Contrary to conventional globetrotting norms, more than half of American digital nomads, 53%, now plan to keep at their work-travel lifestyle exclusively within the US, according to a report released today by MBO Partners. Only 10% of all digital nomads intend to spend the entire year abroad, while 47% plan on spending at least some time in another country.
Digital nomads are people who earn a living online while working from different locations rather than a fixed office. The organization found that 17.3 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads, increasing 2% from 2022.
“As employers enforce back-to-office mandates, a paradigm shift is unfolding, revealing the dynamic evolution of the modern-day nomad,” CEO of MBO Partners Miles Everson, said in a press statement. “While a considerable number of digital nomads are gravitating towards domestic pursuits, this presents an opportune moment for employers to embrace that spirit of exploration while fostering seamless connections to local communities.”
While digital nomads have traditionally been young employees, the number of older cohorts has increased to 42% in 2023 from 36% in 2022, according to the report. With the decline of the pandemic, older workers are more willing to travel and more interested in becoming digital nomads.
The report also found that about one-third of digital nomads with traditional jobs are “hidden nomads” where their employers do not know they are nomadic. While 14% of those with traditional jobs said their employer does not know they are nomadic, 18% said their company has no digital nomad policy, but their boss has permitted them to work nomadically.
Meanwhile, more countries and cities are vying to have digital nomads; 58 countries have created special digital nomad visas and other programs, according to the report.