25 Best Digital Nomad Books

1. You’ll be Murdered by a Drug Cartel (and other lies they told me) by Sherry Arkfeld

Yes, this is my own book, and I admit I’m biased. But it’s a blueprint for building your digital nomad life from scratch.

I started my journey at 53, which is older than most nomads, and I wanted to show it’s possible at any age.

The book covers everything you need: getting a remote job, finding affordable health insurance, choosing destinations, setting up bank accounts, handling phone plans, travel insurance, VPNs, and more.

It also comes with downloadable resources, including a customizable to-do list that tells you exactly when to start each step.

2. Digital Nomads For Dummies by Kristin M. Wilson

I’ve always liked the “For Dummies” series for breaking down complex topics. Kristin Wilson’s version walks you through developing the nomadic mindset, finding work, and planning relocations.

It’s easy to read, practical, and covers everything from earning an income to thriving in new locations.

3. Budget Travelers, Digital Nomads & Expats: The Ultimate Guide by Levi Borba

One of my personal favorites for saving money while traveling. Levi shares how to cut costs on flights, accommodations, and even baggage fees.

This is a great choice for anyone who wants to stretch their budget so they can work less and explore more.

4. The Digital Nomad Handbook by Lonely Planet

From one of the most trusted names in travel, this handbook covers the essentials: earning income, managing your career, staying connected, and picking the right destinations.

It’s well-structured and works for both solo travelers and families. Plus, the destination suggestions come with thoughtful insights only Lonely Planet can deliver.

5. The Paradise Chapter: A Digital Nomad Adventures Novel by Blake Salazar

Sometimes you just want to curl up with a good story. This novel follows a group of digital nomads navigating life, love, and cultural discoveries around the world.

It’s lighthearted but relatable, especially if you’ve ever dreamed of selling it all and hitting the road. It’s not a guidebook, but it might just inspire you to start planning.

6. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

A modern classic for anyone who wants to escape the 9-to-5. Ferriss introduces the concept of “lifestyle design,” showing how to use automation and outsourcing to create more freedom.

The sections on “mini-retirements” and building passive income streams have inspired thousands to reimagine their work-life balance.

7. Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts

This is part philosophy, part practical guide. Potts champions slow travel and immersing yourself deeply in each place you visit.

It’s not about ticking destinations off a list. It’s about building a richer life through long-term travel, with plenty of tips to make it happen.

8. Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Written by the founders of Basecamp, this book challenges the idea that work has to be tied to a physical office.

It covers how to stay productive, collaborate with teams, and build a sustainable remote work lifestyle. Great for both employees and entrepreneurs.

9. The Digital Nomad Survival Guide: How to Successfully Travel the World While Working Remotely by Pete Rawlik

This one’s like a Swiss Army knife for new nomads. You’ll find tips on budgeting, finding accommodation, packing, networking, and more.

It’s based on advice from over 20 experienced nomads, plus insights from hundreds of others around the globe.

10. The Beach by Alex Garland

A cult favorite novel about a backpacker searching for paradise on a hidden Thai island. It’s suspenseful, thought-provoking, and beautifully written.

If you’ve seen the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio, read the book anyway. It’s better.

11. Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder

A revealing look at older Americans who live on the road out of economic necessity. Bruder spent years traveling with them, sharing their struggles and resilience.

It’s not the glamorous side of nomad life, but it’s honest and important.

12. Work From Home While You Roam: The Ultimate Guide to Jobs That Can Be Done From Anywhere by Robin Barrett

Barrett has compiled over 300 resources to help you land remote jobs, from freelancing gigs to long-term contracts.

She also shares tips on thriving in the gig economy, managing your schedule, and keeping work from taking over your travels.

13. Work from Anywhere: How to Do What You Love in the Remote Economy by Phil Pham

Packed with interviews, case studies, and actionable guides, this book shows you how to break into remote-friendly industries and build a career you love.

Pham focuses on defining your ideal lifestyle first, then finding work to match it.

14. The Weird Travels Boxset by Adam Fletcher

A hilarious collection of travel stories from some of the world’s most unusual situations. Think sneaking into Chernobyl, joining a dance in North Korea without knowing the steps, and racing a tuk-tuk across India.

Perfect for when you need a laugh and a reminder that travel is full of surprises.

15. The Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create Freedom in Business and Adventure in Life by Natalie Sisson

Sisson blends personal experience with practical tips on building a location-independent business.

She covers creating an online presence, monetizing your skills, and organizing your life so you can travel freely.

16. Digital Nomads: How to Live, Work, and Play Around the World by André Gussekloo

A comprehensive guide covering work, visas, finances, and lifestyle.

Gussekloo also tackles the challenges of nomad life, like loneliness and burnout, and offers solutions that actually work.

17. The Wander Society by Keri Smith

This is part travel inspiration, part creativity workbook. Smith encourages readers to explore their surroundings with curiosity, whether they’re at home or abroad.

It’s perfect if you want to rekindle your sense of wonder.

18. Remote Work Revolution: Succeeding from Anywhere by Tsedal Neeley

A guide to thriving in the new era of remote work, with strategies for productivity, team management, and trust-building.

It’s ideal if you’re moving from an office job to a fully remote role.

19. The Solo Travel Handbook by Lonely Planet

Packed with advice on safety, budgeting, and making friends while traveling alone.

While not aimed solely at digital nomads, the tips are incredibly relevant if you work solo on the road.

20. The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau

Stories of entrepreneurs who built thriving businesses with little startup capital.

It’s motivating, but also practical, showing how to match your skills with marketable opportunities.

21. No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love and Wandering by Clara Bensen

Bensen’s memoir about traveling with no luggage is part love story, part lesson in minimalism.

It challenges you to think about what you really need to live and travel well.

22. The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World by Chris Guillebeau

A guide to creating a life on your own terms, filled with stories of people who ditched the expected path.

It’s an inspiring read for anyone questioning the “normal” way of living.

23. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Duckworth’s research into perseverance is invaluable for nomads.

She explains how passion and persistence often matter more than talent in reaching long-term goals.

24. The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner

Weiner travels the globe searching for the happiest places on Earth. His observations on culture, mindset, and contentment will make you rethink what you’re chasing.

25. The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb, and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley Are Changing the World by Brad Stone

A deep dive into how Uber and Airbnb disrupted entire industries.

It’s especially relevant if you’re interested in how tech innovations shape modern travel and work.