Are you already thinking about your travel plans for 2025? Some of us have even booked our first flights for January! In the world of digital nomads, it seems there are two types: those who have their whole year mapped out, and those who have no idea where they’ll be next week. Recently, our community had a lively discussion about planning ahead, and we’d love to share some insights with you.
How Far in Advance Do You Plan Your Calendar?
One community member shared they’re still figuring things out, considering destinations like Central or South America for the winter or early spring. They’re curious about where others are heading and how they approach planning.
Another nomad mentioned they used to be in the “don’t know about next week” category but now have the full year planned—literally trying to fit things into 2026! Splitting time between home bases, friends and family events, and slow travel (staying at least 1-2 months in each place) has made planning ahead necessary for them.
Yet another prefers to have at least one or two things to look forward to as each trip approaches. They plan ahead for special experiences but try not to overcommit, especially post-COVID due to changes and cancellation policies. While they enjoy planning, they sometimes wish they were more spontaneous to take advantage of last-minute opportunities they hear about.
Factors Influencing Advance Planning
Many factors influence how much advance planning digital nomads do:
- Booking Availability: Popular coliving spaces can book up far in advance, necessitating early reservations.
- Cancellation Policies: Strict policies can make nomads hesitant to book too far ahead.
- Special Events: Weddings, festivals, conferences, and other events often require advance planning.
- Desire for Flexibility: Some nomads prefer to keep plans open to accommodate new opportunities and connections.
One member mentioned that during the holidays, meeting other travelers can inspire them to explore new locations, so they prefer not to commit to a specific place just yet. They asked the community for January travel recommendations, highlighting the spontaneous side of nomadic life.
Coliving Operators: Balancing Early Bookers and Last-Minute Planners
From the perspective of coliving operators, accommodating both early bookers and spontaneous guests can be challenging. One operator shared that earlier bookings allow them to plan an amazing experience, and high seasons tend to book out months ahead. They manage this by having an internal waitlist and using platforms like cowaiting.net.
They also pondered whether it’s possible to set aside a percentage of available rooms to open up gradually without risking the business. This approach could:
- Prevent the same people from booking early and forming tight-knit groups.
- Introduce spontaneous energy that can enrich group dynamics.
- Strike a balance between securing bookings and welcoming those who decide to join later.
Operators are curious about strategies from others in the industry and are considering the best timelines for pop-up events, especially those needing a minimum number of participants to proceed.
Community Tips and Recommendations
- Flexibility is Key: Even with plans, staying open to new opportunities can lead to unexpected adventures.
- Plan Around Events: Anchoring your schedule with events like weddings or festivals can help structure your travel plans.
- Research Booking Policies: Understanding cancellation policies can help you decide how far in advance to book accommodations.
- Explore During Off-Seasons: Some destinations offer more availability and unique experiences during their low seasons.
One member shared that they rented out their place in Palermo, Sicily, in January—a great month to explore without the crowds—and are hosting a French Immersion coliving month at the same time. They recommend both options to those looking for new experiences.
Join the Conversation!
These insights are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer to go with the flow, sharing experiences and strategies helps us all navigate the unique challenges of the nomadic lifestyle.
We invite you to join these conversations and become part of our supportive community at the Colivers Club. Connect with fellow digital nomads, share your stories, and discover new opportunities.
Visit us at coliversclub.com and be part of the conversation!
