Several factors, including the global pandemic, have pushed many workers to join the global digital nomad community. For many people, travel is an integral part of their professional projects and it is anchored in their daily lives. Ethics can be a topic that impacts travelers.
An ethical and responsible experience
When we travel, we can ask ourselves the question question of ethics and responsible tourism. Today, new ways of traveling are being created to meet travelers' expectations. Several types of tourism can be associated with ethics, such as eco-responsible tourism or ecotourism or sustainable tourism. It is a concept that can allow travel while respecting as much as possible the issues of local development, of a Environmental Protection and in a spirit of sharing culturel with local populations.
The digital nomad experience can therefore be impacted by this way of traveling. Carla Vianne, herself a digital nomad in Rio de Janeiro, gives 6 tips that can allow teleworkers to travel ethically. In an article from The Washington Post, it specifies the impact that a digital nomad can have on local communities in a foreign country.
Give back to your host community
It may be important to educate yourself on several financial aspects. Just comparing your salary to that of the locals can give you pause. Certain destinations are chosen according to the financial advantages on site and the local culture and way of life is sought after. The salary you receive from your company from your home country and that of a local resident in Bali can create a significant difference. You have the possibility to giving back to your host community, in different ways: join a language school, choose a local cause, become a loyal customer of a local business or share a talent. If your chosen destination doesn't allow you to pay taxes, then you can give back in another way.
Get a digital nomad visa to stay put longer
Every year, many teleworking visas emerge and allow you to broaden the choice of destinations for your future experience abroad. To travel peacefully and legally, it is important to inform yourself about the administrative travel formalities. The question of visa is a procedure to check before your departure, because this will allow you to supervise your stay, in order to obtain a residence authorization for a long period. Some telework visa programs allow you to subsequently apply for permanent resident status.
Supporting businesses outside the “nomadic bubble”
Networking being ideal for coworking spaces, a teleworker feels the need to share their experience with people who find themselves in the same professional situation. However, it is more difficult to meet local people, limiting yourself to a neighborhood or geographic area that resembles your country of origin and not the local culture. To blend in local culture, you can join an association or organization that connects digital nomads and locals. The goal is to participate in events or volunteer.
Be aware of where you stay (and how much you pay)
You can rent your accommodation directly from a local. For a short stay, Airbnb may be the solution, but you can still find out more from local real estate agents or through groups on social media. Accommodations, such as hotels or hostels, may offer reduced rates if it concerns a long stay. The last solution may be to ask locals or expatriates on site to find accommodation before it is marketed.
Integrate with the locals and share your skills
You can definitely volunteer with a local organization, but actions related to your professional skills can also help. Depending on your skills in marketing, communication or others, you can organize sharing workshops for the local community. To do this, you can contact an organization that connects digital nomads with locals. To experience local life and meet people, you can join a sports, artistic or cultural association.
Go in low season
Your experience is different from a short-term tourist trip, so you have the option of going during the shoulder season to minimize pressure on local resources and the environment. In order to create a bond with the locals, you will be able to more easily explore the destination outside of tourist seasons. You will benefit from more affordable prices on plane tickets, accommodation or on-site activities.