Prepared for an experience that mixes function and desire? Test out my selected list of the best, under-the-radar areas for remote workers. I’ve got you covered whether you’re a modern vagabond or just want to change the way your living space looks. I have worked in many of the locations on this listing and have visited most of them. Ever thought about typing away in a warm café in Merida, Mexico, or brainstorming your next big task on the shores of Huatulco? How about trading your typical office for the ancient roads of Seville, Spain, or finding enthusiasm among the imperial structures of Penang, Malaysia? Yeah, I thought that may grab your attention. These off-the-beaten-path sites aren’t really lovely landscapes for your Zoom calls; they combine extraordinary tradition and a buzzing community with high-speed web and affordable housing. From the elegance of Porto, Portugal, to the pleasant feelings of Siem Reap, Cambodia, every area on my list has things unique to offer. So, why stick to the usual when you can work ( and play ) in some of the world’s most inspiring places? Let’s get your next great journey. Merida, MexicoPorto, PortugalSeville, SpainHuatulco, MexicoSiem Reap, CambodiaPenang, Malaysia Malaga, SpainRead on to learn more about why these sites made the split, and explore eight more prize places. Second, where will you logs in? The best place for a digital vagabond starts with reliable high-speed online, cheap living expenses, and coworking spaces. A vibrant social network of like-minded people is essential for networking and socializing as effectively. Normally, that means a group of other residents. Safety, fine weather, and access to healthcare are also important, as is a great VPN with a browser extension, like those listed by Techopedia, as this will help you get webpages from anywhere in the world so you can maintain working as standard, and even access streaming and gaming services in your downtime. Top that off with a vibrant local culture, leisure activities, and easy visa processes ( or ideally, no visa requirements ) and you’ll get a place that ’s attractive for long-term workers. Here are a few of my favorite lesser-known places for rural workers. If you’re just starting out in distant work, they’ll remain hidden pearls, but if you ’ve traveled a little, you may realize a few of the brands. Over the years, I have spent a week or two in Merida, and it will undoubtedly be my home base. The city ’s reliable internet, affordable living costs, and plenty of cozy cafes and coworking spaces ( like Conexión60 and Enter_ Work ) make it an easy place to get work done. There’s even an international airport ( MID), and good bus service with ADO buses. It’s also a fun place to live, with colorful industry, bustling courtyards, and an ever-growing online vagabond area. The Yucatan Peninsula’s capital, Merida, has a rich Mayan heritage and colonial history. One of the drawbacks of living here is that Merida is n’t right on the ocean, if you’re a beach bum. The closest beach is at the busy, and often windy, seaside town of Progreso, which is about a 45 minute drive. If you go to Progreso, be sure to check out the flamingos and pink salt flats nearby. Fishing boat east of ProgresoAh, Seville! Since my last visit there was in April, I missed the recognizable sight of orange blossom trees ( blossoms typically end in March ). Even so, there was plenty to see in sunny Seville, between taking in enchanting flamenco dancers, the impressive architecture of the Plaza de Espana, and the little things about Seville that you won’t find in your guidebook. Seville’s growing digital nomad scene includes coworking spaces and a fast internet infrastructure, making it an ideal spot for productivity. The lively tapas bars and flamenco dance halls invite you to immerse yourself in Andalusian tradition after hours. Make sure to check this Andalusian capital’s many historic landmarks, including the Alcázar palace, the Giralda tower, and the Plaza de España. Seville is n’t the place for you if you don’t like hot weather. It’s a dry climate here, and can easily hit 40º C ( 104º F) in the summer ( though it is temperate in the winter ). Seville can also be pricey, especially for attractions and housing. While I enjoyed our time there with my family for more than a month, the small Spanish town of Nerja is still far too small to be included on this list because it lacks some coworking spaces and easy access to an international airport. Instead, my pick for the digital nomad is nearby Malaga. Malaga’s a proper city of over half a million people. It’s nestled along Spain’s Costa del Sol, with the allure of Mediterranean beaches, a rich cultural heritage ( it’s Picasso’s birthplace! ), and wonderful weather. With high-speed internet, a supportive international community, and plenty of coworking spaces, it ’s easy to get work done here. Check out El Centro Coworking and Grow Working, but there are plenty of other fantastic coworking locations and cafes in Malaga. Like any larger city, Malaga can be busy, so it may not be a fit if you’re looking for a quiet vibe. There’s also a bit of litter outside of the main tourist areas, and accommodation can be pricey. Huatulco ( pronounced wah-TOOL-coh ) is a bit of an outlier on this list. While the town of Huatulco is off the beach itself, nearby La Crucecita, Puerto Escondido or Mazunte is where it ’s at. Although there is a small international airport halfway between the beach towns and the city center, it does n’t offer a lot of international flights. Charles ’ nephew made Huatulco his winter digital nomad hub the past few years, inspiring us to check it out ourselves. This year, Charles and I spent ten days in Huatulco, and we intend to visit as a family. What it lacks in coworking spaces, the Huatulco area ( Bahías de Huatulco ) definitely makes up for it with great beaches and charm. There is decent high-speed internet here ( plus Starlink use is popular in the area ), and modern amenities. Huatulco is on Mexico’s Pacific coast, offering a tranquil escape with pristine beaches and untouched natural landscapes. Unlike more frequented tourist destinations, Huatulco prides itself on its sustainable development and relaxed atmosphere. La Crucecita’s charming center, with its local markets and friendly community, gives a glimpse into authentic Mexican culture. With plenty of yoga studios and smoothie stations in South East Asia, Makunte gives off chill, hippie vibes, giving anything a run for its money. The party takes place in Puerto Escondido, and there are plenty of activities to do when the sun sets and the laptop is stowed. Be prepared to pay in Huatulco because housing is definitely on the expensive side. It can also be brutally hot, even in the winter, as it ’s in Oaxaca state, close to Guatemala and it seems the sun shines all winter long. I adore gritty Porto. It’s a bit rougher around the edges than beautiful Lisbon, but that ’s part of its charm. There’s a vibrant, creative energy here, and a growing digital nomad scene. In Porto, there are plenty of fantastic coworking spaces ( try WOW – Coworking Porto or Land Porto Coworking to get started ). The internet’s fast, and there are great cafes everywhere. One of the benefits of working remotely from home in Porto is that it is more affordable than most other European cities, including Lisbon. You’ll find affordable housing, wonderful bakeries, and you won’t need to spend a fortune on eating out or attractions. Visit the Livraria Lello, which is frequently referred to as the world’s most stunning bookstore. Even with the lineups and cost to enter, I think it ’s worth it. Porto’s a smaller city than Lisbon, so there aren’t as many networking opportunities here. The city’s center is bustling and stunning, but many of Porto’s outskirts are industrialized and feel abandoned. The weather can also be unpredictable. My kids are gazing out at the cruise ships from Avenue. Diogo Leite in PortoPenang’s capital, George Town, was my base when Charles and I visited Malaysia. I can recall many of the fun things I used to do while visiting colonial buildings, picking up cheap freshly squeezed fruit, and ordering delectable street food from street vendors. In Penang, which is unusual for a tropical area, you can even find local strawberries and apples. They’re grown in the nearby Cameron Highlands. The city has a supportive expat community, reliable internet access, and plenty of coworking spaces ( start with Settlements Penang or Common Ground ). George Town, Penang’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with an interesting blend of colonial buildings, modern street art, and vibrant food scene. Penang is a small island, and after a week or two, it starts to feel a little cramped. On top of that, the weather’s generally hot and humid, meaning you’ll need to do most of your work indoors in air conditioning. As we visited the Angkor Wat’s ancient temples, I a little while spent in Siem Reap. One of the things I immediately noticed was how fast the internet was and the air conditioning was cool. For remote workers, Siem Reap has an affordable cost of living, a warm climate, and a laid-back lifestyle. There’s also a surprisingly robust internet infrastructure. The town has grown a cozy café culture and coworking space, which caters to the world’s digital nomads who find its charm at its strangely named 1961 Coworking and Art Space. Beyond work, Siem Reap’s vibrant night markets, local artisan shops, and serene rice fields are wonderful for exploration and relaxation. Siem Reap has some serious drawbacks. Public transport is definitely lacking, and there’s an issue with petty crime and burglary. On top of that, it ’s a small place, and may not have the opportunities for networking of larger cities. It’s also busy and touristy, and you’ll spend a lot of time dealing with people trying to sell you things, some legal, and some not so legal. Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap, CambodiaI have n’t visited all of the following areas, but I’ve included them in this article, as they’re mentioned consistently among our traveling friends, and the digital nomad community. Nestled in the highlands of Ecuador, Cuenca is a colonial city known for its stunning architecture, cultural festivals, and friendly locals. Remote workers are drawn to Cuenca for its affordable cost of living, temperate climate, and reliable internet, making it an ideal place for creativity and concentration. The city ’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers peaceful plazas, museums, and cafes where you can work while soaking in the local culture. There is plenty to do on weekends while hiking in the Cajas National Park or unwinding in nearby hot springs. Most digital nomads don’t think beyond Thailand’s cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai, or the crowded island of Phuket. In my three months in Thailand, I visited all three of these and many others, but I was unable to quite make it to Chiang Dao, which is gaining a reputation as a reliable digital nomad hub. Quiet Chiang Dao is a town embraced by mountains and forests, with only around 15,000 people. The internet access is unanticipated good, and it is simple to get to from Chiang Mai. There are waterfalls, hot springs, artist’s workshops, and good food. No matter which region you choose, make sure you have the right visa before establishing yourself as a digital nomad in Thailand. Sibiu has a medieval old town in the middle of Transylvania, but there is plenty of modern infrastructure beyond the cobbled streets and the magnificent Brukenthal Palace. With its excellent internet and charming cafes, Sibiu is known as a serene yet inspiring setting for digital nomads. When I think of digital nomad locations, I always default to Asia, Europe, or even Mexico, but there are plenty of great places to do remote work in Canada and the US. I may show my age here, but I first saw Astoria in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedy, Kindergarten Cop. Since then, the family and I have stopped frequently on our trek down the Oregon Coast. Astoria, Oregon, USA is a charming and off-the-beaten-path destination on the Oregon Coast, ideal for remote workers seeking scenic beauty, a rich cultural history, and a peaceful environment for productivity. If you want something a little more beachy, you can also travel a little further south to Cannon Beach or even even further south to Newport or Lincoln. You’re also only an hour and a half from Portland. When my family and I visited Portsmouth a few years ago, I was immediately drawn to its gorgeous coastal scenery and chill charm. On the East Coast of the United States, Portsmouth is a picturesque and historic seaport city. It offers remote workers a unique blend of coastal beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and rich American history. There’s a compact downtown area filled with charming shops, galleries, restaurants, and coworking spaces. To my undying embarrassment as a Canadian, I have n’t visited Charlottetown personally. It is at the top of my list of Maritimes travel destinations. Charlottetown is the charming capital of Prince Edward Island, with a small-town vibe, friendly community, historic buildings, and scenic waterfront. And don’t forget festivals and the renowned local seafood! Charlottetown is an inviting place for remote workers, with reliable internet, quaint cafes, and a burgeoning arts and culture scene. If you want to work somewhere quiet and unhurried, the city’s relaxed pace of life and natural beauty, which range from rolling hills to sandy beaches, make it a good choice. I’ve lived in Kelowna as our family ’s home base for almost 10 years. Kelowna is in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country, and based around the gorgeous, deep blue Okanagan Lake. Kelowna’s a picturesque setting for remote workers, with stunning lake views, mountain backdrops, and vineyards. You’ll enjoy Kelowna if you appreciate the outdoors, with kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, boating and skiing easily accessible ( at Big White or Silver Star ). A fast internet, innovative coworking spaces ( I like Okanagan coLab, but I typically work from home ), and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and digital nomads support this city’s robust and expanding tech scene. The city ’s mild climate, combined with a rich cultural life and farm-to-table dining, provides a quality of life that ’s hard to beat. I love living here, so I may be biased. Kelowna’s not for you if you’re all about exciting nightlife, and designer brands though. Although there are nightclubs in this city, they are definitely not on the same scale as larger cities, and many restaurants typically close by 10 ( or even before ). Having said that, here in the summer there are literally hundreds of vineyards close to the city, plus more festivals than anywhere else we’ve ever lived. I take a look at some of the lesser-known destinations for digital nomads while admiring the view at Quails Gate Winery in Kelowna. Whether you’re craving sun-drenched beaches or bustling city streets, these spots have the perfect mix of work, culture, and adventure. Who knows? One of these incredible locations might be waiting for your next favorite coffee shop office. Share Tweet
