10 Best Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2024
It’s nearly 2024 and remote work has taken off like never before. With increased freedom to work from anywhere comes increasing choices. What are the best places for digital nomads nowadays? To answer this question, let’s look at what makes a destination a great place for remote workers.
Coworking spaces, community creative outlets, and cultural immersion coupled with great infrastructure and an affordable lifestyle—these are the essential components of a livable and workable destination for digital nomads. From tried-and-tested locales to soon-to-be hotspots, we’ve rounded up some of the hottest destinations for digital nomads in 2024.
RELATED: 10 Best Digital Nomad Jobs in 2024
Goa, India
With plenty of relaxed cafes and coworking spots to get your work done, a thriving community of travelers, and the palm-fringed beaches of the Arabian Sea to unwind at, India’s sunshine state Goa ticks all the boxes that make a great remote work destination. Goa’s biggest allure is its diversity of experiences: yoga classes and alternative therapies for wellness enthusiasts, jungle trails, kayaking, SUP, and scuba diving for outdoor lovers, a rich history and charming colonial architecture for culture buffs, and a thriving club and bar scene for those seeking active nightlife. The cliché is true: there really is something for everyone in Goa.
Kerala, India
For a quieter alternative to Goa, head further south along India’s western coast to Kerala. ‘God’s Own Country’ is known for backwaters and houseboats, a vibrant cultural tapestry, and is famed for its Ayurvedic wellness retreats. For digital nomads, the state offers a diverse mix of options. Kochi is Kerala’s most cosmopolitan city, with all the modern amenities a digital nomad could ask for. The Fort Kochi area offers a rich mix of history, heritage, an artsy bohemian vibe, and a great food scene. In the state’s interiors, the tea-plantation-covered hills of Munnar offer a quiet getaway amid nature.
Jaipur, India
With a vibrant craft and culture scene and the added benefits of a big city, Jaipur is an up-and-coming destination of choice for remote workers. Rajasthan is among India’s most popular travel destinations, and being based in the capital Jaipur allows travelers to explore the state’s many diverse offerings at a steady pace. In Jaipur, there’s a burgeoning cafe and bar scene. Artisanal coffee shops, lively watering holes, and cool design boutiques populate the city. Coupled with affordable housing in leafy, peaceful neighborhoods, this is a winning destination.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a top destination for aspiring nomads and now, the island is gradually rolling out Golden Visas, encouraging long stays, increased investment, and an influx of remote workers. With beaches, tropical jungles, and endless rice fields, digital nomads are spoilt for choice when picking a picturesque work spot. There’s a thriving ecosystem here for remote workers with great coworking spaces, relaxed cafes, a friendly community, plus endless options for downtime after work.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Remote workers have flocked to Thailand for years now, drawn by the country’s affordable lifestyle, vibrant culture, and community. Tucked into the fold of mountains and forest and with a strong local character, Chiang Mai is a great alternative to Bangkok’s hustle and bustle, while retaining the essentials for a digital nomad—fast WiFi, coworking spaces, cafes, and great connectivity. There’s a buzzy crowd of students, creatives, and travelers, plus lively nightlife and a great food scene. Wind down on the weekends with pilgrimage trails, spiritual sights, or a relaxing massage.
Singapore
This neatly organized city-state is often considered the best place to ease into Southeast Asia, and has drawn expats and long-staying travelers to its shores for years now. With a diverse and multicultural community, great public infrastructure, a vibrant food and cultural scene, and easy access to travel hotspots, Singapore is a great choice for digital nomads looking for comforts as well as cultural immersion. Above all, it’s easy to form a community here – there are trendy cafes and coworking spaces and a calendar full of events to meet like-minded folks.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Cosmopolitan culture, diverse communities, great food and events, and all the infrastructure you need as a remote worker – Kuala Lumpur offers it all. As Malaysia’s vibrant capital and buzzing economic center, the city is rife with opportunities for creativity and collaboration. With a multi-ethnic cultural tapestry comprising Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities, KL is also the country’s most diverse city. From the skyscraper-filled neighborhood of Bukit Bintang to the leafy suburbs and cultural hotspots like Chinatown, you’ll find a mix of coworking spaces and cafes, local food and glitzy malls, fun events, and great connectivity.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s history, culture, attractions, and food are all compelling reasons to visit, but it’s Portugal’s accessible digital nomad visa that makes the city a top choice for remote workers. As a result, there’s a thriving and welcoming nomad community, top-notch infrastructure for remote work, and an affordable lifestyle that allows cultural immersion and exploration. Lisbon’s castles and old-world townhouses offer a sharp contrast to the city’s trendy coworking spaces and modern cafes, making it a great mix of old and new.
Croatia
Where the Balkans meet the Adriatic, you’ll find glorious natural landscapes, stunning islands, a rich history, and movie-worthy destinations. But what makes Croatia most accessible to remote workers is its digital nomad visa. Apart from enjoying a rich culture and good lifestyle, digital nomads in the country also have access to a creative community at coworking spaces, collaborative events, and shared living set-ups.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
With the launch of Brazil’s digital nomad visfaa, the beach city of Rio is seeing a gradual transformation from a holiday and party hotspot to a workation-friendly destination. With its easy access to nature, famed beaches, focus on sports and music, and vibrant culture, who wouldn’t want to spend an extended period living and working in Brazil’s most exciting city? Copacabana is the city’s nerve center, but beyond its touristy stretches lie leafy, relaxed neighborhoods with affordable housing, cafes, and casual bars where you can form a community.
READ MORE: