Frequently Asked
Questions
First of all, what is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a location-independent professional who completes all of their work online, so that they never have to step foot in an office. This is a growing trend among millennials who want to experience the world but don’t have the money to travel all the time.
If you have WiFi, you can pretty much work from wherever you want. Most digital nomads spend their time in Southeast Asia because it is very affordable, but more and more people are arriving in South America to work every year. Not all digital nomads travel all the time; some of them just work from home in the city they like best, some use their online work as a side hustle while they start a business, and others change cities every week. Having the skills to be a digital nomad is about flexibility – think of all you could do if you didn’t have to worry about commuting in to work every day. You might finally have time to tinker with your business idea or start a personal project that won’t really make you money.
So what is a Digital Nomad Retreat?
There are many programs out on the market claiming to sell trips that allow you to work while you travel with a cool group of people. But what if you don’t know how to work remotely? We provide training in the skills you need to build a website to use as a digital portfolio of your work, either to allow you to stand out in interviews or to help you find a job that lets you work remotely. Then you can head off into the world ready to find a digital position that gives you the freedom to do what you want.
What if I don’t want to travel all the time?
Many digital nomads travel briefly, or sporadically, until they find a place that really suits them. Many just choose to work from home if their online work can support their way of life where they are. You don’t have to travel to be a digital nomad, but this skill makes traveling more of an option.
How does this fit into my career path?
There are many ways having a personal website and digital skills can help you grow your career. First of all, when you go to apply for corporate jobs, you will stand out from the pack by having a sleek professional website with your original content on it that you can show off to future employers.
If corporate isn’t for you, there are many ways to build an entire career online. You can sell your skills through freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr, start your own solopreneur path, or even start a company (like ours!) that hires people remotely and works over the cloud. There are endless options.
You are never stuck in the career you choose right after college. Many people quit Corporate America to travel the world with their savings – but if you know how to make money online, you don’t have to eat away at your cash to do that. Many people also go the other way. You can easily transition your remote work skills to an office setting if you decide you want to settle down.
Okay I understand. But isn’t Colombia dangerous?
Safety in Colombia has improved significantly in the past 10 years and is now on par with other countries in Latin America when it comes to tourism. The main cities in Colombia, including Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota, are generally accepted as safe destinations for tourists, though one should always exercise the precautions taken in any major city. Cartagena, in particular, is the most popular destination for tourists in Colombia and is regarded as one of the safest cities in Latin America for travelers.
The perception of wealth is a primary reason criminals target Americans and other foreign nationals abroad, so it is important to keep valuables hidden at all times. Travelers must be vigilant and careful while walking around busy areas and keep money, credit cards, passports, and jewelry out of sight, in zipped pockets, or in over-the-shoulder bags that cannot easily be snagged by pickpockets. We also recommend always traveling in groups of 2 or 3, especially when going out at night.
Great! So how much does the Cartagena Digital Nomad retreat cost?
If you sign up before October 14, 2017 the retreat costs $700. After this early registration deadline, the price is $800. However, if you sign up with a friend the two of you will receive a $50 discount, so the final price is $650 for people who travel with friends.
Then what’s included?
- Airport pickup and dropoff in Cartagena
- Lodging (Check-in: Day 1, Check-out: Day 6)
- Light breakfast every day
- Lunch every day
- Welcome dinner
- Closing dinner
- 4 specialized workshops
- 3 cultural excursions
- Transportation to scheduled activities
What's not included?
- Airfare
- Mandatory Travel Insurance
- Your Domain Name Registration – Approx $12.99
- Web Hosting for your site – Approx $50.00
- Incidental Expenses
- Dinners and alcohol except where noted
Do I need to know Spanish to participate in a VamosA program?
Nope! Our programs are open to people with all levels of Spanish experience. A basic Spanish class is included in the price of all our programs to help you get the most out of your time in Colombia.
Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Colombia for up to 90 days. If you are from another country, please consult your consulate regarding visa requirements for Colombia.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Our programs require that everyone has travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads and estimate that their package will cost around $30 – $40.
What if I get sick?
Proof of travel insurance is required for all participants in our programs. In the event of an emergency, we will provide assistance to participants to get them to the nearest medical provider in Cartagena. Also, our trip leaders are certified in First Aid and Wilderness First Aid to be able to take care of emergencies if they do arise.
Will I have time to explore on my own?
Of course! We have designed the program to balance educational workshops and adventure. Every evening is purposefully left open so that you can find the best places for dinner and enjoy Cartagena’s famous nightlife on your own time.
Will I have access to Wifi?
Yes! You will have consistent access to the internet throughout the week.
This all sounds awesome. How do I apply?
We ask all participants to take about 15 minutes to fill out our application online so we can get to know you better. You can access that application: right here!
Our early registration ($700) deadline is October 14, 2017, and regular registration deadline is November 1, 2017. This is so that we can prepare the best accommodations, food, workshops, and cultural outings for our participants before they arrive in November.
After you fill out an application, we will schedule a 15 minute interview to ensure that you are the right fit for our program. We will follow up with you to confirm your acceptance to the program within 48 hours.
Once selected, we will finalize your payments with a deposit and provide you with a welcome packet to help prepare you for the trip.
I have another question. Where can I contact you?
See that little chat box on the bottom right of your screen? Shoot us a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP. Also, you can email us at info@vamosa.co.