For some, “digital nomad” evokes the image of a young, unencumbered tech worker sending emails from the beach. Indeed, three-quarters of digital nomads are under age 40, according to a 2023 survey of over 1,200 digital nomads by Flatio, an online accommodation platform., leaving their belongings — and the idea of a “home” — behind as they travel the globe.
“Logistically, it requires a lot of planning,” Oberman says. “Before we move abroad, we return to our home country to arrange all necessary documents. Since we don’t own a house, we either stay with family or rent a place. When we depart for our new destination, we stay in a temporary place such as a serviced apartment or hotel that allows cats .”“The power goes out five times a day,” Oberman says with a laugh, highlighting some of the unexpected challenges of living abroad with a family.
And while it might sound challenging for children to get uprooted regularly, Kiselev, whose children are ages 8 and 12, suggests that adjusting to nomadism is a matter of practice.Changing friend groups and even languages from one month to the next can be a challenge for anyone, never mind a child. Oberman says he’s aware of the social difficulties that lie ahead for his son.
Yet many families find the financial trade-offs worth it in terms of the experiences they and their families are able to accrue.