7 Crazy Adventures I Would Have Never Experienced If I Wasn’t a Digital Nomad

Life’s best stories come from embracing the unexpected. From surviving a charging elephant in Sri Lanka to teaching kids in Mexico, my digital nomad journey has been full of wild, unforgettable adventures.

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Living as a digital nomad isn’t just about working from a laptop on a beach or sipping coffee in a new city every month. It’s about freedom – the freedom to embrace the unexpected, dive into the unknown, and experience life in ways most people never do. Over the years, I’ve had some absolutely wild adventures that would’ve been impossible in a traditional life. These aren’t just stories; they’re the moments that have shaped me, tested me, and given me memories I’ll carry forever.

Here are 7 crazy adventures I would never have experienced if I wasn’t a digital nomad.

1. A Bull Elephant Attack in Sri Lanka

While staying at a small, off-the-grid hotel in Sri Lanka, I struck a deal with the owner: I’d redesign his website in exchange for free accommodation. That simple arrangement led to one of the most bizarre and terrifying experiences of my life. The hotel owner’s friend offered to take me on a special “safari” to see the real elephants of Sri Lanka. Instead of heading to a pristine national park, he drove me to a rubbish dump where wild bull elephants roamed freely. It was nothing like the glossy tourist brochures.

What made it truly unforgettable was my guide’s behavior. He suddenly decided to hop out of the jeep and start yelling at the elephants. I pleaded with him to stop, but it was too late. A massive bull charged straight at us, ramming the jeep and trying to flip it over. Panicking, I made the rookie mistake of jumping out, thinking I’d escape the danger. Instead, I found myself stranded in the middle of the dump, surrounded by angry elephants. Eventually, the bull backed off, and I scrambled back to the jeep, shaken but alive. Years later, I found out the hotel owner had left his wild lifestyle behind and become a monk. While the experience was terrifying, it’s a story I’ll never forget – and a reminder that yelling at elephants is always a bad idea.

2. Freezing in the Colorado Mountains

Two of my best friends and I decided go for a camping and snowboarding adventure in the Colorado mountains. It was meant to be a fun, simple escape, but the harsh wilderness had other plans. We camped in a remote area, showering in glacier-fed rivers that were as cold as they sound. Our routine involved boiling pots of water in our van to create a makeshift sauna, then plunging into the icy river for as long as we could stand. Seven minutes was our record, though it felt like an eternity.

The nights were even colder. One night, the temperature dropped to -13°C, and our heater ran out of gas. The wind howled outside as we fumbled to replace the gas bottle in the freezing dark. But despite the discomfort, the trip was incredible. Snowboarding on pristine slopes, laughing around campfires, and trying our best to convince people to give us access to their hot shower.

3. Building and DJing at a Festival in Bali

For three years, I was part of a team that transformed a small beach party into a full-scale music festival in Bali. The final event featured three stages, over 60 international DJs, and a growing crowd that brought the island to life. As part of the creative and marketing team, I worked behind the scenes to bring the festival to life. But the real thrill was stepping onto the stage as a DJ. Playing to hundreds of people, with the lights flashing and the crowd moving to the music, was surreal. It wasn’t just a performance; it was the culmination of creativity, collaboration, and passion. The festival wasn’t just about music – it was about bringing people together, creating something bigger than ourselves, and proving what’s possible when you dream big.

4. Cycling Across Spain and France with My Brothers

One summer, my brothers and I embarked on a six-week cycling journey that spanned two countries. We started in San Sebastián, following the Camino de Santiago. With only the essentials packed on our bikes, we camped in convents, abandoned buildings, and open fields along the way. After reaching Pamplona, we took a bus to Barcelona and continued our ride into France. The journey ended near Antibes, where we reunited with family. Along the way, we surfed in Mundaka, celebrated festivals, and shared countless challenges. The trip wasn’t just about the miles we covered; it was about the bond we strengthened as brothers. Spending weeks on the road together, facing the highs and lows, brought us closer in ways I’ll cherish forever.

5. Becoming a Celebrant in New Zealand (Twice)

New Zealand brought me one of the most unexpected roles of my life: wedding celebrant. The first ceremony? A garden wedding for two chihuahuas, complete with outfits, an archway, and vows in Spanish. It was absurd, hilarious, and unforgettable. The second wedding was for close friends who planned a surprise ceremony. Their guests thought they were attending a pre-wedding celebration, only to discover it was the real deal. When my friend’s mom asked about my qualifications, I proudly told her about my extensive experience officiating the chihuahua wedding. Both weddings were wildly different, but they shared one thing: a genuine celebration of connection and love.

6. Teaching Storytelling to Kids in Mexico

In San Pancho, Mexico, I joined Casa Clu as a storytelling teacher for kids from marginalised backgrounds. It was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of my life. At first, the kids didn’t trust me – some even threw rocks when I arrived. But week by week, I built a connection with them, sharing stories from my own life and encouraging them to tell theirs. One of the most chaotic yet rewarding days was taking 14 kids to Sayulita for Día de los Muertos and Halloween. The van broke down on the way, but we managed to tie up the exhaust and press on. Seeing the kids’ joy as they collected candy and celebrated the holiday made every challenge worthwhile.

7. Stranded in the Middle of Nicaragua

While chasing waves at The Boom in Nicaragua, my friend and I broke down in the middle of nowhere. With no food or water, I hitched a ride to the nearest town to buy supplies, leaving my friend to guard the truck and our surfboards. In a strange twist of luck, the breakdown site had excellent internet. While we waited for hours in the truck, we managed to complete a full day’s work – eating doughnuts and watching Netflix to pass the time. Eventually, the truck’s owner arrived and worked his magic to get us back on the road. It was one of the weirdest “offices” I’ve ever had, but it made for a story I’ll never forget.

Why These Stories Matter

These aren’t just anecdotes – they’re proof of what’s possible when you choose a life of freedom, exploration, and creativity. The digital nomad lifestyle has allowed me to experience the world in ways I never imagined, turning challenges into opportunities and moments into memories.

Your Adventure Starts in Popoyo, Nicaragua

These stories were only possible because I took the leap to live life on my terms. Now, I want to help you start creating your own unforgettable adventures. Join me in Popoyo, Nicaragua, where you’ll gain the tools, inspiration, and community to design a life of freedom and purpose.

👉 Reserve Your Spot in Popoyo Today

Whether it’s surfing incredible waves, chasing your next big idea, or connecting with like-minded adventurers, your journey starts here. Why wait for “someday”? Let’s make it happen now.

Thomas-Call

JOIN OUR NEXT RETREAT

Bloom: Digital Nomad Program

An all-inclusive 8-day retreat in Popoyo, Nicaragua, where you’ll design your ideal life, market your skills, and build a business that lets you work from anywhere.

P.S. We have a limited amount of spots!

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