I’ve been a digital nomad for almost 20 years. When I first decided to work on the road and pair travel with working freelance, it was highly challenging; not only was it hard finding that discipline and balance of work-play-travel, but it was also a challenge to find those homes away from home and settle in places and cultures that allowed me to live the life I wanted, but also gave me inspiration and motivation to be successful in my work. Fortunately, it’s much easier today.
Being a digital nomad has gained significant traction in recent years, with remote workers seeking out unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations to call their temporary homes. As the world continues to embrace remote work, digital nomads constantly seek idyllic destinations that offer a balance of affordability, cultural experiences, and reliable infrastructure. While there are many well-known places, such as Thailand, Poland, and Indonesia, there are also many great options that are going under the radar and deserve to be talked about more.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Nestled in the Caucasus region, Tbilisi has been attracting digital nomads with its stunning architecture, rich history, and affordability. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and welcoming locals create an ideal environment for remote workers. Tbilisi is a hidden gem with its diverse culinary scene, numerous coworking spaces, and reliable internet infrastructure. The city’s walkability and efficient public transportation system make it easy for digital nomads to explore its unique neighbourhoods. At the same time, its central location allows for convenient travel to neighbouring countries, such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, for weekend getaways.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang, located on Vietnam’s central coast, offers digital nomads the perfect mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. With its golden sand beaches, lush mountains, and impressive culinary scene, Da Nang provides an idyllic setting for remote workers seeking a slower pace of life. The city features a range of affordable accommodation options, coworking spaces, and reliable internet connectivity. As a bonus, Da Nang’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Digital nomads can also take advantage of Vietnam’s visa policies, which allow longer stays, making it easier to establish a comfortable routine.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Situated in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, Cuenca offers an enchanting blend of colonial architecture, stunning natural landscapes, and a relaxed pace of life. The city’s low cost of living and temperate climate make it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Cuenca’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features a range of cafes, coworking spaces, and affordable accommodation options, catering to the needs of remote workers. The friendly local community and the city’s vibrant arts scene add to Cuenca’s appeal as a digital nomad destination. Digital nomads can also take advantage of Ecuador’s visa policies, which offer flexibility and opportunities for long-term stays.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
As Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Plovdiv offers digital nomads a unique blend of ancient history, modern conveniences, and a growing startup scene. This picturesque city is known for its affordability, making it an attractive option for remote workers on a budget. Plovdiv’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and friendly locals make it a captivating destination for digital nomads seeking inspiration. The city’s well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and numerous museums glimpse its storied past, while its burgeoning tech community and coworking spaces provide ample networking and collaboration opportunities.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, is a vibrant university city with a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly developing tech scene. The city’s low cost of living and its numerous coworking spaces, and reliable internet connectivity make it an attractive option for digital nomads. Cluj-Napoca’s thriving arts scene, dynamic nightlife and diverse culinary offerings create a lively atmosphere that appeals to remote workers. The city’s central location in Romania allows for easy access to other European destinations and opportunities to explore the stunning Transylvanian countryside, castles, and medieval towns.
Valparaíso, Chile
Perched on the Pacific coast of Chile, Valparaíso is a colourful, bohemian city with a thriving arts scene and stunning ocean views. Its steep hills, narrow streets, and vibrant street art create an inspiring atmosphere for digital nomads seeking a creative environment. Valparaíso offers a range of coworking spaces, cafes with reliable internet, and affordable accommodations. The city’s mild climate, UNESCO World Heritage-designated historical quarter, and friendly local community make Valparaíso an excellent choice for remote workers to immerse themselves in a distinctive Latin American experience. Its proximity to Santiago, Chile’s bustling capital, also allows digital nomads to enjoy the amenities of a larger city while maintaining the charm and tranquillity of a smaller coastal town.
As remote work grows in popularity, these hidden gems provide unique opportunities for digital nomads to immerse themselves in new cultures, forge lasting connections, and find inspiration in the world around them. Ultimately, finding the right destination for you is essential, and that can only come through personal exploration and adventure.
