In an era where the traditional office walls have dissolved into the digital ether, those who have the privilege of working remotely are among the fortunate few. The ability to transform any corner of the world into a personal workspace is not just a perk; it’s a profound shift in how we define the work-life balance.
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Bali, each destination beckons with its unique blend of culture, connectivity, and the promise of an office view that’s never mundane. For those who are lucky enough to be able to work remotely, here are 8 travel destinations that may fit the bill.
Thailand
A long-time favourite among remote workers, Thailand has just about everything you could want in a place to work and enjoy life. Fast internet, warm weather, great food and an affordable lifestyle are the main attractions here, together with friendly, welcoming people.
Thailand’s appeal for remote workers extends beyond its cultural attractions and landscapes. The country has a relatively low cost of living, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget. Cities like Chiang Mai have become hotspots for digital nomads due to their laid-back atmosphere, affordable accommodation, and a plethora of coworking spaces like Punspace. The Thai government’s SMART Visa program is designed to attract talent and experts in various fields, including digital nomads, providing a legal way to live and work in the country.
If you want to join a thriving community of remote workers from all over the planet, then Bangkok and Phuket are great options, while there are also more relaxing places such as Ao Nang and Surat Thani also worth checking out.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, once infamous for its turbulent past, has transformed into a vibrant and innovative city, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant climate year-round, Medellín offers a unique blend of modern amenities, rich culture, and affordable living.
The city’s infrastructure has significantly improved, with reliable high-speed internet that works well in tandem with IoT SIM cards, and numerous coworking spaces such as Selina and Atom House, which cater specifically to digital nomads. These spaces not only provide a productive work environment but also foster a sense of community through regular events and networking opportunities.
Medellín’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other major cities, allowing remote workers to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. The city is also known for its excellent public transportation system, including the innovative Metro and Metrocable, which make getting around easy and efficient.
The Colombian government has recognized the growing trend of remote work and is in the process of introducing a digital nomad visa, which will make it easier for remote workers to live and work in the country legally. This initiative is part of a broader effort to attract international talent and boost the local economy.
Medellín’s vibrant culture, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for remote workers seeking a balance between work and leisure. From exploring the colourful streets of Comuna 13 to hiking in the nearby Andes mountains, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy during your downtime.
Ecuador
Latin America has become an interesting option for digital nomads who want an affordable place to live that has easy access to modern amenities as well as historical attractions. While the likes of Peru and Argentina are better known for their tourist infrastructure and Costa Rica has a thriving ex-pat community, there are some convincing reasons to give Ecuador a try.
It’s small by South American standards, but Ecuador is one of the world’s most biodiverse and geographically varied countries. This means that from a base in the capital city of Quito or Cuenca, you can easily reach the beach, the rainforest, or the snow-capped mountains with just a few hours of travel. Quito and Cuenca both have reliable internet and a growing number of coworking spaces, such as Impaqto and Coworking StartUp. Ecuador also offers a two-year temporary residency visa that can be a good fit for remote workers.
Ecuador uses the US dollar, eliminating currency exchange hassles for American remote workers. The country offers a low cost of living and a diverse climate, from the cool highlands to the warm coastal regions.
Japan
As one of the most technologically advanced countries out, you won’t be surprised to find all the modern conveniences you could ask for here, with some of the fastest internet speeds around. Japan is rated as one of the safest countries for visitors, which will give you peace of mind if you’re working abroad for the first time.
The high cost of living here is one of the few potential drawbacks. However, you’ll find great hotels designed specifically for digital nomads, such as The Millennials Shibuya in Tokyo or The Lively Fukuoka Hakata in the relatively inexpensive destination of Fukuoka.
Japan’s reputation for efficiency and technology makes it an attractive destination for remote workers. The country’s strong work ethic is balanced by its rich cultural experiences and public safety. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka have numerous coworking spaces, such as Impact Hub and The Snack, which provide not just a workspace but also opportunities for networking. Japan’s new remote work visa, expected to launch soon, will make it easier for digital nomads to live and work in the country legally.
Lisbon, Portugal
For British workers, there are some outstanding destinations to visit without leaving Europe. Portugal has everything you could ask for, from a place to live and work with friendly people, great food, and sandy beaches.
James Bond fans can even visit the famous Casino Estoril, which is said to have influenced the 007 Casino Royale novel. The impressive-looking building, which has been open since 1931, stands at one end of the Jardim do Estoril and hosts concerts, art exhibitions and movie screenings in its cinema. The surrounding gardens will be instantly recognisable too, and those who’ve watched the film will be able to stand in the exact spot where Bond parked his car.
Lisbon has been rated as one of the continent’s finest cities but is still relatively low-key despite the wonderful setting and the eye-catching architecture. The capital regularly features in the top three of the world’s best cities for expats to live in, and there is a specific visa for digital nomads that shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain.
Portugal, on a wider level, stands out for its Digital Nomad Village in Madeira, a government-backed initiative that provides free workspace with high-speed internet for remote workers. The country’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime is also beneficial for freelancers and entrepreneurs, potentially offering tax exemptions for up to ten years. Lisbon and Porto are known for their affordable living costs, a variety of coworking spaces like Cowork Central and Porto i/o, and a warm, welcoming culture.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a tropical paradise that has become a hub for remote workers due to its serene landscapes, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living. The island offers a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Balinese culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to balance work and leisure. With its numerous coworking spaces, such as Hubud in Ubud and Dojo in Canggu, remote workers can find a community and network easily. The Balinese government is also considering a special five-year visa aimed at digital nomads to make it easier for remote workers to stay longer.
Bali is not just a haven for surfers and yogis; it’s also a premier destination for remote workers. The island’s infrastructure for digital nomads is well-developed, with high-speed internet widely available, especially in coworking spaces and cafes. Bali’s time zone (Central Indonesia Time, UTC+8) is favorable for those working with clients or teams in Asia and Australia.
The cost of living is relatively low, allowing remote workers to enjoy a high quality of life, including access to healthy food options, wellness retreats, and a variety of leisure activities. The Balinese community is known for its hospitality, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among the expat and remote worker community, with regular meetups and networking events. For this reason, it’s a welcoming place to travel solo.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in the Czech Republic is another excellent destination for remote workers. The city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a robust public transportation system. It’s also known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other European capitals. Prague has a growing number of coworking spaces, like Locus Workspace and K10 Coworking, which offer a comfortable environment for productivity. Additionally, the Czech Republic offers a ‘zivno’ visa, which is a type of long-term business visa that can be used by freelancers and digital nomads.
The city also has a thriving tech scene and a supportive community for entrepreneurs and freelancers, its central location in Europe is ideal for remote workers who want to travel, with many major cities just a train ride away. The cost of living is reasonable, and the city offers a range of accommodation options suitable for different budgets.
Canada
Canada offers diverse cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal that are perfect for remote workers. These cities provide high-quality life, excellent healthcare, and a variety of coworking spaces. For instance, Toronto’s Workhaus and Vancouver’s Hive are popular among the digital nomad community. WeWork, Spaces, and Breather also provide flexible work environments for digital nomads.
Canada’s friendly immigration policies, including the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, allow young professionals from many countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years.
Canada’s immigration policies, including various work permit and visa options, support the country’s position as a top destination for skilled workers and entrepreneurs. The IEC program is particularly beneficial for young professionals looking to gain international work experience while enjoying the Canadian lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
From the beaches of Thailand to the coworking spaces of urban Canada, if you’re lucky enough to be able to work remotely, there’s a destination out there to suit your unique needs. Now, could you repeat that WiFi password just one more time?