Listen this article about A Summer Place for Digital Nomads!
Last week I was sitting at my desk, sweating as the summer heat crept into my apartment. As a digital nomad who works remotely while traveling, the idea of escaping to a more relaxed place for the summer sounded appealing. I started daydreaming about ideal summer spots for people like me who can work from anywhere with a WiFi connection.
After researching and talking to fellow nomads, I’ve compiled a list of places that offer an enticing combination of natural scenery, cultural attractions, good weather, and a lively nomad community. Whether you want to soak up the Mediterranean sun, explore jungles in Southeast Asia, or chill by pristine lakes in Eastern Europe, these summer destinations will inspire your wanderlust and boost your productivity. Pack your bags, fellow nomads; it’s time for an adventure. The open road is calling.
What is a Digital Nomad?
As a digital nomad, I get to work from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. I like escaping the summer heat and heading to extraordinary mountain towns.
Last summer, I spent a month in Boulder, Colorado. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder has a hip mountain vibe, with hiking and biking trails galore. The weather in June and July is perfect, with highs of around 82 F. I rented an Airbnb with a deck looking out at the Flatiron’sFlatiron’s rock formations. By day, I’dI’d work at a coffee shop or coworking space, then go for an evening hike and dinner on Pearl Street.
Another summer, I escaped to Banff, Canada. This picturesque town in the Canadian Rockies is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and turquoise lakes, I felt inspired sitting on my cabin’scabin’s porch. Day trips to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake fed my sense of adventure. The temperatures were refreshingly cool, so I got cozy by the fireplace when working.
Mountain towns are ideal for digital nomads craving natural scenery and comfortable summer weather. Spending a summer in the Rockies or another mountain range lets you work while staying active and recharged. The next time I need a summer escape, I may head to Lake Tahoe, Aspen, or Queenstown in New Zealand. The options for digital nomads are as vast as the world we roam.
What to Consider in a Summer Place as a Digital Nomad?
As a digital nomad, finding the perfect summer spot is vital. For me, there are a few must-haves:
- Reliable WiFi. This one’sone’s non-negotiable. I need a robust and fast connection to do my work. Places with lots of coworking spaces usually have great WiFi.
- Low cost of living. Summer destinations are often more expensive, so I look for spots with budget-friendly rent, food, and activities. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America are good options.
- A fun vibe. If I’mI’m traveling in summer, I want a place with an upbeat, social atmosphere. Beach towns, university cities, and hipster havens usually fit the bill.
- Outdoor activities. After working all day, I want to get outside. Look for spots near hiking trails, lakes, rivers, or mountains. Or coastal areas with opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
- A digital nomad community. One of the best parts of this lifestyle is connecting with other location independent workers. See if any Facebook groups, Meetups, or coworking spaces are aimed at digital nomads in the area.
- Safety. As a solo traveler, personal safety is a top priority. Research crime rates, natural disaster risks, and health issues in the location before booking your trip.
With the right blend of these elements, you’ll find a summer spot that lets you work, play and stay productive. The opportunities for digital nomads today are endless – get out there and make the most of them!
Bali, Indonesia: A Tropical Summer Place for Digital Nomads
Bali, Indonesia, has become a popular hub for digital nomads, especially during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere. As a digital nomad, I spent a few months working remotely from Bali and loved the experience.
Gorgeous Beaches and Natural Scenery
Bali has some stunning beaches, jungles, and rice field vistas. You can go beach hopping along the southern coast, explore the Uluwatu Sea temple, or trek through the Ubud jungle. The natural beauty provides inspiration and opportunities for adventure outside of work hours.
Low Cost of Living
Bali has a meager cost of living compared to most places, especially if you earn income in U.S. dollars or Euros. You can rent a villa for under $500 per month, get a meal for a couple of dollars, and pay little for activities and transportation. This means your money goes much further, allowing you to stay longer and afford extras.
Great Coworking Spaces
There are many coworking spaces across Bali where digital nomads can work, meet other remote workers and entrepreneurs, and attend events. Some popular ones are Outpost in Ubud, Hubud in Sanur, and Dojo in Canggu. The spaces offer fast internet, printing, meeting rooms, and a community vibe.
Welcoming to Foreigners
The Balinese culture is very welcoming to visitors from abroad. Most Balinese are Hindu, and the island has a peaceful, spiritual vibe. You can immerse yourself in the culture by attending a traditional dance performance, visiting a temple, or taking a Balinese cooking class. The official language is Indonesian, but many Balinese speak English, especially in tourist destinations.
Bali offers an appealing lifestyle for digital nomads with its natural beauty, low cost of living, community infrastructure, and open culture. If a tropical paradise sounds like the perfect place to spend the summer working remotely, consider joining the many digital nomads in Bali.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: An Affordable Mountain Summer Place
Chiang Mai, Thailand, has recently become a hotspot for digital nomads, especially during the summer months. As someone who is always on the go, I can see why this northern mountain city appeals to remote workers and freelancers.
Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chiang Mai is highly affordable. Your money goes a long way here compared to other destinations. I could rent a lovely one-bedroom apartment for under $500 a month. Food is also very cheap, whether you cook for yourself or eat out at the many local Thai restaurants. This low cost of living means I can continue my nomadic lifestyle without worrying too much about expenses.
Great Weather
The summer season in Chiang Mai runs from March to June, and the temperatures are very comfortable, ranging from 77-88 F. The humidity is also lower during these months, making it an ideal time to explore the city. I enjoyed many afternoons walking around the old city, visiting temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, and escaping the heat in the air-conditioned malls when needed.
Welcoming Community
Chiang Mai has a well-established community of digital nomads and expats. It’sIt’s easy to connect with like-minded people through Facebook groups and coworking spaces like Punspace Nimman and CAMP. I’veI’ve made many new friends here, some of whom I’veI’ve collaborated with on work projects. The city has a laid-back vibe that fosters networking and social interaction.
Overall, Chiang Mai checks all the boxes for an affordable and livable summer destination for digital nomads and remote workers. The low cost of living, great weather, and welcoming community make it an ideal place to settle in for a few months of mountain living while staying productive. I’dI’d highly recommend it!
Medellin, Colombia: A Vibrant City for a Summer Place
Medellin, Colombia, has recently become a popular spot for digital nomads. As someone who spent a summer working remotely from Medellin, I can attest to its appeal.
Gorgeous Weather
Medellin’sMedellin’s weather is spring-like all year round, with average temperatures of 22°C (72°F). The consistently warm weather means you can comfortably work outside a cafe or coworking space and enjoy the city on breaks.
Low Cost of Living
Your money will go far in Medellin. I found rent, food, and entertainment all very affordable. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for under USD 500 a month and enjoy a meal out for under USD 5. The favorable exchange rate between USD and Colombian pesos allows you to keep costs low.
Exciting City Life
Medellin is Colombia’sColombia’s second-largest city, with a population of over 2 million. It has a vibrant food scene, nightlife, and arts culture. I loved exploring the hip neighborhoods like El Poblado and Envigado, filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, and street art. On weekends, I’dI’d take the metro to check out a new part of the city.
Easy to Get Around
Medellin’sMedellin’s metro system makes navigating the city without a car simple. It’sIt’s clean, efficient, and very budget-friendly. I bought a rechargeable metro pass for under $20 that lasted the whole summer. You can quickly get anywhere in the city between the metro, busses, biking, and walking.
Overall, Medellin has the ideal mix of pleasant weather, low costs, an exciting city vibe, and ease of travel that attracts digital nomads and makes for an enjoyable place to spend the summer working remotely. I’dI’d go back in a heartbeat!
Lisbon, Portugal: A Charming European Summer Place
Lisbon is an idyllic summer destination for digital nomads like myself. The charming Portuguese capital perfectly combines culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
A Cultural Paradise
Lisbon overflows with history and architecture. I could spend days exploring the winding cobblestone streets of Alfama, the oldest district. Stopping in at São Jorge Castle, Jerónimos Monastery, and Sé de Lisboa Cathedral. Or enjoy coffee at an open-air cafe, soaking in the atmosphere.
Delectable Cuisine
The food in Lisbon is out of this world. As a seafood lover, I indulge in the freshest fish, shrimp, and octopus. A typical meal starts with olives, cheese, and bread. Then a main dish like Caldeirada (seafood stew), bacalhau (salted cod), or grilled sardines. All were washed down with a glass of vinho verde and crisp Portuguese white wine. There’s always room for a creamy pastel de nata (egg tart) for dessert.
Natural Wonders
When I need a break from the city, beaches and natural parks abound. A 30-minute train ride delivers me to Cascais, Estoril, or Sintra, with scenic beaches and hiking amidst lush greenery. Or I escape to the westernmost point of continental Europe at Cabo da Roca, with dramatic sea cliffs and walking trails.
Lisbon truly has it all for a perfect summer as a digital nomad. The Mediterranean climate, affordable cost of living, and lightning-fast WiFi make it an ideal place to mix work and play. I always leave Lisbon recharged, inspired, and planning my return.
Mexico City, Mexico: An Eclectic Metropolis for Nomads
Mexico City has become a popular hub for digital nomads and for good reason. As a nomad myself, I spent a summer exploring all this eclectic metropolis has to offer.
Vibrant Culture
The culture in CDMX (as the locals call it) is as colorful as the buildings. You’llYou’ll find world-class museums, historic churches, Aztec ruins, and a lively food scene. I enjoyed wandering the historic center, browsing traditional crafts at Mercado de Artesanías, and people-watching in Alameda Central Park.
Affordable Living
Mexico City’sCity’s low cost of living makes it appealing for nomads on a budget. You can rent a furnished studio for under USD 500 a month and eat street tacos for under $1. I paid $350 for a lovely studio in Roma Norte, my favorite hip neighborhood.
Great Weather
Mexico City’s summer is mild and sunny, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Daily highs average around 77 F, with afternoon rains providing temporary relief from the heat. I’dI’d start my mornings working from a coffee shop patio, then take a siesta when the rain came. The summer rains turned the city green and left behind dramatic skies.
Easy Logistics
CDMX checks all the boxes for nomads. It has fast WiFi, global ATMs, and ride-sharing services like Uber. Most locals speak English, and getting a temporary resident visa is straightforward. The international airport has direct flights to many U.S. cities, so visiting home for the holidays or work trips is simple.
Mexico City’s history, culture, natural beauty, and digital nomad appeal captivated me. If you’re looking for an affordable and livable base in Latin America, CDMX should be at the top of your list. The summer months provide the perfect introduction to this dynamic city.¡Buena suerte!
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So there you have it, my top picks for the best summer places for digital nomads. Whether you’re looking to soak in some sunshine, surround yourself with natural beauty, or dive into an exciting city scene, one of these destinations is sure to spark your wanderlust. The freedom of the nomadic lifestyle means we can work from anywhere, so why not make the most of the summer and set up shop in a new place that fuels your creativity and recharges your soul? The open road is calling. Pack your bags, fly, and start your summer adventure in one of these digital nomad paradises. The memories you make will stay with you long after the summer sun fades.
