As we are slowly getting back to our pre-COVID 19 life, more people than ever are dreaming about travelling and spending a few months in a foreign country. In recent years we have seen more and more influencers updating their social media accounts from exotic places around the world and asked ourselves why not me? It has created a trend of people no longer being satisfied with a 9-17 type of corporate job that takes away both freedom and choice.
Two years ago, I was one of them. Since then, I have lived across the world supporting myself as a remote web designer for australia-casinos.org. Even with a creative job, I found myself feeling I was “chained to a desk” in a room that looked the same every day. With more jobs available online, more people can also choose where they want to have their desk, in a “grey” office or on the beach in Bali? This has given rise to a group of people who refer to themselves as ‘Digital Nomads’.
For those that don’t know, a Digital Nomad is somebody who works an online job where the location is completely independent, meaning that they can do it from anywhere in the world. This creates a working environment with a lot more freedom, both in terms of time and location, but where do you go when the entire world is waiting for you?
Here are some of the top 4 destinations recommended and tested by me and other “digital nomads” I’ve met during my two years abroad;
1. Bali
Bali is one of the hotspots for Digital Nomads for many reasons. First of all, the cost of living in Bali is just insanely cheap, which is perfect for freelancers and those whose income can fluctuate. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Bali for just a couple hundred dollars per month, and you can have dinner out in a relatively nice restaurant for less than $10.
On top of this, the climate is one of the main things that attracts Digital Nomads to Bali. In terms of the year-round average in Bali, the figures show that temperatures are around 31 degrees, which is just perfect. With crisp white beaches, friendly locals, and many cafes and restaurants actually geared up for traveling freelancers, Bali is one of the most ideal locations. In the case that your trip takes you to Caribbean islands, make sure to check villasbarbados.com and check the options for accommodation.
2. Thailand
Thailand is particularly popular with tourists from Europe and other continents, but usually, this is for the wrong reasons. There is a bit of a perception of lawlessness surrounding Thailand, but look beyond the major tourist Cities and Thailand is an excellent location for enjoying a Digital Nomad lifestyle. Like many other Cities that freelancers look for, the cost of living in Thailand is a major driving factor.
For many places in Thailand, your entire monthly expenses could float around the $1,000 mark, and they could be much less if you are somewhat frugal with your money.
Temperatures are regularly over 30 degrees in Thailand, which gives year-round sunshine in many locations. After a ‘hard day’ of work, you can always go and take a dip in the beautiful waters surrounding Thailand too. If you are thinking about taking a stab at the Digital Nomad lifestyle, this would be a great place to start.
3. Argentina
One of the difficult aspects of traveling to Argentina and working from there is the language barrier, as Argentinians speak Spanish. If this doesn’t phase you too much or you want to combine working while learning a foreign language, Argentina is a truly awesome place to consider. In particular, Buenos Aires is a bit of a hotspot for Digital Nomads. Not only is it the capital of Argentina, but it is also the home of some amazing traditional cuisine and of course, Salsa dancing.
It’s one of the most cultured places you could possibly work in as a Digital Nomad, and the cost of living is not too bad either. As a matter of fact, if you wanted to live in Buenos Aires it can often be cheaper than Bali and Thailand. Just be sure to brush up on your Spanish and your dancing skills before you go!
4. Bahamas
The Bahamas is the perfect destination for digital nomads looking to combine work with paradise. With its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and year-round sunshine, the Bahamas provides a stunning backdrop for remote workers. The country offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to affordable apartments, and you can see Sandals Reviews Bahamas and decide what is right for you.
Aside from its natural beauty, the Bahamas is known for its vibrant culture, including music, art, and cuisine. The country has a rich music scene, with influences from calypso, reggae, junkanoo, and rake ‘n’ scrape. Art and craft are also an essential part of the culture, with locally made items such as straw baskets, wood carvings, and paintings available for purchase. The cuisine in the Bahamas is a fusion of African, European, and Caribbean flavors, with seafood being a staple of the diet.
In recent years, the Bahamas has become a popular destination for digital nomads, thanks in part to its new digital nomad visa program. The program allows remote workers to live and work in the country for up to one year, providing access to reliable internet, modern amenities, and a unique work and travel experience.
5. Colombia
Colombia had a rather ugly reputation for years back in the day, but it has since recovered and evolved into a great place for foreigners to travel and work. This is especially true for places like Bogota and Medellin, where the people are friendly and there are already a reasonable number of freelancers living and working there. Just like Buenos Aires, however, the native tongue in Colombia is Spanish, so the language barrier could be somewhat problematic if you don’t take a few lessons.
The cost of living is respectable, with reports of monthly expenditures falling well below $1,000, and the climate is cooler than both Bali and Thailand. This would suit those who prefer somewhat milder climates, while still wanting to escape the cold winters of their respective countries.
People have travelled around the world long before the “digital nomad”. The reason for why more people today, of all ages, take the opportunity to travel or live in a foreign country for a longer vacation is because the ability many of us have today to work online, from home.
This is really what made it possible for me to see the world. It’s so much easier to leave for a year abroad when you don’t need to save and plan for years to afford it, only to realize you have no work to return to when you get back. There are many valuable tips on how to prepare before travelling around the world that will help you get the most out of your new life as a “digital nomad”.
