Your favorite place isn’t the same anymore
Hey Freaking Nomads,
A bit of a more personal—and a little controversial—newsletter this week.
Have you ever returned to a destination that used to feel like a hidden gem, only to find it completely transformed? That sinking feeling when your favorite spot no longer holds the same magic because it’s been overrun by tourism?
Well, I know I have because it happened a few times to me over the last year. I know it happened to you too, and how frustrating this can be.
Over time, it seems like the places we once cherished have lost their authenticity.
Overtourism has the terrible power of changing the vibe of a destination—making it more commercial, crowded, and, frankly, less genuine.
It’s a tough pill to swallow because it feels like the very essence of a place is being eroded.
And while change is inevitable, we as digital nomads can (and actually already do) play a role in it.
We can choose to be responsible travelers.
Instead of piling into the same overrun spots, we can give room for new, authentic destinations to shine. We can support local communities without fueling the cycle of overtourism.
For me, it’s about being mindful of where I put my footprint. If a place I love has become too crowded and lost its soul, I try to explore alternative spots that still have that raw, untouched vibe—and that might just benefit from a little responsible nomad presence.
What can we do about it?
There is a ton we can actually do. Those are some ideas:
- Be mindful of our impact. When planning a trip, consider the local community and the current state of the destination you choose.
- Diversify your travel. Instead of always returning to the same popular spots, seek out emerging places that could use a boost of authentic culture.
- Support local initiatives. Look for local guides, small businesses, and community projects that help preserve the character of a place.
When we travel responsibly, we’re not just visiting a destination—we’re contributing to its future.
We have the power to help maintain the soul of the places we love, even as they change. There’s no one “right” way to be a nomad, but if we do what feels best for both ourselves and our host communities, we can make a difference.
If you want to learn more about this topic, I recommend reading Stella's story in this Remote Work Digest's issue – super inspiring!
Thanks for reading—and for being part of this super mindful Freaking Nomad community.
Until next week 👋
Luca
🗞️ What's new in the nomad world
- Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa just got a glow-up for 2025—but it’ll cost you. The income requirements have jumped (€2,762/month for individuals, to be exact), but the perks are sweeter: a longer renewal period (now four years), streamlined applications, and the ability to earn 20% of your income from Spanish clients. Oh, and the Beckham Law’s flat 24% tax rate is still a thing. If you’ve got the cash, Spain’s rolling out the red carpet.
Irene Lidia Wang
- Abu Dhabi’s making moves for remote workers too. New employment regulations kick in April 2025, officially recognizing remote and part-time roles. Companies will even have to provide tech gear for remote setups. Plus, stronger anti-discrimination protections are now in place. Looks like the UAE is getting more nomad-friendly by the minute.
Luca Mussari
👀 What else...
- Is Faye Travel Insurance worth it? We tested it to find out. Their app is really good (no more endless phone calls with customer service!), and they’ve got solid coverage for trip delays, medical emergencies, and even pet care. We break down the pros, cons, and whether it’s a good fit for nomads.
Jessica Saabor
- If you’re bouncing around Europe, don’t miss our guide on why eSIMs are a must-have. We explain why eSIMs are the smartest way to stay online across multiple countries—plus, we’ve got exclusive discount codes to save you some cash.
Irene Lidia Wang
✨ Our favorite nomad quote for this week
"When overseas, you learn more about your own country than you do the place you're visiting" — Clint Borgen
💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you
Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:
- Editorial Research Assistant at Ethena Labs
- Freelance Social Media and Content Manager at OneLocal
- Cold Caller at Tasknest
- Bookkeeper at Accounting Properties LLC
- Affiliate Manager at Orderly Network
- Content Writer at omniscient
💡This week's pick (to make your life easier)
If you’ve ever felt that sinking feeling of losing your luggage at the airport or frantically retracing your steps to find a misplaced backpack, the Apple AirTag is about to become your new best friend.
📍 Track anything, anywhere – Slip it into your suitcase, clip it to your backpack, or tuck it into your passport holder to keep tabs on your stuff with the Find My app.
🔔 Instant alerts – If you accidentally leave something behind or your bag starts moving further away, your phone will let you know right away.
🌍 Global tracking – Thanks to Apple’s massive Find My network, you can track your gear even when it’s out of Bluetooth range.
🔋 Long-lasting battery – A single CR2032 battery lasts up to a year, so you can set it and forget it (until you need it, of course).
🔒 Privacy-first design – Your location data is encrypted, so only you can see where your stuff is.
Want more travel gear recommendations? Check out our full guide.
That's all for this week.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Threads if you want to get in touch with other members of the FN community.
We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!
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