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Today is day 2,411 of traveling the world. In 2018, my partner and I sold everything we owned, down to the last fork in the kitchen drawer, and bought a one-way ticket to Japan. Since then, we’ve spent extended periods of time in 30 countries, from Chile to Sri Lanka.
I’m one of 18 million Americans who travel the world while working remotely, living from their suitcase, collecting passport stamps instead of possessions. While it’s hard to forgo major life events, from family funerals to baby showers, the higher quality of life, exciting cultural immersion, and unique experiences outweigh the many missed moments for me.
During our travels, we’ve narrowed down a list of favorite destinations we keep returning to. Factors like longer-stay visas, reliable Wi-Fi, a fantastic cafe scene, and an array of cultural attractions and experiences are at the top of our checklist when deciding where to spend time. After years of travel, here are my top five favorite places to work remotely.
Thailand
Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
This one is a no-brainer. Remote workers have been setting up shop in Thailand for decades, so much so that the country decided to create a dedicated visa for digital nomads in 2024. Its affordability, next-level street food, and plethora of Western comforts make it an easy place to spend time. Chiang Mai is a major nomad hub, with oodles of dedicated co-living and co-working spaces. But when the burning season starts around December, the Thai islands see an influx of laptop-toting travelers to Phuket, Koh Phangan, and Koh Lanta.
Faroe Islands
Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure
Few digital nomads have probably ever stepped foot in this remote European country, but that may change soon. Thanks to the brand-new Arctic Digital Nomads Grant, remote workers can come here for free to give life in a colder climate a try. Grant or not, this small island nation is a fantastic place to hole up for a few weeks or up to three months. It's an ideal destination if you need to hunker down and work with little distractions—you can rent an Airbnb and a car from Unicar and live like a local. When you’ve looked up from your computer screen, Guide to Faroe Islands can help you plan any excursion, from a boat trip around the cliffs of Vestmanna to a walking tour in Tórshavn to a heimablídni (a.k.a. a home-cooked meal in a local’s home).
Vietnam
Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
When the pandemic hit, my partner and I were in Vietnam. Instead of heading back to our respective countries, we decided to wait it out there, and we’re glad we did. The country’s response was swift and severe, but it meant we could explore the COVID-free country for nearly 16 months. I’m biased, but I find Vietnam hard to beat when it comes to remote work. With arguably the world’s best cafe culture, there are endless places to sit and work with a coconut or salt coffee and free, fast Wi-Fi. Affordable, spacious, modern villas and hotels are nearly everywhere, as is some of the world’s tastiest and most affordable street food. Yes, the three-month visa and its archaic application portal deter some travelers, but spending a few months in Hoi An or Hanoi is well worth the hassle.
Greece
Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure
My partner and I talk wistfully about the three months we spent island hopping around Greece. In the mornings, we ate fresh Greek yogurt doused in local honey and fresh berries, followed by a few hours of work, before jumping on our motorbike and spending the afternoon at the beach. Thanks to the wild summer rush, shoulder seasons are the way to go when it comes to spending large chunks of time in Greece. We spent late summer and early fall jumping from Syros to Sifnos to Crete to Milos to Santorini. While there, we were met with a slower pace of life, more affordable off-season rates, and fewer crowds. And don’t get me started on the fresh feta.
Malaysia
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A wildly underrated Asian destination, Malaysia might just be the continent’s best food destination. Its three-month visa on arrival for American citizens makes it an easy place to spend a lot of time hopping between the street food carts of Penang and the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur. I recently spent two months traveling the country from west to east, and my favorite place is George Town, Penang. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital city of this island just off the coast is a relaxed melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. Here, you’ll find the country's best food, from char kway teow to biryani to assam laksa. Its strong cafe culture, including its current tiramisu craze, means you’ll have plenty of great places to work from and lots of sugar to keep you going for those late-night meetings.
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