Remote working was a fully fledged way of getting work done and earning some money long before the pandemic took hold and forced office workers to take up position at their dining tables, spare rooms and converted outbuildings.
With a laptop, phone and an internet connection, it seems that many jobs don’t actually require a full-time office space, and now more workers than ever are taking things one step further, especially if they run their own businesses, by utilising the opportunity to travel while they work.
Digital nomads are so called because they live in a nomadic way – travelling freely with limited possessions – and make use of the digital world, namely technology and the internet, to conduct their work in between exploration.
Though the figures are hard to get exactly right, it is believed that the number of digital nomads in the US alone, with a traditional job, rose to 10.2 million in 2021, up from 6.3 million the previous year. Many types of work lend themselves well to this type of lifestyle, such as freelance work, travel writing, copywriting, admin and accountancy, and so it’s no surprise really that the number of those heading off for a range of adventures across the globe while they work in between has risen.
Why has the digital nomad lifestyle become so popular?
For anyone with a zest for travel, the answer to this would surely be, why not? The opportunity to get out there and not just explore the world but live in other countries and experience the day-to-day lifestyle of the locale, immersing oneself in the culture, exploring local sights and enjoying a wealth of experiences, all while earning still and keeping hold of an enjoyable job, sounds like the perfect way to live for many.
Thanks to multiple lockdowns across the world in recent years, many businesses have clocked on to the fact that much of the work can be achieved remotely and so we can only see the popularity of the digital nomad rising even further.
Where are the best locations for digital nomads in 2023?
If you’re considering jumping on the bandwagon and switching up your current lifestyle for a freer and perhaps more exciting one, then you’ll likely be looking for some inspiration on where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. From Santiago in Chile to Chiang Mai in Thailand to Budapest in Hungary, we take a look at some of the best locations for digital nomads in 2023 below.
Santiago, Chile
Combining the very best of urban living and the splendour of nature, Chile’s capital and largest city of Santiago provides the ultimate location for digital nomads. Working online is made easy with the fast internet, plentiful co-working spaces and amiable locals, while the range of top-level hotels and restaurants will keep you in the luxurious lifestyle you’re no doubt accustomed to.
When you wish to get out and about to explore, you’ll be in for a treat. There aren’t many locations across the globe that offer skiing and beach life so compactly; the snow-capped Andes surrounds the city and just 45 minutes away is the Pacific coast where you can surf and enjoy the beaches. Add to this the wealth of historical and cultural sights you can take in and you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t go to Santiago for your digital nomadic lifestyle sooner.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand has long been a popular country for travellers seeking to explore and understand a different way of life than they’re used to, while exploring ancient temples, sampling the delectable local cuisine and being wowed by its tropical beaches. Chiang Mai, in the northern, mountainous part of the country, is a city that was founded in 1296 and so has many a story to tell. The low cost of living for foreigners means that you can treat yourself to some luxurious accommodations and the fast internet will make working a breeze.
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary’s capital city is split by the River Danube, with hilly Buda and flat Pest connected by a 19th century chain bridge to form the city Budapest. There’s also an old town holding the Budapest History Museum where you can learn all about the life of the city since Roman times. Great food, fast internet, luxe hotels, lively nightlife, and places of place to explore make Budapest a top choice for your digital nomadic life.
