I am a digital slomad.
I call the UK home because that’s where I’m from. I call Australia home because that’s where my husband is from and we’ve spent a lot of time there over the years. I call Phuket, Thailand home because that’s where we’ve raised her daughter and have spent the bulk of our time over the last 15 years.
No real fixed abode, no definitive place we call home, and itching to get the backpacks on and head off into the great unknown.
However, if you say the word digital nomad, it conjures up visions of 25-year-old bikini clad beauties running through waterfalls in thongs, or muscle bound gen Z’s diving off cliffs with a go pro strapped to their head.
As a 53-year-old mum of an almost grown-up daughter nobody wants to see me running through a waterfall in a thong I can guarantee you!
So what is a slomad?
Well picture this.
Rather than frantically hopping from one country to another, ticking off places as fast as you can on your bucket list, instead, you explore the places you visit, soaking in each destination, living like a local, and embracing a slower pace.
As a more mature nomad, that certainly suits my pace of life, and is more considerate to the environment, tourism and a host of other benefits we’ll explore in this article.
Let’s dive in;
What is a Slomad?
A ‘Slomad’ or ‘Slow Nomad’ is someone who chooses to travel the world at a more leisurely pace. A slomad immerses themself in each destination, not just as a visitor but as a part of the community.
The chances are you might stay 3 months, 6 months, even a year or more in one place before moving on to the next.
This lifestyle is for those who seek more than just a change of scenery; it’s for those who desire a deeper understanding and connection with the places they visit.
Digital Slomad vs Digital Nomad
Digital nomads move fast. Typically they might stay a night, a week or a month in one place before moving on. A digital slomad however, will likely stay longer and become more ensconced in the community before thinking about where to go next.
I used to work a lot at Starbucks in my local shopping mall in Phuket, and met a lovely young Russian couple who had been living in Thailand for a few months. When I saw them, they were off to Korea for 3 months, heading back to Thailand for another 6 months and then Europe.
The lady said to me ‘we like to travel a little slower, so we can create a bit of routine with our work (she’s a corporate lawyer taking a break, he’s an online startup co-founder) and truly discover a country/city’.
Slow travel is most definitely an upward trend that’s become more common since Covid. It’s easier now than ever to work remotely, whether running your own concern or working for someone else and it comes with a host of benefits.
The Benefits of Slomad Lifestyle
Expense Management and Cost Effectiveness
One of the most compelling advantages of the slomad lifestyle is how it can positively impact your wallet.
Staying longer in one place often leads to cost savings, as you can negotiate better rates for accommodation, and you’re not constantly spending on travel fares.
Plus, you get to discover local markets and eateries, which are often more budget-friendly than tourist hotspots.
Family-Friendliness and Inclusivity
Slomad living isn’t just for solo adventurers. It’s incredibly family-friendly. Longer stays mean you can establish a routine, crucial for families with kids.
It allows for stability in schooling – whether it’s online or local – and helps everyone settle and feel at home.
We pretty much raised our daughter in Thailand, but she’s also lived, and schooled, in Cyprus, Australia and the UK.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
By traveling slowly, you’re making a more environmentally sustainable choice. Less frequent flights mean a smaller carbon footprint.
Additionally, by investing time and money into local communities rather than tourist traps, you’re supporting sustainable economic growth and contributing to the preservation of local cultures and environments.
Building Connections and Mitigating Loneliness
Staying longer in one place lets you build genuine relationships with locals or other travellers.
I’ve met some incredible people from all over the world on our travels, some of whom have become lifelong friends.
Travelling can be lonely, and slow travel can mitigate that, by giving you the time to build connections as you go.
Deeper Cultural Immersion
The essence of being a slomad lies in the depth of cultural immersion. You’ll get to learn some of the language, understand local customs, and participate in everyday life.
This, in my opinion, is the secret behind tolerance, understanding and a better world. By experiencing and understanding what other cultures believe, how they live, what their world views are based on, broadens your mind irrevocably.
Your travel experiences will forever be enriched and your life more fulfilling and enlightened.
My Slomad Journey & Plans
15+ years ago, my husband and I sold everything we owned (which wasn’t much) and with our 4 year old under our arms, headed off to Cyprus for four months to house sit for a friend.
Over the last 15 years we’ve visited, explored and lived in some 40+ countries, some in typical nomad style, just for a few days or weeks, many like Australia, Cyprus and Thailand, for months, even years at a time.
My daughter is now 19, graduated last May and is now heading to London to pursue her own dreams. My husband & I will continue our nomadic lifestyle, and our intention is to do a mix of nomadism and slomadism. We’ll visit, explore and if we like the look of a place, settle for a few months before moving on.
How do we manage it? Over the years we’ve built and run multiple 6 & 7 fig online businesses, which have funded our travels, my daughters schooling and everything inbetween.
But there are a multitude of ways to generate an income on the go.
Generating an Income While You Travel
Here are a selection of options:
- Freelancing: Offer your skills online, whether it’s writing, graphic design, consulting, or programming. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can be great starting points.
- Teaching: Teaching languages online, especially English, is a popular choice for many digital nomads. Companies like VIPKid or iTutorGroup connect teachers with students globally.
- Starting an Online Business: (My favourite option) This could range from e-commerce to digital marketing. The key is to find a niche that you’re passionate about and can manage remotely.
- Working Across the Globe: Some slomads take on local jobs or temporary positions in their host countries, although this often requires specific visas or work permits.
Over the last 13 years, I’ve made money selling online courses, promoting and selling other people’s courses (affiliate marketing), coaching, email marketing, ecommerce, Amazon FBA, blogging and more.
For more ideas on creating portable income streams see this post – 190+ Online Lifestyle Business Ideas
Financial Planning and Saving
Creating a budget for your travels is crucial. How much do you actually need to fund the lifestyle of your dreams?
Chances are, it’s much less than you think, particularly when you start to travel to places like South East Asia, South America etc.
However, when getting started, consider budget-friendly options like house sitting, which can significantly reduce accommodation costs.
The beauty of the slomad and nomad lifestyle is that it allows you to travel in off-seasons, which usually results in lower costs and fewer crowds.
Do your due diligence, utilise online resources to create a realistic budget, chat with people living the lifestyle and use this budget sheet to get you started;
Packing for the Slomad Life
Packing as a slomad means balancing the essentials for daily living with the need to stay mobile.
Essentials include adaptable clothing for different climates, (although you can pick up cheap clothes in most destinations) and any small, light, personal items that make anywhere feel like home.
After many years on the road, I’m a light packer and it won’t take long before you realise you don’t need/wear half the things you take.