The founder of a coworking destination on a Thai island says there's an important step you should take before becoming a digital nomad

KoHub, a coworking space on the Thai island of Koh Lanta, attracts "digital nomads" from around the world looking to work remotely from the beautiful island.Founder James Abbott says that the one piece of advice all digital nomads should follow is to get a job that pays and allows remote work before starting their trip. Launching a trip as a digital nomad without knowing where your funding is coming from can cause people to cut corners and isolate themselves from the community, Abbott says. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

KOH LANTA, Thailand — Working from home is just the start. 

Over the last decade, "digital nomads" have gone from the fringe to the mainstream, as people move to work remotely while traveling the world. With the rise of remote work and the high cost of living in Western cities known for their tech scenes, such as San Francisco, Paris, and London, millions of people have kicked off careers as digital nomads. 

Six years ago, James Abbott established KoHub, a coworking space on Koh Lanta, an island in southern Thailand. Koh Lanta offers gorgeous beaches, a chill party scene, and lush jungle. Thanks to KoHub, it is also becoming a destination for digital nomads looking for a space to work remotely and a community of others doing the same. 

"I run it like an organized anarchy," Abbott recently told Business Insider. "So I let it evolve into what it needs to be — just trying to shape it, and keep it on the rails and financed."

Digital nomads swarm to KoHub during high season, escaping from the cold of the Northern Hemisphere to the balmy beach climate. And, according to Abbott, most take one crucial step before trying out a career as a digital nomad — or regret not doing so. 

Original author: Kate Taylor