We have seen in previous articles how i have increased in recent years you work for Digital Nomads and professions that can be carried out remotely anywhere in the world.
Working around the world it is the great advantage of Digital Nomads, all you need is a laptop and an internet connection.
When I discovered that you could work and visit wonderful places at the same time, I did everything to change my life and become a Digital Nomad.
At the beginning, however, I had to inform myself a lot to understand what were the perfect destinations for a Digital Nomad. When you have little experience it is not easy to choose the right destination, in fact you have to evaluate various aspects, such as the internet connection, the cost of living, the climate, etc.
In this article we will see just how to choose the best place to work remotely and we will go to the discovery of what I believe, in my experience, the ideal destinations for digital nomads.
If you too are a digital nomad or are lucky enough to be able to work anywhere thanks to the internet, do not randomly choose your next trip, read on and discover my favorite places where to work in smart working.
Digital Nomad: Choosing the Right Place
First, it's important to understand what makes a place perfect for a Digital Nomad. It certainly depends on the type of profession you carry out, but in any case there are some fundamental characteristics for everyone.
Website: For those who work online it is essential to have a good internet connection that is stable enough. Then it also depends on your work, it is clear that if you have to send or download very large files then the internet must be very fast.
Cost of living: Since a Digital Nomad can work anywhere, why not choose places where the cost of living is lower. Precisely for this reason one of the most popular places for smart working is Asia.
Community: The digital nomad can suffer from loneliness, a good idea is to choose places where other digital nomads live, there are real communities of digital nomads, we will see later where the best are.
Free time: Obviously you can choose the place to work according to your tastes, so as to take advantage of the free moments to enjoy the beauties of the place, to have fun, or why not, to relax on a tropical beach. In this case it is also good to evaluate the climatic conditions.
Taxation and Visas: Recently some countries are offering temporary work visas for digital nomads who decide to stay for an extended time; an example above all are Barbados and Bermuda.
Digital Nomad Where To Go: 9 Destinations
1. Gran Canaria, Spain
The Canaries have always been a splendid tourist destination, but in recent times the islands of eternal spring are becoming too the ideal place for those who work online.
Gran Canaria hosts a large community of Digital Nomads and offers several coworking spaces mostly concentrated in Las Palmas, the island's capital.
Events and meetings are often organized between digital nomads and it is possible to share apartments and splendid villas just a few steps from the most beautiful beaches on the island.
I recommend joining the facebook group "Gran Canaria Digital Nomads" very useful to ask for information or to find apartments or coliving.
2. Wood, Portugal
Madeira is a wonderful Portuguese island located about 500 km north of the Canary Islands. It is where I am now as I am writing this article.
Here too there is a beautiful community of digital nomads, but above all there is the first village in Europe for Digital Nomads, precisely in Ponta do Sol.
The capital Funchal is also the perfect choice to live if you work remotely, it offers all the services, there are various coworking facilities and an excellent climate. The island is full of nature excursions, perfect for enjoying your free moments.
3. Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko is considered the Chiang Mai of Europe, in fact in this one small Bulgarian ski resort was born one of the most famous Digital Nomad communities in Europe, known all over the world. I first heard of it in Thailand.
The reasons that lead those who work remotely to come to Bansko are various: Bansko Coworking and its community, lots of nature, outdoor activities and the very low cost of living!
4. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is perhaps the best known destination among Digital Nomads, for years now smart workers from all over the world have chosen the island of the Gods.
Bali, in particular Canggu, is full of Coworking Space, where to work and where to meet other travelers and professionals, a way to make friends and network. The island is a true tropical paradise, unique landscapes in the world, ancient temples, nature, beaches and the possibility of practicing yoga, surfing and other activities.
In addition there are other islands close to Bali, all to be discovered, such as Lembongan, the Gili and Lombok.
The cost of living is low and it is possible to rent splendid Balinese-style villas, without spending exaggerated amounts, perhaps shared with other Digital Nomads!
5. Koh Lanta, Thailand
When it comes to Koh Lanta I can't be objective, I left my heart on this Thai island. It was my first real experience as a Digital Nomad around the world. Currently in Koh Lanta there is only one coworking, but it is one of the most beautiful ever, the mythical Ko Hub.
A workspace surrounded by nature where a splendid community of digital nomads from all over the world has formed. A very relaxing environment, every evening we organize events, group dinners, aperitifs or theme nights.
You will also have the opportunity to visit other islands in the south, among the most beautiful in the country, such as Phi Phi Island, Koh Kradan, Koh Lipe etc.
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you are a Digital Nomad, at least once in your life you have to go to Chiang Mai. It is a well-known city in northern Thailand, a UNESCO heritage site, famous for its many ancient temples.
For some years Chiang Mai has become the home of Digital Nomads, I have never seen so many coworking in one place.
The cost of living here is really low and the internet is pretty fast, Chiang Mai is in fact one of the Asian cities that offers the fastest connection speed.
I have found Chiang Mai to be one of the best places to work remotely productively.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
Another Thai city that is ideal for working online is Bangkok. Apartment costs are low, the internet is fast and there are tons of internet cafes created for digital workers. In addition, the charm of Bangkok is unique, it is full of wonderful attractions and some of the most beautiful temples in Asia.
It must be said that it is a very polluted and chaotic city, I usually stop for a short time, I prefer beaches and nature.
8. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is a city in Cambodia, known worldwide for the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Precisely for this reason a few years ago I decided to spend some time in this Cambodian town.
In Siem Reap there is AngkorHub, a small coworking with coliving upstairs. A familiar and peaceful environment, you can dine together at the common table and if you want to go out to eat together in the evening.
It was a pleasant experience thanks also to the kindness of the owner Jeff, a Canadian who has been supporting smart working for years by organizing seminars and programs to increase productivity.
9. Hoi An, Vietnam
Since I started touring Asia as a Digital Nomad, many have told me about this charming town on the east coast of Vietnam: Hoi An.
In the end I couldn't resist, I spent about a month in Hoi An, in February 2020.
I discovered the beautiful tropical coworking, located in the middle of the rice fields halfway between the ancient center of Hoi An and the sea. Here too the environment is very pleasant, the community is aggregative but not invasive at all.
Conclusions
In this article I wanted to explain how to choose the right places to work online and which are the best countries and cities for me. And you, have you already had experiences as a digital nomad, is there a place you would like to recommend, or a place where you would like to go? Write it in the comments!