on August 04, 2025
Digital nomadism used to be the domain of single backpackers tapping on laptops in Bali cafés. Today there are roughly 35 million digital nomads worldwide – about 17 million of them American – and an increasing number are parents. Some travel for months in Starlink‑equipped RVs, others bounce between Airbnbs, and many are staying longer thanks to digital nomad visas. The lifestyle looks glamorous online, but pulling it off with kids requires more than a strong Wi‑Fi signal.
1. Start with a family bucket list
Before you sell everything, sit down together and dream big. Make a list of destinations, experiences and goals. This collaborative process ensures everyone has a stake in the journey. Mix bucket‑list cities with off‑the‑beaten‑path gems and alternate expensive destinations with budget‑friendly ones. It keeps costs manageable and often the unknown towns end up being the most memorable.
2. Get your finances and work in order
Living on the road doesn’t have to be expensive. Many nomad families fund travel by working remotely and cutting housing costs. Selling (or renting out) your house frees up equity and eliminates mortgage payments. Replace them with short‑term rentals or a well‑chosen rig. Make sure your income is stable and budget for health insurance, schooling materials and emergencies.
3. Purge your possessions
Minimalism isn’t just trendy; it’s necessary when your life fits into suitcases or an RV. Get rid of everything you don’t absolutely love. The author of one family gap‑year guide managed to fit all their belongings in a 10 × 10 storage unit. Less stuff equals less stress and more freedom to chase opportunities.
4. Understand digital nomad visas
Digital nomad visas let you live and work in another country legally for months or years. Fees vary from $10 to $3,000, but most fall between $100 and $200. Some countries offer tax‑free periods. Lengths differ too: Iceland allows 180 days while Portugal offers up to five years of renewals. Research your options on sites like Nomad List or the Digital Nomad Visa Index, and always check official consulate pages for up‑to‑date requirements. Remember you may still owe U.S. federal and state taxes.
5. Create a roadschooling plan
Worldschooling sounds romantic, but the reality is you still need to teach your kids to read and do math. Research homeschooling laws in your state or country, then build a task‑based schedule. Some families use online curriculums; others design their own around travel. Vary activities to keep kids engaged – museums, language classes, nature journals and service projects all count. There’s no right way, so find what fits your values and your child’s learning style.
6. Build a routine but stay flexible
Successful digital nomads are self‑starters with good time management and budgeting skills. Create daily routines that include work blocks, schoolwork and free time. But be prepared to pivot when the Wi‑Fi drops or a local festival beckons. Time zone differences can make meetings challenging; schedule calls when kids are asleep or playing and choose destinations that align with your work hours. Bandwidth can also limit online schooling, so invest in portable hotspots and research connectivity before you arrive.
7. Prepare for the downsides
Life on the road isn’t always sunsets and street food. Employers can suddenly call you back to the office – have a contingency plan and emergency fund. Language barriers, culture shock and loneliness are real. Without a local network, you may feel isolated and time zone stress can strain relationships. Homesickness will creep in. Deal with uncertainty by connecting with digital‑nomad communities online and in person, learning basic phrases in each language and scheduling regular virtual check‑ins with family and friends.
8. Don’t forget why you’re doing this
Digital nomadism is about more than working from exotic locations. It’s a chance to watch your kids learn resilience, adaptability and empathy. You’ll meet interesting people, lower your cost of living and cut your commute. There will be sleepless flights and Wi‑Fi headaches, but also impromptu beach picnics and lessons learned under the Northern Lights. If you prepare financially, embrace minimalism, research visas, road-school thoughtfully and accept the challenges, you’ll create a family story that could never be written within four walls.
