To not sound braggadocious, however a few of us have the final word freedom to decide on our house base at any given time.
After all, there are some bureaucratic hurdles to clear first, however pointing at a map, packing your luggage along with your laptop computer in tow and passport in hand is the final word dream.
I’ve graciously had the privilege of venturing to far corners of the world, banging out articles from cozy cafes, some nice (and not-so-great) Airbnbs, and really, very questionable hostels (speaking to you Istanbul!).
I need to be clear right here: I’ve by no means obtained a digital nomad visa anyplace, however what I’ve performed is figure remotely extensively, whether or not it’s a no-name metropolis south of the border to nearly unheard-of cities in Europe like Chisinau.
With that stated, our workforce at Journey Off Path thought it could be a enjoyable and insightful thought to disclose the 5 locations I might by no means return to as a digital nomad, starting with slight disappointment to pure disdain.
PLUS: We have put collectively an interactive quiz for you on the finish of this text to seek out your good match from our checklist of options. Scroll to the underside to test it out!
5) Chetumal, Mexico: Too Scorching To Name Dwelling
I really like Chetumal. I feel it is a textbook “hidden gem” that also would not get the credit score it deserves regardless of transient bursts of trendiness through the years.
With paradisal seashores like Bacalar close by that boast probably the most vibrant otherworldly blue hues of water I’ve ever seen, that is nonetheless not sufficient of a promoting level to plant roots for a prolonged time.
Why?
When journey reminiscences flash again in my thoughts, the one place I felt like I would soften into the pavement is Chetumal.
This genuine city mendacity on the Mexico-Belize border could also be low-cost and really feel really genuine, however the fixed — and I imply fixed — taxi honking merely because of the coloration of my pores and skin made me understand how ladies should really feel being cat-called.
All of the extra motive to remain inside your air-conditioned room as a substitute of the insufferable solar and overzealous locals…
The choice:
Mahahual: A sleepy seashore city close-by extra well-equipped for nomads
4) Kingston, Jamaica: Extra Chaos Than Tradition
My first journey to Jamaica was okay — not nice, simply okay.
I feel the youngsters name that “mid”…
Even seasoned vacationers like me make errors. I used to be anticipating Kingston to be a cultural hotspot with reggae blasting and jerk rooster stands all over the place.
What I discovered was a dismantled cityscape filled with chaos with only a few sights inside the metropolis limits.
Upon arrival, I believed I used to be going to be robbed, which I need to admit, might’ve been my very own pre-conceived notions about Kingston. Fortunately, I wasn’t.
Even after a profitable journey safety-wise, I might not really feel snug having my laptop computer out in public, even on the upscale aspect of New Kingston, the place the highest sights embody sampling scrumptious Blue Mountain espresso and visiting Bob Marley’s home.
Like Chetumal, it is one other metropolis the place you may be begging for A/C after strolling a couple of blocks weaving via beggars and overpriced eating places.
Plus, the one worthwhile seashore is Hellshire, which I really beloved on account of its off-radar enchantment and recent seafood shacks — and I imply shacks — however getting an Uber experience again was subsequent to potential.
General, Kingston wants quite a lot of work and lacks an id. Even locals begged me to not go to what appeared like half the town on account of security considerations (this was in 2023).
It is simply not a spot to name house for greater than a weekend.
The choice:
Punta Cana by no means disappoints because it’s reasonably priced, offers an important work-life steadiness, and is house to wonderful seashores to go to as you would like.
3) Abu Dhabi, UAE: Dubai Is Merely Higher
By Day 2 in Abu Dhabi, I had the identical thought I’ve each time I am going to Vegas — “what am I lacking?”.
By the point it was time to board my bus to Abu Dhabi, my reply was “nothing’”.
Typically I overlook I visited Abu Dhabi — that is how a lot I disliked it.
This widespread metropolis was my first Center Japanese vacation spot, and it was a giant disappointment.
Like Kingston, I anticipated to really feel immersed in Arab tradition. I did not in any respect.
I felt immersed in a perpetual Center Japanese “Occasions Sq.”, the place chains of retail shops by no means appeared to finish and discovering an precise road kabob was about as simple as discovering a parking spot in Manhattan.
On the intense aspect, Abu Dhabi could not have felt any safer, but additionally insufferable within the warmth. Security goes out the window whenever you need to spend your complete journey entrance and heart by the A/C indoors.
Not solely was the warmth laborious to sort out, however so had been costs, particularly because you’re charged to go to one of the best seashores.
The choice:
Dubai lives as much as the hype as a never-dull-moment megacity that has all the pieces for everybody
2) Copenhagen, Denmark: I‘d By no means Go Again For Any Purpose
God forbid, if I got here down with a horrible illness and the one treatment was in Copenhagen, I might say my time has come.
Regardless of having the good meals truck park I’ve ever visited, that is not sufficient of a promoting level — particularly in brutal winters — to maintain me glad.
From a nomad perspective, I am unable to think about paying $8 for fundamental espresso drinks every day, nor navigating a complete metropolis by bike (which is strongly inspired by their society).
Transit is dear, espresso is dear, hire is dear, and far of the town lacks European allure, work-life steadiness can be off the charts to maintain up with payments, all whereas feeling you are in no place particular.
To my very own shock, Copenhagen surpassed Marseille in my e-book because the sketchiest European metropolis I have been to since I could not stroll from my lodge 2 blocks with out being bodily grabbed by ‘women of the night time’ at 7am every morning.
My journey right here was off the rails, which you’ll be able to learn extra about right here.
The choice:
Helsinki is extra reasonably priced, friendlier, feels a lot safer, and locals do not choose you for using in a automobile.
1) Iquitos, Peru: It is Simply Not Constructed For Distant Staff
Iquitos is supposed for adventures, which digital nomads clearly are, however they’re additionally staff who want dependable wi-fi, cafes to “work”, and a sense of security.
None apply right here.
As cool because it was to go deep into the Amazon from Iquitos, the city itself is just not for first-time vacationers, and even first-time digital nomads.
Wi-fi goes out continuously, not solely inflicting a headache for tight deadlines as I’ve, but additionally merely paying restaurant tabs along with your bank card, and if that fails, you must hope the ATM works (if you’ll find one).
It received so unhealthy my girlfriend needed to ship me cash by way of Western Union.
Whereas there isn’t any denying its distinctive side as a “floating metropolis”, this city feels something however homey.
I might go to once more in a heartbeat to discover the rainforest, however not as a nomad. I might depart area in my bag for some additional endurance and hold hidden pockets full of money simply in case.
The choice:
Simply keep in Lima because it’s completely fitted to nomads, with cafes galore, simple navigation, and underrated seashores
Now take this quiz to seek out your good match!