🗺️ Final Q&A: Starting Your Remote Career, Laos-China Railway’s Tourism Boost, & the NZ Nomad Visa

In this week's edition:

• Mashon Thomas tackles your top follow-up questions

• A $6 billion project set to transform transportation tourism in Laos

• Big news for New Zealand’s visitor visa policy

• Tia Carrere shares her tips on embracing “Ohana” in Hawaii

• Discover the 5 safest African countries to visit

• Exclusive travel deals you won’t want to miss—and more!

💻 Mashon is back to answer our final round of reader questions

Last week, we hosted our second Q&A with Mashon Thomas, who turned a layoff into a life of freedom. She shared how her journey as a nomad began and what it’s really like to embrace this lifestyle. This week, Mashon is back by popular demand to tackle your follow-up questions!

Missed her incredible story? Don’t worry—you can catch up here

Q1: What’s your favorite travel hack we can share with our experienced nomads?

A: I’m not sure if this counts as advanced, but definitely put AirTags in your luggage! To the airline, it’s just another lost bag, but to you, it’s your whole life—so you want to keep tabs on it no matter what. I’ve only lost my luggage once, thankfully, but because of my AirTags, I knew exactly where it was days before customer service could figure it out.

Q: I’m 20 years old, I don’t think anyone would trust me to be their director of anything. Aside from programming, it doesn’t feel like there are many jobs I can do. What would you suggest for someone like me that has to learn everything from what I can find online with no access to other materials? What are some other jobs/careers that can go remote that you can teach yourself?

A: When I was starting out, I definitely wasn’t a director of anything. But after I got a few clients and gained some experience, I felt confident enough to take on roles like Director of Operations or VP of Operations. Those titles come with time and experience, but what really matters is being willing to take on challenges and grow into those bigger roles.

Business owners don’t have the time to figure out these tools themselves, so if you learn how they work and help implement them, you’ll be adding value from the start. That mindset will take you from entry-level tasks to bigger roles, like Director of Ops, as you prove you’re ready to take on more responsibility.

If you’re just starting out, there’s so much opportunity in AI. New tools are popping up all the time that can help business owners work more efficiently. The best part? AI is a field where young people don’t have any disadvantage—you can jump in and make an impact. But it’s not just about becoming an AI expert right away. It’s about having the attitude to dive into any challenge, whether it’s AI or something else, and help businesses solve real problems. 

Q: As someone just starting out as a digital nomad, I’m curious—what unexpected challenges did you face? Have you ever found yourself in a tough spot, like being stranded because clients suddenly dropped you? How did you manage situations like that?

A: My journey went surprisingly smoothly. I bought a place, booked a one-way ticket, and jumped into a magical adventure. The Wi-Fi worked, the logistics fell into place—it was the perfect start to life as a nomad. 

I’ve never had all my clients dropping me at once. Usually, I’m the one ending client relationships when I realize I’ve taken them as far as I can, and they need someone else to help them grow. I love focusing on the niche stuff—once a team grows beyond 20-25 people, that’s not really my sweet spot. I prefer helping clients get to that level and then passing them on to someone else.

Of course, there are challenges living this kind of life. Being far from friends and family is tough, and while I’m online constantly for work, I miss in-person connections. That’s why I spend more time in England and Ecuador, where I have close friends. I try to travel slowly, but the 90-day visa limits can make that tricky. And in Europe, with the Schengen zone, you have to leave all 26 countries, which adds another layer of complexity. Plus, there’s the usual stuff—navigating financials, dealing with paperwork, and so on. It’s a lot of work, but planning ahead and staying organized makes it manageable.

That said, I know how lucky I am to do this, especially with the privilege of having a strong passport. I don’t take that for granted. Even when I’m missing friends, I know this is where I’m meant to be—I wouldn’t trade it to go back to Ohio.

And that wraps up our final round of reader questions with Mashon! 

If you’re interested in learning more about how to make remote work a sustainable career like how Mashon did, be sure to check out her course, The Escape Hatch. Don’t forget to use the code “NOMADCLOUD” at checkout to lock in the special price before it disappears!

We’re not affiliates, just genuine fans of her course!

🚆 2025: The Year Laos Takes the Tourism Spotlight

The newly completed Laos-China Railway, a $6 billion project, has transformed transportation, cutting travel times and opening up previously remote areas in Laos. Laos is experiencing a tourism boom, drawing a record 5 million visitors in 2024 and positioning itself as a rising star in Southeast Asia's tourism industry.

This newfound connectivity is making the country a more appealing destination for travelers seeking a peaceful escape. However, the rapid growth also brings challenges. In 2024, the tourism sector was shaken by the tragic deaths of young tourists in Vang Vieng, reportedly due to methanol-tainted alcohol which brought upon stricter safety regulations to protect visitors.

As 2025 approaches, Laos is determined to strike a balance between modernization and preserving its unique charm. While the railway and development promise to attract more visitors, Laos is poised to begin a new chapter, where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously.

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Government reveals plan to allow ‘digital nomads’ to work remotely in NZ

New Zealand has shaken up its visitor visa rules, now letting tourists work remotely for overseas employers while enjoying their holiday. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says this move could encourage visitors to stick around longer and spend more while they're here. However, she gave a heads-up: if you're working remotely for more than 90 days, watch out for tax obligations. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis called it part of a bigger plan to "unlock New Zealand’s potential" and ride the wave of the growing work-and-travel trend

Tia Carrere’s Personal Guide to Finding “Ohana” in Hawaii

Hawaiian actress Tia Carrere brings her culture to life through music, films, and cherished family traditions. If you’re craving the true spirit of Hawaii, she recommends the serene Napili Kai Beach Resort in Maui, where you can relax by the ocean. For a deeper connection with nature, Volcano House at Volcanoes National Park offers an unforgettable stay surrounded by stunning landscapes. Hungry for local flavors? Stop by Liliha Bakery in Honolulu for a taste of authentic island treats. To explore Hawaii’s history, Tia suggests visiting the Bishop Museum and 'Iolani Palace. And for a moment of pure peace, the Halema'uma'u Crater overlook on the Big Island offers breathtaking views and serene reflection.

🌐Elsewhere on the Web

Digital Nomad Visas in Mauritius, Brazil, Japan, Costa Rica, and Other Stunning Destinations

The rise of digital nomad visas is reshaping tourism in 2025 and beyond, creating fresh revenue streams and global work opportunities. Here’s a quick breakdown of the income requirements for popular digital nomad visas:

• Mauritius: 1-year renewable visa, $1,500/month income requirement

• Namibia: 6-month visa, $2,000/month income requirement

• Brazil: 1-year renewable visa, $1,500/month income requirement

• Costa Rica: 1-year renewable visa, $3,000/month income requirement

• Colombia: 2-year visa, $1,150/month income requirement

• Ecuador: 2-year visa, $1,380/month income requirement

• Uruguay: No minimum income requirement

• Indonesia: 1-year visa, $60,000/year income requirement

• Japan: 6-month non-renewable visa, $64,000/year income requirement

Whether you’re seeking a tropical escape or a cultural adventure, these visas open up exciting possibilities for working while exploring the world.

10 Safest Countries in AFRICA in 2025 according to Latest Data

Africa, the world’s second-largest continent, offers endless adventures for tourists, but choosing where to visit can be a challenge with so many unique destinations. To make it easier, here are the top 5 safest countries to consider:

• Mauritius: The safest country in Africa and ranked 22nd safest globally.

• Botswana: Africa’s 2nd safest country, ranking 30th worldwide.

• Ghana: Africa’s 3rd safest destination, placing 55th out of 163 countries globally.

• Zambia: Ranked 4th safest in Africa and 57th in the world.

• Namibia: Africa’s 5th safest country, securing the 62nd spot globally.

From stunning landscapes to vibrant cultures, these countries promise unforgettable experiences while ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

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🔗This Week’s Quick Reads 

5 hidden gems redefining travel for women over 50 (and why you’ll love them): In 2025, women over 50 are redefining travel norms, seeking cultural immersion and personal growth. 

This nation wants you to embrace your sleepy side: Sweden's long, cold nights might put you off going there in winter, unless, that is, you are in search of that elusive 21st-Century luxury: a good night's sleep.

Weekend Trip: 5 food spots worth queueing for in Melaka: Melaka is a foodie’s paradise, perfect for indulging in local eats, cozy cafes, and heritage flavors. Here are the top spots to savor!

Thanks for reading this week’s edition!

Before you go, check out Mashon’s freelancing course, The Escape Hatch! It’s the perfect opportunity to take a big step toward your dream nomadic lifestyle. As a Nomad Cloud reader, you get an exclusive discount—use the code “NOMADCLOUD” at checkout. Act fast, though—the special price is only available until the end of the month!

Stay adventurous and connected 🌍💻, 

The Nomad Cloud Team

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