More and more families travel full-time. In 2019, we made that decision ourselves, sold everything, and left Germany for good. Life as digital nomad parents is completely different from that of traditional parents. We can’t rely on a stable environment, we constantly have to adjust to new surroundings, and yet we still need to give our kids the stability they need.
In this article, you’ll learn what to expect as digital nomad parents, how to handle different challenges, and what tricks and strategies can best support your kids.
Preparing for the Transition to Becoming Digital Nomad Parents
Being a good digital nomad parent starts long before you even hit the road. Proper planning and preparation are super important for this big step.
Financial Planning
Let’s be honest: money is a big deal when it comes to traveling. In fact, I’d say it’s the most important thing to think about. Without a stable and sustainable income, starting a trip—especially as digital nomad parents with a family—is risky. Financial security is key.
Now, financial security looks different for everyone. Maybe you have a remote full-time job, a steady flow of freelance clients, or your own business. Whatever your setup, make sure your income streams are sorted before you hit the road. Working while traveling is hard enough (especially with kids!), so the last thing you want is to stress about money or, even worse, cut your trip short because you’ve run out of cash.
I recommend the three-month rule: Have enough savings to comfortably live for at least three months and cover return tickets if needed.
I’ve written a detailed guide on earning money while traveling: How to Make Money While Traveling Around the World
If you’re just starting out, here’s a list of beginner remote jobs: 20 Remote Work-From-Home Jobs With No Experience Needed
Minimalism and Downsizing
You’ll need to let go of material things—whether by selling them, giving them away, donating, or, as a last resort, storing them with family or in a storage unit.
For me, this part of the journey was incredibly freeing. It’s amazing to see how much you’ve collected over the years and realize how little of it you actually need.
Standing in front of those expensive curtains you carefully chose and paid for, only to realize how unimportant they’ve become, can be eye-opening. It’s not just about the curtains but also the time, energy, and money spent on them that really hits you.
As digital nomad parents, we reluctantly embraced minimalism. What once felt strange now feels like a natural part of who we are. And you’ll likely feel the same! When I walk into a “normal” house now, I feel completely overwhelmed. I think, “Why do people need so much stuff? What do they do with it all? It looks so cluttered! I just want to leave!”
If you’re ready for more tips on living with less, check out these blog posts:
Become a Minimalist in 10 Easy Steps
Why Owning Less is Good for Your Mental Health
Childcare and Schooling Options
As digital nomad parents, you should think about what kind of education your kids will get. Most digital nomad parents explore options like worldschooling, online tutoring, or international schools.
Worldschooling is a unique approach that combines learning with travel. It’s similar to homeschooling because kids don’t go to a regular school, but instead of staying in one place, families travel to different countries. Whether you’re in the U.S., South America, or the Dominican Republic, the world becomes your classroom.
Kids learn by visiting historical sites, exploring museums, and experiencing new cultures—whether it’s shopping in local markets or exploring nature. Worldschooling lets digital nomad parents and their kids explore the world together, making every destination a new learning adventure.
We currently follow a more traditional educational path for our two daughters. This means that wherever we are, they go to international schools in person. One big plus is that they quickly make new friends and learn from a variety of teachers. But there are challenges too, like constantly adjusting to new classes and being tied to school holidays. Also, the best schools fill up fast, so you need to get on waiting lists early.
We’re planning to switch to online tutoring soon, as it fits our lifestyle better and gives us more flexibility while traveling with young kids.
If you’re interested in learning more about worldschooling, I recommend checking out my interview with best-selling author Erin Riska: Eclectic Worldschooling with Tweens and my comprehensive guide on worldschooling.
Safety Considerations
Health Insurance
Health insurance is one of those things you hope you never need, but as a digital nomad parent, you’ve got to have it. Kids are experts at finding ways to get hurt—whether it’s falling off a swing or getting a mystery bug bite. But it’s not just about them. Scooter accidents or upset stomachs happen to everyone, especially when you’re traveling.
Make sure your insurance covers the whole family, especially for serious accidents or illnesses. There’s nothing worse than not being fully covered when you’re at your most vulnerable. You’ll sleep better knowing you’re ready for the unexpected!
I’ve written an article here about the best digital nomad health insurances.
Vaccinations
No matter your views on vaccinations, it’s essential to take care of them before your trip. Which vaccinations are required to enter certain countries? And which ones are recommended due to common diseases in your destination?
We started our vaccination process about eight months before leaving. This way, we were fully covered in time and didn’t have to deal with last-minute shots abroad. It gave us peace of mind and helped us avoid emergency vaccinations in foreign countries, like getting a rabies shot after a dog bite.
In this article, I list all the costs of necessary vaccinations for digital nomad families.
Managing Work-Life Balance as Digital Nomad Parents
Phew, this topic is already tough in “normal” life at home. But for digital nomad parents, it’s even harder! When you arrive at a new place, you usually don’t have a routine right away.
So here’s my tip: Create a routine as quickly as possible once you’ve moved to a new location. Plan fixed work hours and family time. If your kids aren’t in school, daycare, or looked after by a nanny, then plan with your spouse who works when and who takes care of the kids when.
For us, it’s super important to prioritize work, too. We do this by, for example, renting a big house where one room is used as an office. Or we sign up for a great co-working space that we actually enjoy going to.
Choosing the Right Destinations
Before we became digital nomad parents, we thought it would be super easy to pick a new destination. But nope! It’s one of the hardest tasks.
Your next place needs to be safe, kid-friendly, and exciting enough for the whole family. It needs good infrastructure but shouldn’t be overrun with tourists.
Then there are things like the cost of living, accommodation prices, visa options, and the climate to consider.
I recommend checking out my article about the best places worldwide for digital nomad families. I go into detail about each of these points.
Another tip: Check online for digital nomad communities. Where are other traveling families currently hanging out, and why? Often, the experiences and tips from fellow nomad families are the most valuable.
Packing Tips for Digital Nomad Families
Packing as a digital nomad, especially with a family, can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you pack smart:
- Don’t overpack – Traveling light should be your goal. Pack for a week and do laundry on the road.
- Use packing cubes – These help compress and organize your clothes.
- Stick to airline weight limits – Aim for a 7 kg (16 lbs) carry-on and a 22 kg (50 lbs) suitcase.
- Smart footwear – One pair of sneakers and one pair of sandals should be enough.
- Versatile gear – Choose items that serve multiple purposes, like a travel backpack that’s waterproof and fits your laptop.
- Tech essentials – Don’t forget your laptop, chargers, adapters, headphones, and camera gear.
- Important documents – Keep your passport, driver’s license, health insurance, and other key papers handy, with copies saved digitally.
- Family packing – Fit each child’s clothes into one packing cube. Bring only a few meaningful toys and books.
- Minimalism is key – The less you pack, the easier your travels will be.
Check out my comprehensive digital nomad packing list here.
Building a Support Network on the Road
Even though hardly anyone believes me, yes, even digital nomad families can get lonely! Sure, we’re never really physically alone, but having new experiences, conversations, and social interactions with people outside your own family is super important. And that goes for every family member, whether it’s kids or adults.
That’s why I recommend looking for communities and like-minded people, both online and offline. So far, I’ve found it easiest to meet other parents at playgrounds, schools, or kindergartens. Sometimes, I’ve even made a post in the local parents’ Facebook group or responded to posts from other parents.
The key is: Don’t be shy! It might look like everyone else has tons of friends except you, but that’s not true! In the digital nomad world, everyone craves connections. No exceptions.
Making Sure Your Kids Keep Friends While You Travel
Making sure your kids have deep friendships as digital nomads can be tricky, but not impossible. As soon as you land in a new place, get on the hunt! Find local schools, playgroups, or even just ask in a Facebook group, “Anyone got kids who want to hang out?” You’d be amazed at how fast people reply.
Once your little one makes a buddy, set up playdates as often as you can. And when you move again, don’t let that friendship fade! Keep it going with fun voice messages, video calls, or sending funny pictures. A little effort goes a long way!
Dealing with Homesickness
Homesickness happens to everyone, even the most adventurous digital nomad parents and their kids. About 50% of digital nomads experience it at some point, according to a 2023 study by FlexJobs. For adults, it’s often missing family or friends. For kids, it could be their favorite toys or even a pet. The good news? There are ways to handle it.
Here are my 5 favorite ways to deal with loneliness as a digital nomad parent:
- You’re Not Alone in Feeling Lonely – Social media only shows the highlights, so don’t think everyone else is always surrounded by friends. Many people feel the same way—you just have to find each other.
- Is Loneliness Actually Useful? – A little solitude can be productive! It gives you space to focus on work or family without distractions. Use it to your advantage, at least for a while.
- Join Local Digital Nomad Groups – Facebook groups are great for finding events and meeting people with similar interests, whether it’s vegan meetups or language exchanges.
- Reach Out to Loved Ones Back Home – Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who knows you well. A quick chat with a friend or family member can really recharge your social battery.
- Get Out and Be Around People – Even if you’re not in the mood to make new friends, just being in a co-working space, restaurant, or park can help. You don’t need deep conversations—sometimes, small talk is enough.
Staying a Loving Couple
When you spend 24/7 with your partner, traveling and handling life’s challenges together, your relationship is totally different from couples who only see each other for a few hours a day. You become more than just romantic partners—you’re co-workers, co-parents, travel planners, and often each other’s only friend.
Your relationship will change as a nomadic couple. In our case, it changed for the better!
But I know enough digital nomad couples who didn’t make it. They were so busy keeping the whole family-travel machine running that they totally forgot about themselves as a couple.
So here’s my tip: Always prioritize your relationship! No matter where you are, get a nanny and have date nights! Because if you stop working as a couple, you can’t be a happy digital nomad family either.
Final Thoughts on Being a Digital Nomad Parent
Being a parent is already hard enough. But being digital nomad parents? That’s next level. On top of the hundred tasks you already have as a parent, you get another hundred related to travel, new cultures, and finding communities.
But let me tell you: No one has it all figured out! We’re all just getting by, hoping the whole family is happy along the way. And that’s totally normal.
So don’t be too hard on yourself, do your thing, enjoy your family and your adventures, and be proud that you’re living your dream!
What are your biggest challenges or best tips for digital nomad parents? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading and for making me be part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ
How do digital nomad parents handle kids’ education while traveling full-time?
There are a few options, and it really depends on your family’s style. Some go for world schooling, where learning happens on the go as you explore different cultures. Others stick with local schools or international schools in places like Chiang Mai or around Southeast Asia. If you need more flexibility, online schools are super handy, especially for both small kids and school-aged kids.
How do families find suitable accommodation during long-term travel?
Finding the right place to stay can feel like a full-time job on its own! It takes a lot of research, but most nomad parents go for slower travel, staying in one spot for a couple of weeks or more to settle into a daily routine. Look for spots that are family-friendly and close to family activities, schools, or co-working spaces. Popular places like Chiang Mai or other Southeast Asia destinations usually check all those boxes.
How do digital nomad families manage language barriers?
Language barriers can be tricky, but they’re also a great learning opportunity. Kids tend to pick up new languages fast, especially through immersion in local schools or by interacting with local children. For adults, learning the basics helps a ton, and it’s always fun to challenge yourself with effective communication in a new language.
Is it hard for digital nomad parents to adapt to different ways of life?
It’s a big adjustment, for sure. Kids are usually the quickest to adapt to different ways of life, but for everyone else, it can take some time. Setting expectations and being flexible is key. Don’t stress if things feel unfamiliar—it’s all part of the adventure!
How do you handle a bad day as digital nomad parents?
We all have bad days—even in paradise! The trick is to cut yourself some slack. If it’s one of those days where nothing’s going right, take a breather. Go outside, grab a coffee, and remember why you started this adventure in the first place. Surround yourself with your nomadic family or other digital nomad parents who might have similar problems, take it slow, and tomorrow will be better!
