A Month as a Digital Nomad
Traveling and Working Without Boundaries
August was an extraordinary month, unlike any other. On August 4th, I set off on an adventure with just a small tent and everything I needed to work, without a precise destination except for the clear intention of heading north. A journey with no defined itinerary, but one that led me to discover incredible places and live unique experiences.
A Surprising Start
Punta Ala, Tuscany
My journey began with a paradoxical detour south to Punta Ala, Tuscany, where I spent a few days with my brother and his family, enjoying their hospitality and affection. Despite the heat and humidity, I was pampered and recharged with energy, ready to continue my journey. Once I felt rejuvenated, I packed up my tent and resumed my path northward.
Discovering the North
Beautiful Places and Unexpected Campsites
For this trip, I had set a budget of €50 per day, which had to cover accommodation, food, and travel expenses. Given that some days required spending more than my budget (like the expensive toll roads in France), I aimed to spend no more than €35 on other days. The only way to save this much was on food, so my meals were often quite modest.
After Punta Ala, my real journey began, exploring various campsites and discovering corners of the world that will forever remain etched in my memory. One of the most memorable experiences was a Camping in Finale Ligure. My tent was perched at the top of the campsite, requiring a steep climb every time I needed something, but the effort was more than worth it. At night, lying on a tarp outside my tent, I could gaze at the Milky Way in all its glory, with no artificial light to disturb that magical moment.
Another place that deeply touched me was Camping Sainte-Victoire in Beaurecueil, France. Nestled under the namesake mountain, this campsite offered an ideal location for breathtaking hikes and moments of pure serenity. I fondly remember the evenings spent watching locals play bocce in a small nearby park, an image of tranquility and simplicity that I will always carry with me.
An Improvised Refuge
Lyon, France
The highlight of my journey was discovering the city of Lyon, where I found exactly what I needed. With Europe gripped by a heatwave from Africa, temperatures soared above 39 degrees, making it difficult to constantly set up and take down my tent.
I found a hostel in the center of Lyon, perched on a hill, that offered exactly what I needed: a safe and affordable place to stay as a solo female traveler. I initially booked just a couple of nights, hoping that the oppressive heat would pass. To my surprise, the hostel had an inexpensive co-working space, frequented not only by guests but also by local professionals. During my stay, I had the chance to meet many people and forge meaningful connections with others living very different lives from my own.
Lyon stole my heart with its understated beauty and urban charm. Walking through the streets, admiring the closed shop windows decorated with well-crafted typography, and observing the illuminated bridges spanning the city's two rivers was a true pleasure for my designer’s eye. The city, with its relaxed atmosphere, was the perfect place to stop, rest, and recharge my energy.
Conclusion
A Journey to Repeat
During this month of travel, I learned that working and traveling don't always go hand in hand, but when they do, the experience is enriching and revitalizing. I focused my work on building websites that will soon be online, and I can't wait to share these projects on my web services page.
This journey taught me the importance of flexibility, the ability to adapt, and the value of seizing every opportunity for human connection. I can't wait to hit the road again, ready to embark on new adventures and discover other corners of the world, continuing to work in freedom.
