Recession woes? Why not become a digital nomad?

The economy is in the toilet. Foreclosures are skyrocketing. Unemployment is rising. 401ks have lost value. What should you do? Here's an idea: Why not travel the world?

Wait, what?

Our culture pounds into our heads that international travel is something for the well heeled to do while "on vacation" -- when the economy is great and job security is high. But hasn't globalization, the Internet and mobile technology changed what's possible? We communicate electronically, mobile technology is super cheap nowadays and Internet connectivity can be found just about anywhere.

I think a massive global recession is the best opportunity yet for many people to make that transition from conventional knowledge worker to digital nomad. Here's why:

1. Layoffs are up. But so is the hiring of freelancers. A new survey report to be released tomorrow from oDesk claims that some 37% of businesses that hire freelancers plan to increase the number of freelancers they employ during the recession. As the economy starts to improve, freelance jobs will increase as companies need people but still feel risk-averse.

2. Foreclosures are up. If you lost your house, or would like to -- in other words, if you're going to be renting a place to live -- you might as well rent in an exotic or otherwise desirable location somewhere abroad. Just about every place you might go on vacation will offer nearby rooms to let or longer term rental that costs a tiny fraction of what you'd pay on a mortgage at home.

2. Fuel and travel are cheap. Gas prices, including the price of jet fuel, are way down, and so are the number of travelers. As a result, the airlines are cutting costs radically, and reducing prices to attract travelers. It can be super cheap to travel abroad if you shop around.

3. The dollar is low and getting lower. When I lived in Greece for a few months last year, the dollar was at an all-time high and everything was expensive. Since then, the dollar has plummeted against the Euro and most other currencies, and is forecast to keep getting lower. For you, that just means everything is getting cheaper and cheaper: food, lodging, travel -- everything.

4. The recession is global, so everyone is offering deals. Vacation spots, off-the-beaten-track destinations, major cities, sunny islands -- everyone is offering deals to attract the smaller number of people who are traveling.

5. The cost of living can be much cheaper abroad. Even in the best of times, the cost of living is much cheaper in many foreign countries. If you find yourself with expenses far higher than income, you can lower your expenses by living in a country with a much lower cost-of-living. When the economy improves, and your income improves, too, you can move back.

6. New online services improve the digital nomad lifestyle. For example,  Earth Class Mail (which scans your postal mail and puts it online for you to read from anywhere) now will cash your checks and deposit them in your bank account. You can find online services and social networks for getting additional freelance work, finding living arrangements and arranging transportation. Everything is online now.

Recessions are bad. But if you've lost work, lost your home or even if you haven't lost anything, the best place to survive the recession -- and even thrive -- may be in some other country.