Remote Revolution: The Digital Nomad Boom

The digital nomad lifestyle has reshaped how millions of intrepid individuals approach employment. This burgeoning contingent of roaming workers is defying the established, often resented model of commuting to an office, sitting at a desk and then trudging home, only for the cycle to repeat the following day.

Conscious that their time is as limited as it is valuable—a mindset that was, in part, catalyzed by the Covid lockdowns—they are choosing to blend professional responsibilities with personal fulfillment. Individuals are leveraging the freedom offered by remote working to travel, explore diverse cultures and craft a work-life balance that prioritizes experiences over conference rooms, and adventure over a rushed lunchtime meal deal.

Armed with little more than a laptop and a stable Internet connection, these roving breadwinners are building their careers without being stymied by geographical constraints. Nomads.com, a platform designed to help remote workers discover the best destinations for living, working and traveling, suggests as many as 80 million people consider themselves a digital nomad. Other sources suggest that, at the very least, approximately 40 million are currently taking advantage of the opportunity to mix travel with work.

The nomad population seems likely to soar over the coming decade. Indeed, a recent FlexJobs study found that half of employees would take a pay cut if it meant they could work remotely, while one in five would happily work more hours if they could do so in a location of their choosing. A growing number of countries are also determined to lure workers to their shores with digital nomad visas, which allow them to work legally without possessing a local employment contract. With locations ranging from Panama to Cyprus and Latvia to Costa Rica, it’s unsurprising that enterprising go-getters are being seduced by the promise of a peripatetic lifestyle.

According to Pieter Levels, the founder of Nomads.com, there could be as many as one billion digital nomads by 2035—a boom driven by a cocktail of better Internet connectivity, the increased normalization of outside-of-office work, and people’s deep-rooted desire to explore.

The one-billion figure might be a highly speculative guess— Levels himself has said it’s “impossible to predict the future, but fun to imagine”—but it goes some way to indicating that combining work with wanderlust is not only becoming more attractive, but also more viable. Advances in video conferencing and cloud technologies, coupled with employers recognizing remote work as a desirable perk, have enabled individuals to participate in a more captivating, contemporary vision of the 9 to 5.

Work from Anywhere

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Average download speed: 25 Mb/s
Average upload speed: 13 Mb/s

Mexico / Photo: Getty Images

San Miguel de Allende has long been a haven for artistic expats, but it has become a hotspot of late for digital nomads seeking an exotic, affordable place to plug in. The postcard says it all: This mountainous glen in central Mexico is awash in cobblestone streets, vibrant Spanish Colonial architecture and stunning churches. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features art galleries, workshops, cultural events, craft bazaars and, of course, colorful and bustling cafés.

As the digital nomad population swells, so do shared work centers like Selina and Smartspace Hub and inspiring surrounds such as Outsite to amplify the creative energies. For balance, nature obliges with hiking trails and hot springs.

The town’s slower pace promotes thinking and its cost-of-living quotient is a plus. Easy visa policies, mild year-round weather and convenient access from U.S. gateways add to the magic possible for working wanderers.
—Lark Gould

Alexandria, Egypt

Average download speed: 41.24 Mb/s
Average upload speed: 4.47 Mb/s

Egypt / Photo: Getty Images

Alexandria offers an unrivaled blend of history, culture and modernity. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city is a sanctuary for those who love to dive into ancient cultures. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a commemoration of the famed Library of Alexandria, stands as a symbol of learning, housing millions of books and cultural exhibitions, while the city’s vibrant markets, such as the Souk El Attarine, add an effervescent energy to its historical charm.

The city also boasts an array of museums, including the Alexandria National Museum, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history before heading off to one of the local coworking spaces.

For nomads, Alexandria is both affordable and accessible, with a one-bedroom apartment near the city center unlikely to cost much more than approximately $600. With the Mediterranean Sea on the city’s doorstep, and warm sunshine for most of the year, it’s a dreamy destination year-round.

While Egypt doesn’t (yet) have a dedicated digital nomad visa—though it appears likely one will be introduced soon—remote workers can explore several alternatives. A tourist visa is ideal for short-term stays (up to 30 days) with the possibility of extension, while a business visa is also available for budding entrepreneurs.
—Joseph Phelan

Portland, Oregon

Average download speed: 118.78 Mb/s
Average upload speed: 65 Mb/s

Portland, Oregon / Photo: Zack Spear/Unsplash

Portland’s thriving tech scene, often referred to as Silicon Forest, brings plenty of advantages to digital nomads, including lots of old-growth woods for wandering. The city is renowned for its coffee culture, with numerous cafés and shops that can serve as workspaces for remote soloprenuers and complementing the plethora of coworking spaces available. At the end of the day, rewind over microbrews or wines from nearby Willamette Valley.

For those seeking a work-life balance, Portland has the mountains and coast close for adventures, while a sophisticated light-rail system preserves the low-traffic surroundings and sustains the clean, breathable air. From vibrant seafood platters to bacon maple bars at Voodoo Doughnut, culinary creativity here does not disappoint. It’s a wallet-friendly destination and a worthy choice over other tech hubs.
—Lark Gould

Natal, Brazil

Average download speed: 151.49 Mb/s
Average upload speed: 60.01 Mb/s

Brazil / Photo: Getty Images

Known for its easy access to hundreds of stunning beaches along Brazil’s coast, Natal offers a perfect blend of work and play. The city has a vibrant food scene, with numerous restaurants and stalls offering a variation on the local speciality feijoada, a stew made with vegetables, meat, black beans and a host of flavors that vary by chef. First-time eaters be warned—this dish is traditionally served with a 40-degree caipirinha cocktail as an aperitif.

Natal’s reliable, modern infrastructure includes numerous coffee shops and coworking spaces that cater to remote workers, while its international airport provides convenient travel options. Additionally, as with much of South America, the city is incredibly affordable. Rent for a decent apartment will rarely cost more than approximately $387 per month.
—Joseph Phelan

Austin, Texas

Average download speed: 163.41 Mb/s
Average upload speed: 50.20 Mb/s

Texas / Photo: Getty Images

Say Austin and a certain buzz immediately enlivens the conversation. It’s a digital nomad magnet and for good reason. This vibrant city presents an enviable blend of affordability, opportunity and a certain thriving cultural craziness that attracts smart, edgy and creative entrepreneurs looking for like-minded souls.

One of the biggest draws for digital nomads is the city’s strong infrastructure. Widespread access to speedy Internet and a surfeit of coworking spaces means the game is always in motion. Its low cost of living over other major U.S. cities also makes Austin a beacon for roving geniuses seeking to settle in the right spot.

Austin’s thriving food scene counts endless blocks of food trucks and restaurants with surprising culinary choices always at the ready. The city also lives up to its SXSW fame as live music spills from every corner, complemented by a happening bar and club scene for those on a networking jaunt or simply seeking inspiration.
—Lark Gould

Nassau, Bahamas

Average download speed: 19.71 Mb/s
Average upload speed: 6.42 Mb/s

Bahamas / Photo: Getty Images

Launched in 2020, the Bahamas BEATS visa lets digital nomads live and work in the Bahamas for up to a year, and Nassau is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking a blend of work and adventure. With easy access to countless pristine beaches, and approximately 300 sunny days a year, it’s ideal for ocean lovers.

The Bahamian capital has a growing coworking scene for remote workers looking for productive environments, but the city’s true appeal lies in its plethora of postwork opportunities. Once the laptop is closed, visitors are free to enjoy the island’s coastal beauty, whether snorkeling through coral reefs or catching the surf. The local food scene is diverse and delightful, offering everything from fresh seafood to Bahamian souse, a light dish of pickled meat in a clear broth. Rent is one of the higher expenses: A comfortable one-bedroom apartment costs around $920 per month, but for many, it’s a price worth paying.
—Joseph Phelan