Ready for an journey that mixes work and wanderlust? Check out my handpicked record of the good, under-the-radar spots for distant staff.
Whether you’re already a digital nomad or simply itching to make your front room view a bit of extra scenic, I’ve received you lined. I’ve visited many of the locations on this record, working as I traveled the globe in a lot of them.
Ever thought of typing away in a comfortable café in Merida, Mexico, or brainstorming your subsequent massive undertaking on the seashores of Huatulco? How about buying and selling your regular workplace for the historic streets of Seville, Spain, or discovering inspiration among the many colonial buildings of Penang, Malaysia?
Exploring Less Traveled Digital Nomad Destinations
Yeah, I believed that may seize your consideration. These off-the-beaten-path locations aren’t simply lovely backdrops in your Zoom calls; they’re the place high-speed web and low dwelling prices meet unbelievable tradition and a buzzing group.
From the attraction of Porto, Portugal, to the tranquil vibes of Siem Reap, Cambodia, each spot on my record has one thing distinctive to supply. So, why follow the same old when you possibly can work (and play) in a number of the world’s most inspiring locales?
Let’s discover your subsequent nice journey.
My prime uncommon spots for digital nomads:
- Merida, Mexico
- Porto, Portugal
- Seville, Spain
- Huatulco, Mexico
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Penang, Malaysia
- Malaga, Spain
Read on to study extra about why these locations made the reduce, and uncover eight extra bonus locations. Where will you log in from subsequent?
What makes a vacation spot good for digital nomads?
The best place for a digital nomad begins with dependable high-speed web, inexpensive dwelling prices, and coworking areas. A powerful group of like-minded people is significant for networking and socializing as effectively. Generally, meaning a group of different expats.
Safety, good climate, and entry to healthcare are additionally essential, as is a good VPN with a browser extension, like these listed by Techopedia, as this can provide help to entry webpages from anyplace on this planet so you possibly can proceed working as regular, and even entry streaming and gaming companies in your downtime.
Top that off with a vibrant native tradition, leisure actions, and straightforward visa processes (or ideally, no visa necessities) and also you’ll get a spot that’s engaging for long-term staff.
My Favorite Lesser Known Spots for Digital Nomads
Here are a couple of of my favourite lesser-known spots for distant staff. If you’re simply beginning out in distant work, they’ll be hidden gems, however in the event you’ve traveled a bit, it’s possible you’ll acknowledge a couple of of the names.
Merida, Mexico
I’ve spent every week or two in Merida over time, and it’s completely someplace I’ll return to as a digital nomad.
The metropolis’s dependable web, inexpensive dwelling prices, and loads of cozy cafes and coworking areas (like Conexión60 and Enter_Work) make it a simple place to get work accomplished. There’s even a world airport (MID), and good bus service with ADO buses.
It’s additionally a enjoyable place to stay, with energetic markets, bustling plazas, and an ever-growing digital nomad group. Merida is the capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, with loads of Mayan heritage and colonial historical past.
Cons of Merida as a digital nomad
If you’re a seaside bum, one of many downsides of dwelling right here is that Merida isn’t proper on the ocean. The closest seaside is on the busy, and infrequently windy, seaside city of Progreso, which is a couple of 45 minute drive. If you go to Progreso, you should definitely take a look at the flamingos and pink salt flats close by.
Seville, Spain
Ah, Seville! My final keep there was in April, so I missed the enduring sight of bushes lined in orange blossoms (blossoms normally finish in March). Even so, there was loads to see in sunny Seville, between taking in enchanting flamenco dancers, the spectacular structure of the Plaza de Espana, and the little issues about Seville that you simply received’t discover in your guidebook.
Seville’s rising digital nomad scene contains coworking areas and a quick web infrastructure, making it a perfect spot for productiveness. After hours, the energetic tapas bars and flamenco dance halls invite you to immerse your self in Andalusian custom. Make positive to verify this Andalusian capital’s many historic landmarks, together with the Alcázar palace, the Giralda tower, and the Plaza de España.
Cons of Seville as a digital nomad
Seville isn’t the place for you in the event you don’t like scorching climate. It’s a dry local weather right here, and may simply hit 40º C (104º F) in the summertime (although it’s temperate within the winter). Seville can be dear, particularly for points of interest and housing.
Malaga, Spain
I spent over a month with my household within the small city of Nerja, Spain, and whereas I beloved our keep there, Nerja is only a bit too small to make the reduce for this record, because it lacks some coworking areas and quick access to a world airport.
Instead, my choose for the digital nomad is close by Malaga. Malaga’s a correct metropolis of over half 1,000,000 individuals. It’s nestled alongside Spain’s Costa del Sol, with the attract of Mediterranean seashores, a wealthy cultural heritage (it’s Picasso’s birthplace!), and fantastic climate.
With high-speed web, a supportive worldwide group, and loads of coworking areas, it’s simple to get work accomplished right here. Check out El Centro Coworking and Grow Working, however there are many different nice coworking spots and cafes in Malaga.
Cons of Malaga for distant staff
Like any bigger metropolis, Malaga will be busy, so it might not be a match in the event you’re in search of a quiet vibe. There’s additionally a little bit of litter outdoors of the principle vacationer areas, and lodging will be dear.
Huatulco, Mexico
Huatulco (pronounced wah-TOOL-coh) is a little bit of an outlier on this record. While the city of Huatulco is off the seaside itself, close by La Crucecita, Puerto Escondido or Mazunte is the place it’s at. Though there’s a world airport midway between the seaside cities and the town correct, it doesn’t supply tons of worldwide flights.
Charles’ nephew made Huatulco his winter digital nomad hub the previous few years, inspiring us to test it out ourselves. Charles spent ten days in Huatulco this 12 months, and we’re planning to return as a household.
What it lacks in coworking areas, the Huatulco space (Bahías de Huatulco) positively makes up for it with nice seashores and attraction. There is first rate high-speed web right here (plus Starlink use is well-liked within the space), and trendy facilities.
Huatulco is on Mexico’s Pacific coast, providing a tranquil escape with pristine seashores and untouched pure landscapes. Unlike extra frequented vacationer locations, Huatulco prides itself on its sustainable growth and relaxed environment.
La Crucecita’s charming middle, with its native markets and pleasant group, provides a glimpse into genuine Mexican tradition. Mazunte provides off chill, hippie vibes with loads of yoga studios and smoothie stations to present something in South East Asia a run for it’s cash. Puerto Escondido is the place the occasion occurs and there’s loads of issues to do when the solar units and it’s time to place the laptop computer away.
Cons of Huatulco for digital nomads
Housing in Huatulco is unquestionably on the dear aspect, so be ready to shell out. It can be brutally scorching, even within the winter, because it’s in Oaxaca state, near Guatemala and it appears the solar shines all winter lengthy.
Porto, Portugal
I like gritty Porto. It’s a bit rougher across the edges than lovely Lisbon, however that’s a part of its attraction. There’s a vibrant, artistic power right here, and a rising digital nomad scene.
There are loads of nice coworking areas in Porto (to begin, strive Land Porto Coworking or WOW – Coworking Porto). The web’s quick, and there are nice cafes all over the place.
One of the benefits of being a distant employee in Porto is that it’s extra inexpensive than most different European cities, together with Lisbon. You’ll discover inexpensive housing, fantastic bakeries, and also you received’t must lay our a fortune on consuming out or points of interest.
Be positive to go to the Livraria Lello – usually referred to as essentially the most lovely bookstore on this planet. Even with the lineups and price to enter, I believe it’s price it.
Cons of Porto for digital nomads
Porto’s a smaller metropolis than Lisbon, so there aren’t as many networking alternatives right here. The middle of Porto is busy and beautiful, however the outskirts are industrial and lots of sections really feel deserted. The climate can be unpredictable.
Penang Island, Malaysia
Penang’s capital, George Town, was my base when Charles and I visited Malaysia. I’ve nice reminiscences of exploring colonial buildings, and having fun with inexpensive freshly squeezed fruit and scrumptious meals from road distributors.
You may even get native strawberries and apples in Penang, which is uncommon for a tropical space. They’re grown within the close by Cameron Highlands.
The metropolis is a tech hub with dependable web, loads of coworking areas (begin with Settlements Penang or Common Ground), and a supportive expat group.
George Town, Penang’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage website with an attention-grabbing mix of colonial buildings, trendy road artwork, and vibrant meals scene.
Cons of Penang for digital nomads
Penang is a small island, and it might really feel a bit claustrophobic after every week or two. On prime of that, the climate’s typically scorching and humid, that means you’ll must do most of your work indoors in air con.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
I spent a little bit of time in Siem Reap as we visited the traditional temples of Angkor Wat. One of the issues I seen immediately was that the web was quick, and the air con was sturdy.
For distant staff, Siem Reap has an inexpensive value of dwelling, a heat local weather, and a laid-back way of life. There’s additionally a surprisingly sturdy web infrastructure.
The city has developed a comfortable café tradition and coworking setting (begin on the oddly named 1961 Coworking and Art Space), catering to the worldwide group of digital nomads drawn to its attraction. Beyond work, Siem Reap’s vibrant night time markets, native artisan outlets, and serene rice fields are fantastic for exploration and rest.
Cons of Siem Reap for digital nomads
There are actual downsides to Siem Reap. Public transport is unquestionably missing, and there’s a difficulty with petty crime and housebreaking. On prime of that, it’s a small place, and will not have the alternatives for networking of bigger cities. It’s additionally busy and touristy, and also you’ll spend lots of time coping with individuals making an attempt to promote you issues, some authorized, and a few not so authorized.
Runner-ups for Lesser Known Digital Nomad Locations
I haven’t visited all the following areas, however I’ve included them on this article, as they’re talked about persistently amongst our touring mates, and the digital nomad group.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Nestled within the highlands of Ecuador, Cuenca is a colonial metropolis identified for its beautiful structure, cultural festivals, and pleasant locals.
Remote staff are drawn to Cuenca for its inexpensive value of dwelling, temperate local weather, and dependable web, making it a perfect place for creativity and focus.
The metropolis’s historic middle, a UNESCO World Heritage website, affords peaceable plazas, museums, and cafes the place you possibly can work whereas soaking within the native tradition. There’s loads to do on weekends spent exploring nature, from mountaineering within the Cajas National Park to enjoyable in close by scorching springs.
Chiang Dao, Thailand
Most digital nomads don’t assume past Thailand’s cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai, or the crowded island of Phuket. While I visited all three of those, and lots others, in my three months in Thailand, I didn’t fairly handle to make it to smaller Chiang Dao, which is getting a popularity as a strong digital nomad hub.
Quiet Chiang Dao is a city embraced by mountains and forests, with solely round 15,000 individuals. The web connectivity is unexpectedly good, and it’s simple to entry from Chiang Mai. There are waterfalls, scorching springs, artist’s workshops, and good meals. Just be sure you get the proper visa earlier than organising as a digital nomad in Thailand, irrespective of which area you select.
Sibiu, Romania
In the midst of Transylvania, Sibiu affords a medieval previous city, however there’s loads of trendy infrastructure past the cobblestone streets and the majestic Brukenthal Palace.
Sibiu is named a tranquil but inspiring setting for digital nomads, with its wonderful web and charming cafes.
Lesser Known Digital Nomad Locations within the USA and Canada
When I consider digital nomad places, I at all times default to Asia, Europe, and even Mexico, however there are many nice locations to do distant work in Canada and the US.
Astoria, Oregon
I could present my age right here, however I first noticed Astoria in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedy, Kindergarten Cop.
I’ve since visited Astoria a couple of instances, and the household and I at all times cease off on any trek down the Oregon Coast.
Astoria, Oregon, USA is a captivating and off-the-beaten-path vacation spot on the Oregon Coast, best for distant staff looking for scenic magnificence, a wealthy cultural historical past, and a peaceable setting for productiveness. If you need one thing a bit extra beachy, you too can head south a bit to Cannon Beach and even additional south in the direction of Lincoln or Newport. You’re additionally solely an hour and a half from Portland.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
I visited Portsmouth with the household a few years in the past, and was immediately drawn to its chill attraction and beautiful coastal surroundings.
Portsmouth is a picturesque and historic seaport metropolis on the East Coast of the USA. It affords distant staff a novel mix of coastal magnificence, vibrant cultural scene, and wealthy American historical past.
There’s a compact downtown space full of charming outlets, galleries, eating places, and coworking areas.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
To my timeless embarrassment as a Canadian, I haven’t visited Charlottetown personally. It’s on the absolute prime of my record of locations to go to within the Maritimes.
Charlottetown is the charming capital of Prince Edward Island, with a small-town vibe, pleasant group, historic buildings, and scenic waterfront. And don’t overlook festivals and the famend native seafood! Charlottetown is an inviting place for distant staff, with dependable web, quaint cafes, and a burgeoning arts and tradition scene.
The metropolis’s relaxed tempo of life and pure magnificence, from rolling hills to sandy seashores, supply a serene setting if you wish to work away from the hustle and bustle and it’s additionally a reasonably inexpensive space to stay in.
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
I’ve lived in Kelowna as our household’s dwelling base for nearly 10 years.
Kelowna is within the coronary heart of British Columbia’s wine nation, and based mostly across the attractive, deep blue Okanagan Lake. Kelowna’s a picturesque setting for distant staff, with beautiful lake views, mountain backdrops, and vineyards.
You’ll get pleasure from Kelowna in the event you recognize the outside, with kayaking, mountaineering, paddle boarding, boating and snowboarding simply accessible (at Big White or Silver Star).
There’s additionally a strong and rising tech scene right here, supported by quick web, progressive coworking areas (I like Okanagan coLab, however I typically do business from home), and a vibrant group of entrepreneurs and digital nomads. The metropolis’s gentle local weather, mixed with a wealthy cultural life and farm-to-table eating, offers a top quality of life that’s arduous to beat. But I could also be a bit of biased, since I stay right here and like it.
Kelowna’s not for you in the event you’re all about thrilling nightlife, and designer manufacturers although. There are nightclubs right here, however they’re positively not on the scale of a bigger metropolis, and many eating places typically shut by 10 (or effectively earlier than). That stated, in the summertime there are extra festivals right here than anyplace we’ve ever lived, a thriving micro brewery scene and actually a whole bunch of vineyards inside an hour of the town.
And there you might have it, my sneak peek into the world’s lesser identified locations for digital nomads. Whether you’re craving sun-drenched seashores or bustling metropolis streets, these spots have the proper combine of labor, tradition, and journey.
Who is aware of? Your subsequent favourite espresso store workplace could possibly be ready in considered one of these unbelievable locations.