Online connectivity has opened up so much room for freedom, flexibility and working remotely from anywhere in the world.
We can thank the rise of the internet for giving us access to tons of employment opportunities to online entertainment experiences from content streaming to iGaming, as well as giving rise to hybrid and fully remote work schedules and opportunities.
In fact, it's these remote opportunities that are inspiring so many aspiring world travellers to take a leap into becoming digital nomads.
It’s so easy to live from our laptops these days, with advancements in technology making the virtual realm truly immersive and expanding the possibilities of both work and play.
Just look at the changes that have taken place in digital gaming: the industry has expanded hugely to include new genres like real money and online casino gaming as well as eSports.
This growth has made gaming go mainstream, and many of us are now just as likely to reach for our laptops to play slots and casino classics at platforms like PokerStars Casino as we are RPG epics like Final Fantasy XIV Online.
In parallel to the growth of digital entertainment, multiple remote and hybrid working opportunities have also sprung up, giving digital nomads the freedom to choose where and when they want to work, all while diving into local cultures and truly seeing what the world has to offer.
Of course, not every destination on earth is set up to sustain a lifestyle as a digital nomad, but there are plenty of destinations where you can go to enjoy that perfect balance of work and adventure.
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand
If affordable living in a vibrant local community is top of your list, make Chiang Mai your first destination to visit.
This northern Thai city is pretty much hard to beat thanks to its low cost of living. Meanwhile, it offers plenty of affordable housing options, from cosy apartments to spacious villas. If you're on a budget, this city allows you to live well without breaking the bank.
But it’s not just about the cost, Chiang Mai is home to a thriving digital nomad scene. You’ll find plenty of coworking spaces and cafés catering to remote workers here. Nimman Road, in particular, is a hotspot for expats, offering trendy coffee shops, restaurants, and coworking hubs offering regular meetups and networking events.
Life here is laidback compared to other Thai cities, but there’s still plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai to keep you occupied during your downtime. How does exploring the great outdoors and visiting ancient temples sound? Or visiting some of the most popular elephant sanctuaries in Thailand.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city that needs no introduction. Known for its unique architecture, vibrant street life, and beautiful beaches, it draws in hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
This is one of the most expensive places to live in Europe, but for digital nomads, Barcelona is a city with a fantastic quality of life. Plus the plenty of coworking spaces and networking opportunities in areas like El Born and Gràcia, make it easy to establish yourself as a working professional. Whether you’re signing in from a specially designed coworking space like OneCoWork or a cosy café with a view of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona makes work feel a little less like, well, work!
What really sets the city apart, though, is its cultural richness. Barcelona is home to some of the most iconic works of art and architecture in the world, from Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia to the Picasso Museum. When you’re not working, you can spend your days exploring the city’s many attractions, enjoying tapas in a local bar, or just kicking back on a blissful beach.
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of destinations to move to in Europe, but it’s quickly becoming a digital nomad’s dream.
Estonia’s capital is known among general holidaymakers for its historical culture, but its strong tech infrastructure and innovative e-residency program means it has everything an entrepreneurial traveller needs.
This city is a compelling blend of old and new. As you explore Tallinn’s mediaeval old town - which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site - you’ll quickly feel like you’re travelling back in time.
Cobblestone streets, Gothic spires and centuries-old buildings all add to the feeling. But, Tallinn also happens to be one of the most digitally advanced cities in the world, with free Wi-Fi available almost everywhere and a wide range of coworking spaces, like Lift99 and Workland catering to the tech-savvy crowd.
The e-residency program is a major draw for digital nomads, allowing you to establish a location-independent business in Estonia while living anywhere in the world. We recommend staying put for a while though, as the cost of living in Tallinn is much lower than other European capitals, with affordable rent and a great public transportation system.
Find Your Perfect Location
Of course there are so many more amazing destinations to live and work as a digital nomad. From the tax free Middle East to the beach and low cost living of Asia and Central America, to the vibrant streets of South America.
Where you go really comes down to where appeals to you. If you are keen for a career change but not sure how this is possible view these tips for becoming a digital nomad.
Do you work as a digital nomad? Want to share your recommendations for places to go? Let us know.
