Hi there, welcome to the kickoff of a brand-new blog series! It’s high time I properly introduce myself. My name is Daphne van Velsen, a 23-year-old from the Netherlands. But hold on tight because, in just two short months, I’ll be saying goodbye to this familiar land and venturing out into the world as a digital nomad. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to take you along for the ride. The anticipation of embracing the nomadic lifestyle, with its freedom to work remotely and travel, is truly exhilarating. Securing a remote job is a key component of the digital nomad lifestyle I am about to embrace, enabling me to live and work from anywhere in the world.
Discovering the dream
From a young age, I struggled with insecurity, constantly worrying about fitting in and doing the right things. But amidst those insecurities, I found inspiration in movies depicting people living extraordinary lives abroad, creating their own stories. The real turning point came during a trip to Valencia with my boyfriend back in 2018. Stepping onto that plane felt like stepping into a new phase of life, with endless possibilities waiting beyond the horizon. Over the past few years, the burning desire to explore the world ignited within me, leading to the realization that I could live and work in a fully location-independent manner, not tied to any single location.
From Wanderlust to Action
After Valencia, I found myself craving more adventures. From Madeira to Prague, Ancona, and Thailand, each new destination fueled my passion for exploration. But it wasn’t just about traveling; I wanted to break free from the confines of my 9-to-5 HR job and dive into full-time nomadic living. So, with determination in my heart and my supportive boyfriend by my side, I made the bold decision to leave the Netherlands behind and become a digital nomad.
The Countdown Begins
With just two months left until departure, the excitement is palpable. In July 2024, my boyfriend and I will pack our bags, bid farewell to our current lives, and set off on a grand adventure. And I couldn’t be more thrilled to share every step of this journey with you, right here on this blog. It’s a dream I’ve held onto since I was 12, promising my parents that one day I’d be living outside the Netherlands, and now that day is finally here. This move marks the beginning of our journey towards location independence, embracing the freedom to work and live from anywhere in the world. Joining the ranks of many digital nomads, we’re exploring the myriad ways they’ve adapted to this lifestyle, from simplifying their lives and choosing hub countries to converting vans into homes and carefully selecting affordable destinations.
Join Me on the Adventure
So, buckle up and get ready to join me on this incredible adventure. From the highs to the lows, the challenges to the triumphs, I’ll be documenting it all in this blog series as I live out my dream of becoming a digital nomad. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us. Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I’ll be sharing even more behind-the-scenes glimpses of our digital nomad life.
