Ashlynn Crow - Author and Digital Nomad
For those seeking a life of adventure and flexibility, the digital nomad lifestyle has become a compelling choice. We had the pleasure of interviewing the passionate writer and adventurer, Ashlynn Crow, who shared her journey and insights as a digital nomad. Let's dive into the highlights of our conversation:
Motivated by a desire to make the most of her youth, Ashlynn took the leap into the digital nomad lifestyle when the pandemic hit. With her laptop and a handful of clothes, she packed up, said goodbye to her apartment, and embraced intentional living as a nomadic writer.
As with any path, challenges arose. One unexpected hurdle for Ashlynn was reverse culture shock, an ongoing adjustment she had not anticipated. She also emphasized the importance of travel and health insurance for nomads, recommending SafetyWing for comprehensive coverage.
In contrast to the challenges, Ashlynn spoke passionately about the multitude of benefits the digital nomad lifestyle has provided her. From enjoying delicious food to enhancing her mental and physical well-being, she has discovered a better life abroad than she ever had in her home country. Living in beautiful apartments in various cities, making new friends, and embarking on exciting adventures has transformed Ashlynn into a more fulfilled, courageous, and better version of herself.
For those contemplating the digital nomad lifestyle, Ashlynn shared valuable advice. Alongside her blog, which offers detailed tips, she highlighted the value of learning the local language or at least mastering basic phrases. Utilizing platforms such as Italki and Duolingo can facilitate language acquisition. Also, consider larger cities for reliable wifi, the lifeblood of a digital nomad's productivity and connectivity.
Taking work-life balance seriously, Ashlynn revealed her strategy for prioritizing both work and travel. She reserves weekdays for thrilling adventures and dedicates weekends to writing, leveraging the quieter atmosphere in cafes and restaurants. This intentional scheduling ensures maximum productivity and the freedom to explore during unique weekday activities.
When it comes to affordable accommodations and cultural navigation, Airbnb is Ashlynn's go-to resource. She recommends renting apartments for a month rather than a shorter duration to save costs. Additionally, Airbnb offers opportunities to hire local guides and participate in events hosted by locals, fostering a deeper connection to the culture of each destination.
Ashlynn stressed the importance of utilizing social media as a digital nomad. With this powerful tool, she connects with potential readers, promotes her books, and shares her adventures within a supportive community. Through social media, she has formed lasting friendships with fellow authors and gained invaluable support.
Addressing misconceptions surrounding the digital nomad lifestyle, Ashlynn clarifies that it is not a never-ending vacation. Digital nomads work just as hard as their office-bound counterparts, but with the flexibility and freedom to choose their workspace.
Traversing the globe, Ashlynn has encountered numerous favorite hotspots, each captivating in its own way. Her travels have ranged from exploring witch markets in Peru to surfing desert sands in Icca and hiking through Colombian jungles. These adventures have shaped her journey and propelled her towards personal growth and professional achievements.
As Ashlynn continues her digital nomad journey, she finds herself in Barcelona, Spain, seeking literary representation for her captivating book, "Blood Lies," a dark YA romance filled with vampires, hunters, and unbreakable friendships.
To stay connected and receive updates on Ashlynn's travels and writing endeavors, visit her website, ashlynncrow.com, and sign up for her newsletter. Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and embark on your own extraordinary journey!
