Season 2, Episode 25: The Rewards and Challenges of Digital Nomadism

Digital nomadism has been praised as a potential lifeline for struggling communities, while also criticized for driving up rents and displacing local residents. In this week’s episode of Unpacked, Chloe Arrojado, Dinogo’s associate editor for destinations, delves into the complex ethical questions surrounding the rise of digital nomadism.

Transcript

Brent Hartinger, digital nomad: Every community and movement has its pros and cons—there’s always a messy side. I believe I’ve grown as a person through my experience as a nomad. I’ve found that people I meet while traveling tend to live more authentically and with a stronger sense of purpose. Even though there have been challenges along the way, I see digital nomadism as a positive force overall.

Aislyn Greene, host: I’m Aislyn Greene, and welcome to Unpacked, the podcast where we dive into a different complex travel topic each week. Today, we’re examining the ethical complexities of digital nomadism. Our expert guide is Chloe Arrojado, an associate editor who also happens to be a digital nomad herself.

Aislyn: Hey, Chloe. How’s it going?

Chloe Arrojado, host: Hey, Aislyn! I’m doing well, how about you?

Aislyn: I’m good! So, where in the world are you dialing in from today?

Chloe: I’m actually in New York right now, staying in an apartment in Harlem. I’m really soaking up the summer vibes, though it’s been pretty scorching, to be honest.

Aislyn: So, you could say you’re fully embracing the digital nomad lifestyle right now?

Chloe: Yep, that’s right. I’m in the midst of it—

Aislyn: So, you’re living the digital nomad life? Or...?

Chloe: Well, I sort of use ‘digital nomading’ as a verb. You know, just add an ‘ing’ to anything and it becomes a verb.

Aislyn: Exactly! We’re out here creating new words as we go.

Chloe: Right! So yeah, I’d definitely say I’m actively digital nomading. Seems like a fitting way to kick off this episode.

Aislyn: So, what was it that first drew you to this topic?

Chloe: Even before Dinogo decided to cover this, I was already fully immersed in the digital nomad lifestyle. I used to live out of my car, moving from town to town, working on articles in random Panera Bread cafes. It's been fascinating to see how the whole concept of van life has evolved, and how people are creating their own version of the digital nomad dream, whether it’s living in a foreign country or spending weekends in national parks. Meeting all kinds of interesting people along the way and watching the way travel has transformed has really deepened my curiosity about digital nomadism and its broader impact on the way we travel.

There was a time when I was living in my car, writing articles at random Panera Breads across the country. The rise of van life, and how people are now living out their version of the digital nomad lifestyle—whether it's working from small towns abroad or exploring national parks—has been so fascinating to witness. I’ve met some incredible people along the way, and the shift in travel culture has only intensified my interest in learning more about how digital nomads are reshaping the way we travel.

Aislyn: Interesting. And in this episode, you're focusing on the ethical side of things. How has your perspective on ethics evolved throughout your nomadic journey?

Chloe: That's a great question. At first, I never really thought about it from an ethical standpoint. I was just working on my laptop at coffee shops, not really considering the bigger picture or the impact it could have. It’s only later that I started reflecting on what that really means in terms of ethics and the wider implications of the lifestyle.

For me, traveling to other countries was what truly opened my eyes to the ethical implications of digital nomadism. When I visited Medellín, Colombia, I could see firsthand how much the digital nomad community had affected the local area. There’s a neighborhood called El Poblado, which has become a hotspot for digital nomads, and you can clearly see the economic impact in the rising prices of apartments, food, and even the shift in the demographic of the neighborhood. It's increasingly filled with foreign expats, while the local population faces displacement.

What stood out to me was how people’s attitudes toward digital nomads differed. From the nomads' perspective, they felt they were helping the local economy by spending money in Colombia. However, from the locals' point of view, it’s a different story. They feel displaced by rising rents and the changing character of their community, much like what we see in places like Mexico City where digital nomads are often criticized for this very issue.

It’s important to acknowledge that many digital nomads come with certain privileges, such as a strong passport or a more comfortable socioeconomic status. As you’ll hear in the podcast, those privileges can deeply impact the communities you live in, even if you’re just sitting in a coffee shop with your laptop, unaware of how your presence is influencing the area.

Aislyn: There’s so much to unpack here. Before we wrap up, though, I know you’ve shared some great tips online for digital nomads. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Chloe: Absolutely! We’ve got some articles coming up that cover everything from the best places for remote work to a breakdown of what it actually means to be a digital nomad. We’ll explore different ways to define it, since, as we discuss in this episode, it’s not always easy to pinpoint.

Aislyn: Great, we’ll make sure to include all the links in the show notes. Thanks so much, Chloe.

Chloe: Thank you, Ace. I’m really looking forward to diving in.

Aislyn: Alright, let's get started!

Chloe: Absolutely, let’s do this!

[Music transition]

Chloe: Imagine this: You’re in Bali, Indonesia, working remotely on your laptop. Through your window, you can see the serene blue waters and the soft, white sands of the beach. It’s an ideal day for surfing, and you’ve decided that’s exactly what you’re going to do.

Track: Zoom call notification sound

Chloe: Well, after your Zoom meeting, that is.

You’ve likely heard of the digital nomad—those remote workers popping up in places like Bali and Lisbon, or supposedly driving up rent prices in cities like Mexico City. These work-from-anywhere travelers have become a sensation in our post-pandemic world. It’s not surprising, though, since working remotely is now more common than ever. In 2022, 34% of employed people worked from home at least part of the time, up from just 24% in 2019.

But what exactly does it mean to be a digital nomad? I sat down with Olga Hannonen, a researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, who coauthored a paper in 2020 that tried to define this new breed of worker. It turns out the term 'digital nomad' was first coined over 20 years ago by authors Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners.

Olga Hannonen, researcher: The term 'digital nomad' was, I believe, first introduced by Makimoto and Manners in 1997. They wrote a book titled Digital Nomad, where they speculated about the pace of technological advancements and how those developments would impact our lives. They examined how technology would alter travel patterns and change the way we work.

Chloe: In that very book, Makimoto and Manners predicted the rise of remote work, and it turned out to be eerily accurate. Here's a quote from the book: “With the ability to access public information from anywhere on earth and communicate via video links, people will have the chance—if they choose—to become global nomads.” Keep in mind, this was published in 1997!

Hannonen's research breaks down digital nomadism into three main traits: First, digital nomads are highly mobile professionals. Second, they have jobs that allow them to work from anywhere. And third, they tend to travel on a semi-permanent basis. However, it's important to note that there isn’t a universally accepted definition of a 'digital nomad.' For example, MBO Partners, a self-employment company, defines them as individuals who work remotely and travel for 'various reasons and lengths of time,' which is pretty broad. On the other hand, anthropologist Dave Cook suggests that digital nomads must visit at least three different locations annually. Still, there are some common threads and characteristics that these workers share.

Olga: Digital nomads are typically from Western countries or hold passports from nations with strong travel advantages. This means they usually come from countries where travel is easier due to fewer restrictions and more opportunities for movement.

Chloe: These nomads often work in fields like IT, digital marketing, writing, or even online education. As for why someone would want to live the digital nomad lifestyle, it really comes down to the freedom to travel. Their ability to work from anywhere allows them to explore new places, making them a unique category of travelers—and consumers. In fact, tourism boards are now actively marketing their destinations to attract digital nomads.

Around the globe, many countries are now offering digital nomad visas to attract remote workers. These special visas allow travelers to live—and more importantly spend money—in a country for extended periods, sometimes for months or even years.

Over 20 countries have introduced visa programs aimed specifically at remote workers, and the details vary widely. For example, Colombia’s digital nomad visa allows workers to stay for up to two years, but with the condition that they cannot work for Colombian companies. On the other hand, Canada announced its digital nomad visa plans in July 2023, offering travelers the opportunity to extend their stay by three more years if they secure a job with a Canadian employer.

Croatia is another country that joined the trend, launching its own digital nomad visa in 2020. The Croatian visa allows remote workers and their families to live in the country for up to one year, provided they can prove an income of around 2,500 euros per month.

One of the strongest advocates for Croatia’s digital nomad visa is Luci Jerkovic, head of Global PR for the Croatian National Tourist Board.

Luci Jerkovic, head of PR for Croatian National Tourist Board: We’re offering remote workers the chance to live in a country with a mild climate, excellent connectivity, and stunning natural beauty. They can enjoy the local attractions in the off-season when accommodation prices are much lower, giving them the perfect work-life balance.

Chloe: The cities of Dubrovnik and Istria in Croatia have also attracted digital nomads through a program called Digital Nomads-in-Residence. Typically lasting a month, the program offers a mix of cultural activities and workshops, encouraging remote workers to visit during off-peak times—especially when the usual summer crowds have thinned out.

Luci: What we’re aiming to do as a tourist board is make Croatia appealing year-round, especially during the shoulder season. Digital nomads can help by visiting in spring, fall, or even in the middle of winter.

Chloe: Yes, even in winter! Luci mentions that in 2022, Istria hosted the program during the first week of December. While the weather wasn’t warm enough for a swim, it was perfect for enjoying the outdoors in the mild climate.

Luci: So if remote workers visit in December and notice that instead of just one restaurant being open, there are two or three, it shows that the destination is starting to see more visitors. This helps alleviate pressure on the peak-season crowding, and brings more vitality to the area.

Plus, since digital nomads tend to earn more than the average traveler, they’re able to spend more money. This creates a boost for the local economy, encouraging businesses to develop new products and services that cater to this affluent group.

Chloe: Croatia’s digital nomad visa comes with several perks for remote workers—one of the biggest being that visa holders aren’t required to pay income taxes to the Croatian government. However, this doesn’t mean they’re off the hook for taxes in their home countries. Additionally, since Croatia joined the Schengen Zone in early 2023, those with the visa can travel freely throughout the 27 countries in Western and Central Europe during their stay in Croatia.

There are definitely benefits for digital nomads. But Luci—and the Croatian government—also see advantages in the remote work trend for Croatia. These benefits include potential culture-shifting changes.

Luci: Croatia has a small and shrinking population, and this decline is evident with every new census. This is a country that has historically experienced high rates of emigration. Bringing people in—and encouraging them to stay—is vital for fostering long-term population growth.

Chloe: Luci believes that some of these digital nomads could eventually become full-time residents and tax contributors.

Luci: If we’re able to attract people to explore Croatia and show them what a great place it is to live and work, they might decide to stay long-term. In fact, they may even decide to give up the tax break in exchange for making Croatia their permanent home, with all the tax obligations that come with it.

Chloe: But what about the negative impacts of digital nomads that we often hear about? When wealthier foreigners move into a place like Croatia, I asked Luci if there’s been significant resistance from locals.

Luci: Not really. I think there’s more pushback in general from residents in cities that are popular with tourists, and that includes students or other groups living there. The real issue tends to be with those who want to stay longer-term, as they often struggle to find accommodation due to the seasonal nature of tourism in Croatia.

Chloe: In fact, Luci points out that digital nomads are more likely to face challenges similar to students. They can have a tough time securing long-term housing during the busy tourist season in cities like Dubrovnik and Split.

Luci: Digital nomads aren’t the cause of rising rents. Even in cities like Zagreb, where rent has gone up quite a bit, nomads might actually be paying less compared to what they’d pay back home. For locals, it may seem like rents are being driven up, but digital nomads often target higher-end accommodations that most locals couldn’t afford anyway.

Chloe: Aside from some extra amenities, Luci says she hasn’t noticed any landlords charging more or renovating their apartments specifically to cater to digital nomads.

Luci: I’d say that some landlords are adapting by adding a desk, ensuring high-speed internet access, and not just relying on the mobile internet options they might’ve used during the busy tourist season. While some have made these upgrades, it hasn’t significantly altered the overall cost or structure of the accommodations.

Chloe: However, not every community sees remote workers as a solution to the challenges posed by tourism. For a different perspective, we’re heading all the way to the islands of Hawai‘i.

During the pandemic, Hawai‘i felt the economic strain like few others. As a state heavily reliant on tourism, it was hit hard when the industry came to a halt. By August 2020, more than one in six jobs had been lost.

In response, a nonprofit called Movers and Shakas launched a program in 2020 inviting 50 remote workers to live in Hawai‘i for a month. This initiative, a collaboration between local businesses like the Hawaiian restaurant chain Zippy’s and state organizations such as the Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism, was designed to revitalize Hawai‘i’s economy.

Nicole Lim: The idea was to bring 50 remote workers, including some returning Kamaʻāina—those born and raised in Hawai‘i—so they could experience the islands in a more authentic way. The program also encouraged them to lend their professional skills to volunteer with local nonprofits, offering their expertise to the community.

Chloe: That’s Nicole Lim, the executive director of Movers and Shakas. She shared that the program was an instant hit, drawing an overwhelming 90,000 applications for just 50 spots—talk about a massive response.

Nicole: The program sparked an enormous amount of interest. It got coverage everywhere, from the New York Times to CNN to The Wall Street Journal—it was a nationwide sensation.

Chloe: But Nicole didn’t always see the program in a positive light. Before joining Movers and Shakas, she, along with many other locals, was actually opposed to the idea of remote workers coming to Hawai‘i.

Nicole: A friend from the mainland reached out, asking if they should apply for the program, and when I looked it up, I thought, ‘What the heck?’ Why are we bringing in tech workers, possibly carrying COVID, to Hawai‘i during a pandemic? They’re going to drive up my rent, ruin the aloha spirit, and even harass dolphins and monk seals. I felt so strongly that I even wrote an op-ed in the Star Advertiser to speak out against it.

Chloe: But in a twist of irony, the program’s board reached out to Nicole and asked if she would be interested in leading it. The chance to shape the program made Nicole reconsider her stance, not just as a local, but also as a traveler. Before returning to Hawai‘i during the pandemic, Nicole had spent 20 years traveling the world, living a life that she describes as a mix of Eat, Pray, Love and Wild.

Writing that op-ed and becoming involved with the Movers and Shakas program forced Nicole to face the anti-outsider feelings she had. This was especially hard since she had spent much of her life benefiting from the exchange of experiences, ideas, and connections that come with travel.

Nicole: The ‘us-versus-them’ mentality, that deep-seated anti-outsider sentiment, is something that’s instinctual. It’s hardwired into our psychology, almost like an evolutionary response. It’s a powerful force, and we must recognize it exists. We can’t ignore or suppress it. We have to work through that discomfort and ask ourselves: 'How do we welcome newcomers? How do we learn from one another and hold each other accountable in the community, including ourselves?'

Chloe: When the first group of digital nomads arrived, Nicole wanted to emphasize the importance of embodying Hawai‘i’s core values—values like kindness, compassion, the spirit of aloha, and kuleana, which represents the mutual responsibility we have to one another. However, despite her best efforts to create a harmonious community, the newcomers weren’t exactly met with open arms.

Nicole: It was just like what I wrote in my op-ed: ‘Why are people coming to Hawai‘i during COVID?’ They tend to have a lot of money, and they’re going to rent or buy properties, which, in fact, did happen—not necessarily with our program participants, but remote workers and people from California came and bought homes here.

This led to many local people being priced out of the market. This trend has been happening for decades now—people who are born and raised in Hawai‘i simply can’t afford to live here anymore, so they’re being forced to leave.

Chloe: While the 50 participants themselves weren’t the issue, the program, in its early stages, represented some of the deeper, systemic problems facing Hawai‘i.

Nicole: We became a sort of lightning rod for that frustration, a target for people’s anger.

Chloe: Nicole dove into the work, constantly adapting the program to meet the island’s evolving needs. She partnered with the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization to study the housing market. In 2022, Movers and Shakas decided to collaborate with a hotel for their second cohort, where participants shared a floor, aiming to create a community atmosphere similar to an Olympic village.

By the third cohort in spring 2023, Movers and Shakas took a new approach. Instead of focusing on attracting remote workers, the organization shifted gears to help both new and returning residents thrive in Hawai‘i. They also started working with local employers, assisting them in retaining talent and empowering leaders.

Nicole: I believe this new direction is the best we can do with our limited resources. We’re like a startup—always adapting to the world around us. We’re focused on how to make the greatest impact as a small organization in Hawai‘i.

Chloe: For Nicole, the goal of the program is to attract talent that can positively contribute to Hawai‘i’s development.

Nicole: I believe remote workers, like everyone else, have both an opportunity and a responsibility to actively engage with and contribute to their host communities.

I encourage remote workers to take on this responsibility. Even if there isn’t a formal program like Movers and Shakas to guide you, it’s up to you to take the initiative. Ultimately, the more involved you are in a community, the richer your experience will be.

Chloe: As the executive director of the program, Nicole has learned valuable lessons and has advice for remote workers aiming to integrate with their new communities. First, reflect on how you’re consuming local resources. Even if your stay is brief, ask yourself: What can you learn from this place? Secondly, think about how you can give back—not just financially, but by taking shared responsibility for the community.

Brent Hartinger and Michael Jensen, a couple from Seattle, have learned similar lessons during their travels. Since 2017, they’ve been living a nomadic lifestyle, sharing their experiences as a gay digital nomad couple in their newsletter, Brent and Michael Are Going Places, which has over 4,000 subscribers. While they acknowledge the impact digital nomads can have on a community, they believe much of the negative sentiment directed at them is unjustified.

Brent Hartinger: I find a lot of the backlash against digital nomadism quite absurd. People seem to be comparing it to some unattainable ideal, a perfect paradise that wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for the nomads themselves.

Like any lifestyle, nomading has its ups and downs. It’s messy, complex, and has both its dark and light sides. For me personally, though, I believe that being a digital nomad has made me a better person, and the people I meet along the way are generally more enriching.

Chloe: In Brent’s view, despite the challenges, the nomadic lifestyle has been a net positive for the world.

Brent: As I said, I’ve fully embraced the nomadic lifestyle, but too often people throw out the good with the bad. They speak on the topic without understanding it—without actually engaging with local communities like we have. Their impressions are shaped by social media, not real-world experience.

Michael Jensen: Or they highlight the worst-case scenarios and generalize those as the norm.

Chloe: Michael also agrees with some of the measures governments have taken to prevent digital nomads from having a negative effect on local communities.

Michael: I’m completely on board with what governments are doing. For example, I support Barcelona’s efforts to regulate Airbnbs to ensure that apartments remain affordable for local residents.

I believe that whatever the local population decides regarding tourism in their area is completely valid. They know their community best and should have the freedom to do what’s right for them.

Chloe: In order to avoid being criticized online, the couple makes a point of integrating sustainable tourism into their travels. Their advice? Avoid contributing to overtourism by steering clear of overly popular destinations.

Brent: We prefer staying in smaller cities or less-touristed areas for longer periods—one to three months. Then, we’ll visit the major tourist hotspots for a week or so and enjoy the tourist experience, but only in moderation.

Chloe: They started adopting this approach after their first year of traveling. They realized that in the most popular tourist destinations, locals were becoming frustrated with the influx of visitors, which also made it harder to forge real connections. However, stepping outside these busy areas revealed a very different experience.

Brent: If you just move a few steps away from the usual tourist routes, people are genuinely honored that you’ve chosen to stay in their community. It’s much easier to connect with locals, who appreciate your presence, making for a far more authentic experience.

Chloe: Brent and Michael also make a conscious effort to reduce 'leakage'—the amount of tourism spending that ends up benefiting multinational corporations or foreign interests instead of the local economy. To minimize this, they are very careful with how they spend, opting for local guides and staying in accommodations owned by community members.

Beyond just the economics, one of the most impactful ways they’ve integrated into local communities is by supporting important causes they care about.

Michael: As a gay couple, we try to raise awareness about discrimination where we see it. For example, while we were in Istanbul, Pride was banned in Turkey, but a courageous group of young activists still held the event. We joined them, marched alongside them, were tear-gassed with them, and then shared their story through our writing.

Chloe: For Brent and Michael, engaging with the community means sharing the lessons they've learned from the people they meet and interviewing members of the LGBTQ+ communities in the places they visit. They believe that no matter what cause you're passionate about, you should find a way to contribute to it and make a difference.

Michael: Whether it’s environmental issues, racial equality, or advocating for women's rights in different countries, there are countless volunteer opportunities available. Find a way to help, and you’ll make a meaningful difference in those communities.

Chloe: But, as Michael adds, don't get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. Sometimes 'good enough' is all you need.

Michael: You can't solve every issue all at once, but if you focus on improving your little part of the world, you'll make it a better place. If everyone did that, well, things would definitely improve.

Aislyn: Well said. There’s a lot we can learn from this idea, even if we’re not digital nomads ourselves. As Chloe pointed out throughout the episode, defining the ethics of remote work is a complicated task. It all depends on the destination and the perspective. We’ve seen how remote workers can be seen as a solution to tourism challenges, but also how they can sometimes exacerbate those very issues.

Chloe also mentioned how disheartening it can be when the communities we visit aren’t as welcoming as we hope. However, as travelers, we have the power to shift perceptions. Whether we're staying somewhere for a few days or several months, it all starts with a genuine effort to connect with the people around us.

If you're thinking about trying out the digital nomad lifestyle, we’ve got links to some of our digital nomad stories in the show notes. You can also follow Chloe’s always-moving adventures on Instagram at @heychlokay. To follow Brent and Michael, check out their website and sign up for their newsletter at brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.com. For more on Movers and Shakas, visit www.moversandshakas.org. And if you’re interested in Croatia’s digital nomad visa, apply at mup.gov.hr (we’ll share the full link in our show notes).

That’s a wrap for this week—thanks for tuning in! Next week, we’ll return with another episode of “If These Walls Could Talk,” our series that delves into the fascinating stories—and hidden secrets—hotels can reveal about the destinations we explore.

Ready for more? Visit Dinogo.com, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter. You can find the magazine at @Dinogomedia. If you enjoyed today’s adventure, be sure to subscribe for more captivating stories. We’re available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast platform you prefer. And please rate and review the show—it helps other travelers discover us. We’d love to hear from you: If there’s a travel dilemma, trend, or topic you want us to explore, send us your thoughts at Dinogo.com/feedback or email unpacked@Dinogo.com.

This has been Unpacked, brought to you by Dinogo Media. Produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with music composed by Chris Colin.

Just remember: The world is complex, but we're here to help you make sense of it.