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A Personal Journey: Q&A with a Digital Nomad

Hey everyone! Welcome to a special moment where I open up about my life as a digital nomad, answering your burning questions while packing for my next adventure. By the end of this article, I’ll reveal my next destination, so stick around! This is my first Q&A, and I’m excited to connect with you on a deeper level, sharing insights about my personal life and experiences as a global traveler. I posted a story on Instagram and created an anonymous link for questions, and wow, you didn’t hold back—some of these are spicy! Let’s dive in.

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Where Are You From? Are you Brazilian or Italian?

I get this question a lot! I’m Brazilian, born and raised in Brazil. I was born in a city called Boni, but when I was one, my family moved to São Paulo, so I’m a city girl from there. My surname, Leo, is Italian, and I do have Italian citizenship, so I hold both passports. Culturally, I’m Brazilian through and through, but I speak Italian and lived in Italy for a while, which might cause some confusion.

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When Did You Start Traveling and Know You Wanted to Do More of It?

This is a great question because it takes me back to where it all began. When I was 18, I went to Chile to study Spanish and stayed with a host family. That trip was a game-changer—I met so many travelers and digital nomads on their gap years, and it sparked something in me. I thought, “I want this life too!” A year later, at 19, I went solo backpacking in Northeast Brazil and met travelers from all over the world. That’s when I knew I wanted to make travel a big part of my life. After that, I went to Australia, and it solidified my desire to do something different, even if I wasn’t sure exactly what yet.

What’s Your Favorite Destination So Far?

This is tough because every place has something special! One standout is Valber in Zermatt—it’s so remote and unique, I never imagined I’d visit somewhere like that. The Dolomites in Italy are another favorite; the lakes and mountains feel magical and are totally underrated. Scotland also holds a special place in my heart. It’s hard to pick just one!

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Are You Single? Did you and Jesse break up?

Yes, I’m single. Jesse and I broke up in December, and it’s been about three months. I didn’t share it on social media because I like to keep some things private. It was a tough time—I was really sad and didn’t feel ready to talk about it. We were together for a year and a half, living as digital nomads, but we realized we’re different people with different views on life. I’m a romantic and tend to overlook problems, but I’ve learned from it. Now, I’m back to solo traveling and embracing single life.

How Did You Learn English?

I learned English at school and took a separate course at Cultura Inglesa, but honestly, my love for different cultures helped the most. As a kid, I was obsessed with English songs and movies, mimicking what I heard. My English really improved when I started traveling, especially in Australia. At first, the Aussie accent threw me off, and I struggled, but living and working there helped immensely. Dating someone whose English was strong also gave me a boost!

Why Do You Post in English?

From the start, when my page “Travel with Rafa” had zero followers, I chose to post in English. I wasn’t living in Brazil anymore, and I wanted to connect with people worldwide, inspire them to travel, and share my digital nomad journey. My videos have Portuguese subtitles, but posting in English lets me reach people globally—like when I get comments from Pakistan or Greece. It’s been the best decision, especially since most of my clients are international.

How Did You First Move to London?

I have a whole video on this, but basically, I quit my corporate accounting job in Brazil, bought a ticket to London without telling anyone, and just went for it. People around me were skeptical about my dream to be a travel photographer and content creator, so I needed a fresh start. I moved to London right after quitting, using my Italian passport (pre-Brexit) to live there under the pre-settled status.

Did you take a photography course in London?

Nope, I’m self-taught! I learned photography through YouTube tutorials. There’s so much free information out there, though I admit my learning process was a bit scattered. If I could go back, I might invest in a course to streamline things, but I made it work.

How Did You Monetize and Leave Your Cleaning Job in London?

When I moved to London, I didn’t have enough savings to jump straight into photography, so I worked as a cleaner for about a year and a half. During that time, I studied photography, networked, and slowly started getting projects. People began asking for my rates, and I took on small photography jobs. Gradually, I got more photography clients and fewer cleaning shifts until I could fully transition. It was a slow but rewarding process.

What’s the Best Nationality for a Date?

Haha, fun question! I’d say Italians—they’re passionate, take you to amazing places, and treat you well. For a few dates, they’re a great choice, though it depends on the person for anything long-term.

Which Country Has the Best Cuisine?

Italy, hands down—Italian food is my favorite, though they can be intense about their food rules! Thailand is a close second; I could return just for the food. My favorite dish? I’m obsessed with buffalo wings (thanks to childhood trips to the US with my dad) and love Pasta alla Norma from Sicily.

Do You Do Therapy?

Yes, I’ve been doing therapy online for three years. It’s helped me understand myself, overcome anxiety, and pursue my dreams. Therapy isn’t just for big struggles—it can help with organization or routine issues too. I recommend it to anyone wanting to dig deeper into themselves.

Have You Ever Fallen in Love While Traveling?

Yes, with my ex, Jesse. We met at a hostel in Croatia, both as digital nomads. We parted ways but met again in Italy, where we became a couple. It was a whirlwind!

Is It Easy to Find a Relationship as a Digital Nomad?

It’s not as hard as people think. You meet tons of other digital nomads who share your lifestyle. If you meet someone rooted in one place, it can be tricky, but in the digital nomad community, it’s easier to find matches who get your vibe.

Do You Ever Get Lonely?

Sometimes, yes. The digital nomad life means constant change, which can feel isolating when you crave familiar faces. But the community is huge, and connecting with other nomads helps. I feel less lonely surrounded by creators and photographers than in São Paulo, where my family and friends have different lifestyles.

What Do You Do When You Feel Homesick?

I eat Brazilian food like rice and beans—it’s comforting and lifts my mood. I talk to my family about once or twice a week, sending them updates via a group chat. I could be better at calling more often, though!

How Did You Get the Courage to Leave Your Old Life in Brazil?

Quitting my corporate job was easier than staying in a life I hated—it was exhausting me. I knew I was artistic and wanted to travel, so I took a leap. I didn’t know it was the “right” thing, but I had to try. My parents helped later with things like a computer and a drone, but I started with my own savings.

What’s Your Go-To Travel Lens?

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8—it’s versatile for portraits, landscapes, and product photography. My camera is a Sony A7III.

How Do You Stay Motivated?

Social media might make it seem like I’m always smiling, but I have down days too. After my breakup, I was heartbroken and didn’t post. What keeps me going is my dream to inspire others to chase their passions. Your messages on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok fuel me to keep creating.

How Do You Make Money as a Digital Nomad?

I’m a photographer, videographer, video editor, and content creator. My income comes from YouTube, brand deals, creating content for brands, and editing for other creators. My monthly income ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on how much I focus on client work versus my own projects.

What Are Your Future Plans?

I want to get married, have kids, and keep traveling with them, inspired by creators like Asas from Iceland. For now, I’m focused on my next adventure—Argentina! I’m heading to Buenos Aires, then Patagonia, to volunteer with Worldpackers in a place with penguins and whales. I’m also planning group trips for this community, so please fill out the survey in my video description to share your travel preferences.

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