Interview with Barbara, a mentor for future Digital Nomads4 min read
Interview with Barbara, a mentor for future Digital Nomads4 min read
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Hi Barbara, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your lifestyle?
Sure! Since 2014 I have been living as a digital nomad and write about my experiences around the world on my blog, Barbaralicious. My focus is on outdoor experiences and work-life balance. In this way, I want to inspire people to start their own journey into freedom and to experience and explore the beauty of nature. Besides my blog, I also write books & e-books – I publish city guides for digital nomads – write as a freelance author for publishers and magazines and give social media courses and coaching. I usually travel between Asia and Europe where my family lives.
What is your current destination and what you are planning next?
Since I didn’t want to risk being stuck on the other side of the planet in case someone in my family falls sick, I took a flight back to Germany just a few days before the lockdown. I’m glad I still made it. Also, I’m working on a book project here in Germany, which is keeping me busy. It will take until the end of the year to finish it so I will mostly be in Germany this year. I started my nomad life with a trip around the world and I feel that it’s time to do another one though. So maybe, when I’m done with the book, I might go on a second trip around the world. Well, second only if you don’t count my other travels as trips around the world…
What do you like the most about being a Digital Nomad?
I love being independent and free. I love exploring new places and setting up my ‘office’ somewhere with a breathtaking view. I love meeting new people and having friends around the world.
Is there something that you do not like?
I don’t like living in grey zones. Many things are not illegal but not 100% legal either. A good example is happening right now: I’m stuck in Germany due to Corona, my home country. But I’m not registered here anymore. So technically, I’m only allowed to stay for three months. I will probably go to France for a few days, just to be on the save side. But stuff like this is annoying and bothering me.
What is a place/country you liked the most while travelling and why?
I love Singapore. I know it’s not a typical nomad place… But I love the proximity to so many beautiful countries, the high standard of living, the perfect mix of cultural and outdoor activities. The fact that everyone speaks English and that I can stay there without a visa for 90 days is also on the plus side.
Are you going to coworking spaces while you travel and work remotely? Would you like to recommend a certain coworking space?
My favorite coworking spaces were Dojo in Canggu, Bali, and Ban Jai Dee in Koh Phangan.
Let´s talk about community. Is there a special place/city that you particularly liked because of people/community?
Definitely Chiang Mai! You can’t go anywhere without bumping into a digital nomad. I love that!
Barbara, can you tell us what is your biggest dream?
To be honest, I fulfilled my big dreams. Of course, I still have some things on my bucket list. I would like to see all Wonders of the World (the New ones and the Natural ones). I would like to publish a novel. Stuff like this. And then there is still the dream of finding ‘the one’ to enjoy all this with. But they say you find him when you stop focusing so I won’t go deeper into this, haha!
In case you have a motto, could you share it with us?
Collect moments, not things!
Is there something that you would like to add?
I would like to invite everyone to check out my city guides for digital nomads to jumpstart your stay at a new place. I published 20 so far. And I also created a clothing line for digital nomads called PROUD NOMAD.
Written by: Kristina Lukacova, a DN that enjoys good food, good wine and good vibes. If you would like to know more about Barbara visit her travel blog Barbaralicious. To check out her clothing line and city guides for digital nomad see her second website and blog for digital nomads PROUD NOMAD.
