As work becomes increasingly borderless, understanding how VAT applies is critical. The first step is to know where obligations begin and ensure they're addressed before they become a problem. There are two categories of global workers for whom VAT considerations are especially relevant: Employees on international secondments, who remain on their company's payroll while temporarily working abroad, and digital nomads, who operate their own businesses while moving from country to country.
A report published by Talker Research pinpoints the exact average bank balance Americans need to drop everything and travel the world. According to this study, involving 2,000 people, the average wannabe world-traveling American needs roughly "$287,731 in the bank." Of course, there is a generational divide on the exact amount: baby boomers indicated an average of $335,000. Meanwhile, their youngest-paying relatives in Generation Z (Gen Z) named a more modest $211,000 to encourage their exodus abroad.
Sunshine, tapas, siestas (and, let's be honest, fiestas); Spain has all the ingredients for a pretty dreamy digital nomad lifestyle. But beyond the sangria and palm trees, there are some practical things every remote worker has to think about: solid Wi-Fi, a welcoming community, staying safe, and, yes, making sure you've got travel insurance that actually covers you when things go sideways.
One of the biggest shifts has been a growing demand for unique experiences. By taking advantage of flexible work opportunities, more Americans are embracing the appeal of a digital nomad lifestyle. What was once seen as an option mainly for solo travelers and young couples is now growing among a new demographic: families. Recent studies show that digital nomad families have increased in 2025, with about 15% of digital nomads now traveling with their children.
Traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it comes with its share of risks-especially when it comes to your health. Whether you're backpacking through Southeast Asia, road-tripping across Europe, or taking a luxury cruise, unexpected medical issues can turn an amazing trip into a nightmare. That's where travel health insurance steps in-offering peace of mind and financial protection when you're far from home.
Having the opportunity to travel and work at the same time is a great privilege and one I enjoy immensely. However, unlike 'normal' travelers or vacationers, as a digital nomad, you have to be a bit more selective about where you go. Will the area have good WiFi? Are there co-working spots or cafés quiet enough where you can make a call? Is the cost of living manageable in the long run?
For more and more Americans, living abroad isn't just a fantasy-it's becoming a practical, affordable lifestyle choice. Whether you're a digital nomad, a gap-year adventurer, or someone simply seeking a reset, spending a year abroad can be transformative. And the best part? There are over a dozen countries that offer visa-free or long-stay entry for U.S. citizens for up to a year.
The digital nomad lifestyle may look chaotic from the outside, but it really comes down to mastering two things: planning ahead and having the right tools. From a versatile backpack and reliable power bank to a VPN, noise-cancelling headphones, portable displays, and external storage, these essentials make it possible to stay productive anywhere while keeping work secure, comfortable, and stress-free.
THE CATALAN capital of Barcelona has been named one of the world's top five destinations for a so-called 'work holiday,' a lifestyle that fuses working remotely with travelling. According to a global ranking reported by the International Workplace Group, or IWG, Barcelona, which has famously been a magnet for digital nomads, ranks in the highly competitive fifth position, under global tourism hotspots like Japan and Brazil.
"Since its launch on July 15 last year, the DTV has attracted more than 35,000 applicants, according to official figures - a rare policy success for a government struggling to kick-start economic growth amid political and external headwinds."
