I operate independently, which grants me the freedom to travel to remote locations for those tethered to a boss who is always over their shoulders. Yes, I’m talking about those who scrutinize your every action, insisting on rigid clock-in and clock-out times, and generally encroaching on your personal space as you try to manage hybrid or remote work. Who enjoys that situation? No one, especially when the digital realm offers countless opportunities—ranging from meetings at a nearby coffee shop to enjoying a vacation on the other side of the globe during an ordinary workweek.
According to Statista, in 2021, there were 15 million digital nomads in the United States. By 2023, 35% of these nomads identified as freelancers or part of the gig economy. Furthermore, MBO Partners indicates that 36% of American digital nomads intended to remain in the U.S. rather than venture abroad. A survey revealed that 14% of these nomads reported their employers unawareness of their work-travel lifestyle. Additionally, 18% mentioned that even if they have their manager’s permission to work while traveling, the company lacks a formal policy regarding this lifestyle. This creates a murky situation where individuals must decide whether to inform their supervisors of their whereabouts or keep it confidential.
The travel industry acknowledges the uncertainties and potential necessity for discretion faced by digital nomads, and brands are responding with intention. I traveled from Cincinnati to Clearwater Beach, Florida, curious about how brands cater to the needs of digital nomads. After all, do your clients really need to know you’re soaking up the sun? If your tan gives it away, that’s a personal issue, but the hotel you’re at certainly won’t spill the beans about your getaway.
This was the experience I set out to investigate at AC Hotel Clearwater Beach, a hotel located in the city center where swimwear is often the attire and panoramic marina views are standard on most floors.
The “Hush” Package
Initially, I thought “hush package” sounded like a gimmicky hotel offering without real value. However, that turned out not to be the case. AC Hotel Clearwater Beach’s “Hush Trip Haven” package provides digital nomads with a secure and conducive work environment, complete with amenities designed to enhance focus during the day and facilitate relaxation post-work. The package I sampled included amenities that AC Hotel Clearwater Beach’s website promised:
- Worker’s Welcome Pack: Upon arrival, guests receive a welcome package containing “a portable charging dock, printing credits, a branded notepad, an eye mask for rest, lavender sachets for relaxation,” and a unique door hanger. The portable charging dock and door hanger proved especially handy, with the latter ensuring minimal interruptions during Zoom calls due to its note that read, “Hush. Working ‘from home.’”
- Dedicated Coworking Space: Digital nomads are granted “access to a dedicated coworking area in [the] AC Business Center, [which is] equipped with essential productivity amenities.”
- AC Media Salon: Guests receive “priority access to the AC Media Salon for virtual meetings and tech support (based on availability).”
- Refreshment Concierge: If you’ve ever wished for a helper to periodically deliver coffee and water during afternoon slumps, this is your chance.
- Complimentary Drink Voucher: Enjoying free drinks post-work while relaxing by the pool or at the oceanfront is a great way to unwind.
- Promotional Offer: Digital nomads are eligible for “a 10% discount on stays of three or more weekday nights.
Enhancing Creativity Through New Environments
The most remarkable aspect was the change in scenery—a view overlooking the Gulf sparked my creativity far more than the routine sight outside my window at home.
“It was evident that a program such as ours, paired with the right environment, would create an optimal experience for this demographic,” explains Garvey Johnson, the sales and marketing director at AC Hotel Clearwater Beach. He notes that while the package mainly targets digital nomads, it could also be beneficial for remote workers and business travelers.
Differentiating Digital Nomads from Temporary Remote Workers
Should you find yourself at this beachside hotel—and opt to continue your travels after your stay, moving to another destination with a similar setup—you might be entering the realm of digital nomadism. Nathan James Thomas, the founder and editor of Intrepid Times and author of Untethered: Living the Digital Nomad Life in an Uncertain World, has embraced the nomadic lifestyle for ten years and currently resides in Poland.
“Tourists come, take pictures, and leave. Nomads, however, remain and immerse themselves in local economies,” he states. “They prefer staying in Airbnbs and private rentals, not hotels. Digital nomads buy groceries at local stores and often work for hours in cafes.” Local economies are adapting to accommodate these changes while also addressing potential adverse effects.
“From Fabrika in Tbilisi, Georgia, to The Bank in Poznan, Poland,” he continues, “new accommodations designed specifically for mid-term travelers and nomads have emerged, striking a balance between hotel and apartment rental, often featuring community spaces and events. Conversely, cities like Barcelona are imposing bans on Airbnb rentals, with studies reflecting adverse economic impacts tied to the growing number of digital nomads in Colombia’s thriving Medellin.”
Exploring Opportunities for Digital Nomads
During my stay at AC Clearwater, I discovered numerous additional benefits of working from a hotel that welcomes digital nomads. For instance, bicycles were available for short trips, helping me avoid the hassle of maneuvering in and out of valet parking.
Digital nomads also have the chance to establish connections with staff and locals, integrating into the community more than typical hotel guests. This held true at AC, where the hotel employees I met were eager to engage in conversation and learn about my work, yet they were also respectful of social cues when I was absorbed in my tasks.
Thomas shares further advice for digital nomads. “Finding accommodations that offer discounts for long stays is a significant advantage,” he notes. “In Poznan, I once found an apartment that I loved and wanted to extend my stay after an initial booking. The owner was amenable but only offered a meager 5% discount. Naturally, I declined, and they looked surprised. Providers used to a short-term model must shift their expectations for the stability and reliability offered by long-term tenants.”
Pros and Cons of Digital Nomadism
Be cautioned: the digital nomad lifestyle can be addictive, making traditional nine-to-five office work feel unbearable afterward. “I know digital nomads who have returned to a stationary life, purchased homes, and settled down. Some, like Nora Dunn from TheProfessionalHobo.com, have eventually hit the road again,” Thomas adds. “Once you experience the freedom and excitement of this lifestyle, giving it up can be challenging.”
Another approach he mentions is leading a predominantly “normal sedentary” life for nine to ten months and then adopting a nomadic lifestyle for shorter bursts, similar to some of his friends. “This provides a balance between both lifestyles,” he observes. Nevertheless, do ensure you check visa requirements for digital nomads before you pack your essentials and embark on your adventure.
The Future of Digital Nomadism
The hush package represents merely the initial offering. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, which analyzed 225 online articles about destinations favored by digital nomads, uncovered trends for the future of this movement. Researchers indicated that “to draw this new demographic, astute destinations must innovate to enhance their readiness and competitiveness,” adding that digital nomad-friendly locales should address not only work-related needs but also the travel, social, financial, and basic living requirements of these individuals. The study emphasized that these needs differ significantly from those of conventional short-term tourists or business travelers.
Child-Friendly Accommodations for Digital Nomads
Ashley R. Cummings, a passionate traveler, digital nomad, worldschooler, and freelance writer, runs a digital nomad newsletter named “Life In A Backpack,” aimed at helping individuals escape the nine-to-five grind to focus on experiential living.
She observes the evolving tourism landscape as digital nomadism introduces specialized travel services tailored to diverse traveling groups. “Traveling is significantly easier these days,” she states. “Making money on the go is more feasible than ever, and enrolling kids in schools while traveling is now manageable.”
“One emerging niche is small worldschooling services. Various independent groups coordinate ‘pods’ for slow travel while worldschooling. Additionally, organizations like Deliberate Detour facilitate community and cultural activities while providing schooling options for traveling families.”
From my own travels with children, I’ve found that digital nomad hotspots should consider offering on-site childcare or camp-style programs to attract working families more effectively.
Thomas concludes by affirming, “There has never been as many options available for digital nomads, and with properties adapting to offer long-term rentals and an increasing number of digital nomad visas, the momentum appears to favor the nomadic lifestyle.”
