💵 How To Lock In Steady Freelance Income

Freelance retainer templates, a river cruise deal, and how pros actually make nomad life work

April 04, 2025

In partnership with

Here’s what’s inside this week:

  • Free retainer contract templates so you can ditch the project-to-project grind

  • How 500+ digital nomads actually make remote work, well… work

  • Danube River Tour: vineyards, palaces, & VIP service—at two-for-one prices

  • The travel gadget that needs no wifi and stays charged for up to 12 weeks

Some of the links featured in this issue are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. 

📝 Freelance Retainer Templates That Make Your Life Smoother

If you’re tired of living project to project, it might be time to set up a freelance retainer. It’s one of the best ways to create stable, predictable income while deepening client relationships.

There are two popular ways to structure a retainer. First is the “pay for work” model, where you commit to delivering specific services or a set number of hours every month. Second is the “pay for access” model, where clients pay to have you on-call for advice or quick tasks, without set deliverables. Consulting Success has a great guide on how to figure out which type of retainer is right for you and how to use each one effectively.

Once you know the structure you want, you’ll need to get it in writing. Luckily, Wethos has your back with free retainer contract templates you can customize. Their article also walks you through how to build a solid agreement, set clear boundaries, and avoid unplanned add-ons.

Bottom line: Retainers aren’t just good for stability—they help you work smarter, not harder, by locking in long-term clients and reducing the constant hustle.

🚢 Two-for-One Danube Cruise with VIP Perks

Glide past medieval castles, vineyard hills, and cobblestone towns — then end your night at a private concert in a Viennese palace. 🎶 This 10-day Danube cruise is basically a highlight reel of Europe.

You’ll tick off Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia without rolling your bag across town. Think slow mornings, local wine, and VIP experiences baked right in.

Ready to swap your inbox for river views?

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​🌍 Turn Your Travels into Income: Insights from Nomadic Matt​

Ever dreamed of earning a living while exploring the world? In a recent podcast episode, Nathan Barry chats with Matthew Kepnes, better known as Nomadic Matt, who shares his journey of transforming his passion for travel into a profitable business.​

Matt emphasizes the importance of establishing a personal website as a central hub for your content and audience engagement. He highlights that relying solely on social media platforms can be risky due to unpredictable algorithm changes. Building an email list is another key strategy he discusses, noting that direct communication with your audience can lead to better monetization opportunities through webinars and personalized content.​

Beyond digital strategies, Matt explores the value of creating real-world connections through events and tours. These experiences not only generate income but also foster a loyal community around your brand. He also sheds light on the realities of securing brand deals, advocating for authenticity and alignment with your personal values to maintain trust with your audience.​

For those looking to sustain a travel-centric business, Matt advises focusing on scalable and sustainable practices to prevent burnout. He suggests diversifying income streams and being selective with partnerships to ensure long-term success.​

To dive deeper into Matt's strategies and experiences, check out the full conversation with Nathan Barry here.

📚 Your New Travel Buddy That Never Needs WiFi

If you need a digital detox without giving up your reading habit, the all-new Kindle Paperwhite is basically a no-brainer. This version’s got a bigger, sharper 7" display, buttery-smooth page turns, and a battery that lasts up to 12 weeks. 

No pop-ups, no pings, no distractions — just books. Plus, it’s waterproof and weighs almost nothing, so it slides into your carry-on without a second thought. Bonus: You get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited free, which is like an all-you-can-read buffet for nomads.

🍷 Ride Through the Swiss Alps on an 8-Day Tour

Wind past snow-capped peaks, fairytale villages, and sparkling lakes—all without lifting a finger to pla. This 8-day gguided tour hits Zurich, Lucerne, Lugano, and Lake Geneva, with castle visits and jaw-dropping Alpine drives.

You’ll get guided sightseeing mixed with free time for chocolate shops, wine bars, and lakeside strolls.

Seats are limited—take a peek and mkae this summer the one you finally do Switzerland right.

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🌐 In Other News 

Discover how integrating a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) system can streamline your travel photography. Learn how you can take advantage of efficient storage for editing and managing your images.

Explore how on-the-go video advertising in high-traffic areas like gas stations can effectively engage consumers and enhance your marketing efforts without the added costs of retail media networks. ​

DIGITRIPS has launched FREEZE, a unique tool that lets travelers secure flight prices up to 12 months in advance without commitment. Protect yourself from last-minute fare hikes and give yourself more flexibility when planning trips.

New innovations like AI navigation tools and tactile maps are helping travelers with disabilities enjoy more independence. Learn why tech is key to making the travel industry more inclusive. 

Pryon is hiring a Software Engineer to build cloud-based microservices and collaborate with Research and Product teams. Ideal for experienced developers looking to work on scalable, cutting-edge systems from anywhere.

Until next week,

The Nomad Cloud Team ⛅️