If you’re not familiar with the term, digital nomads are people who make a living by working online, often while travelling. Many digital nomads like Richard Yu are self-employed or work for remote companies. They take advantage of technology like laptops, smartphones, and high-speed internet to get their work done anywhere in the world.
Of course, not all destinations are equally well-suited for digital nomads. Some places offer great weather and an abundance of outdoor activities, but they can be expensive and lack the infrastructure that digital nomads need to stay productive. Other destinations may have everything digital nomads need, but they can be unsafe or simply not very fun to live in.
So, without further ado, here are the five best destinations for digital nomads in 2020:
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is easily one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads, and it’s not hard to see why. The island offers stunning scenery, great weather, friendly locals, and a vibrant expat community. Not to mention, it’s relatively affordable compared to other popular destinations like Europe or Australia. There are also plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with good internet if you need to get some work done.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand’s capital city has a lot to offer digital nomads. It’s incredibly cheap to live here, especially if you’re willing to live outside the city center. And although Bangkok is a big city, it doesn’t feel as overwhelming as some other metropolises because it’s so easy to get around using the city’s efficient public transportation system. Plus, there’s no shortage of things to do in your free time here – whether you want to check out the city’s famous street food scene or go shopping at one of its many markets.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is quickly becoming one of the most popular European cities for digital nomads. And it’s not hard to see why – the city has great weather (it’s almost always sunny!), beautiful architecture, delicious food; and did we mention that its affordability is also a big plus – you can easily find apartments for under $1000/month in Lisbon. And if you need to get some work done, there are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with good wifi throughout the city.
4. Canggu, Bali
Canggu is a small beach town located on the south coast of Bali. It’s become popular among digital nomads in recent years for its laid-back atmosphere (think: surf schools and yoga studios), stunning beaches, and great wave conditions for surfing. Additionally, Canggu is home to several coworking spaces, so it’s easy to find a place to get some work done if you need to take care of business while you’re here.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second-largest city, but it has a much more relaxed vibe than Bangkok. And although it doesn’t have quite as many coworking spaces as Bangkok does, there are still plenty of cafes with good wifi if you need to get some work done. Additionally, Chiang Mai is an excellent base for exploring the rest of Northern Thailand – whether you want to go trekking in the jungle or visit one of the region’s many hill tribe villages.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a lot of great destinations for digital nomads in 2020. So, Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to live or somewhere with great waves for surfing, there’s sure to be a destination on this list that’s perfect for you! Thanks for reading!