Have you been itching to travel but feel tied down by the traditional 9-5 office job? Or do you simply want to take your work on the road with you as you explore different parts of the world? There’s no need to quit your job or put your career on pause just to satisfy your wanderlust. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can easily turn your dream of working remotely while travelling into a reality.
If there's any silver lining to having lived through a global pandemic, it's that we’ve learned the value and benefits of working remotely. For many people, it was a long overdue realization that they could indeed accomplish their work goals from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a laptop and a good internet connection.
Here is a list of the 10 best cities to work remotely, based on factors such as weather, cost of living, and internet connection.
So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags and get ready for an adventure!
Madeira, Portugal
With its Mediterranean climate, stunning natural scenery and laid-back lifestyle, Madeira is the perfect place to get away from it all and hunker down to get some work done. And if you need a break from working, you can always take a short hike or go for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is also relatively affordable, with a cost of living around 20% lower than in other European capitals. It's only natural that this would be the location of the world’s first digital nomad village.
The city is home to a number of coworking spaces and cafes, so you won't have any trouble finding a place to set up shop. So pack your laptop and head to Madeira - you won't be disappointed.
Bali, Indonesia
Do you dream of experiencing a different way of life while still getting your work done? If that's the case, then Bali, Indonesia should be on your bucket list. With its stunning beaches, verdant jungle landscapes, and vibrant culture, Bali is the perfect place to set up camp and get some work done.
Since it's such a popular destination for digital nomads, there are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to choose from, and fast internet is widely available. Plus, the cost of living is relatively low, so you can stretch your budget further. With its tropical climate, Bali is the perfect place to enjoy a permanent vacation-like lifestyle. If you're looking for a remote working destination that offers an unbeatable combination of lifestyle and affordability, Bali is hard to beat.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you're looking for a city that's perfect for working remotely, Chiang Mai, Thailand, should be at the top of your list. The city has everything you need to live and work comfortably, including fast internet, coworking spaces, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. And, of course, it's also incredibly affordable. In Chiang Mai, you can easily find a comfortable apartment for under $500 per month, and a meal at a local restaurant will only set you back a few dollars.
Plus, the city is packed with things to do in your spare time, from exploring ancient temples to hiking in the mountains. So if you're looking for a place to call home while you work remotely, Chiang Mai is the perfect choice.
Malta
If you're sick of the grind and looking for a place to set up shop outside of the 9-to-5, look no further than Malta. This small Mediterranean island has become a hotspot for digital nomads and remote workers, thanks to its combination of sunny weather, affordable living costs, and fast internet speeds. In addition, the Maltese government has been welcoming digital nomads, offering a number of visas that allow people to work and live on the island for extended periods of time.
So, whether you're looking for a permanent escape from the office or just a sunny place to set up your laptop for a few months, Malta is definitely worth considering. And if you get bored of working by the pool, you can always take a short ferry ride to the nearby island of Gozo.
Tenerife, Spain
With its guaranteed year-round sunshine, temperate climate and ample outdoor spaces, it’s no wonder Tenerife is frequently named one of the best cities to work remotely. The Spanish island’s capital, Santa Cruz, is home to a thriving tech scene and a growing number of coworking spaces, making it an ideal place for digital nomads and remote workers. And with its excellent infrastructure, Tenerife is well-equipped for those who need to stay connected to clients and colleagues back home. But it’s not all work and no play in Tenerife – the island offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, from surfing and hiking to climbing and scuba diving.
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, there are plenty of quieter corners of the island to explore. Whether you’re looking for an urban working environment or a more laid-back lifestyle, Tenerife has something to offer everyone. If you're feeling the need to disconnect from your work, you can always go for a hike in Teide National Park or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is the best city to work remotely, and it's quickly becoming a hot spot for digital nomads. The internet speeds are some of the fastest in the world, there's a vibrant community of digital nomads, and the cost of living is incredibly low. It’s possible to live like a king here for only $1,500 a month. This includes a furnished apartment, all utilities, food, transportation, and going out a few nights a week. The only downside is that it can be difficult to find an apartment if you're not fluent in Georgian or Russian, but once you do, you'll be set.
Georgian culture is incredibly rich and diverse. There's always something new to discover here. In the time spent away from your computer, you can explore the nearby Georgian mountains or take a day trip to one of the many Black Sea beaches. Whether you're looking for an affordable place to live, fast internet speeds, or an amazing culture, Tbilisi is the perfect city for you.
Antigua, Guatemala
As the number of telecommuters continues to grow, so does the number of people searching for the perfect place to set up their home office. Antigua, Guatemala may be the perfect spot for you if you're looking for a change of scenery and a little bit of adventure. Nestled in the heart of Central America, Antigua is a colonial-style city with a rich history and culture. It's also home to some of the best coffee in the world, making it the perfect place to get your caffeine fix while you work.
The city has a lively expat community, coworking spaces, and cafes. When you need a break from your desk, you can explore the city's many ruins or take a hike to one of the nearby volcanoes. So if you're looking for a unique and inspiring place to work remotely from, Antigua, Guatemala, should absolutely be on your list.
Medellin, Colombia
If you're looking for an affordable, beautiful, and friendly city to work remotely, look no further than Medellin, Colombia. This up-and-coming metropolis has it all: fast internet, a vibrant co-working scene, plenty of outdoor space to enjoy year-round, and a low cost of living.
Add in the fact that English is widely spoken and you have the perfect recipe for a digital nomad paradise. Whether you're based in Medellin full-time or just looking for a place to set up shop for a few months, you'll find everything you need to get work done (and have some fun too).
Oaxaca, Mexico
There's no doubt that working remotely has its perks. You can take work with you wherever you go, and there's no need to commute or battle for office space. But not all cities are created equal when it comes to working remotely. Oaxaca, Mexico, is one of the best places to work remotely, thanks to its low cost of living, robust internet infrastructure, and rich culture.
Oaxaca is a relatively affordable city, with residents spending an average of just $1,200 per month on expenses. That means you can live comfortably on a remote worker's salary. The city also has excellent internet connectivity, making it easy to stay connected with clients and colleagues no matter where you are. Additionally, Oaxaca is steeped in culture, from traditional Mexican food and music to colonial architecture and indigenous markets. That means there's always something new to explore in your downtime.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
If you're a digital nomad, chances are you're always on the lookout for the next great city to call home. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to work remotely. The city has a rapidly growing economy and a large population of young professionals. In addition, the cost of living is relatively low, and many coworking spaces and cafes offer Wi-Fi and a place to work.
Of course, there's plenty to see and do, from exploring the city's colonial history to sampling its delicious street food. The city also has a number of parks and green spaces, making it a great place to take breaks during the day. With its growing number of amenities and its low cost of living, Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal destination for those looking to work remotely.
Bonus: Berlin, Germany
Berlin has long been known as a haven for digital nomads and remote workers, and it's not hard to see why. The city has a thriving startup scene, fast internet speeds, and an abundance of coworking spaces. And with its low cost of living and central location, Berlin is an ideal base for exploring Europe.
It's not just the practicalities that make Berlin the best city to work remotely; it's also the city's unique culture and vibe. From its world-renowned nightlife to its vibrant arts and music scene, Berlin has something to offer everyone. So, if you want to set up your home office in a place that is both a creative hub and a party capital, Berlin is the place to go.
The time is now to work and travel abroad!
Whether you’re looking to surf, scuba dive, backpack or just lounge on a beach with a piña colada— there’s a destination for everyone. And with more businesses allowing employees to work remotely, it might be the perfect time to take advantage of some of these lesser-known places.
But while packing your bags and heading off into the sunset may seem like all fun and games, remember to consider things like travel insurance—something that can save you a lot of money (and headache) down the line if something goes wrong while living abroad.