You recognize? Rising up within the Philippines, I by no means needed to cope with below-zero temperatures or snow-covered streets. However as a digital nomad, my travels ultimately took me to locations the place “bundling up” wasn’t simply an choice – it was a necessity!
In spite of everything, I don’t all the time go to seashores like in Florida, or journey round scorching locations like Saudi Arabia. I journey by means of chilly climates too, like Idaho! Soaking within the beautiful landscapes of Palawan or navigating vibrant hubs like Bangkok – every vacation spot teaches me one thing new.
![Girl blowing air into fists to keep warm](https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-Filipino-Digital-Nomads-Can-Thrive-in-Non-Tropical-Climates-2-800x450.jpg)
For those who’re contemplating changing into a digital nomad or are already one, try my particular eBook, The A-Z on The way to Turn into a Digital Nomad. It’s filled with the whole lot that you must begin and thrive on this thrilling way of life.
For those who’re heading to a colder local weather for the primary time, don’t fear! I’ve acquired some tried-and-tested suggestions that can assist you keep heat, comfy, and productive.
1. Understanding the Local weather & Climate Patterns
a. Analysis Your Vacation spot
Earlier than I arrived in northern Europe, I spent numerous time studying about common temperatures, humidity, and seasonal adjustments. This helped me work out whether or not I’d want a heavy-duty winter coat or simply some light-weight layers.
- Apps & Web sites: I take advantage of AccuWeather and TimeandDate to observe day by day forecasts. In addition they present long-range predictions, so I do know which months are coldest or if a sudden snowstorm is on the horizon. Getting access to dependable web connectivity ensures I can keep up to date on climate and work productively whereas on the go.
b. Know Your Limits
Everybody’s tolerance for chilly is completely different. For those who’re like me and spent most of your life in a tropical local weather, you would possibly really feel chilly and put on winter jackets even when locals are nonetheless sporting T-shirts. It’s utterly regular – simply plan accordingly!
2. Dressing for Winter & Chilly Climate
a. Grasp the Artwork of Layering
Once I first skilled actual winter, I panicked and purchased the most important, puffiest coat I might discover. Over time, I noticed layering was extra environment friendly – and sometimes extra reasonably priced.
- Base Layer: Suppose thermal tops or light-weight wool. These assist regulate physique temperature and wick away moisture (in case you sweat).
- Mid Layer: A sweater or fleece to maintain the warmth in.
- Outer Layer: A windproof or mackintosh, relying on the forecast.
You possibly can all the time shed layers when you get too heat indoors.
b. Spend money on High quality Winter Gear
I as soon as tried to outlive a Finnish winter sporting low-cost boots. Let’s simply say my toes weren’t glad. Prioritize a couple of sturdy gadgets – like waterproof boots, a correct coat, and insulated gloves. It’s price it to maintain your self shielded from biting winds or slushy sidewalks.
c. Don’t Neglect Equipment
- Scarves & Beanies: Protecting your neck, ears, and head helps your physique retain heat.
- Thermal Socks: Preserve these ft cosy, particularly when you plan to stroll so much.
- Hand & Foot Heaters: These little packets saved me throughout lengthy practice rides and outside adventures.
3. Adapting Your Routine & Way of life
a. Keep Hydrated & Moisturized
Chilly climate could be surprisingly dry. My pores and skin began feeling tight and flaky, so I started utilizing a heavier moisturizer and ingesting extra water than standard. Contemplate bringing a small humidifier when you’ll keep in a spot for a couple of weeks – it helps fight the dryness of indoor heating.
b. Embrace Consolation Meals (However Steadiness It Out)
I really like a hearty soup or stew when it’s chilly exterior – nothing beats a heat meal after coming in from the chilliness! Nevertheless, I additionally be sure that to get vegetables and fruit in my weight-reduction plan to maintain my immune system sturdy.
Frozen produce generally is a lifesaver when recent fruits are costly or much less accessible in winter. Filipino tradition – particularly Filipino delicacies with its daring flavors – all the time brings me consolation, irrespective of the place I’m.
c. Alter Your Work Schedule
You would possibly discover it’s more durable to get off the bed when it’s freezing exterior. That’s okay! I attempt to shift my work hours barely later to match dawn occasions (or each time it warms up a bit). I additionally plan quick, lively breaks – like indoor stretches or a fast stroll – to maintain my circulation going and struggle off the winter blues.
4. Discovering Consolation & Overcoming Seasonal Challenges
a. Make Your House Cozy
For those who’re renting an Airbnb or a short-term residence, personalize it with comfortable blankets, throw pillows, and even fairy lights. Creating a comfortable nook to work in could make these gloomy, grey days really feel rather more inviting.
Discovering good hire is commonly key, particularly when you’re staying in hubs like Davao Metropolis or Cebu Metropolis, or different spots in Southeast Asia identified for his or her reasonably priced value of dwelling. They appeal to many expats and distant employees.
b. Fight Seasonal Affective Dysfunction (SAD)
The shortage of daylight in winter can typically have an effect on temper. Some Filipino digital nomads (myself included) aren’t used to days that get darkish by 4 PM. Contemplate the following pointers:
- Gentle Remedy: Particular lamps mimic daylight and might increase your temper and power ranges.
- Keep Social: Whether or not it’s digital meetups, Fb teams, or native digital nomad neighborhood occasions, connecting with others helps hold loneliness at bay.
- Out of doors Time: Even when it’s chilly, attempt to step exterior for a little bit of pure mild. A brisk 15-minute stroll can do wonders.
c. Be taught Native Winter Actions
With a good journey insurance coverage, something you need to do is feasible! Be it ice skating, snowboarding, or just strolling round a Christmas market, leaning into the season’s actions might help you admire the colder local weather. I used to dread stepping exterior in winter, however as soon as I embraced these experiences, it made the chilly extra gratifying.
In Southeast Asia, I discovered to take pleasure in surf and dive actions, excellent escapes when returning to the tropical paradise of, for instance, Boracay or different locations thought of to be the browsing capital of the Philippines.
![Girl wrapped in blanket while working](https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-Filipino-Digital-Nomads-Can-Thrive-in-Non-Tropical-Climates-4-800x450.jpg)
Remaining Ideas
Transitioning from the tropics to cold-weather environments could be each thrilling and daunting. However with the proper mindset, gear, and self-care routines, you can’t solely survive however really thrive in non-tropical climates.
For me, dwelling in colder areas has broadened my perspective, taught me resilience, and added a complete new layer of pleasure to my digital nomad way of life.
Keep in mind, it’s all about flexibility and preparation. Whether or not you’re exploring visa choices just like the SRRV (Particular Resident Retiree’s Visa) for long-term stays, guaranteeing your passport is up to date, or packing on your subsequent journey, the secret is to remain ready.
From short-term stays in Thailand to long-term journeys in western international locations, there’s all the time one thing to be taught. Glorious amenities like sim playing cards, buying malls, hostels, and coworking spaceswill provide you with the whole lot that you must work and reside comfortably.
Protected travels, and keep cozy, kapwa Pinoy nomads!
Disclaimer: The ideas supplied are based mostly on my private experiences; please adapt them to your personal consolation ranges and seek the advice of well being professionals for particular considerations.
FAQ
The nation is understood for its pleasant locals, English-speaking inhabitants, and an rising variety of coworking areas, making it a really perfect vacation spot for digital nomads.
Makati and Bonifacio International Metropolis (BGC) stand out for his or her fashionable infrastructure, premium coworking areas, and lively expatriate communities. These areas supply high-speed web, dependable energy provide, and considerable cafes appropriate for distant work.
Sure, the Philippines’ Digital Nomad Visa was launched in June of 2023. This visa is a method for individuals to reside within the Philippines with out having to go away their work behind.