Travel Slow, Stay Longer: The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Off-Peak, Off the beaten Track Travel
Why Slow Down When the World Is So Big?
I know what you’re thinking –“Why would I travel slower and stay longer when there’s SO much to see?”
Yes, totally a fair question. I asked myself the same thing — a lot — when I first hit the road as a digital nomad.
But here’s the truth from someone who’s made the mistakes and has been living this lifestyle for over a decade:
We moved way too fast in the beginning. And not because we wanted to — but because we couldn’t find affordable monthly stays. So we hopped from place to place, burning out and missing out.
Having travelled a lot while working as an international flight attendant with Qantas airways and just always curious and love to travel and explore. When I started my location independent travel in 2015, and while traveling around Australia, we kept seeing the same thing, small towns struggling, Bedroom communities. Empty rooms everywhere, then suddenly in peak season you are paying through the nose for something substandard…I digress with a touch of frustration!
Now that we’re in Europe. Same story — just on a much bigger scale. Spain for example has coastlines full of empty apartments on the off season.
As we travel, we engage with rural communities helping them to innovate build coworking spaces, and even worked with governments to encourage fresh thinking around remote work and tourism, even traveling to the USA on a leadership mission to bring back ideas to build out the innovation space in regional Austalia from seeing how they built it in San Francisco and Boulder Colorado. It was eye-opening to say the least.
Fast-forward to 2025 — post-COVID 19, post-remote-work-revolution and revenge travel — and everything’s changed, mostly the mindset has shifted, expectations have shifted and technology is moving rapidly, creating the new rich. We’ve all learned how to work from home. And now, we’re stretching our legs, testing out a few weeks in new destinations, and asking:“Wait… if I can work from here, couldn’t I work from anywhere?”
That’s exactly why we built and launched Nomad Stays in early 2020 — just three weeks before COVID 19 hit Europe. We were in France, fresh off gaining the French Tech Visa to enable us to live and work in France, ready to Launch Nomad Stays across Europe (which, let’s be honest, is a way bigger playground than Australia). We did launch and we knuckled down on building out our supply and membership. Now, in this fast-paced world of remote work and global mobility, digital nomads are discovering a powerful truth: Slowing down is the new freedom.
Whether you’re freelancing from a beachside café or building your startup in a mountain village, embracing slow travel, explore off-peak adventures, and longer stays can totally transform your lifestyle — and your impact and footprint.
Pic: Nomad Experiences at Nomadstays.com
The Lifestyle Benefits of Traveling Slow
Picture by Coliving Frilingue Swiss Alps
Slow travel isn’t just a trend — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. When you travel with your heart instead of your eye’s and you really get to feel the essence of a place amazing things happen. Remember you are Here’s why:
1. Better Work-Life Balance
Staying longer in one place allows you to establish routines, reduce stress, and avoid burnout. You can work efficiently without the constant pressure of moving every few weeks.
2. Deeper Cultural Immersion
Living like a local means learning the language expanding your brain power, participating in community events (giving first mentality), and forming genuine relationships, isn’t that what business is built on? It’s very simple. You’re not just passing through — you’re part of the story.
Pic: Provided by Nomad Ambassador Anna Reir – volunteering while remote working in Africa
3. Cost Savings
Long-term stays often come with discounts on accommodation, coworking spaces, and even meals. You’ll spend less on transport and more on meaningful experiences.
4. Environmental Sustainability
Fewer flights and less frequent travel mean a lower carbon footprint. Supporting local businesses and choosing eco-friendly lodging adds to your positive impact.
5. Community Contribution
By staying longer, you can volunteer, collaborate with local entrepreneurs, and contribute to the local economy in a meaningful way.
Go Off-Peak & Off the Beaten Track
Choosing to travel during off-peak seasons and exploring lesser-known destinations offers unique advantages. The main one is being a responsible and lowering costs and you will find less people and experience a more local cultural tone to the places you go. You will find better availability and more reasonable affordable prices. You know what I mean; a much more authentic experience without the tourist crowds. Greater access to local hang outs, where locals are more willing and able to share more about their culture, and share the hidden gems. Then if you are paying attention you will naturally y discover the opportunities to give back, through skill-sharing and community engagement.
Use Coworking Spaces to Stay Connected
Often you will find Coworking spaces in the most unexpected places like we did in the south of france in an unsuspecting village in the back streets, and perhaps even make it your global office — and yes, it’s your gateway to community. Stay way to meet likeminded people and stay productive with reliable internet and professional environments. Meet other nomads, attend events, and poetically find collaboration, friendships and meaningful connections. And if you stop and take a moment you will find balance between work and exploration.
Digital Nomad Visas: Stay Longer, Legally
More than 65 countries now offer digital nomad visas, allowing you to live and work abroad legally. Here are some top picks for 2025:
Spain: Up to 5 years, family-friendly, tax benefits, and a path to residency. Minimum income: ~€2,950/month.[1]
Portugal: D8 visa offers 1–2 years with potential renewal. Minimum income: ~$3,700/month.[2]
Colombia: Affordable and vibrant, with a visa for up to 2 years. Minimum income: ~$995/month.[2]
Moldova: New visa with low income requirements (~€1,290/month), ideal for off-track explorers.[3]
India: Most affordable destination with thriving tech hubs and rich culture.[4]
Take note that these visas often require proof of remote income, health insurance, and clean criminal records. Some even offer paths to residency or citizenship.
The latest on is Moldova just released there DN Visa, however it’s a little close to the action at the moment for my liking and suspect that it was created for the multitudes of people been disrupted by what’s happening in Ukraine (don’t mention the war!) and to attract Tech entrepreneurs and remote workers.
Nomad Stays Premium Travel Club: Your Travel Hack
Want to save money and travel smarter? The Nomad Stays Premium Travel Club is built for digital nomads who value flexibility and affordability.
Pic: Nomadstays.com Premium Membership
Shameless plug ALERT for Smarter Traveler!
Let me add a little plug here, because it is something new to Nomad Stays members to take advantage of and only rolled in a few weeks back. When you travel it’s great to have the Benefits of Premium membership with Nomad Stays because it gives you all the latest deals to help you travel affordably with the latest deals coming to you as they roll out and more
Final Thoughts: Travel With Purpose
As a digital nomad, you have the freedom to choose how you experience the world. By traveling slow, staying longer, and going off-peak, you unlock a lifestyle that’s richer, more sustainable, and deeply fulfilling. So ditch the over-planning. Embrace spontaneity. Use coworking spaces. Explore the hidden corners of the world. And let your journey be one that adds value — not just to your life, but to the communities you touch.
Written by Linda McCall
References
[1] Digital Nomad Visa: Who qualifies and how to apply – 2025 Guide
[2] Digital Nomad Visas in 2025: The Ultimate Country-by-Country Guide
[3] This underrated European country will soon launch a digital nomad visa
[4] This Country Was Just Named the Most Affordable Destination for Digital Nomads
[5] Nomad Stays Premium – Save More on Long-Term Travel •• Nomad Stays
