Read this before sleeping in an airport

Hey Freaking Nomads,

I've had my fair share of late-night layovers, and I can tell you, they never quite go as planned... I once found myself curled up on an airport bench in Nicaragua (the one flagged on SleepingInAirports, love that site), trying to catch some sleep between flights. It was pretty rough, between the bright lights overhead and voices echoing throughout the terminal.

In theory, sleeping in an airport sounds adventurous, liberating even. But in practice, it can feel isolating, exhausting, and oddly humbling. I tried to convince myself it was all part of the nomadic experience. "Look at me, living on the edge!" But deep down, my body was aching, and my mind was racing. I couldn’t shake the feeling of missing out on better experiences while I was stuck in that terminal timeout.

This leads to something we don’t always talk about as digital nomads: the reality of discomfort amidst the romanticized vision of our lifestyle. Sure, we love the freedom, the different cultures… but there’s also a dark side to it. We're constantly moving, catching flights, enduring long waits, and sometimes, just settling for a makeshift bed among the hustle and bustle of an airport.

It’s crucial to recognize that while we’re embracing a life filled with spontaneity, we also need to take care of ourselves. Ignoring basic comfort and self-care for too long can lead to burnout and resentment toward the lifestyle we've chosen. Yes, adventure is a beautiful thing, but it should never come at the cost of our well-being.

So, as a community, let's value more than just the thrill of adventure. How about we create a balance: explore with intention, slowing down when needed. Invest in travel experiences that nurture us rather than wear us down, whether that means a cozy night in a proper hotel or being strategic about airport layovers.

Next time you find yourself in an airport, remember this: it’s okay to opt for comfort. Prioritize rest and self-care. After all, a well-rested nomad is an adventurous nomad.

Thanks for reading.

Until next week,
Irene

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🧑‍💻 The Nomad Resource of the Week

Speaking of sleeping in airports…

You don’t really appreciate a good pair of earplugs until you’re sandwiched between a crying baby and a screaming gate announcement. That’s where the Loop Switch Earplugs come in.

The Switch model gives you 3 modes in one:

🎧 Engage (for social settings)

🎶 Experience (for live music or loud cafés)

😴 Quiet (for sleep and serious focus)

With a simple flick of the switch, you control how much sound to let in. They’re reusable, come with multiple ear tip sizes, and store neatly in a compact case that fits in any carry-on pouch.

Check out more travel-friendly tools in our full gear guide or browse all our recommended resources.

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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋

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