Digital Nomadism & Solo Travel
After some thought and a bit of soul-searching, and hopefully after reading through other posts on this blog, you’ve decided to take your chances on living the digital nomad lifestyle.
What are some destinations that specifically cater to digital nomads?
Read on to find out more about why certain destinations are best for fresh-faced digital nomads traveling on their own.
What to Understand Before Getting Into the List
For a person barely scratching the surface of digital nomadism, highly popular locations are some of the best places to practice solo travel while also getting a feel for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Due to the many travelers who have been to these places, many of these travelers can vouch for the reliability of these destinations and why they’re considered some of the best digital nomad hubs around the world.
In the list below, I’ll get into more specific reasons as to why these places are best for would-be digital nomads traveling on their own.
Thailand
Thailand consistently lands on the list of best destinations for digital nomads for many reasons, and because of this, digital nomads and expats flock to the country in droves.
If you’re thinking about becoming a digital nomad, Thailand might be the perfect place to start your journey into digital nomadism.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Safety
- English widely spoken in popular areas
- Large digital nomad community
- Large community of expats
- Great internet reliability and availability
- Caters to a variety of remote workers
- Welcoming culture
- Beautiful natural landscapes and cultural experiences
Cons:
- Complicated Visa restrictions and regulations
- Language barrier in more rural areas
- Quality of internet in rural areas
- Hot and humid weather year round (could be a pro or con)
- Overly touristed areas in popular cities
What Type of Digital Nomad is Thailand Best For?
Nomads looking for an established digital nomad community
Thailand is best for first-time digital nomads looking to be part of a large and extensive digital nomad community.
If you consider yourself the type of person who values community, Thailand is a great place to meet other digital nomads who have been in your situation and can help you ease your way into the lifestyle.
Not only does this help you out as a beginner, but it also makes it easier to make connections within the digital nomad community.
Whether those connections are more of a professional nature or for the simple act of sharing a connection with other travelers. Meeting travelers in this way is a great way to connect with other nomads.
When it comes to traveling on your own, spontaneously creating memories with other travelers is one of the best parts of solo travel as a digital nomad.
Nomads who look for warm tropical climates, beach destinations, and exotic landscapes
Another reason an up-and-coming digital nomad might choose Thailand is for the weather and natural landscapes that Thailand has to offer.
Thailand is known for its tropical beaches, islands, mountains, jungles, wetlands, rice paddies, ancient ruins, and even large modern cities. All while the weather usually stays around a cool 80°F (26.6°C) year round.
If you’re the type of person who dreams of being a digital nomad but also loves adventure travel, Thailand is the ideal place for those looking for a variety of different environments to explore while experiencing an almost endless summertime climate.
Nomads looking for a destination with a low cost of living in Southeast Asia
This is probably one of the biggest reasons as to why many nomads choose Thailand for their first digital nomad experience.
It’s possible to rent fully furnished condominiums in Thailand for about $500 to $700 dollars a month, and that’s with internet and all utilities included.
As you can imagine, digital nomads who get paid from other western countries like the United States can live quite well in Thailand.
You would easily be able to pay for luxury amenities for what would most likely be considered “normal” prices compared to other countries.
Nomads who live for the nightlife scene
Thailand offers some of the best nightlife in southeast Asia, everything from modern high-class clubs, rooftop bars, beach clubs, and red light districts.
If you fancy yourself a connoisseur of nightlife experiences, Thailand would be the best place for someone who likes to walk on the wild side.
Some even say that the nightlife in Thailand has something for everyone.
Indonesia
Another popular destination for digital nomads, Indonesia is home to Bali, another one of the most popular digital nomad hubs in the world.
It’s important to note that both Thailand and Indonesia offer many of the same experiences.
Indonesia is very similar to Thailand, but there are some differences that make Indonesia stand out from what Thailand has to offer for aspiring digital nomads.
One of the biggest differences is that Indonesia is an archipelago country that consists of a variety of different islands, whereas Thailand is a peninsula close to the ocean.
Most of the other differences are more slight and boil down to personal preference.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living (slightly more expensive than Thailand)
- Safety (about the same as Thailand)
- English widely spoken in popular areas (about the same as Thailand)
- Large digital nomad community (slightly smaller than Thailand)
- Large expat community (slightly smaller than Thailand)
- Caters to a variety of remote workers (about the same as Thailand)
- Welcoming culture (about the same as Thailand)
- Beautiful natural landscapes and cultural experiences (slight differences from Thailand)
Cons:
- Complicated Visa restrictions and regulations (slightly less strict than Thailand)
- Internet connectivity and reliability (not as developed as Thailand)
- Language barrier in rural areas (about the same as Thailand)
- Hot and humid weather year round (about the same as Thailand)
- Overly touristed areas in popular cities (about the same as Thailand)
What Type of Digital Nomad is Indonesia Best For?
Nomads who are more into creative pursuits and health and wellness
Indonesia tends to have digital nomads who are more into things like yoga, meditation, and other creative ventures.
If you choose to become a digital nomad through any of these niches, Bali would be your best bet in finding a community with the same interests.
Nomads who value a more natural rural environment vs urban city life
Both Thailand and Indonesia have beautiful natural landscapes, but Indonesia in general has a bit more of a relaxed “countryside” sort of feel when compared to Thailand.
This could be due to the fact that Indonesia is an island country consisting of about 17,000 islands. Which is actually the largest archipelago in the world, giving it a more laid-back island culture.
Nomads who are more into beach vibes, surfing, and island hopping
If you’re the type of traveler who dreams of living a more beach-style life, Indonesia may be a better option for you.
Activities like surfing and island hopping are very common in Indonesia. So if you consider yourself a digital nomad who lives for sunny beaches and island vibes, Indonesia would most likely be the perfect destination for a digital nomad looking for a tropical island sort of lifestyle.
Colombia
If you’re looking for a popular digital nomad hub outside of Southeast Asia, you might want to look towards South America.
Colombia is another great destination to consider for newly minted digital nomads looking to strike it out on their own.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Up-and-coming digital nomad community
- Welcoming culture
- Very outgoing social culture
- Diverse culture
- Beautiful natural landscapes
- Vibrant nightlife
Cons:
- Language barrier
- Less established digital nomad community
- Safety
- Challenges when it comes to Visa’s
- Potential political and economic instability
What Type of Digital Nomad is Colombia Best For?
Nomads who want to be part of a smaller, up-and-coming digital nomad scene
When it comes to Colombia, the digital nomad community isn’t as extensive as what you would find in Thailand or Indonesia, giving you the feeling of a less overwhelming experience when meeting other nomads.
Some travelers may feel more comfortable with a smaller group as opposed to a larger community, where they may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out the lifestyle.
Another benefit of being part of an up-and-coming community is that you could potentially be the first to start something new, whether that be a business or other ways of investing in the digital nomad community.
Looking for opportunities like this could potentially end up becoming something substantial in the future.
Nomads looking for an affordable location in South America
Colombia is one of the most affordable destinations you would find in South America, with an established community of digital nomads (although not as established as other countries like Thailand).
If your main concern is your overall cost of living and budget, Colombia would most likely be the best option if you’re looking for a more “Latin American” nomad experience.
-Nomads who want to be part of an outgoing and highly social culture
Digital nomads who are keen on meeting people and consider themselves highly social would find Colombia to be the perfect place to spread their social butterfly wings.
I personally consider this a pro if you’re highly sociable, but it can also be considered a con for some people, as this could end up being a distraction if you’re the type who needs a more calm and quiet environment to focus.
Nomads who are willing to learn another language
Many Colombians only speak Spanish, which can be considered a huge con for some people, but if you’re the type of nomad that either wants to learn a new language or is willing to learn one, Colombia would be a great way to learn Spanish as a second language.
Nomads who love the nightlife
Just like in Thailand, if you’re the type of nomad who loves to party, Colombia is known for having some of the best party scenes in South America.
Especially if you like dancing or aren’t afraid of getting your groove on. Music and dancing are just part of not only Colombian culture but Latin American culture in general.
Portugal
Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads in Europe, with its mix of affordable living (by Western European standards), beautiful landscapes, and high quality of life. Portugal is increasingly popular among expats and nomads, especially those seeking a European base.
If you’re considering becoming a digital nomad in Europe, Portugal offers an ideal environment to dive into the nomadic lifestyle.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living (for Western Europe)
- Stable and reliable internet infrastructure
- Relaxed and safe environment
- Widespread English proficiency (in urban and tourist areas)
- Mild, pleasant climate year-round
- Growing digital nomad and expat community
- Access to the EU for Schengen visa holders
- Beautiful landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and vineyards
Cons:
- Higher costs compared to Southeast Asia (affordable for Western Europe)
- Language barrier outside urban and tourist areas
- Bureaucratic visa process for non-EU citizens
- Potential housing shortages in popular areas
- Crowded and more expensive during peak tourist season
What Type of Digital Nomad is Portugal Best For?
Nomads who want a laid-back lifestyle with a growing nomad community
Portugal is known for being very laid-back and relaxed. Depending on the type of nomad you are, Portugal would be perfect for someone who needs that type of environment to focus on their work.
The digital nomad scene in Portugal is sort of similar to Colombia in that it’s very popular within the digital nomad community but still considered “up-and-coming.”
Although Portugal does feature some established communities that beginners can visit to get a sense of what the digital nomad scene has to offer.
Cities like Lisbon and Porto have popular digital nomad communities with events and resources for remote workers, making it easy to find other digital nomads.
Portugal’s digital nomad community isn’t as large as other countries in Europe, but the emphasis the country puts on welcoming digital nomads is evident.
For example, the town of Ponta do Sol on the island of Madeira has even created a “digital nomad village.”
This “village” features everything from dedicated co-working spaces, high-speed internet, affordable accommodations, networking events, and even a slack channel to collaborate and connect with other nomads.
Whether you’re new to digital nomadism or an experienced nomad, Portugal’s growing digital nomad community offers a good starting point for people looking to get into the digital nomad lifestyle.
Nomads who come from a Latin American background who want an alternative to Spain
If you’re a nomad who already speaks Spanish or comes from a Latin American background, Portugal may feel a bit more familiar and be easier for you to navigate.
Many travelers choose to travel to Spain for this very reason, but you might want to try exploring Portugal as an alternative.
The reason being that Portugal and Spain are very similar in terms of lifestyle. Nomads that come from Latin America or come from a Latin American background will find that many of the residents in Portugal (especially Lisbon) immigrated from Brazil.
This makes cities like Lisbon feel a bit like a European city with a dash of Latin American personality.
Of course it doesn’t feel like a completely Latin American city; it still very much feels like a proper European city, but many Latin Americans may feel more comfortable in Portugal or similar countries like Spain as opposed to other European cities.
So if you’re an aspiring digital nomad with a Latin American background, visiting a familiar-feeling country like Portugal may be a great way for you to test out the digital nomad lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed by the differences in culture.
Nomads on a budget looking for a European base
Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal offers excellent value for money. Rental prices, dining, and transportation are more affordable here, making it a great option for those wanting a European lifestyle on a moderate budget.
Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer modern amenities and conveniences, often at lower costs than other European cities, though prices in popular areas are rising.
Nomads who earn in a stronger currency will find their money goes further, allowing them to enjoy an enriched lifestyle with conveniences like cafes, dining out, and travel opportunities across Europe.
Estonia
If you’re looking for another destination in Europe that caters to digital nomads, you might want to check out Estonia.
Estonia is known for having one of the most advanced digital societies in the world. With the Government of Estonia being a huge advocate for a digital society, even developing an “e-government” system for the entire country.
Almost all essential services in Estonia can be done online, and free Wi-Fi is available in almost all public spaces, even in accommodations like hotels, no matter if it’s considered budget or luxury.
If you’re looking for another European destination that puts an emphasis on living a digital nomad lifestyle, Estonia should be on your bucket list of European countries to visit.
Pros:
- One of the most advanced digital infrastructures in the world
- Fast and free internet availability in almost all public spaces
- Affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries
- Thriving tech and startup scene
- High quality of life and safety
- English is widely spoken among locals
Cons:
- Cold, dark Winter’s
- Limited variety in activities (Estonia is a small country)
- Smaller digital nomad community (although still considered a good option)
- Language barrier in less urban areas
- Limited direct flights and travel options
What Type of Digital Nomad is Estonia Best For?
Nomads that want the conveniences of a more digital society
Estonia’s government heavily invests in the digital infrastructure of the country.
Nearly all government services, including business registration and tax filing, are accessible online. Estonia’s streamlined, digital-first approach simplifies bureaucratic processes.
Voting, faster tax filing online, real-time medical records, education, and a lot more. Estonia heavily focuses on integrating digital services into its society.
Nomads looking to start an online business in Europe
Estonia’s e-Residency program allows foreigners to start and manage an EU-based business entirely online, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
The entire process, from company registration to annual reporting and tax filings, can be done digitally, allowing residents and e-residents to manage companies remotely.
Depending on the type of online business you’re looking to start and what country you’re coming from, starting an online business using Estonia’s e-residency program could be beneficial.
Literally anyone can register their business as a European business using the program, which gives you more access to the European market even if you’re a citizen of a country on the other side of the world.
Nomads who are more introverted and seek destinations that value privacy
If you’re a digital nomad that likes a more quieter, keep-to-yourself sort of environment, Estonia would be perfect for you.
The culture in Estonia is much more reserved and independent as opposed to somewhere like Colombia, where going out to socialize is much more of the norm.
Nomads who prefer a smaller, more quaint environment
Estonia is a small country compared to other European countries (smaller than Portugal). Nomads who prefer a quieter atmosphere to focus and get their work done will find comfort in a less crowded country like Estonia.
Not only that, but a smaller digital nomad community is much easier to manage than, say, a community in a large metropolitan city where life is more hectic and fast-paced.
Nomads who enjoy winter more than summer
The most popular digital nomad destinations are usually in countries that tend to have warmer climates, but if you’re the type of person who finds comfort in the winter season, Estonia is known for having longer winters on average.
Some people are drawn to winter and the coziness of staying indoors, while other travelers may want to visit places like Estonia for something different.
Maybe the typical sun and fun that popular digital nomad destinations are known for makes you want to try the opposite, but you still want to take into consideration the fact that you’re new to the digital nomad lifestyle.
Estonia would be a great starting point for your first experience if you want the benefits of safety and security while also wanting to experience something different than the typical digital nomad destinations.
Many nomads may see the cons listed above as reasons not to visit Estonia, but for the right person, Estonia might be the perfect place to start a digital nomad lifestyle.
More On Destinations & the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Making the decision to start a new lifestyle can be hard, having to decide where to go for your first experience will have you racking your brain trying to find the perfect destination.
The one thing about being a digital nomad is that you can literally go almost anywhere. The countries listed above are just recommendations of places I think would be easy to manage for a first-time digital nomad.
The best option, really, is to just try out as many of these countries as you can to see what resonates with you the most. You might even want to consider visiting places that you think you wouldn’t enjoy.
Discovery is the biggest part of being a nomad whether or not you decide to go the digital route or something completely different. As difficult as it may be, it’s best not to think too much about where you should go for your first time.
Being indecisive and trying to find the perfect destination goes against the whole idea of discovery and being a nomad in the first place. Even if you’re worried that you wouldn’t like a certain destination going there to “discover” what the place is all about is part of the experience.
In summary it’s good to do your research, but it’s also wise to understand that not everything can be researched and that you finding out for yourself what a destination is about is just part of the nomad lifestyle.
Learn more about solo travel with advice and tips for beginner solo travelers at traksandpaks.com.
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