Summer is our favourite time of year here at DigitalNomad.Coach. We love exploring new places when the sun shines. When we are exploring, we go for the geography, the community, the food and the culture. Here’s our list of places to go this summer as a nomad. Our list includes a mix of mountains, cities and beautiful beaches. Which one have you not been to yet?
Las Palmas, Spain
Las Palmas is the biggest city and the capital of Gran Canaria. It’s definitely got island vibes and is further south than Europe so the weather is good all year round. The beaches are gorgeous and great for surfing, volleyball, snorkelling and swimming. It’s also a very social island where there is something to do and great for meeting people. Accommodation is affordable. A one bedroom apartment is around $1000 for one month and surf lessons are around $30. A must visit for any nomad or someone who wants to try out this peculiar lifestyle.
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is another great place for digital nomads. Another place that has outstanding beaches, social events and tasty food. More and more coworking spaces are opening in the area as the expat scene is growing. Perfect to work and socialise at the same time. It has great hiking trails and world class beaches for surfing and swimming. Accommodation costs roughly $800 a month when near the city centre. It’s also quite a big region so if you rent a car or a van, you will never get bored. You can even take day trips to one of my favourite cities and the capital of Portugal: Lisbon. Add it to your list.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is a very fun, beautiful part of Mexico in Yucatan where the Caribbean sea meets the Quintana Roo coast. The beaches are golden with turtles swimming in the sea. Snorkelling is a must. It also has a lot of history and remains from the Maya City. You can take a day trip to Chichen-Itza to see the incredible pyramids and learn about the ancestors of the land. There is also a good party scene in Tulum so don’t be shy to indulge in tequila and tacos with fellow nomads. Accommodation is around $650 a month and cycling is the best way of transport. Taxis will rip you off. It’s a beautiful city in an amazing region. Check it out.
Bali, Indonesia
So are you even a digital nomad if you haven’t been to Bali? It’s the go-to destination for nomads because the lifestyle is great and what you spend is cheap. It has surfing, yoga, spirituality and community. The socials are so much fun and full of likeminded people. The only catch is that it’s becoming more and more touristy because everyone has caught up and see it as a paradise destination. If you are looking for somewhere less touristy I recommend Philippines or Sri Lanka.
Koh Tao, Thailand
Ever wanted to learn Scuba Diving? This is the place to do it! It’s the cheapest in the world and the seas are so beautiful. It’s on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. “Koh Tao” directly relates to “Turtle Island” by a local fisherman who described a turtle shape while looking at the island from their boat. It has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen and some of the most delicious food. Accommodation is around $400 a month, which is so cheap right? Koh Tao also has a great party scene to meet digital nomads, locals and other travellers. What are you waiting for?
Tirana, Albania
Albania is becoming a well known place for digital nomads for many reasons. It’s got beautiful beaches (Further out from Tirana), cobbled road villages, and is budget friendly. It’s also not in the EU yet, so it doesn’t count towards your Schengen visa if you are not European. Another advantage is this country is much less touristy than the others on this list if you are looking for something more authentic. However, because it is more authentic, credit cards may not be accepted in some shops and restaurants. Therefore, I recommend planning and making sure you have cash on you when you visit. Accommodation costs $700 a month, which is reasonable. Is Albania joining your bucket list?
Pai, Thailand
Another favourite of ours at DigitalNomad.Coach is Pai. It’s in the mountains in the North of Thailand. This bohemian town is beautiful, relaxed and full of thriving nomads like yourself. It’s full of cafes and coworking spaces to work from and accommodation is $400 per month. It is also close to Chiang Mai so you can take day trips to the city when you want to shake things up. On my days off I would hike in the jungle and enjoy hot springs in Pai. It’s truly a delight.
Cappadocia, Turkiye
A destination not to be missed. Every morning there are hot air balloons floating up in the sky, volcanic formations and caves surrounding you, tasty Turkish food every day, and beautiful designs and architecture everywhere. Even if you don’t stay for a long time, it is a must visit for any traveller or digital nomad. It’s best to stay in Goreme or Urgup. Accommodation is around $600.
Melbourne, Australia
Always wanted to visit Australia but haven’t had the chance? Melbourne is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city full of art, cafes and is one of the best food places in the world. There is also a great live music scene here that you should go out and enjoy. One of the best neighbourhoods in Melbourne is St.Kilda which is close to the beach and has a diverse mix of people. One con about Melbourne is that accommodation and cost of living are expensive. You are looking to spend $800-$1200 per month to live here.
Essaouira, Morocco
Last but not least, one of our favourite countries, Morocco. A country will every type of terrain. From desserts, to beaches, to mountains, to medinas in the cities. It’s great and that’s why I have chosen Essoureira. It is a small ancient medina town on the coast that is nothing like you have ever experienced. It’s very true to itself and rich in culture. It is also geographically located near amazing world class surf beaches, the mountains of Imlil and Toubkal, and close to an even bigger, more intense market of Marrakesh. It’s a great city and very affordable with accommodation at $800. You can find cheaper once you get to know the locals.
Conclusion
So here is our 2024 Summer Destination Bucket List. Hope a few of them make your bucket list. Each of these destinations offers something unique for digital nomads, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches. Choosing the right destination depends on your personal preferences, work requirements (time zones, etc), and desired lifestyle. Embrace the freedom of the digital nomad lifestyle and explore these incredible places in 2024. Hope you meet amazing people like yourself and you have the best time exploring.