Top 5 Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2022

As more and more companies around the world are opting for remote work, many people are choosing to work from anywhere as long as they can find reliable Wi-Fi and accommodation facilities. A recent study among digital nomads showed that the most preferred destinations are coastal regions and countries with low costs of living. Many are transitioning to working on the road and becoming nomads for life. So, if you have the freedom to work from anywhere, you are probably wondering what are the best destinations to look out for. From our collective understanding and research, we have narrowed down 5 destinations for you. Here are five of the best:

1. Medellin, Colombia

Nicknamed “The City of Eternal Spring”, Medellin has great spring-like weather all year around. Medellin has a lot of co-working spaces that offer anything between 100-300 mbps across the city. They have amazing views of mountains and fusion food made from organic fresh produce which is one of the best in South America. The city boasts a great quality of life and is one of the cheapest places in all of the big South American cities. There are many meetup events held exclusively for digital nomads here. Expat groups like Medellin Guru have great social events every once in a while. This makes it a haven for digital nomads who want to network. Transportation is cheap and easy to get around any part of the city. Most fares are less than $5. The average cost of living per month is$1,052.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

The legendary Chiang Mai is growing to be more desirable than Bangkok for many digital nomads. It is one of the most chosen destinations for every backpacker. It is a good place to start for anyone moving into a digital nomadic lifestyle. It’s a famous retirement place for many expats. This means there are westernized communities there running cafes, restaurants, and other great platforms that would benefit any digital nomad there. If you are someone who is into ancient cultures, temples, and historic finds, Chiang Mai is the place to go for! There are a lot of nomad groups that support and guide you if you are in the city. If you love street food, Chiang Mai has a lot of food spots with delicious cuisines. The internet services here are cheap and fast. The average cost of living per month is $989.

3. Penang, Malaysia

Penang is Malaysia’s second largest city that not only has great infrastructure but also a very interesting culture. The island of Penang is also known as the Miami of Malaysia. It’s great for digital nomads who enjoy sunshine and beaches. It is a UNESCO Heritage city and has great tropical weather. Penang is also known for street art and food and friendly people. One of the most affordable places to stay in Penang is George Town. Penang island is great for hiking and visiting beaches. There are plenty of cool bars and restaurants too. Penang National Park and Penang Hill are some of the must-visits. aCat is the most preferred co-working space in Penang. The average cost of living per month is $1,085.

4. Ubud, Bali

A peaceful destination filled with scenic rice fields and dense forests, Ubud is a spiritualistic destination for not just yogis but also digital nomads. There are abundant co-working spaces or cafes with free Wi-Fi. For many nomads, this is a very difficult place to leave, especially if you are inclined to meditation and yoga. Bali is in Southern Indonesia and is the most popular destination in the country for budget-friendly travel. It is not just the serene nature that attracts tourists, but also ancient temples, unique culture, and history. Ubud is a quiet neighborhood compared to Kuta and Canggu and has great yoga and meditation retreats around. If you want to immerse in nature and want a calm space, Ubud is the ideal place. The average cost of living per month is $1,700.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the most popular cities in Europe for most digital nomads. It is a warm place receiving almost 300 days of sunshine and is quite cheap too. If you are someone who wants to explore Europe in winter but doesn't want to face the snow or the cold, Lisbon is the place for you. Many nomads choose to be here all year around. The city is very safe, has great air quality and fast internet. Lisbon is becoming one of the digital nomad capitals in the world and keeps attracting more and more nomads who choose the city for its perfect living environment and work space availability. The city is known for its food, music, art, and wine. They have great co-working spaces, co-living cafes, and great opportunities to explore and connect with other like-minded people. The average cost of living per month is $2,033.

The pandemic has sped up the number of people moving into nomadic lifestyles and many destinations are turning out to be very popular among digital nomads. Many digital nomadic communities are growing across these popular destinations making it easier to find great places to eat, stay and connect. We’ll be sharing more amazing destinations and tips in the upcoming blogs. Bon Voyage!