Reflecting on how visa runs shaped the early digital nomad experience
A decade ago, planning a visa run was a central part of nomadic life, often involving stressful border crossings and last-minute flights. I remember spending hours in consulates or airports, clutching paperwork that felt flimsy against bureaucratic whims. Now, with the rise of digital nomad visas and longer-term permits in many countries, that frantic rhythm has largely faded. While the stability is welcome, those chaotic journeys forced a kind of resilience and spontaneous problem-solving that feels rare today. It’s ironic how seeking permanence in movement has led to more settled routines, altering the very essence of constant travel. Perhaps we’ve traded adventure for assurance, and I’m not entirely sure that’s a clear win.