Global nomad

A global nomad is a person who is living a mobile and international lifestyle. Global nomads aim to live location-independently, seeking detachment from particular geographical locations and the idea of territorial belonging.[1]

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Origins and use of the term

Nomad originally referred to pastoral nomads who follow their herd according to the seasons. Unlike traditional nomads, global nomads travel alone or in pairs rather than with a family and livestock. They also travel worldwide and via various routes, whereas traditional nomads have a fixed annual or seasonal pattern of movement. Although pastoralists are also professional travelers, they move relatively short distances, mostly walking or riding donkeys, horses, and camels.[2] Air travel and the proliferation of information and communication technologies have afforded more opportunities for modern travelers and also engaged a wider range of people in itinerant lifestyles.

In addition to location-independent travelers, the term has also been used for backpackers, lifestyle migrants and third culture kids (highly mobile youth and expatriate children) for highlighting the range and frequency of their travels.[3][4]

Lifestyle

The global nomad lifestyle is characterized by high mobility.[5] Global nomads travel from one country to another without a permanent home or job; their ties to their country of origin have also loosened.[6] They might stay in any one location from a few days to several months, but at the end they will always move on. Many of them practice minimalism in order to support their frequent moving. Rather than money and possessions, they focus on experiences, happiness, self discovery and well-being.[7] Many have location-independent[8] vocations in fields such as IT, writing, teaching, and handicraft.[9]

See also

References
  1. Richards, G. & Wilson, J. 2004. The Global Nomad: Backpacker Travel in Theory and Practice. Clevedon: Channel View Publications.
  2. Khazanov, A. M. 1994. Nomads and the Outside World (2nd edition) [1983], translated by J. Crookenden. Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press.
  3. Benjamin, S., & Dervin, F. (Eds.). 2014. Migration, Diversity, and Education: Beyond Third Culture Kids. London: Palgrave MacMillan.
  4. D’Andrea, A. 2006. Global Nomads. Techno and New Age as Transnational Countercultures in Ibiza and Goa. London: Routledge.
  5. Elliott, A., Urry, J. (2011) Mobile Lives. Cambridge: Routledge
  6. Kannisto, P. 2014. Global Nomads: Challenges of Mobility in the Sedentary World. Tilburg: Tilburg University Press. Available at https://research.tilburguniversity.edu/en/publications/global-nomads-challenges-of-mobility-in-the-sedentary-world
  7. Kannisto, p. 2016. Global Nomads and Extreme Mobilities. Ashgate: Farnham.
  8. Elgan, M. (1 August 2009), Is Digital Nomad Living Going Mainstream?, Computerworld
  9. Kannisto, P. and Kannisto, S. 2012. Free as a Global Nomad: An Old Tradition with a Modern Twist. Phoenix, AZ: Drifting Sands Press.
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