Become Semi-Nomadic (the part-time traveler guide)
You want to explore the world, but maybe the thought of traveling full-time isn’t striking the right chord. Or maybe you just want to test things out before going all in.
Whatever the case, becoming a part-time traveler is the perfect balance between adventure and normalcy.
It’s what I do a lot of the time. So this is my guide on the semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Now let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
What is a Semi-Nomadic Traveler?
A semi-nomadic traveler is a part-time traveler — someone you who explores (often while working remotely) for part of the year while still maintaining a core home base.
It’s a semi-nomadic lifestyle that gives you to have the best of both worlds — you can live an adventure-filled digital nomadic life while keeping some stability back home.
For example, I currently spend around half the year in Japan and the other half back in the states (where I’m from). I’m a part-time digital nomad.
And I like this life — it’s fun!
Explore more:
➤ How to Travel More in Life
Benefits of a Semi-Nomadic Lifestyle
Maintain a home base
Less homesickness
Have more normalcy
Stay connected with friends and family
Less travel burnout
Lessen travel expenditures and save some money
Have a permanent address for simpler taxes, mail and insurance
Become a Part-Time Traveler (6 steps)
1. Define Your Ideal Travel Life
Clarity and intention makes life and decision-making easier.
So, why do you want to be a part-time traveler? What does your ideal travel life look like?
Getting super clear about your inspirations and intentions is a solid move. So here are some things to consider for your part-time traveler life:
What are your travel goals?
What are your expectations?
Do you have any travel preferences?
What are your motivations?
Explore more:
➤ What Type of Traveler Are You?
2. Research Destinations
“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.”
As a part-time traveler, you’ll probably be exploring a few different locations (although, staying in just one place is totally an option too).
I recommend deciding on at least your first two countries. Why two?
Because you need to have proof of onward travel when arriving in a foreign country (unless you have a work visa). So don’t just buy a one-way ticket abroad thinking you’ll ‘figure it out’ later.
You can always change your tickets later, but it’s important to plan something ahead of time.
For example, I love to take multi-month trips to Japan. But I usually buy another ticket to Seoul before leaving (because Korea is fun and it’s super close to Japan).
This proves to immigration that I actually plan on leaving Japan.
So do some research and decide on where you want to travel to.
Explore more:
➤ Best Places to Travel for Beginners
3. Choose a Home Base
When you’re not traveling, you’ll need a home base.
This is the perk of being semi-nomadic though — it’s somewhere to keep your stuff, unload and maintain some stability.
If you have options for where your home base is, I would recommend choosing somewhere that’s close to your frequent travel spots, near to friends and family or somewhere simple and affordable.
For example, a home base could be:
An apartment you sublet
A home that you own or rent
Your parent’s home
A friend’s place if they have extra space
A specific city or country that you rent short-term out of
A van if you’re into that van life
Explore more:
➤ How to Live Out of a Suitcase
4. Create a Money / Work Plan
Money and work are the biggest hurdles to traveling part-time.
You can always go the budget traveler route (and do things like house sitting, volunteering or finding work in hostels), but in my experience, being able to make money while you travel is the best option.
You have more flexibility, autonomy and expendable income.
These are the most common money-related options for becoming a semi-nomadic traveler:
Find a flexible travel job
Do remote work
Work part-time gigs to save up for each trip
Explore more:
➤ Best Remote Jobs for Travelers
5. Prepare
“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.”
You’re almost ready to go, but first a little planning is needed. So let’s dot some t’s and cross some i’s.
Going on a simple vacation usually requires some prep work. So traveling for months at a time definitely does.
I’m more of the spontaneous type, so I don’t stress too much about the details. But here are some core things I always think about before departing:
Research destinations — etiquette, do’s and don’ts, etc.
Reserve your accommodations (I like share houses)
Doube check entry requirements
Study up on some language
Create a budget (I like to over-budget)
Start small — try local or shorter trips first
Cultivate a traveler’s mindset
Explore more:
➤ International Travel Essentials (a checklist)
6. Go!
Grab them bags, it’s time to hop on planes. This is the best part (although, I am a total nerd for travel planning too).
So here are some tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
Double check your documents and essentials
Connect with other travelers
Expand into full-time travel if it suits you
Show up to the airport early
Explore more:
➤ How to Plan an International Trip
Later ✌️
The part-time digital nomad life is the perfect option for travelers who want adventure without completely cutting ties with the stability of a home base.
It’s also a great segue to going full-time.
One of the biggest hurdles for traveling more often is money and work logistics. As a semi-nomad, finding remote work or a flexible job is a key step. But you don’t need to wait either — you can always start small and take shorter trips at first.
But if you stick with it, you’ll make things happen — you got this!
So safe travels, and maybe I’ll see you out there :]
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