Best digital nomad destinations

What is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely, but rather than working in one place (say at home or their local library), they work across multiple locations throughout the globe. Because their position doesn't require them to go into an office every day/week, they're able to travel while working simultaneously. This gives people the freedom to explore the world while maintaining a stable income to finance their travels. Digital nomads are on the rise, and predictions are being made that by 2030, there will be 60 million digital nomads.

If you're interested in becoming a digital nomad, read this page, which will highlight various tips to make travelling while you work feasible.

Things to consider when choosing a destination as a digital nomad

• Workplace Requirements
• Time Zone Differences
• WIFI Speeds
• Visa Requirements
• Finances
• Packing Essentials
  
  

Workplace Requirements

Not all jobs will allow staff to be digital nomads, even if they're working on a remote contract. This can be because of fast-paced deadlines, frequent online meetings or regular mandatory in-person events.

It's vital that you discuss being a digital nomad with the rest of your workplace so that you all have an equal understanding of the feasibility and expectations for your time abroad.

Time Zone Differences

When considering the countries you plan on visiting as a digital nomad, time zone differences will be a significant factor. Many workplaces will expect you to be a part of regular meetings. They'll also likely want fast responses if there's a concern or important announcement. Therefore, if you're in a country with an entirely different time zone, being asleep during the rest of your colleague's working hours can present a challenge.

There are ways to work around this. You can have flexible meetings at times that suit both you and your colleagues, you can inform clients well in advance of a time zone change, and you can even try to maintain a sleep pattern that mirrors your colleagues' time zone.

All of these are potential options. However, another, perhaps easier one for you and your team would be choosing countries with a time zone that's not too different from your work's base. For example, if your company is based in the UK, why not travel to a location in Europe where the time zone won't be as dissimilar as somewhere like North America?

WIFI Speeds

Good connection is the most essential element of being a digital nomad. Ensuring you have consistent, reliable WIFI is a dealbreaker. If you're unable to effectively remain connected while travelling, you'll likely miss important information and deadlines that could get you into a lot of trouble.

It's important that you know how you'll stay connected to the internet when travelling, whether that's through your accommodation's WIFI, buying a SIM card, or working at an internet cafe.

Geographical influences, as well as a country's overall wealth and population, can impact how developed its broadband speed is. Although there are plenty of fascinating countries to explore with low Wi-Fi speeds, as a digital nomad, you'll want to avoid these as they'll just be too impractical.

These are the top five countries with the fastest broadband (as of late 2024):

1. United Arab Emirates
2. Qatar
3. Kuwait
4. South Korea
5. Netherlands
   

Visa Requirements

Some countries offer specific visas for digital nomads. These visas tend to be better than tourist ones as they permit you to longer in the country. To receive a digital nomad visa, you must fill out an online application form and provide the required documents to proceed (such as evidence of remote employment).

Some countries that offer digital nomad visas include:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Ecuador
• Aruba
• Estonia
• Georgia
• Norway
• Saint Lucia
• Iceland
• Seychelles
• Malta

If a visa is required but the country you plan to visit doesn't offer a digital nomad visa, you will have to get a tourist visa instead. These usually get processed quicker but often won't let you into the country for as long.

By ensuring you have your visas sorted well in advance, you can allow for seamless travel between destinations.

Finances

It's always important to plan your budget beforehand. Even though you'll be getting paid, a lot of your finances will go towards flights, hotels and food, which can really add up!

The cost of living in popular cities for a digital nomad:

• Bangkok - $1,493 / mo
• Buenos Aires - $1,587 / mo
• Mexico City - $1,811 / mo
• Timișoara - $1,748 / mo
• Portimão - $1,987 / mo

How to save money as a digital nomad:

• Booking red-eye flights — These flights depart late at night and arrive early in the morning. They tend to be cheaper than daytime flights.
• Budget well — By planning and sticking to your budget, you won't have any nasty surprises when you check your bank account.
• Booking well in advance — Flight and hotel prices often rise closer to the departure/arrival date, so try to book as early as possible.
• Cook your own meals — Although you'll want to try the finest cuisine at the local restaurants, try cooking most of your meals. This can save you a lot of money and will make eating out even more special.
• Use Alternative Airline's Best Fare Finder — This tool uses a traffic light system to show you the most expensive and cheapest days to buy a flight. Green flights are the most affordable, while red flights are the most costly.

Alternative Airlines offers multiple ways for you to control your finances. With our Buy Now Pay Later schemes, you can spread the cost of your flights over a weekly, biweekly, or monthly period. Our discounts and promo codes are also always available to help you save while in the skies.

Packing Essentials

As a digital nomad, your packing list will be slightly different from that of the average tourist. Here are some essentials to bring with you.

What to pack as a digital nomad:

• Laptop
• Laptop Case
• Multiple Charging Ports
• Portable Batteries
• Backpack
• Notebooks
• USB Drive
• Hard Drive
• Noise Cancelling Headphones
• Sim Card
• Invest in a VPN

Best destinations for a digital nomad

Now that you know some tips to prepare you for becoming a digital nomad, here are some great destinations to consider.

Our top ten destinations for a digital nomad (in no particular order):

• Portugal
• Spain
• Argentina
• Romania
• United Arab Emirates
• Croatia
• Thailand
• Mexico
• Greece
• Germany
  

Portugal

Portugal is widely considered one of, if not the best, destination for digital nomads. It's a beautiful country in southern Europe adorned with pastel houses that make the country blossom with life. Its capital city is Lisbon, which lies by the coast and is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its rich history can be observed through its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, old buildings and museums. Portugal has a warm climate, with its hottest month being July, with average highs of 30°C, and its coldest month being January, with temperatures tending to be around 14.3°C.

What makes Portugal good for digital nomads?

• Low-cost of living
• Digital nomad visa (subject to specific criteria, like not being from a country in the EU)
• One of the fastest broadband speeds in Europe
• Low crime rate
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Portugal: TAP Portugal, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines✈️

Spain

Spain, located in the southwest of Europe, is a brilliant country to visit. Its warm climate makes relaxing at the beach the ideal way to spend your time after work. The hottest month is July, which gets up to around 36°C on average, while the coldest month is January/February, which is around 5-6°C. Spain's capital is Madrid, a lively city with lots to explore, from its historical sites to its restaurants and bars.

What makes Spain good for digital nomads?

• Lower cost of living than most European countries
• Digital nomad visa (subject to specific criteria, like not being from a country in the EU)
• One of the fastest broadband speeds in Europe
• Lower crime rate than many European countries
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Spain: Iberia, Air India, Emirates✈️

Argentina

Located in the south of South America, Argentina, the home of tango is a vibrant destination full of life. Argentina experiences seasons where its temperature varies from warm to moderate to cold. Its hottest months are January and February, when its weather will get to around 30°C, while its coldest month is August, which, depending on where you are in the country, can get to as cold as 0°C. Argentina's capital is Buenos Aires, which combines modern architecture with 19th-century buildings.

What makes Argentina good for digital nomads?

• Lower cost of living compared to most countries in the Western hemisphere
• Digital nomad visas are available
• Fast broadband speed (dependent on where you visit)
• Major cities like Buenos Aires are safe during the day
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Argentina: Aerolíneas Argentinas, British Airways, Air Europa✈️

Romania

Romania, a southeastern European country, is another brilliant destination for digital nomads. It is abundant in natural beauty, from its magnificent forests to its stunning mountain ranges, perfect for exploring. Romania has a temperate continental climate, so it experiences all four seasons. Its hottest months are July and August, which reach around 30°C, while its coldest month is January, which dips to about -2°C in certain regions. Romania's capital city is Bucharest, which is known for its elegant architecture.

What makes Romania good for digital nomads?

• Lower cost of living than other EU countries
• Digital nomad visa (subject to specific criteria, like not being from a country in the EU)
• Fast broadband speed
• Lower crime rate than many countries
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Romania: TAROM, Lufthansa, Ryanair✈️

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a stunning country in West Asia and the Middle East. It's diverse in natural beauty and extraordinary modern infrastructure. It has an arid desert climate and experiences two seasons, winter and summer. Its summers get extremely hot, with it being around 43°C on average during August. Although much cooler, its coldest month is still relatively warm, reaching about 16°C in January. For lovers of the heat, the UAE is the perfect destination. Its capital is the extremely wealthy Abu Dhabi, which boasts high-end stores and captivating landmarks.

What makes the United Arab Emirates good for digital nomads?

• Digital nomad visas are available
• Fastest broadband speed in the world (as of August 2024)
• Low crime rate

✈️Airlines flying to the United Arab Emirates: Etihad Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Virgin Atlantic✈️

Croatia

Croatia is a country in Southeastern Europe and is part of the Balkans. It's a beautiful destination with golden beaches and diverse forests. Croatia has two main climates, depending on where you visit. The coastal areas have Mediterranean characteristics, whilst the inner parts of the country experience a continental climate. Croatia encounters highs of around 31°C in July and lows of 9.4°C in January. Croatia's capital is Zagreb, which lets you experience the best of both worlds through its accessible modern infrastructure rife with things to do, as well as its breathtaking nature seen through its sloping mountains that paint its backdrop.  

What makes Croatia good for digital nomads?

• A lower cost of living than many European countries
• Digital nomad visas are available
• Low crime rate
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Croatia: Croatia Airlines, Wizz Air, WestJet✈️

Thailand

The southeastern Asian country of Thailand is another fantastic location for digital nomads. Its tropical beaches are perfect for relaxing after work, whilst its ancient ruins provide a fascinating way to learn more about the country's history. Thailand has a tropical climate that's comprised of three seasons: wet, cool and hot. Its warmest month is April, where its temperatures will reach a very hot 35°C, whilst its coldest month is December at a still warm 22°C. If you love the heat, Thailand is the perfect place for you. The country's capital is Bangkok, which is highly appreciated for its rich and exciting street life.

What makes Thailand good for digital nomads?

• Very low cost of living
• Digital nomad visas are available
• One of the top 10 fastest broadband speeds worldwide
• A decreasing crime rate
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Thailand: Thai Airways, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific✈️

Mexico

Mexico in North America is a fun destination for digital nomads to explore. Full of life, atmosphere, and scenic locations, Mexico presents an exciting place to work while abroad. Mexico has both a tropical and temperate climate, depending on where you are. The average highs in the country occur during May at 33°C while its lows are in January at 27°C, again making it a brilliant place for lovers of the heat. Mexico City is the country's capital, a place bustling with things to do, from exploring its historical sites to partying the night away.

What makes Mexico good for digital nomads?

• Lower cost of living than most Western countries
• Fast broadband speed
• Generally safe for tourists but may require caution
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Mexico: Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines, TUI Airways✈️

Greece

In southeastern Europe, Greece is a beautiful location perfect for unwinding while you work. For history lovers, Greece is brilliant, as a significant part of its history can be witnessed through its well-preserved ancient ruins. While, those who prefer the beach can enjoy swimming in its turquoise waters. Greece has a Mediterranean climate, and its hottest month is August when it will be around 34°C, whilst its coldest month is January at 13.3°C. Athens is the capital of Greece, sprawling with awe-inspiring 5th-century BC architecture.

What makes Greece good for digital nomads?

• Lower cost of living than many other countries
• Digital nomad visa (subject to specific criteria, like not being from a country in the EU)
• Low crime rate
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Greece: Aegean Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines✈️

Germany

Germany in Western Europe makes for a fantastic location for digital nomads. Whether you go for its delicious meals, beautiful architecture or enchanting castles, you will find your time in Germany impossible to forget. Depending on where you visit, Germany has two central climates: temperate and marine. The country's hottest month is July/August when it will be around 20°C, whilst its coldest month is January, which drops to a chilly 1.5°C, perfect for Christmas. The capital of Germany is Berlin, which has a dynamic party scene and a deep and significant history.  

What makes Germany good for digital nomads?

• Lower cost of living than some other European countries
• Fast broadband speed
• Low crime rate
  
  

✈️Airlines flying to Germany: Finnair, Saudia, ITA Airways✈️

End Note

With an increasing number of jobs becoming remote, the popularity of the digital nomad lifestyle is rising. The dream of travelling the world can become your reality. Through careful planning and preparation, you can work from all corners of the globe. Take your laptop with you from continent to continent. Happy travels!