As a digital nomad, one of the most significant advantages is the ability to work from anywhere in the world. However, choosing the right destination can make all the difference in your productivity, lifestyle, and overall happiness. After years of traveling and working remotely, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite destinations for digital nomads to work and thrive.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has been a popular destination for digital nomads for years, and for good reason. The island offers a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. There are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to work from, as well as affordable accommodation options. The cost of living is also relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those on a budget.
One of the biggest challenges of living in Bali as a digital nomad is transportation. While there are taxis and ride-sharing services available, they can be expensive and unreliable. We recommend renting a scooter or a bicycle to get around the island. It’s a fun and affordable way to explore Bali and get to your meetings on time.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is another popular destination for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, friendly locals, and vibrant coworking scene. The city is home to dozens of coworking spaces, cafes, and digital nomad communities. There are also plenty of cultural and outdoor activities to enjoy, from visiting temples and night markets to hiking in the nearby mountains.
When it comes to transportation, Chiang Mai is a very walkable city. However, if you need to travel further afield, we recommend renting a scooter or a bicycle. It’s a cheap and convenient way to get around, and you’ll have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years, thanks to its affordable cost of living, mild climate, and vibrant startup scene. The city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups, as well as plenty of cultural and culinary attractions.
When it comes to transportation, Lisbon has a good public transportation system, with buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and relatively affordable. However, if you want to explore the city on your own terms, we recommend renting a bike. Lisbon is a very bike-friendly city, with plenty of bike lanes and bike-sharing services.
4. Medellin, Colombia
Medellin has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, from a city plagued by violence and drug trafficking to a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis. The city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups, as well as plenty of cultural and outdoor attractions.
When it comes to transportation, Medellin has a good public transportation system, with buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and relatively affordable. However, if you want to explore the city on your own terms, we recommend renting a bike. Medellin has a growing network of bike lanes and bike-sharing services, making it easy and affordable to get around.
5. Ubud, Indonesia
Ubud is a small town in Bali that has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. The town is known for its lush greenery, yoga studios, and spiritual retreats. It’s also home to a growing number of coworking spaces and cafes, as well as affordable accommodation options.
When it comes to transportation, Ubud is a very walkable town. However, if you want to explore the surrounding area, we recommend renting a scooter or a bicycle. It’s a fun and affordable way to get around, and you’ll have the freedom to explore the town and its surroundings at your own pace.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a beautiful and historic city that has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. The city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups, as well as plenty of cultural and culinary attractions.
When it comes to transportation, Prague has a good public transportation system, with buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and relatively affordable. However, if you want to explore the city on your own terms, we recommend renting a bike. Prague is a very bike-friendly city, with plenty of bike lanes and bike-sharing services.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. The city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups, as well as plenty of cultural and culinary attractions.
When it comes to transportation, Barcelona has a good public transportation system, with buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and relatively affordable. However, if you want to explore the city on your own terms, we recommend renting a bike. Barcelona is a very bike-friendly city, with plenty of bike lanes and bike-sharing services.
8. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a beautiful and historic city that has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. The city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups, as well as plenty of cultural and culinary attractions.
When it comes to transportation, Budapest has a good public transportation system, with buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and relatively affordable. However, if you want to explore the city on your own terms, we recommend renting a bike. Budapest is a very bike-friendly city, with plenty of bike lanes and bike-sharing services.
9. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a vibrant and creative city that has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. The city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups, as well as plenty of cultural and culinary attractions.
When it comes to transportation, Berlin has a good public transportation system, with buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and relatively affordable. However, if you want to explore the city on your own terms, we recommend renting a bike. Berlin is a very bike-friendly city, with plenty of bike lanes and bike-sharing services.
10. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling and vibrant city that has become a popular destination for digital nomads in recent years. The city is home to a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups, as well as plenty of cultural and culinary attractions.
When it comes to transportation, Ho Chi Minh City has a good public transportation system, with buses and a metro system. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and relatively affordable. However, if you want to explore the city on your own terms, we recommend renting a scooter or a bicycle. Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic and congested, but a scooter or a bicycle will give you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
As a digital nomad, choosing the right destination can make all the difference in your productivity, lifestyle, and overall happiness. The destinations we’ve listed above offer a mix of affordability, coworking spaces, and cultural and outdoor attractions. When it comes to transportation, we recommend renting a scooter or a bicycle whenever possible. It’s a fun and affordable way to get around, and you’ll have the freedom to explore your destination on your own terms.