a lot of traction and is still widely used today worldwide. It also is known for being somewhat of a replacement for GroupMe and other group messaging chats, as you can quickly and easily form groups.  Like Messenger, you can also do calls and video calls.

4. Instagram (now owned by Facebook) 

Another best way to communicate internationally is in the Facebook family, Instagram is primarily a social media platform for sharing photos, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the go-to ways to send unlimited texts with people across the world both for work and for pleasure.

Like the other apps, you have access to data or Wi-Fi, then your Instagram is good to go. You can go live on Instagram to communicate with a lot of people at once, or you can stick to the private messaging app function. It’s a lot like Facebook’s messenger app, except that it is not a separate app; it’s baked into the app proper.

Facebook has made it even easier to communicate between apps as they now allow you to cross-post and cross-message on the two platforms, Instagram (IG) and Facebook Messenger.  Instagram users can send messages (yes, even international messages) to contacts on Facebook Messenger without leaving the app and vice versa. That way, it somehow makes international texting free for anyone who has an account.

Instagram doesn’t work very well on a desktop, it’s meant to be used on your phone. And like WhatsApp and Facebook, you can only reliably communicate with people who also have the app. So download it before your next travel date and make sure your important contacts are in your friends list.

5. iMessage and FaceTime

My friends and family have long been giving me a hard time about having limited contact when traveling in other countries. Typically, I was on my computer using Skype or Google Voice, but now, with unlimited mobile data, 5G, and nearly ubiquitous Wi-Fi on my mobile device, I typically communicate in real-time via a messaging app called iMessage. That is, I can now iMessage free internationally as long as I have an internet connection or cellular data.

FaceTime is also a must-have messaging app. It rings on the receiver’s phone as though it’s a normal call, making it ‘seamless’ on the caller’s end. That’s what it’s all about anyway, right? Never missing a beat and being able to travel full time and still earn a living?

6. Skype

No travel app list would be complete without including Skype. It’s the one communication app that has been around the longest and it likely still has the highest adoption rate worldwide when compared to any of the other apps available for overseas communications.

If you don’t have Skype installed or if you want to be able to call your computer, you can get a Skype To Go number. This includes an answering service for when you’re away and you can even send texts from your purchased number in a manner similar to Google Voice.

People who choose to use Skype regularly can easily send international messages or instant message (IM), voice call, or video call others within their timezone or colleagues in other countries. Skype is like the older sibling to Zoom. It’s now owned by Microsoft but still widely used worldwide and often a household term for those who use it to say “Skype me” – undoubtedly one of the best ways to communicate internationally.

7. Google Hangout

Calling all Google fans! Now that Skype is part of Microsoft (and many of us would not survive without our Google Apps suite), we’ll probably all use Google Hangout at some point.

You have to have a Google+ account to use Hangouts, so that is something to keep in mind. Also, I find that the bandwidth needed is more than that of Skype, so it’s already a little more clunky to get started.

Another consideration for this particular travel app is that you have to have it in another Google window versus open in another app. This is an advantage for some, but I personally love having the ability to switch to another app quickly.

So all things considered, it may not offer the best way to communicate internationally. However, despite any shortcomings that Google Hangout has, your family and friends will love the animated faces and hats you can wear while talking face-to-face!

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few extra apps that didn’t quite make the list, but which are also worth a look.

1. Google Voice

Google Voice allows you to forward your calls and also lets you answer them from your computer. So it’s arguably one of the best ways to communicate internationally. I used to forward my local number to my computer and it was completely seamless, nobody knew if I was in the office or on the beach. Google voice routes your call to any number you set up.

While I’m still a fan of Google Voice, you don’t really need it anymore if you have a comprehensive phone plan. With companies like T-Mobile are offering cell phone plans with coverage in as many as 152 countries, you may not have a need for Google Voice.

2. Slack

If you work remotely you and your team most likely have used Slack at some point.  Slack modernized communication for teams,particularly remote teams looking for the best way to communicate internationally. So though we’ve talked mostly about family and friends, it’s no secret that remote work is growing in a post-Covid world, and Slack is one of those apps you’ll be referencing often from your app library to communicate with work or with online communities.

3. Viber

I honestly haven’t used this particular travel app much, but an Australian venture capitalist that I met at a Women 2.0 conference was telling me about it and I’ve heard nothing but good things since. It’s also quickly growing in popularity, so if you’re looking for something that you’ll be able to use with many friends, Viber is becoming a communication app option that you’ll want to consider. Who knows? You may even find it to be the best way to communicate internationally as you might be very satisfied with it.

Viber allows users to call and receive SMS messages via Wi-Fi free of cost. So, Viber to Viber international calls are of course free. However, for calling unregistered landlines or mobile numbers, users are required to pay – but thankfully the rates are quite low. It’s also a great way to share media such as, images, audio, and files. For making calls to numbers that lie outside of the Viber network, you can opt for a subscription or pay-as-you-go approach.

If you need to make an enormous number of calls abroad, we recommend going for the subscription option, which turns out to be cost-effective for high volumes.

4. Webex

Another best way to communicate internationally is through Webex – a communication app for travel and a business conference platform. Use it to connect with colleagues abroad or make calls internationally. It’s in fact one of the oldest communication apps that leverages a solid data exchange method. One of its remarkable advantages is that it requires a low bandwidth while offering great security.

Best Communication Apps: Conclusion

Really there’s no way NOT to communicate anymore while being remote, thanks to the availability of some of the best ways to communicate internationally. Social media apps like Snapchat and TikTok or gaming apps like Roblox and Discord allow you to be connected anywhere to your community.

There you have it. These are the top seven apps available for people who travel overseas or even those who venture out domestically.

What apps do you use to keep in touch while traveling?

A laptop is a digital nomad’s best friend. Most remote workers can get by with virtually any type of laptop, but that’s not the case for digital nomads. Finding the best laptops for digital nomads is a top priority if you want to have a smooth sailing remote work experience. Besides, it’s called a “laptop lifestyle” for a reason!

It’s your office, your library, your entertainment center, and your lifeline to the rest of the world. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

Not only do you need a working lightweight laptop, but you need the right kind of laptop for your digital nomad lifestyle.

The best laptops for remote workers who are also digital nomads have some unique characteristics, so budget laptops that suit work-from-home needs may not be enough.

What to Look for in a Digital Nomad Laptop

Every digital nomad has different requirements when it comes to remote work. Some digital nomads prefer Windows laptops while others want Apple laptops.

There are those who want to limit their search to the best budget laptops and lightest laptop lists while others want to look for powerful laptop and performance laptop options.

No matter your definition of the best laptop for working as a digital nomad, there are a few key factors to consider.

Lightweight

Most digital nomads prefer an ultraportable laptop, weighing under 3.5 pounds. The best laptop is compact and won’t weigh you down (or break your back) when you’re on the move.

Ideally, the best lightweight laptop for a digital nomad on the road would be something you can easily and conveniently use in tight spaces such as airplanes.

Battery Life

When you’re working from anywhere, you need a laptop with long battery life. Look for laptops with at least 8 hours of battery life. This digital nomad laptop will give you enough power to get through a full day of work, even if you’re not near an outlet.

When checking this detail on a performance laptop or a budget laptop, make sure to look at third-party reviews because manufacturers tend to exaggerate details in terms of battery power.

Connectivity

Another important factor to consider is connectivity. If you’re going to be working from different places, the best laptop for working can connect to the internet no matter where you are.

Look for digital nomad laptops with built-in LTE or at least have the option to add an external modem. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a Wi-Fi hotspot when you’re on the go.

Processor

The processor is the heart of the best digital nomad laptops, so you need to make sure it’s powerful enough to handle all your work needs.

For digital nomad laptops, an Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 processor should be more than enough. Anything less may lead to a laggy remote working laptop that can’t keep up with you.

Storage

You also need to think about storage capacity when choosing the best laptops for digital nomads.

If you plan to work with large files or store a lot of data, the best digital nomad laptop options have at least a 256GB solid-state drive. This will ensure your laptop’s storage space can keep up with you, no matter where you are.

Build

Replacing a laptop while on the go is not fun. You want a thin laptop that’s durable enough that it won’t snap in half when you’re lugging it around in your backpack exploring a remote tropical island.

Outstanding laptops not only have amazing battery life and cool features but also have a long-lasting build. This includes an aluminum chassis, reinforced corners, and a sturdy hinge. You’ll thank me later.

Price

Of course, price is always a factor to consider when choosing a reliable laptop. The good news is that there are plenty of light laptop and quality laptop options on the market that won’t break the bank.

However, if you plan on using your laptop for more demanding tasks, you may need to invest in a more expensive top performance laptop and splurge on higher specs than a normal laptop like a full HD monitor display, more powerful Intel core processor, laptop accessories, and even additional USB C ports.

The Best Laptops for Digital Nomads

Now that you know what to look for in a digital nomad laptop, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the best options on the market.

Keep in mind, though, that a particular laptop that I consider the best laptop for working as a digital nomad might not be the best option for you.

So, I’ll break up each laptop recommendation based on the type of remote worker you are and what you will use the laptop for as a digital nomad.

Whether you’re searching for a budget laptop, a more versatile laptop, the most lightweight and ultraportable, or the one with the most high-end specs, this guide got you covered.

Overall Best Laptop for Digital Nomads: MacBook Air

You’re probably not at all shocked to see the new MacBook Air at the top of the list of best laptops for digital nomads. After all, it is a fan favorite among remote workers. And for good reason, too.

The MacBook Air is one of the most well-rounded laptops on the market.

This affordable laptop won’t blow you away with incredibly high-tech specs, but it’s more than enough for a digital nomad to do practically everything you need it to–and do it well.

It’s lightweight and ultraportable at just 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg), making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.

Offering a fantastic battery life, the Apple MacBook Air has a new M1 chip that can guarantee up to 18 hours of power on a single charge. The long hours of battery life are clutch for digital nomads who are working remotely in areas with no or limited outlets.

The build quality is second to none, as you would expect from a MacBook, making it a durable laptop.

Unlike most laptops, the aluminum chassis is sturdy and the keyboard can withstand some serious abuse. In other words, it’s the perfect laptop for those who are constantly on the go and need a machine that can keep up with them.

The base model is offered at 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, which is already extensive for an average user. You can customize it if you need more, but at that point, it might be a better idea to simply buy a MacBook Pro.

If you’re someone who does graphics-intensive work, such as photo editing or editing 4K videos, then you’ll most likely want to buy something more powerful.

Overall, if you’re simply looking for an all-around great laptop that won’t break the bank, the MacBook Air is one of the best options out there for digital nomads.

Best Laptop for Digital Nomads in Tech: Huawei Matebook 13

It might be heartbreaking to pry yourself away from your state-of-the-art machine at home, something you’ve built to be so fast and powerful it could easily fly you to Mars and back.

But, the digital nomad life is beckoning. That means you need to downsize and streamline.

Huawei has been slowly breaking into the laptop world and is becoming one of the most reliable names when it comes to building high-tech, reliable machines.

The Huawei Matebook 13 is an excellent representation of that reputation.

This is one of the more distinctive laptops on the market thanks to its 3:2 aspect-ratio touchscreen, which is a feature that only a handful of devices offer.

The Huawei Matebook 13 also has one of the best HD camera features on the market, which is something that’s often overlooked but can be incredibly important for digital nomads who rely on video conferencing for work.

It’s great for light gaming and can even handle some more intensive games if you’re willing to lower the graphics settings.

Moreover, the MateBook 13 is compact and surprisingly portable despite being described as a flagship laptop powered like a gaming laptop. Plus, it has an incredible battery life of almost 9 hours.

Weighing only about 2.87 pounds (1.3 kg) and measuring roughly half an inch thin, this lightweight laptop barely takes up space in your backpack but still manages to deliver a powerful performance.

Basically, this laptop can do almost everything–a jack of all trades among the best laptops for digital nomads.

Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Digital Nomads: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Convertible

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Convertible is one of the best laptops for digital nomads who aren’t big fans of Apple. In fact, others would claim that it outshines the MacBook in some areas.

For one, the Dell XPS 13 is lighter and even more compact compared to the already very lightweight MacBook Air.

It comes with a 14+ hour battery life, which is a bit longer than the 15-hour battery life of a MacBook with Intel chips.

Unfortunately, it cannot compete with the battery life offered by the new Apple M1 chip.

With that in mind, how often do you actually require over 15 hours of battery life without charging anyway?

Its InfinityEdge HDR is one of the very few laptop screens that can go head-to-head against Mac’s retina display. Plus, the Dell XPS 13 comes with convenient anti-reflective technology.

This is a great feature for digital nomads looking to complete some remote work tasks while lounging around on the beach.

The 2-in-1 feature turns this version of Dell XPS 13 into a transformer-esque gadget that can change from a laptop to a tablet in seconds, offering you a dual-computer solution.

The tablet configuration of the Dell XPS 13 lets you use the attached stylus to drag, draw, and tap to your heart’s content.

And, there’s no need to worry about the screen since Dell secured it by using Corning Gorilla Glass that would most likely survive a coconut falling on it (don’t test this at home!).

Best Laptop for Digital Nomad Creatives: MacBook Pro

If you want to ramp things up a notch, go for the MacBook Air’s big brother: the MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Pro is arguably the most powerful option among the Apple laptops and it comes with an impressively strong processor, heaps of RAM, and all the shiny bells and whistles that you’d ever want from a brand new laptop…and then some.

When you buy a MacBook Pro, you can choose between the Intel core processors or the new Apple M1 chip.

Between the two, the M1 chip comes at a lower price tag and practically double the battery life. So, I recommend this option for digital nomads.

In terms of size, the MacBook Pro is just about the same size as the Air. It’s a bit heavier at 3 pounds (1.3 kg), but the performance it delivers is well worth the extra weight.

For most people, the MacBook Air is enough. But digital nomads who are into intensive video editing and photo editing might want the power of the MacBook Pro.

The downside of the MacBook Pro is obvious: it’s more expensive than the other laptops for digital nomads.

Given its price point, you might get a bit more paranoid about getting it damaged to stolen while traveling. That said, if you’re a remote worker who needs the power of the MacBook Pro to get things done, then you’ll thank yourself for opting for quality.

Basically, the Pro is like the MacBook Air on steroids. It has a better display, more customization alternatives, louder speakers, a larger trackpad, and, of course, more processing power. On top of these, it gives you 20 hours of long battery life!

Ultimately, it all boils down to how crucial are these extra features to your life as a digital nomad.

If they’re vital to your remote work, then don’t hesitate to go for the MacBook Pro. You won’t be disappointed.

If you can live without them, then save your cash and opt for the MacBook Air (or the other non-Apple options here on the list).

Best Laptop for Digital Nomads on a Budget: Lenovo Flex 5 14″

If you want a quality portable laptop but are on a tight budget, then you can’t go wrong in choosing the Lenovo Flex 5 14.

While it’s not as powerful as the other laptops on this list, you can still complete day-to-day tasks. You may not want to edit videos or even photos on this bad boy, but it can work perfectly fine for most remote work projects.

Actually, the Lenovo Flex 5 14 comes with a flip-around screen and a stylus. While it’s not as small and portable as the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, the tablet mode still makes this model convenient to use on flights and in cramped spaces.

While it’s chunkier than the other ultraslim laptops listed above, Lenovo Flex 5 14 boasts a dongle-free experience thanks to its two USB-A ports, USB-C port, HDMI port, and SD card reader. That’s actually an edge it has against the likes of the MacBook Air.

All in all, the Lenovo Flex 5 14 is a starter laptop for remote workers and digital nomads.

Although it is a bit heavier, has a slightly less bright screen, and has unimpressive battery life, this is still a good laptop for digital nomads on a tight budget.

What’s the best laptop for digital nomads?

The best laptop for digital nomads ultimately comes down to your remote work requirements, budget, and preferred features.

If you’re a remote worker who’s only starting out and still don’t have the extra cash to splurge on one of the best laptops for digital nomads, then budget laptops with decent to long battery life can be great starter devices.

But, if your budget allows you to spend on a more powerful machine, go for one of the best laptops for digital nomads on the market. It’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Not only will it make your life easier, but you’ll also be able to work more efficiently and enjoy better results.

After all, your livelihood depends on it. So choose wisely and enjoy the journey!

Ah, the dreaded tax season. The good news is if your taxes are fairly straightforward, you can file your taxes online pretty easily. We’ve assembled a list of the best tax software for remote workers and digital nomads. Save time and stay on top of taxes – so you can get back to living and working from anywhere!

Best Tax Software for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

First, before you begin filing your taxes at home or in foreign countries, you must be organized. Staying on top of your taxes and business activities throughout the year makes it easier to e-file, get your tax returns (or know what you owe) more quickly, avoid missing tax obligations, and protect your financial accounts from double taxation.

Organizing your taxes

A simple way to organize your taxes is to keep a spreadsheet or notes of major purchases throughout the year. I use Google Sheets to list out expenses and income and any major purchases related to business.

Tips for organizing your taxes

Using a Google Sheet helps me not only with U.S. taxes but also with foreign taxes and other taxable income especially while living abroad. It also guides me in managing my budget, particularly when it comes to health insurance options, state taxes when I’m on the move within the country, and even my tax benefits.

I separate income: business income, 1099 and/or W2 income, and rental income. I also separate my expenses: maintenance/repairs, software and tools, and so on.

Any time I have a major purchase or repair, I go to the sheet and jot it down so I don’t forget. As a digital nomad and business owner, you need all the tax deductions you can get!

Tax filing for W2 Employees

If you don’t have a business and are a W2 employee, filing taxes online will be straightforward. You will need to get a copy of your W2 from your employer.

Software for W2 Employees

Companies may use a service like Gusto or ADP for processing payroll. You may also use a service like Expensify for reimbursements. Note that if the company does not report the reimbursements, you may not need to either. Instead, you can take advantage of the $1,800 / year allotted standard deduction.

Tax filing for Independent Contractors (1099)

If you are an independent contractor, you will have self-employment taxes. This means you will have more tax deductions to consider.

It’s nice getting a large check for your total hourly rate without taxes deducted.

However, working remotely as digital nomads also means that you need to be conscientious of filing taxes and tracking your worldwide income (from foreign assets or foreign taxes paid) – or you can quickly end up behind Uncle Sam.

For some reason, I always choose to learn the hard way. This was true in terms of getting behind on taxes. “Leap and the net will appear” – while motivating, it does not apply to taxes.

So, now, I generally subtract and set aside 30% from the total amount received for paying the IRS. I know, it’s hard, when you could be investing in Bitcoin instead. But, pay now or pay later. Trust me.

Luckily, with tax deductions, you can reduce your percentage or tax bill owed. But not completely.

Accounting Software for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

To keep more diligent track of your expenses, you’ll want to move from spreadsheets to accounting software. Some accounting software also allows you to file your taxes while monitoring your bank account. But for simplicity, we’ve first listed the best accounting software.

Benefits of Accounting Software

If you’re working remotely, you probably already have a slew of apps/software you use each month for your job or online business.

So it makes sense to simplify your life and go digital in all areas, including accounting software. No paper receipts!

Benefits of accounting software:

1. Linking your bank accounts
2. Keeping everything in one place
3. Be prepared for tax season
4. Know what you’re owed or the amount you’ll pay taxes

Note: Something I also learned a little late – never co-mingle your funds. Always have a separate account for business and personal.

This makes filing and reconciling sooo much easier. Recently, I changed from having all my accounts at Bank of America (I originally did this, even with high fees, for international reciprocity) to Mercury.

Mercury is very simple to set up – all online – and easy to use, unlike traditional banking software.

List of the Best Accounting Software

Quickbooks

An industry leader for a reason, Quickbooks makes it easy to set up your tax filing system. They have options for simple tax prep or more in-depth tax reporting.

Quickbooks Self Employed

If you are self-employed and want to take advantage of all your deductions, then QuickBooks Self-Employed is the software for you.

If you have employees, QuickBooks also makes it easy to manage payroll tax filings.

Xero

Xero is another market leader, quickly on the tails of Quickbooks. Xero allows business owners and digital nomads to easily track expenses and differentiate between personal or business-related transactions. Xero makes it easy to reconcile your taxes by setting up rules.

An example of a rule might be to group all gas stations into one category. This makes it easy to quickly reconcile the name and category of the expense.

Bench

If you don’t want to do accounting and prefer someone else to manage it for you, there’s a solution. Bench.co is a startup that specializes in accounting software and tax filing.

Bench has a managed service along with its software. Meaning, along with accounting software, they also provide you with a team of accountants.

An added bonus is that you can ask them for advice at any time. Not the cheapest, but if you prefer to have someone else manage your accounting – Bench is a great option.

Expensify

An important part of tax preparation is keeping your receipts and tracking your expenses.

Luckily, there’s a solution to paper receipts – Expensify. Keeping track of your receipts as you go will save so much time and hassle later on.

Best Tax Filing Software for Remote Workers & Digital Nomads

Remote workers and digital nomads can use tax filing software to file tax returns without having to be in one place (yay, work from anywhere!).

For remote workers, filing taxes, keeping track of foreign taxes paid, generating a foreign bank account report for foreign accounts, or just checking for potential double taxation can be challenging.

Tax software is an effective solution to most of the problems involving filing taxes. Tax software allows digital nomads to fulfill their tax obligation by providing a secure, convenient, reasonably priced, and easy-to-use platform.

Benefits of tax software:

• Basic tax filing with tax deductions
• Beginners can file taxes online without any tax knowledge or experience
• Free tax return filing and tax support throughout the whole process
• Basic tax filing with tax deductions

Let’s take a look at a few.

Free Tax USA

Started by a CPA in 2001 and IRS-approved, FreeTaxUSA has become one of the top tax filing software. It’s the best tax software for tax filers with simple tax returns. And, just like the name says, you can use FreeTaxUSA 100% free for your Federal returns.

FreeTaxUSA also guarantees that you’ll get the maximum return if you use their software. Not bad for free!

There are two editions – Free and Deluxe.

FreeTaxUSA – Free Edition

The free edition is easy to use, unlike other free tax software, and good for novices with simple returns.

You pay nothing for preparing and e-filing your federal return, and up to $14.99 for each state filing.

FreeTaxUSA includes IRS forms including Schedules A, B, C, D, E, and K. These forms cover a wide range of situations and complexity, like online business and freelance income. Also, deductions related to your home office.

All of your data is stored in the cloud. This makes it super easy to come back each year and use your previous year’s data. This is a huge time saver for tax preparation.

You can also import from other tax programs like TurboTax, TaxAct, and H&R Block to get your data.

The free edition has great customer support and typically produces a response within 24 hours (even on weekends). All help is provided by email.

If you want to receive priority support, which you may need for more complicated taxes or to avoid an IRS audit, you need the Deluxe edition.

TaxFreeUSA – Deluxe Edition

If you’ve ever been audited then you know the nightmare of having to go back through every single receipt, deduction, claim, form, and so on. HR Block says “On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst), being audited by the IRS could be a 10”. So, yeah, don’t get audited.

Benefits of the Deluxe edition include:

• In-house Audit Assist program that provides access to audit specialists
• Priority support, including Live Chat during business hours
• Unlimited amended tax returns

The Deluxe Edition costs $6.99 for federal returns and $12.95-$14.99 for state taxes. The main advantage of the deluxe plan is the audit assistance and live support. Taxes are not easy, so having someone on your side can really help. Especially for only $6.99.

Did I mention that they guarantee you’ll get the maximum refund?

Try FreeTaxUSA.

TaxSlayer

I’ve listed TaxSlayer first because it’s the best tax software for freelancers or self-employed people. Typically, this software is for digital nomads and freelancers who have some experience filing their taxes online.

TaxSlayer has some of the cheapest prices and they offer a free tax filing service.

TurboTax

Similar to TaxSlayer, TurboTax is another good option for people who have some experience in tax preparation. Both companies offer cheap prices, but I personally like how TaxSlayer helps throughout the entire process.

TurboTax tax filing software makes it easy to file your tax returns from anywhere as long as you have internet access.

H&R Block Tax Software

H&R Block tax filing software is for those who want the most comprehensive and accurate services possible, without having to pay hugely expensive fees. They also have a network of over 10,000 office locations across the US.

H&R Block tax software can find deductions that other tax services might not be able to. Deductions can save you thousands of dollars in taxes owed.

TaxACT

TaxACT is tax software for people with simple tax returns who cannot or do not wish to file online. But, still need an easy-to-use program that will guide them through the whole process step by step.

Jackson Hewitt

Tax obligations can be complicated for freelancers working remotely and digital nomads with investments or rental properties. If you’re living in a foreign country or have foreign accounts, making worldwide income, you may want to consider hiring a firm. Tax firms help reduce your risk.

Jackson Hewitt allows you to file and pay taxes in person as well as online – by yourself or with a tax professional.

Tax preparation fees vary depending on what you need. If you want to avoid your annual income being double taxed, paying too much in capital gains, social security tax, and corporate tax, as well as know how to deal with foreign taxes (and U.S. taxes), tax treaties, foreign assets, foreign tax credit, foreign earned income exclusion, and other complicated matters – Jackson Hewitt has the expertise to help you through these things.

It’s not the cheapest, but having a tax advisor for a complicated tax situation or tax bill is worth the money spent.

Liberty Tax:

Liberty Tax is similar to Jackson Hewitt in that it has both online options to file taxes as well as a network of local offices around the country.

This is particularly convenient for digital nomads and remote work employees who need help with their diverse earned income.

I personally have had a tax advisor from Liberty Tax for years, and she owns two local offices.

Many digital nomads or remote work employees abroad can benefit from extra tax advice. It is relatively easy to file online even if you’re in a foreign country.

However, when you have income from remote work in multiple states or multiple employers, property tax, health insurance, stocks, rentals, capital gains, various financial accounts and properties, multiple online businesses with remote employees – you really need a tax expert.

With Liberty Tax, you can file online, request a virtual tax pro (which I love and is great for American digital nomads) or go into an office location.

Conclusion

Taxes are complicated, full stop. If you are a digital nomad, work remotely / work abroad, are living abroad, and have multiple businesses and/or assets, it thickens the plot.

Having tax software to file online is important when all you do is live and work from anywhere. FreeTaxUSA is the best software for free filing online.

If you want to seek the advice of a tax expert, then you will also want to look at Jackson Hewitt or Liberty Tax. Having someone to help advise you on your taxes while also filing online can save you many headaches during tax season whether you’re filing U.S. taxes or foreign taxes.

How do you find the best remote jobs out there? The best thing you can do is connect your passion with the world’s needs. Have freedom on top of that by being remote.

“Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.”

― Frederick Buechner

By the end of 2020, more than half of U.S. workers were doing their jobs remotely at least part of the time. Into 2021, the majority of those remote employees said they wanted to keep working remotely even when Covid-19 subsides.

2021 Remote Work Statistics

This isn’t shocking. Millions of people are finding they quite like working online – especially working from any location in the world online. There’s greater freedom to choose your lifestyle, from where you live to what hours you work. The ability to be closer to family and choose your work environment (and of course the lack of a long morning commute) mean that working remotely is finding its way onto people’s lists of requirements.

If you’re interested in remote job opportunities but don’t think your current position is going to stay there forever, then you may want to put together a remote work career track for yourself.

What are the best remote jobs out there?

I firmly believe that anyone who wants to work remotely and live and work from anywhere should be able to do so. Not everyone’s remote work career track may look the same. The beauty of remote work is that most skills and work experience can translate to an online position fairly well. Your offline skills, in one way or another, can translate to the online world.

If you use social media, use a computer, and have a smartphone, for example, you already have a basic skill set that can apply to get a remote job. And, if you don’t know what to do or what job type or job title to pursue, you can take a course in a field of your choice and at any level to get you on the right track for finding a remote job. It’s really just a matter of finding the best remote job or career for you.

And you might be surprised where you fit in the remote job world. Many people conduct their job search by looking for an exact analog of their current job in the online workforce, with the same work schedule and even job details salary, when really you could be looking for remote work that values your skills and passions more than your current position.

Here are some (but not all) of the positions that excel in the remote working world. We’ve compiled the best full time and part time remote jobs that pay well, aren’t work-from-home scams, offer great benefits and inclusion packages, provide healthy energy and a caring attitude toward your preferred work hours, and allow you to have a healthy income while working from anywhere. You might be surprised at the diversity of remote work.