Top Destinations With Remote Work Amenities
Entrepreneurial knowledge workers could command high incomes to work in exotic and inspiring locations far from home, and innovative technologies and disciplines helped them to create experiences that enriched both living and working.
Digital nomads gravitate to destinations that are well suited to work and offer housing that is nicer than they’re used to. To help you find your new home-base, consider these factors: Internet connections; cost of living; and coworking.
Bali
As more people lead the nomadic digital lifestyle, the destinations at the intersection of work and pleasure become more sought-after. The best of these places offer world-class infrastructure and services to enable productive lifestyles and the experiences necessary for a carefully curated escape from reality. In Barbados, the Fairmont Royal Pavilion offers a haven in which to do your work from home, furnished with the ultimate in creature comforts and luxuries – while still delivering dependable internet, glimpses of the glittering blue-green ocean, and a supporting cast of fellow digital nomads for whom to mute and un-mute ad nauseam as the need arises. Lisbon has emerged as a magnet for digital nomads. The low cost of living, good internet connectivity and a lively digital nomad ecosystem have combined to create a haven for digital nomads, not to mention coworking spaces in abundant numbers that foster this perfect work-play balance.
Lisbon
For remote workers, Lisbon – with its beaches and buoyant atmosphere – has become a popular spot due to its low living costs, lightning-fast internet, and a loyal expat community. Lisbon boasts numerous coworking spaces, from Second Home Lisboa’s creative hub to LX Factory’s cobbled streets, full of strange shops, cafes and bars, where digital nomads can mix work with play. Lisbon’s Baixa district goes a step further, acting like a Google work hub with its numerous start-ups and digital nomads. To stay active, travellers can attend yoga classes at sunrise on the picturesque beach of Sao Pedro, sail into the dusk or take hot air balloons over its capital. There’s also a multitude of bar crawls and food tours so remote workers can meet both locals and people like themselves in this bustling neighbourhood.
Chiang Mai
‘What makes working abroad possible now is the internet – a learning tool, a connection to friends and family, and your sole source of income in many cases.’ It is important to research destinations, learning a few words of its language before going, and ‘find out what the visa situation is for your country to stay as long as you would like. You don’t want to go somewhere and then be stuck after three months just because you didn’t do your research ahead of time.’ Looking for some place exotic? Then Ecuador is for you, with its low cost of living, broadband access throughout, and the best time zone for conferencing with US clients. There are boutiques and coffee shops, arty shops and restaurants serving international foods. There are art galleries. And space to work. There are spectacular views of swaying palm trees, waves and blue water to kick-start the creative process, and there’s not so much to do that you’ll miss a work deadline. And there’s fast Internet.
Medellin
For the person seeking a world-class lifestyle experience combined with reliable internet, affordability and decidedly safe Colombian living – for those who are willing to learn Spanish – Medellin is the Best Kept Secret of South America. This philosophy and perspective on life are the pillars that have put Medellin on the map as a digital nomad hub. Upmarket El Poblado and the homier, hilly Laureles neighbourhoods have the kinds of ambience that remote workers need for a productive day. And the coffee is taken seriously in San Jose’s cafés (the expat favourite working spaces include Circular or Quokka). Courtesy DIG It doesn’t matter where you drink your coffee – whether in coworking spaces, community cafes, or traditional local spots – the country’s vibe will keep you fueled and inspired throughout your stay. An umbrella is also highly recommended for this experience, as this city is quite rainy. The currency used is pesos of Colombia, but US dollars are still accepted with small fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Tulum
Digital nomads flock to the zen of Tulum, where they can work hard despite the waves and the beer. Tulum promotes motion and health: beach yoga classes and vegan menus inspire a mental off-loading. A list of top locations to live and work as a digital nomad depending on whether you are working with limited budget, struggle with internet, or need the best possible living situation. No matter what your situation might be, anywhere in the world offers one or all of the options depicted in this list. As a digital nomad, love multiple cultures by working in close proximity to them, and work from where ever your heart desires!
