Setting out on the path of a digital nomad often involves considerable financial investment. Yet, as a Dubai-based digital nomad reflected during a recent weekend chat in September, the real expense lies in traveling without fully engaging with the unique experiences that come with it.
“The world unfolds its true colors when you let go of the familiar comforts you hold onto,” he remarked. “Many people travel chasing luxury and spectacle, but the genuine magic emerges when you dive into the unexpected and spontaneous moments.”
Ayodeji, a senior software engineer from Nigeria employed at Miro-the Dutch startup behind a popular online whiteboard-made the life-altering choice this year to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle indefinitely.
Crafting a Career Fueled by Passion and Global Vision
From his early years, Ayodeji was captivated by technology. A passionate gamer, he began coding in 2013 as a teenager, dreaming of developing video games. By 2016, he was already engaged in remote work for US-based companies. His initial roles included backend development at Oktium, a US video calling app, followed by short stints at Qwertee, an e-commerce startup, and Eze, a YC-backed B2B IT procurement platform.
His career trajectory shifted significantly in 2019 when he joined Andela, the Nigerian tech unicorn, through a fellowship program he credits as the true catalyst for his professional growth.
“Prior to Andela, I had remote work experience, but the fellowship equipped me with vital soft skills necessary for professional success,” Ayodeji recalled. “The six-month program involved working on a real-world project, which helped me pinpoint areas for technical improvement and enhance my collaboration skills.”
His ultimate goal was unmistakable: to work with international companies. To realize this, he concentrated on staying current in the rapidly changing tech industry and developing leadership qualities.
“Traveling has always been a dream,” he shared. “I wanted to live in places where I wouldn’t have to worry about essentials like stable electricity or internet. The fastest route to that was through saving money.”
After completing the Andela fellowship, he sought opportunities with foreign employers, joining Homevision, a tool for appraisers, and later leading the tech team at Butter, a Copenhagen-based remote collaboration platform acquired by Miro in 2025. This leadership position marked a turning point in his career.
Obtaining a Freelance Visa: Unlocking New Horizons
Now based in Dubai, Ayodeji’s first international relocation occurred in 2021 when he secured a freelance visa allowing professionals to live and work in the UAE without employer sponsorship.
This visa is generally tied to a freelance permit issued by one of Dubai’s free zones, such as Dubai Internet City or Dubai Media City, and is available to specialists in fields like technology, media, design, and education. It grants residency rights, the ability to open bank accounts, and the freedom to take on multiple clients. Although new applications were temporarily halted in 2025 due to residency system reviews, it remains a popular option among remote workers.
Ayodeji noted that the visa process, which cost him about $3,000 excluding travel expenses, was more straightforward in earlier years. However, recent income thresholds-like the AED 15,000 ($4,000) monthly minimum for the green visa-and tighter travel regulations have made it more difficult for some African nationals to qualify.
He spent a full year working remotely from Dubai, initially finding the city “thrilling,” though the excitement faded over time. While he values the UAE’s stability, freedom, and tax benefits, Ayodeji yearned for a more vibrant outlet.
That chance came through a company-sponsored retreat. In 2022, Butter organized an offsite in Malaysia, inviting team members from various countries. Despite initial reservations fueled by negative perceptions about Malaysia’s treatment of black people, Ayodeji was encouraged by colleagues to participate.
“As a Nigerian, I had mostly heard unfavorable stories about Malaysia, especially regarding racism,” he admitted. “I was cautious, but the experience was transformative. The kindness of the locals, the amazing food, and finally meeting teammates face-to-face after nearly two years of remote work left a deep impression.”
This trip reignited his adventurous spirit, which had dimmed during his time in Dubai. Since then, Ayodeji has adopted a nomadic lifestyle, traveling extensively throughout Southeast Asia and planning to explore the mountainous terrains of Eurasia soon.
“In Nigeria, material wealth is often seen as the key to happiness,” he reflected. “Visiting Southeast Asia taught me that people can live simply and joyfully. It completely changed my outlook.”
Traveling with Purpose Beyond Surface-Level Experiences
Ayodeji critiques the shallow mindset many Africans adopt when traveling. He observes that travelers frequently attempt to recreate the comforts of home instead of fully immersing themselves in new cultures. Having visited many countries without leaving a meaningful impact, he now treasures small, genuine connections.
For example, his closest companion on his journeys has often been a Grab driver-a popular ride-hailing service in countries like Thailand and Vietnam.
“In Thailand, I told my Grab driver to take me anywhere,” Ayodeji recounted. “What was meant to be a 15-minute ride turned into a 12-hour adventure. We exchanged stories, shared meals, and he even declined payment. It was a profound experience unlike any I’d had before.”
For Ayodeji, the nomadic lifestyle sparks his curiosity and prevents mental stagnation. Constantly moving forces him to notice and appreciate fleeting moments that many overlook.
When asked about common challenges such as jet lag, loneliness, and the instability that often push nomads back to traditional lifestyles, Ayodeji offered a philosophical perspective. He embraces spontaneity and the unpredictability of life on the road, echoing the free-spirited ethos reminiscent of the 1960s counterculture.
“Climb Mount Bromo, savor street food in Phuket, and soak up the sun until time slips away,” he encouraged. “That’s what it means to truly live.”
Three core elements sustain his nomadic lifestyle: the freedom to choose his location, the friendships forged with strangers turned companions, and the fresh perspectives gained from diverse cultures.
For Ayodeji, travel is more than work or escape; it’s about being fully present, open, and appreciating the world in its genuine form rather than as a mere backdrop for photos.
Confronting Bias in a Connected World
Despite his optimistic outlook and strong interpersonal skills, Ayodeji has faced the stark realities of prejudice encountered by travelers like him-Nigerian, with a distinct accent and a passport that doesn’t open many doors easily.
Before embarking on his travels, he lost a job opportunity in Europe solely because of his accent. “The rejection email said they couldn’t understand me,” he recalled. “It wasn’t about my skills.”
Such biases continue to create barriers, making it tough to secure roles that provide the financial freedom to travel. As a nomad, Ayodeji has encountered closed embassy doors, some demanding police reports or guarantors, while others simply ignored his visa applications.
Nonetheless, he remains resolute. Although Dubai serves as his home base due to its tax benefits, he plans his travels months ahead, arranging flights and visas well in advance.
“As a UAE resident, I can’t be outside the country for more than six months consecutively,” he explained. “Usually, I spend five months abroad, then a month in Dubai managing visas and travel logistics. But sometimes, my trips are spontaneous.”
He no longer keeps a permanent apartment in Dubai, opting instead for a small storage unit costing $80 monthly to store his belongings. When back, he stays in Airbnbs, a system that balances mobility with a sense of home.
Living a nomadic life requires sacrifices. Essential safety nets like health insurance must be adaptable. For Ayodeji, that safety net is Genki, a travel insurance service designed specifically for digital nomads.
“Insurance isn’t just a formality for us,” he stressed. “No matter where you are, something can go wrong. It’s vital to have support ready.”
According to Safe and Not Sorry’s nomad insurance calculator, coverage for travelers in their twenties starts at around $45 per month, depending on the region.
Ayodeji finances his travels through his remote position at Miro, supplemented by freelance gigs and careful budgeting. He avoids extravagance but embraces the simple joys of discovery.
“Travel isn’t as expensive as many think,” he said. “When you shift your focus from comfort to experience, everything changes. I hope more Africans travel with the goal of connecting deeply, to meet people rather than just visit places.”
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Editor’s note: The name Ayodeji has been changed at the subject’s request.