What Is A Digital Slomad & How Can You Become One?

A “slomad” or a slowmad is an individual who works remotely but moves around at a more leisurely pace than other digital nomads.

They tend to stay in one place longer to really get to know locals, local culture and maybe even learn the language.

The Rise Of Slomading

This growing community of slow-traveling digital nomads is all about embracing a more relaxed and mindful way of living.

And with many countries now offering special visas for digital nomads, it’s easier than ever to live and work abroad.

And it’s not just solo travelers who are joining the slomad movement—around 70% of workers are parents bringing their families with them.

The Slomad Trend

The pandemic has turned the world upside down, forcing many of us to work from home and creating a shift towards remote and flexible work.

Staying in one place longer allows to truly immerse in the local culture, cuisine, and environment.

Advantages Of The Slomad Lifestyle

If that wasn’t enough to convince you, here are some more advantages of the slomad lifestyle:

Budget

If you’re a digital nomad looking to save some money, the slomad lifestyle is the way to go.

When you stay in one place for a longer period, you’ll find that accommodations become much cheaper. Whether you choose Colivings, AirBnbs, or a lease, you’ll get a substantial discount for a longer stay.

Reservations of 28 nights or more are eligible for the monthly reductions offered by AirBnb, and the discounted price (which can be up to 50% off) will be prominently displayed alongside the initial rate in search results.

Another advantage of staying longer is the chance to choose a residence with kitchen facilities. This means you’ll be able to cook your own meals instead of eating out all the time, saving you a lot of money.

Culture

One of the biggest advantages of being a digital slomad is the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in local culture.

A two-week visit is great, but it’s often not enough time to truly understand a country, especially if you have to work during the week and only have weekends to explore.

And yes, while it’s possible to see major attractions, eat local cuisine, and wander around in just a few days or weeks, it’s simply not enough time to meet locals, attend local events, and truly experience a place.

Slow travel allows you to engage with the community, make meaningful connections, and create lasting memories that will stay with you long after you leave.

Productivity & Routine

Having a routine is key to productivity for most people, and being in one place for a long time allows you to build a routine that works for you.

This is especially important for digital nomads, who need to maintain a dedicated work schedule to stay productive.

When you’re traveling as a digital slomad, it’s important to strike a balance between work and leisure.

You can create time for everything when you’re not in a hurry and stay productive while living life on your own terms.

Building Friends Network

Traveling alone can be isolating, and it’s easy to feel disconnected from others when you’re constantly on the move.

You might meet fascinating individuals while on the road, but after a few days or weeks, it’s time to move on to the next place, leaving little time to build meaningful connections.

Slow travel allows for deeper and longer-lasting social interaction.

It’s especially good for solo travelers, who might find it challenging to meet new people.

You also have more time to attend local events, participate in community activities, and get to know the locals.

Contributing To The Community

When staying in a place for only a short period, there is usually limited time for anything other than work and exploration.

However, by spending money on local services like meals, coworking spaces, lodging, transportation, and more, digital slomads may help the economies of the places they visit.

How To Become A Digital Slomad

If you’re looking to become a digital slomad and experience slow travel, follow these simple steps:

Save Money

The first step to becoming a digital slomad is to save money.

Aim to keep at least six months’ worth of expenses in savings.

While six months’ worth of expenses may seem like a lot, it could be a fraction of what you would spend living at home, especially if you choose to live in a cheaper destination.

Locate Your Source of Income

The next step is to find or transition to a remote job or develop an online source of income.

Start by asking your employer if you can work remotely or start freelancing on websites like Fiverr or Upwork.

While you might have to settle for a lower salary to begin your new life, your cost of living can be reduced if you choose your next destination strategically.

Pack Smart

When packing for your digital slomad journey, remember that you may not have access to everything you’re used to at home.

Prioritize items that are essential for your trip.

If you’re going to be spending most of your time in warm climates, pack light and breathable clothing.

Store Your Belongings

If you plan on returning to your life after your nomad journey, consider storing your belongings in a storage facility or with a relative.

Also, if you own a home, you could rent it out to make some passive income to help pay for your trips.

How Long Do Slomads Stay In One Country

Some digital nomads opt to spend a whole year in a single location, while others relocate every few months.

According to statistics, the average length of stay for digital nomads in a single place is 70 days.

And slomads spend an average of eight months in a single location.

Suitable Jobs for Digital Slomads

There are plenty of remote work opportunities and jobs for digital nomads and slomads. Here are some options:

Virtual Assistant
Freelance Writer
Tutor
Graphic Designer
Website Developer

and many more.

Travel Advice for Digital Nomads

Decide how much time you want to spend in each country
Prepare beforehand and look for flights
Look at multiple booking sites for hotels before deciding on one
Avoid committing to a lengthy stay in a location you haven’t seen personally
Plan your trip and make all your reservations using credit cards that offer rewards for your transactions
Purchase travel and health insurance
Give yourself a 25% budget overrun

Moving to a country with a lower cost of living is a good idea if you want to live a full life while still being responsible with your money.