💭 The Real Challenge Every Nomad Faces (And It's Not What You Think)

Hey nomads,

Here's what's happening in the nomad world this week.

In this week's issue:

• The biggest nomad challenge and what’s driving slow travel

• Digital nomad numbers explode as movement diversifies

• Summer travel trends nomads should know about

First time reading: Sign up here.

FEATURED

The Real Challenge Every Nomad Faces

Most people think the hardest part of nomad life is finding reliable internet or decent accommodation. Wrong.

The biggest challenge is actually loneliness.

Not the romantic soul-searching kind, but the crushing realization that you're surrounded by millions of people yet have no one to call when you need to vent about a bad work day.

One nomad on Reddit put it perfectly:

"The loneliness is real. Fleeting friendships wear thin. After two years, I didn't want another expat dinner. I wanted someone who knew my favorite wine, my cat's name, my birthday."

The problem compounds because nomad friendships always have expiration dates.

You meet amazing people, but they're heading to Lisbon in three weeks while you're going to Thailand next month.

Building deep relationships requires time and consistency, exactly what constant movement can eliminate.

This isn't meant to scare anyone away from nomad life, but going in with realistic expectations matters.

Some strategies that can work: stay 3-6 months in each place instead of weeks, prioritize nomad-friendly cities with established communities, and maintain existing relationships through regular video calls.

The freedom and experiences often outweigh the social challenges, but only if you're honest about what you need to be happy.

Read my thoughts on the topic here

Digital Nomad Numbers Surge Past 50 Million as Movement Diversifies

New research from Nomad Stays reveals the global nomad community has exploded past 50 million people in 2025, up from just 35 million in 2023. But the bigger story is how dramatically the lifestyle is diversifying.

The old image of solo twenty-somethings with laptops in cafes is dead. The average nomad is now 34 years old, with 57% married or cohabiting.

Nearly a quarter of American nomads travel with children, and 11% bring pets along. Family nomadism alone now includes 1.5 million people worldwide.

New nomad segments are emerging fast. "Surfing nomads" plan stays around surf seasons, van life participants hit 3.1 million by 2022, and "slowmads" are choosing 3-6 month stays over constant movement.

There's even a growing group of "country shoppers," nomads exploring nations as potential permanent homes rather than temporary bases.

The visa revolution is fueling growth. Over 70 countries now offer digital nomad visas, with South Korea targeting tech creators, Uruguay drawing sustainability-focused travelers, and Croatia launching family nomad visas.

Infrastructure improvements like Starlink's global rollout are unlocking previously impossible destinations. Remote islands, mountains, and deserts are now viable work locations. What's driving the shift?

Freelancers still dominate at 41%, but remote employees (34%) and entrepreneurs (25%) are growing rapidly as companies embrace permanent remote policies.

The nomad lifestyle is entering its "golden age," more diverse, accessible, and purpose-driven than ever before.

Summer 2025 Travel Trends Nomads Should Know About

Luxury travel expert Melissa Krueger from Classic Vacations has identified four key travel trends for summer 2025 that are reshaping how people move around the world.

The biggest shift is spontaneous planning.

Travelers are booking trips just 20-30 days out instead of months ahead.

Remote and hybrid work policies are driving this change, with people deciding to work from destinations like Greece with just a week's notice.

Economic uncertainty also has travelers waiting longer to feel confident about spending.

There's also a return to tradition, with families choosing the same resorts or destinations year after year for consistency and easier planning.

Properties are adapting with flexible accommodations that work for multi-generational travel.

The rise of "JOMO" (Joy of Missing Out) is gaining traction.

Instead of packed itineraries, travelers are embracing slower experiences like beachside yoga, cultural activities, or simply staying in and appreciating their surroundings without rushing to the next activity.

Finally, active meets restorative travel is trending.

People want itineraries combining physical activities like hiking or biking with wellness elements like cold plunges (not for everyone), forest bathing, or nutrition workshops.

For nomads, these trends suggest the broader travel market is catching up to what many have already discovered: the value of spontaneous planning, slower travel, and meaningful experiences over constant movement.

That’s it for today.

Thanks for reading, until next week!

Liam