Nomad Travel: 10 Freedom Aligned Regions

Nomad Travel - Lion of Lucerne
Lion of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland

As a digital nomad travel enthusiast I can temporarily relocate anywhere and work wherever there is WiFi or a decent mobile connection. I take full advantage of the opportunity to work remotely as often as I can. Local history, culture, and activities that are outside the normal tourist focus are what draw me in the most. I do get to some of the popular spots, however, since they are steeped in history and local flavor.

I’m particularly drawn toward central and eastern Europe. So far, my favorite places are Estonia, Romania, Poland, Czechia, and Armenia. Here are my latest travel stories, experiences, and photos.

1. Nomad Travel – Spain 2025

My latest travel took me to Catalan/Costa Brava in Spain. A region well known for its spirit and longing for true independence and individual autonomy. We stayed in Barcelona & Sant Feliu de Guíxols on the east coast of Spain for a week. It wasn’t quite enough time. It never is.

Of note was the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau hospital in Barcelona. Far less crowded than the Basílica de la Sagrada Família which we avoided this time. Click photo below to see Catalan, Spain.

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2 Nomad Travel – Armenia 2024 / 2022

Armenia…where do I begin? This has been my favorite place to visit so far. Everything about it speaks to me: The location, the history, the culture, the language, the food, the water, the mountains, and especially the people. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. A stark reminder that violent and unrepentant forces continue to push this extremely small and shrinking nation further away from their historical borders.

I have been to Yerevan twice now. Once in 2022 and again in 2024. I will most likely return again and visit Dilijan and Gyumri as well as many other places. The 2024 trip took us southward into the Syunik province. Stunning mountiains and valleys, waterfalls, and the Tatev Monastery. I am saddened that I was unable to visit Stepanakert in the Republic of Artsakh.

There is much to see in this beautiful land. Click the photos below to see Armenia!

Prior to 2018, I had never been to Europe. However, I did travel from Alaska to Brazil and places in-between while growing up. I believe this nomadic childhood has come back with a vengeance now that my 5 children are grown and out of the house. The pandemic scare really put a pause on things after 2019 for far, far too long. I’m still not forgiving governments across the globe for propagandizing fear and loathing of people as disease vectors. Well, now you know where I stand on that 😉

3. Nomad Travel – Greece 2024

Greece was not on my bucket list, but it became a favorite very quickly once I got a feel for the people and culture. On the very first day I hiked up Philopappos Hill and took in my surroundings. My interest was piqued and my adventure began. In the short time I was there I was able to get up to Lycabettus Hill, over to Zappeion Garden and Hall, and then the Ancient Agora of Athens. I know there is much, much more of Greece to discover.

There are plans in the works to return soon. Click on the photo below to see Athens, Greece.

Eventually, I would like to visit more of Eurasia: Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan. Plans are already in the works for Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, and if I’m lucky, Ukraine and Belarus. I have a pull toward former Soviet block countries and their experiences. I love the people, the food, the resilience, and the overall aesthetic.

Get bonus points for future nomad travel! Sign up here for a United / Chase MileagePlus card. If you’re just starting out and don’t want to go with the United option, try the Sapphire card instead! The yearly fee is much lower, and you still get some decent perks. I use both for free tickets, discounts, shopping, and more every day.

4. Nomad Travel – Poland 2023/2024

Honestly, how can you beat travel to Poland during Christmas? If there’s anywhere else on the planet that celebrates the holiday better (perhaps Armenia? Maybe Russia? I’ll have to find out) I’m up for discovering it and more. Poland is my second favorite place so far.

We began our journey in Germany, but quickly made our way to Ustroń, Poland in the south, and enjoyed some much needed spa time. We then made our way northward to Katowice, Wrocław (try to locate all the dwarfs), Łódź, and eventually Gdańsk.

If you like WWII and Communist history, there’s plenty here. Auschwitz was sobering. The Solidarność center was inspiring. Malbork Castle was an epic tour that left me spellbound. Again, click on the photo below to see Poland!

5. Nomad Travel – England 2022

England has never been on my bucket list for nomad travel, but I figured I would take advantage of a layover at Heathrow, en route to and from Armenia, to see some key historic points.

Since I have a keen interest in Liberty and Freedom, the signing of the Magna Carta has remained a defining moment in human flourishing and progress. Individual rights are more and more showing signs of erosion while being pushed out of the mainstream by forces that want collective and authoritarian control of the global population. Remaining cognizant and vigilant against these encroachments is vital to our survival as individuals with rights.

Click the photo below to see some of the beautiful landscapes on the western banks of the River Thames along Runnymede and Windsor. Click on the photo below to see England.

6. Nomad Travel – Romania 2022

Romania was my escape from the insanity of lockdowns. When I arrived in Bucharest in May of 2022, I was shocked to find that no one was masking, all the inoculation centers had been shut down, and life was visibly normal. The last time I felt anything remotely similar was in December of 2019 as I left Estonia before the Covid mania took hold. Crowds, people out and about, no stupid announcements about social distancing, just freedom and a sense of overwhelming relief.

After a week in Bucharest, I headed up into the mountains and into Transylvania. Sibiu, Sighișoara, Brașov, and Ploiești. Driving through the pastoral expanses surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains gave me a real sense of Liberty and individual cognizance.

I feel I do need to return and visit Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, and so much more. Click on the photo below to see Romania.

7. Nomad Travel – Estonia 2019

Estonia is where I really discovered my love for former Soviet block countries. You can really see the stark contrast between the desire for westernization and the history of occupation, modernity mixed and spattered amongst Brutalist and medieval architecture, and the constant anxiety of living on the Russian border.

The lore in Estonia is lovely. It tells of how the fortified Hill Toompea in Tallinn was built by the mythological heroine Linda, who erected the mound as a grave for her husband, Kalev. Linda supposedly built it boulder by boulder with her own hands. Estonia was also part of the medieval Hanseatic League, an alliance of trading cities and guilds, which supported free-trade in the region.

I did not get to visit much outside of Tallinn and will need to return to the islands as well as the interior. Click the photo below to see Tallinn, Estonia.

8. Nomad Travel – Czechia 2018

I began to suspect that western Europe was not for me as soon as I arrived in Český Krumlov, Czechia after driving through Germany and Austria from Switzerland. Everything about old Europe I had read about began to come alive in Czechia: Bohemia, Moravia, The Austro-Hungarian Empire, Habsburgs, and the pulsing excitement of former socialist republic discovering capitalism. After our previous experiences in Iceland and Switzerland, the massive $1.50 Czech beers were a welcome relief to our budget.

The other aspect that really got my attention was their gun culture. They definitely give the USA a run for their money when it comes to recreational shooting (aside from Switzerland.) Now, I realize the laws are much different and it’s not as open and free as the USA. But restrictions on responsible gun ownership are beginning to make criminals out of ordinary citizens at home and it’s refreshing to see other enthusiasts who also believe in self-protection and deterring collectivist progroms.

Click the photo below to see Czechia.

9. Nomad Travel – Switzerland 2018

Ahh Switzerland. I thought Iceland was expensive! It sure is beautiful though. I love their form, of government. A federal state with a a vertical separation of powers and confederation guaranteeing the independence of the cantons. Also, their gun culture is fantastic.

I could spend much more time there if it wasn’t so expensive. Click the photo below to see Switzerland.

10. Nomad Travel – Iceland 2018

I wish I could say more about Iceland, but it was a two day layover and I was utterly exhausted. One full day of sightseeing was all we could muster. It was stunning. I particularly enjoyed seeing how such a remote and somewhat hostile environment can bring out the independent spirit to tame the earth and its resources for individuals to enjoy life and the pursuit of happiness free of survival mode.

However, it was a bit pricier than I had expected. I took my youngest son with me on this trip so he could experience something outside of his comfort zone.

As you’ve read above, we made the hop to Switzerland and then drove through Germany and Austria to Czechia. Click the photo below to see Iceland.

That’s all for now. I will be updating this page as I continue to travel abroad with my partner, Jennifer. Looking forward to experiencing and sharing more! Ciao for now.

I’ll share this one last time. These links take you to travel credit card signups with bonus travel points. Yes, I also get points if you sign up via the links below (and above!):

Get bonus points for future nomad travel! Sign up here for a United / Chase MileagePlus card. If you’re just starting out and don’t want to go with the United option, try the Sapphire card instead! The yearly fee is much lower, and you still get some decent perks. I use both for free tickets, discounts, shopping, and more every day.