When I first started my nomadic journey, I imagined a life of freedom, adventure, and working from beautiful locations. I saw myself sipping coffee in European cafés, lounging on tropical beaches, and hopping from one exciting city to another. And while many of those dreams became reality, I quickly learned that being a full-time nomad comes with unexpected challenges that no one really talks about.

If you’re thinking about embracing this lifestyle, here are some of the biggest struggles I’ve faced as a full-time nomad—and how I’ve learned to deal with them.

1. Loneliness Can Hit Hard

When I first set out, I imagined constantly meeting new people. And while it’s true that nomads cross paths with fellow travelers and locals, deep, lasting connections are harder to maintain.

I remember landing in Mexico City, excited to explore. But after a few weeks, I realized I didn’t have anyone to grab dinner with or talk about my day. Unlike a traditional lifestyle where you have a stable friend group, being a nomad often means saying goodbye just as you start to form connections.

How I Overcame It:

  • Joined coworking spaces – Places like WeWork or Selina helped me connect with other nomads.
  • Attended local meetups – Platforms like Meetup and Facebook groups are great for finding social events.
  • Stayed in places longer – Instead of jumping from city to city, I started spending 1-3 months in a place to build relationships.

Loneliness is a reality of nomadic life, but putting effort into making friends helps a lot.

2. The Reality of Work & Wi-Fi Struggles

One of the biggest myths about digital nomad life is that you can work from anywhere. The truth? Not everywhere has stable Wi-Fi—and bad internet can quickly turn into a nightmare.

I learned this the hard way in Bali. I had an important Zoom call, and just as the meeting started, the power went out. I ran to a café, only to find their Wi-Fi barely working. That day, I lost a client because I wasn’t prepared for unreliable internet.

How I Overcame It:

  • Researched Wi-Fi quality before traveling – Websites like Nomad List helped me pick locations with reliable internet.
  • Invested in a local SIM card & hotspot – I always have a backup internet option now.
  • Used coworking spaces for important work – Cafés are great, but coworking spaces guarantee better Wi-Fi.

Nomad life isn’t all about lounging on a beach with a laptop—sometimes, you’ll be searching for Wi-Fi more than sightseeing.

3. Visa Issues & Unexpected Travel Costs

Before becoming a nomad, I didn’t realize how complicated visa rules could be. Some countries allow short stays without a visa, while others require long applications, high fees, or proof of onward travel.

When I went to Thailand, I didn’t realize I needed an onward ticket to enter. At the airport, they wouldn’t let me board my flight until I bought a last-minute ticket out of Thailand—even though I wasn’t sure when I wanted to leave. It was an expensive and stressful mistake.

How I Overcame It:

  • Used visa-checking websites – Websites like Sherpa or iVisa help me understand entry rules.
  • Planned visa runs in advance – Some countries require leaving every 30-90 days, so I plan my exits.
  • Used “throwaway ticket” services – Some websites (like OnwardTicket) provide temporary tickets to meet airline requirements.

Visa issues can ruin travel plans if you’re not prepared, so staying informed is crucial.

4. The Pressure to Always “Make It Look Fun”

One unexpected struggle I faced was the pressure to make my lifestyle look perfect. Social media makes it seem like digital nomads live in luxury, always exploring and never struggling. But the truth? There are bad days, too.

There were days I felt burnt out, sick, or just tired of always moving. But whenever I posted about my struggles, I felt guilty—like I had to maintain an illusion of “the perfect travel life.”

How I Overcame It:

  • Stopped comparing my journey to others – Everyone has tough days, even nomads.
  • Shared both highs and lows – I started being more honest in my travel posts.
  • Took breaks when needed – Instead of feeling pressure to always move, I allowed myself time to slow down and recharge.

Being a nomad isn’t always sunshine and adventure—and that’s okay.