This article lists the best cities for digital nomads from around the globe. All of these destinations offer great amenities, a community of like-minded people, fun things to see and do, fast wifi speeds, co-working spaces, great apartments and more!

I’ve been working remotely as a digital nomad since 2013. During that time, I’ve really figured out what I want and need when it comes to choosing a city to live in. 

Even though I’ve been living the laptop lifestyle for quite a while, I haven’t lived in many of the common digital nomad cities.

I’ve personally lived in four of the places below for more than two months in each destination. 

For the rest of the best cities for digital nomads that I’m listing in this article, I’ve reached out to experts who have lived there themselves — for an extended period of time.

Here are the top 15 best digital nomad cities this year.

Click the city name to jump-to:

1. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
3. Medellin, Colombia
4. Merida, Mexico
5. Oaxaca, Mexico
6. Lisbon, Portugal
7. Budapest, Hungary
8. Tbilisi, Georgia
9. Bansko, Bulgaria
10. Barbados
11. Chiang Mai, Thailand
12. Canggu, Indonesia
13. Penang, Malaysia
14. Taipei, Taiwan
15. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
16. Bonus! Bangkok, Thailand

What to Look For in a Digital Nomad City

Internet – you’ll be working online, so having a reliable (and fast) wifi connection is a must. Not only that, but you’ll want to pick somewhere that has a good data plan available for when you’re working away from home, or outside of a co-working space.

Community – most digital nomads either work for themselves, or they work remotely for a company. While some people are in a relationship, others are working abroad solo. Regardless, having a community around you is a must. Whether it’s just someone to go and grab a drink with, or people you can collaborate on a project with — don’t underestimate community.

Nature – when working inside and staring at a computer screen, there’s no better way to take a break than by getting out in Mother Nature. A lot of the best European cities for digital nomads, and the ones in Mexico offer mountains and hiking trails nearby, or sandy stretches of sand. Find somewhere with a place to walk, swim and breathe fresh air.

Things To Do – obviously, you don’t want to live somewhere boring. It’s best to choose a destination that offers history, culture, arts, nightlife, events, and activities you can partake in. 

Co-Working – while I personally choose to work at home from the comfort of my Airbnb apartment, many people opt to get on their laptops at co-working spaces. There’s a monthly fee, but usually, the wifi is very fast and reliable, and there are ergonomic working spaces.

Fitness Options – unless you’re working out online, or are running, walking or hiking, most digital nomads try to find a destination that offers gyms, yoga studios, pilates, or Crossfit.

Costs – finally, the cost of living. This will vary from person to person as how much you want to spend really depends on how much you’re earning. Just because a destination is cheap doesn’t mean that the amenities are up to par. Similarily, if a destination is expensive, it doesn’t mean it’s great value for money.

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Latin America

Including Mexico, Central America and South America, these are some of the top cities for digital nomads in Latin America.

1. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico 

• WiFi up to 100 Mbps
• Average 1 bedroom apartments from $400/month
• 6 month stay for most nationalities

Written by Dariece Swift

The seaside town of Playa del Carmen is a bit of an anomaly in Mexico. You won’t find much Mexican culture here, and only a handful of people who are actually from here.

In general, this is a popular holiday destination for snowbirds from Canada and the USA, and domestic travellers (mostly from Mexico City). Plus, there’s a growing population of South Americans.

With the Caribbean Sea at your doorstep, a younger crowd, and many day trips just a quick drive away, there are many things to see and do in Playa. It’s popular, for good reason. 

Nick and I have been living here for 4 months so far, and will be here for a total of 6 months. And while I was apprehensive to come here due to it being a popular tourist destination, I’m very happy with our decision to move here. 

Why is Playa del Carmen One of The Best Cities for Digital Nomads? 

Playa is one of the best cities for digital nomads due to the fact that it offers all the comforts of home, in a beautiful destination, without the high price tag.

As I said in the beginning, while Playa doesn’t have the charm or tradition of most Mexican cities, it makes up for it with the amenities on offer.

The activities here are endless — kayaking, kite surfing, scuba diving, SUP’ing, or swimming. Outside of watersports, there are numerous gyms, yoga studios, CrossFit, pilates, dance classes and more. Not to mention, it’s a great place for day trips around the Yucatan Peninsula.

You’ll find lots of other remote workers and digital nomads here as well and can immerse yourself in the community by volunteering, or joining meet-ups and other events.  

How to Find Apartments in Playa del Carmen

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a place to stay in Playa del Carmen. I always recommend booking a place on Airbnb first. Stay for a few days and get a feel for the different neighbourhoods before choosing your long-term apartment. 

You can find places to stay on Airbnb or on Facebook groups.

For digital nomads, the best neighbourhoods in Playa del Carmen are Tohoku, Zazil-Ha, the northern end of Gonzalo Guerro or the southern end of Colosio. These areas are basically from Calle 38 Nte. to Calle 100 Nte., between Avenida 30 and the beach.

Unless you’re looking to be right in the action, I don’t recommend Centro area as it’s way too touristed and loud.

WiFi Speed in Playa del Carmen

At 91 Mbps download speed and 29 Mbps upload speed, the wifi in Playa del Carmen is some of the fastest we’ve ever had at an apartment. 

Not all places are created equal, however, so it’s important to speak with your landlord before renting. I even recommend doing a speed test yourself. Finally, if the wifi isn’t up to par, you can always ask the landlord to upgrade it for you (for a fee). 

Data is readily available as well, so if your wifi drops out you can tether to your phone. Packages are around 200 pesos ($10) for 4 GBS, valid for 30 days.

Co-working Spaces in Playa del Carmen

There are quite a few co-working spaces in Playa del Carmen. Find one that suits your vibe, and is in your area. A couple of great options are The Nest ($13/day or $180/month), and Bunker (from $5/day or $165/month). 

If working from home or from a coworking space isn’t your thing, try Inti restaurant on the beach which has a great area at the back for working, or one of the cafes (Choux Choux is a good option).

Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is great value for money. It’s not as cheap as other parts of Mexico, but it does have a lot of accommodation options, international fare, great beach clubs, and bars and restaurants. Even if some things are a bit pricey, the quality is high.

Apartment costs vary here. You can find a 1 bedroom apartment for around $400/month, all the way up to $5,000+. A good average would be around $1,000 – $1,500/month for a 2-bedroom place with a shared pool. 

If you eat tacos and local food, expect to spend just a couple of dollars per meal. If you’d rather go out for sushi, steak or pasta, your meal will be closer to $10-$15 per plate. Groceries are very affordable with Walmart, Mega and Chedraui on offer.

Taxis are 50 pesos ($2.50) pretty much everywhere around Playa, or you can walk or rent a shared bike.

We live quite comfortably here in a top-floor, 2-bedroom apartment, and spend around $4,000 per month, including day trips, nights out, etc. Although, it’s definitely possible to spend much less. 

Pros of Living in Playa del Carmen

• Location right on the Caribbean Sea
• It’s flat, so walking is easy
• Delivery services are available (Amazon, etc.)
• Comforts of home and western amenities (Walmart, Costco, etc.)
• Great weather, except for the hurricane season
• Large digital nomad population and like-minded expats

Cons of Living in Playa del Carmen

• A lack of Mexican culture
• The seaweed (sargassum) that shows up on the beach, which happens often
• Lots of construction
• It’s very touristed
• Tourist pricing – if you don’t speak Spanish (or, even if you do), you’ll usually pay more if you’re not Mexican

What’s the Visa Situation in Playa del Carmen?

Citizens of 69 countries (including all of the EU, Canada and the USA) are able to stay 6 months in Mexico, visa-free, making Playa del Carmen a great digital nomad city.

2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 

• WiFi around 70 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartments from $500/month
• 6 month stay for most nationalities

Written by Sasha Savinov

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city in Mexico’s Banderas Bay. My wife and I moved here in February 2017 when we started teaching English online and we’ve spent 6-7 months out of every year here since then.

It’s a beautiful place with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sierra Madre mountains on the other. While there are plenty of luxury condos and shopping malls being built, you can still very easily find the traditional side of PV by walking the cobblestone streets, eating at the taco trucks, and perusing the local markets.

Why is Puerto Vallarta a Great City for Digital Nomads? 

There are plenty of reasons why more and more nomads are choosing to call PV home. The community has been growing consistently over the past few years.

The Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomads Facebook group currently has over 800 people, for example. There are big meet-ups once a month as well as co-working days and other smaller events from time to time.

It’s possible to get fiber optic internet at home here now, and there are a few excellent co-working spaces if you prefer that.

We find that Puerto Vallarta gives you all the comforts of a big city and the excitement of a popular tourist destination. At the same time, it retains much of its charm and tradition — something we find lacking in places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

When you’re not working here, you can go surfing, SUPing, hiking, scuba diving… the list of activities in Puerto Vallarta goes on and on. There’s a vibrant culture here as well as an exciting nightlife scene. Best of all, living here is quite affordable!

How to Find Apartments in Puerto Vallarta 

These days, your best bet for finding accommodation in Puerto Vallarta is through various Facebook groups. People are posting places for rent every day, so you can start to browse listings well before you even land.

A good idea is to rent an Airbnb for a week or more so you can do a proper apartment hunt.

Most digital nomads look to the Romantic Zone (heart of the nightlife), Centro (home to the church, main plaza, shopping), 5 de Diciembre (local neighborhood with great restaurants and cafes), or Versalles (up and coming residential area with a booming culinary scene) neighborhoods.

I recommend checking all of them out to figure out which one you like the best, then posting in a FB group with your requirements. You’ll have dozens of offers before you know it and can then go look at places in person to find what’s best for you.

Most places will want at least a 6-month commitment, though. If you’re only staying for a few months, you can just stick with Airbnb or VRBO.

WiFi Speed in Puerto Vallarta

There’s fiber optic internet available in most of the central areas of PV these days, which is great. Our home internet connection just gave results of 65 mbps down and 20 up when I ran a speed test.

We work at home and rarely have any issues. It drops out for a few minutes from time to time, so we make sure to have data on our phones to use as a hot spot when that does happen. 

Co-working Spaces in Puerto Vallarta

Vallarta Co-Work is a great option as it’s located in Centro right near the Romantic Zone. They have a variety of options, from hot desks to private office space. It costs 1,160 pesos ($58) for a week or 2,900 ($145) for a month for a hot desk. The price is 3,100 ($155) if you want your own dedicated desk.

It’s a good community of remote workers and they often have events. If you end up living in Versalles, Natureza is a good option. We’ve never used their co-working space but have taken our computers there for lunch and coffee to work for a few hours and quite enjoyed it.

Their options are a bit cheaper, as you can get a monthly membership for just 1,900 pesos ($95). There are also dozens of nice cafes where you can plop down with your laptop for a few hours to get some work done.

Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta

When it comes to the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta, it really depends on you and your tastes.

It’s possible to find a decent studio apartment for as little as 5,000 pesos ($250) a month. You could also pay upwards of 30,000 ($1,500) if you want to live in a fancy condo with rooftop infinity pools.

It only costs 10 pesos to ride the bus anywhere in town, while taxis cost between 50-100 ($2.50 – $5) for short trips. You can eat some of the best tacos ever on the streets for just a few bucks, or you can sit down to a 9-course tasting menu in a fancy restaurant for closer to $100.

A domestic beer in a bar usually only costs 30-40 pesos ($2), but cocktails will set you back closer to 200 ($10). This year we’re splurging a bit on one of those fancy condos. We’ve also been going out quite a lot and doing big tours that have been on our bucket list for a while.

Even with all that, we’re spending between $2,400 – $3,000 a month. It’s definitely easy to get by on $1,000 a month or less here, though. 

Pros of Living in Puerto Vallarta as a Digital Nomad

• Beach and mountain access
• International airport with good options
• High-speed internet readily available
• Amazing selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Tight-knit community of young expats and digital nomads

Cons of Living in Puerto Vallarta as a Digital Nomad

• “Gringo pricing” (i.e. always being treated like a tourist)
• Lots of construction these days
• Can be very crowded in the winter months
• Getting more expensive
• Bus system is confusing and always changes

What’s the Visa Situation in Puerto Vallarta?

Most people can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days as a tourist. This is enough for most digital nomads, who travel home or to another country at least once a year.

They rarely even ask how long you’re staying upon arrival at the PV airport. You can apply for a temporary residence permit at a Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country if you think you might want to stay longer and potentially become a resident.

You extend the temporary one for four years until you can become a permanent resident. We’ve always just taken the 180-day stamp and made PV our base for half of the year.

3. Medellin, Colombia 

• WiFi up to 100 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartments from $350/month
• 90 day stay for most nationalities

Written by Sasha Savinov

When it comes to digital nomad hubs in Latin America, it’s hard to beat Medellin. Colombia’s Spring City is an innovative, forward-thinking city.

With an ideal climate, low cost of living, and an abundance of coworking spaces, it’s no wonder nomads flock here. We’ve spent 6-8 weeks in Medellin on a few occasions and plan to keep returning to this amazing city.

Why is Medellin a Great City for Digital Nomads?

Medellin is a great choice for nomads for a variety of reasons. It’s got the amenities of a big city but is way more relaxed than others.

The weather is great (it’s called the City of Eternal Spring), there’s super fast WiFi and a ton of co-working spaces and cafes. Plus there are numerous things to do here, and the nomad community is huge. It’s probably the DN capital of Latin America.

How to Find Apartments in Medellin

There are plenty of apartments available. I recommend staying at a place like Selina for a few days, jumping on the FB groups, and scheduling visits.

Poblado and Laureles are the most popular neighborhoods for nomads and expats. There are tons of places on Airbnb if you prefer to use that to start, with solid discounts for monthly stays.

WiFi Speed in Medellin

Generally speaking, the WiFi in Medellin is excellent, especially in the neighborhoods where nomads are. You can get a super-fast home connection at around 100 Mbps/second.

The speeds are great at most of the co-working spaces and even many cafes, which are quite used to DNs by now. You can also get a local SIM card and load it with data for $10 or so to have a backup.

Co-working Spaces in Medellin 

There are so many co-working spaces and cafes it’s kind of overwhelming!

We enjoyed working at La Casa Redonda in Laureles and Selina’s space in Poblado is great. As for cafes – Pergamino, Cafe Zeppelin, and Hija Mia are some of our favorites. See more top co-working spaces in Medellin here.

Cost of Living in Medellin

If you’re willing to stay in a studio or shared space, your rent can be as little as a couple hundred bucks. We’ve paid closer to $750-800 both times we’ve rented on Airbnb for a month, and then negotiated a lower price for extending our stay.

You can spend over $1,000 if you want a luxury place with a rooftop pool, gym, and all that good stuff. Getting around is very affordable with the metro, bus, scooters, and bikes.

It’s easy to find a cheap meal and going out won’t break the bank if you stick to beers. We spent about $3,000 total for a month, which included going out a lot and several tours/activities.

Pros of Living in Medellin as a Digital Nomad

• Spring-like weather year-round
• Super nice locals
• Choice of co-working/cafes
• Excellent public transport
• Lots of free activities

Cons of Living in Medellin as a Digital Nomad

• “Gringo pricing” — especially for apartments
• Still a bit dangerous
• Sleazy vibe in Poblado
• Repetitive night life
• Food is mediocre

What is the Visa Situation in Medellin?

For nomads from about 100 countries, you can get 90 days in Colombia on arrival. This can be extended for another 90, but you can’t exceed 180 days in a calendar year.

Some nomads move there in July, extend their visa in October, make a visa run in January, and start over again to get a full year.

☞ SEE MORE: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Medellin, Colombia

4. Merida, Mexico 

• WiFi around100 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartments from $250/month
• 6 month stay for most nationalities

Written by Nathan Aguilera

Merida, Mexico has been my on and off base for more than three years now. Merida is located in the Mexican state of Yucatan in the north part of the Yucatan Peninsula — famous for cenotes, beaches, and Mayan ruins.

Why is Merida One of The Best Places for Digital Nomads?

Merida is a great digital nomad city because of the low cost of living, how safe the city is (safest city in all of Mexico), well connected international airport, fast wifi, and the plethora of things to see and do located nearby.

There is also a growing digital nomad scene in Merida, with many nomads coming for weeks or months at a time.

Combine the low cost of living and impressive internet speeds with some of the friendliest locals in the world in a gorgeous city full of unique culture, and you can see why so many digital nomads have taken notice of Merida.

How to Find Apartments in Merida

Most nomads tend to book Airbnbs for shorter stays but for those wanting to stay longer you can find reasonably priced accommodation on Facebook Marketplace, in Facebook groups such as Merida Casitas for Rent.

I’ve had the best luck by finding the neighborhood I want to rent in and hitting the streets looking for “Se Renta” signs.

My favorite neighborhoods for living are Santa Ana, Santiago, Santa Lucia, or Garcia Gineres if you want a bit of a more local experience.

Many traveling as a family or with children choose to live in the north side as it feels a bit more like home to them — large malls, Sam’s Club, Costco, chain restaurants, etc. I prefer to stay in the Centro area as it has more of a local feel.

Co-working Spaces in Merida 

Coworking spaces in Merida are available but are not as prevalent as in other nomad cities. You can however work from most cafes with no problems.

My favorite coworking space is Conexion 60, located in the trendy Paseo 60 shopping area. Some of my favorite cafes to work from are Latte Quatro Sette, Te Extrano Extrano, and Kadus Cafe.

WiFi Speed in Merida

WiFi in Merida is fast and stable. The cafe I’m working from now has speeds of 117 down and 100 up, which is not uncommon.

Cost of Living in Merida

The cost of living in Merida is one of the main reasons nomads are flocking to the city. I have previously rented a 1 bed 2 bath house in a great neighborhood for as little as 5000 pesos or about $250 USD.

Prices can be even less if you look outside of Centro. I’m currently renting a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house with a private swimming pool with all bills included (even electricity, which is rare to find) for $10,500 pesos or about $530 USD.

I have friends renting large houses with bigger pools and detached guest houses for about $750 USD per month. I don’t know many people paying more than $1000 USD a month and that is for a large family house in a gated neighborhood.

Food costs can vary depending on your tastes.

Street tacos will set you back about 10 pesos or $0.50 cents each, simple but delicious lunches in a cocina economica cost about $2.75 for a large serving of meat, beans, rice, and tortillas or you can splurge on a 10-course tasting menu for $150 USD.

Local beers cost about $0.50 USD each and there are craft cocktail bars that will set you back $10-12 USD per drink. Have a look at this post about the best restaurants in Merida.

Pros of Living in Merida as a Digital Nomad

• Cost of living — you get so much for your money here. If you are earning an American wage it goes so much further.
• The weather — most of the year is better than back home. It’s January and I’m currently sitting outdoors in a cafe writing this up in shorts and a t-shirt.
• Incredibly friendly locals who are very proud of their city. This likely has a lot to do with why Merida is continually voted the safest city in all of Mexico and the second safest city in all of North America.
• The growing expat and digital nomad scene. When I first arrived in Merida nearly four years ago the DN scene was a fraction of what it is now. The nomad scene is steadily increasing with interesting people from around the world who are usually happy to network and collaborate.
• The international airport is one of the busiest in all of Mexico which makes it affordable to explore other parts of Mexico or even to get back to the USA or Canada.

Cons of Living in Merida as a Digital Nomad

• The same weather that I usually love can get unbearably hot from April to late June or July with temperatures regularly topping 100° (37 C).
• The beach is about 45 minutes from downtown Merida and while they’re nice enough if you want a beach day they are not the stunning beaches found on the Caribbean side.
• For many that are not used to it, Merida can be very noisy, especially for those of us living downtown. Neighbors whose party doesn’t start until midnight, buses, firecrackers — it can take some getting used to.
• The rainy season here can cause streets to flood and all the moisture can bring huge mold problems. This year was the first year I had mold issues in my house and it was a huge pain.
• It’s easy to get “trapped” here. I, like many of my friends, came years ago just passing through and ended up staying for much longer than we intended. The city is just so easy to live in and modern conveniences like Uber and Rappi make leaving a challenge!

What is the Visa Situation for Living in Merida?

Many countries are granted a 6-month visa on arrival which makes staying long term easier than in many places where you need to constantly worry about visa runs.

5. Oaxaca, Mexico 

• WiFi speeds vary, average 20 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartments from $150/month
• 6 month stay for most nationalities

Written by Ian Ord

Oaxaca City, located in the state of the same name, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by the endless mezcal farms and mountains.

Oaxaca has some of the best food in Mexico, and varied indigenous groups — this is one of the more traditional and authentic areas of the country. 

I’ve been basing myself in Oaxaca since 2016. Due to the city’s vibrancy, colourful buildings, welcoming locals and expat community, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world!

Why is Oaxaca a Top City for Digital Nomads?

There are many reasons why Oaxaca is one of the best cities for digital nomads. The main reasons being the tight community of remote workers, how affordable the city is when compared to other Mexican destinations, the many amenities on offer, and the easy access to nature and historical sites in the area.

How to Find Apartments in Oaxaca

There are many amazing places to rent in Oaxaca, ranging from long term co-living spaces and basic studios, to deluxe private colonial houses, and even a few modern condos. Have a look at Airbnb or this Facebook group to find a place to stay in Oaxaca. 

The best neighbourhoods to look at for digital nomads are Jatalaco and Xochimilco, which are close to the historic center, numerous cafes, parks and restaurants as well. 

WiFi Speed in Oaxaca

The wifi in Oaxaca isn’t the greatest, which makes it a bit of a challenge for digital nomads. Fast wifi does exist, it’s just difficult to find!

I’ve experienced everything from 0.8 Mbps – 150 Mbps download speeds. Make sure to speak with your landlord about the wifi before renting an apartment. Or, work from one of the co-working spaces.

Co-working Spaces in Oaxaca 

Here are three great co-working options in Oaxaca:

1. Convivio Oaxaca – the longest-running co-working space in Oaxaca and with the fastest wifi as well. Costs range from $10/day to $90/month. See this article for a full review of the Convivio co-working space. 
2. Work Coffe Inc. – their internet ranges from 50-100 MBS depending on the package you buy. Costs start at $5 USD per day – $45 USD per month
3. Selina – while this is a popular co-working chain in Mexico, for some reason the wifi here is pretty slow. But, the attraction is the community of people, the rooftop bar, and location. Day passes are $10.

Cost of Living in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a great budget city for digital nomads. You can find tacos for $0.50, sandwiches for $1, and a plate of food for around $5. If you want to splurge, you can also find fine dining for $100 a meal.

Accommodation is half the cost of other places in Mexico (such as Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta). Rentals range from 3000 pesos ($150 USD) to 20,000 pesos+ ($1000 USD+) per month,.

The average cost of a private, centrally located furnished apartment is around 8,000-10,000 pesos ($400-500/month).

You could easily get by in Oaxaca for between $1,200 – 1,400 USD per month, including everything, and live VERY comfortably.

Pros of Living in Oaxaca as a Digital Nomad

• Oaxaca is a foodie paradise, with some of the most delicious and diverse cuisine in Mexico!
• One of the prettiest and safest towns in the world
• Walkable and packed with places to go and things to do
• It’s got an amazing expat and remote working community
• The locals are kind, humble and welcoming

Cons of Living in Oaxaca as a Digital Nomad

• It’s not uncommon to see protests or disruptive street blockades. They are usually always peaceful
• Though very safe, and free from cartel and mafia activity, Oaxaca is a poor state, so petty crime such as pickpocketing does exist
• Oaxaca is far from the beach
• Due to rapid growth in exposure and popularity, Oaxaca it runs a high risk of growing without solid infrastructure. Visit responsibly, and try to shop and support locally, and keep things sustainable.

What is the Visa Situation for Oaxaca?

While it depends on your nationality, most visas (either applied for in advance, or a Visa on Arrival) are for 6 months, and are free. This makes for one of the best visas in the world.

Honourable Mentions for Digital Nomad Cities in Latin America:

1. Antigua, Guatemala
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Cuenca, Ecuador
4. San Jose, Costa Rica

Best European Cities for Digital Nomads

These are the stand-out destinations when it comes to the best places for digital nomads in Europe.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

• WiFi speeds vary, average 20 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartments from $845/month
• 90 day stay for most nationalities

Written by Dariece Swift

Set on the Tagus River, the picturesque city of Lisbon has become a hotspot with digital nomads over the years. With an open-minded attitude, electrifying vibe, an abundance of things to see and do, and numerous events and meet-ups, Lisbon is a true gem. 

Nick and I spent 4 months living in Lisbon and really got to know the city well during that time. 

Why is Lisbon One of The Best Cities For Digital Nomads? 

Lisbon truly has everything a digital nomad could want or need. Numerous co-working spaces, an abundance of apartments, an entrepreneurial atmosphere, numerous cafes, gyms, yoga…the list goes on.

Not to mention, Lisbon is a great hub for going on day trips nearby.

As Portugal is such a small country, you can be in the stunning Algarve region within 2 hours, the National Park in the north within 4 hours, or just a quick 30-minute drive brings you to the oceanside town of Cascais.  

How to Find Apartments in Lisbon

Lisbon’s accommodation scene has exploded in recent years. There are numerous ways to find a place to stay, with Airbnb always being my choice. Being able to read reviews and have something booked when we land is what Nick and I prefer. 

There are also Facebook groups for digital nomads in Lisbon where you can find apartments listed. Just be aware of scams, and if you’re going this route, always wait to see the apartment in person when you arrive rather than booking ahead.

Written by Sarah Hughes 

Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, has seen a huge increase in popularity and tourism in recent years. The mix of gorgeous architecture, historic sites, dynamic nightlife, and a tasty food scene make it a great tourist destination.

But, as we found out, after calling Budapest home for several months, it’s also a very liveable city and a decent location for digital nomads.

Why is Budapest a Top City for Digital Nomads?

Aside from the appealing attributes listed above, Budapest also has a pretty laid back lifestyle, good public transportation, lots of fun things to see and do, plus numerous cafes and co-work spaces.

How to Find Apartments in Budapest

We’ve always used Airbnb for our stays of 3 months or less and have usually been able to negotiate a reasonable monthly rate.

But, if you’re not limited to the 90 days Schengen stay you’ll no doubt find much better long-term rental rates on the ground. I would advise going through an agent when looking for longer rentals in Budapest.

As far as where to stay in Budapest it really depends on your budget and priorities. The first thing to decide is whether to live in Buda or Pest. This is a pretty easy decision since the two areas are quite different.

The Pest side is home to the city center and is, therefore, busier and noisier but is more convenient, vibrant, and interesting.

The hilly Buda side is quieter, classier, and more residential with lots of green space. Cost-wise, Pest tends to be more budget-friendly than Buda.

Of the 23 districts of Budapest, the most popular districts are V, VI, and VII on the Pest side and District I on the Buda side.

WiFi Speed in Budapest

For the most part, Budapest ranks quite well with an average fixed broadband download speed of 175 Mbps and upload of 83 Mbps. However, as with anywhere, this can vary so it’s always good to check your rental’s speed — especially if you plan to work from home.

Co-working Spaces in Budapest 

There are more co-working spaces on the Buda side. Kaptar Coworking often tops the list with its central location, energized atmosphere, and variety of seating and workspaces.

Impact Hub Budapest is part of a massive worldwide chain that offers a “coworking passport”. It’s easy to reach by public transit, is reasonably priced, and has a great community for events and networking.

If beautiful decor gets your creative juices flowing then the appropriately named Muse is a good choice. A gorgeous parquet floor, a spiral wrought iron staircase, and a great balcony for a people-watching break are just a few of the unique features of Muse.

Cost of Living in Budapest

The city is relatively easy on the budget, at least in comparison with most of Western Europe. As a couple, we were able to live quite comfortably for less than $2,000 USD per month. This included a basic but nice apartment in the city center and dining out a couple of times a week.

Pros of Living in Budapest as a Digital Nomad

• Good WiFi
• Lots of coworking spaces
• Reasonable cost of living
• Budapest has lots to see and do
• Central location for touring Europe

Cons of Living in Budapest as a Digital Nomad

• 90 day limit for non-Schengen passport holders
• The Hungarian language is very difficult but luckily most young people in the city center will speak some English
• There are 4 distinct seasons in Hungary, including a fairly cold winter
• Budapest is landlocked and far from any ocean which may be a negative for some
• Smoking is still very prevalent in Budapest and is still allowed in some bars and restaurants

3. Tbilisi, Georgia

• WiFi around 20 Mbps (can be upgraded to 100 Mbps)
• 1 bedroom apartments from $350/month
• 365 day stay for most nationalities

Written by Tom Williams 

Tbilisi is the capital of the Republic of Georgia. Sitting on the eastern fringe of Europe it offers a rapidly developing environment with a government actively promoting the country to digital nomads.

Georgia is the birthplace of wine (8000-year-old archaeological evidence), and in Tbilisi, founded in the 6th century, ancient architecture and the former intersection of the silk road sit close to inner-city suburbs with all mod cons.

Within 45 minutes drive of the city you can be in wine country, or halfway to the mountains and ski resorts. But Tbilisi itself, on the same latitude as Rome, experiences hot summers, and mild winters with very little snow.

Why is Tbilisi a Great City for Digital Nomads?

The 24-hour lifestyle gives you huge flexibility for those who want to have dinner at 3 am, or party in the park until 6 am. And the fast-growing reputation of Tbilisi as a new digital nomad hub means you’ll always have plenty of new friends to experience everything the city has to offer.

To recover from the partying, gyms and health clubs are scattered across the city.

How to Find Apartments in Tbilisi

For short to mid-term rentals (less than 6 months) Airbnb normally has a lot of options. Always message the host to discuss pricing for longer stays. For a rental over 6 months, My Home has a huge selection at local prices.

The best areas to stay in Tbilisi are:

Vake: Leafy suburb, popular with expats.
Old Town / Rustaveli / Vera: Historic area with older architecture.
Saburtalo: Modern apartment blocks. Lower cost of living.

WiFi Speed in Tbilisi

Most apartments in the city have fiber optic. Standard is 20Mbps Up/Down. This can be upgraded month by month to 100Mbps. So, ask your landlord and pay the difference.

Co-working Spaces in Tbilisi 

Options for coworking spaces in Tbilisi vary from professional office style co-working to libraries for those on a budget. Here are some good options:

Terminal (multiple locations) focuses on higher-end coworkers, featuring hot-desking as well as dedicated office space, with pro services.
ImpactHub (Marjanishivili) is a more casual environment for those passing through.
Lokal (Vera/Vake) is an expat operated co-working/co-living space with an emphasis on community spirit.

Cost of Living in Tbilisi

Overall, the cost of living in Tbilisi is very low. With a nice meal out for 2, with a litre of wine, costing about $30, studio apartments in a decent location starting around $200, and taxi rides rarely costing more than $1 to $3, your wallet will be very happy.

Example Budget: 2 people, sharing a 2-bedroom apartment

Rent: $500 Per month (2-bedroom modern apartment, 75m squared, furnished, decent area of town)
Utilities: $50 (Water, Gas, Electric, Garbage)
Fibre Internet & 4G network: $20 (Home internet 20MB + 2 sim cards for 4G)
Transport: $60 (~40 taxi rides per month)
Food Shopping: $280
Eating Out: $300 (Dinner out twice per week, as well as some light lunches)
Entertainment: $150
Other: $140

Total: $1,200 USD for two people. Comfortable, mid-level budget.

You could significantly reduce this by living in a 1 bedroom apartment or studio ($200 to $300 per month) and eating out/going out less. You could also live in relative luxury without spending a huge amount more.

Pros of Living in Tbilisi as a Digital Nomad

• Bang for your buck.
• Active food, wine & nightlife culture.
• Benefits of a capital city while only having 1 million population. You can be in the countryside within 30 to 45 minutes drive and community spirit is high compared to mega cities.
• Well travelled expat/nomad community. This is not Chiang Mai. Most who decided to settle for a while in Tbilisi have already tried out a lot of other destinations.
• Up and coming attitude. The difference in the last 5 years is incredible. Things are changing (improving) fast. For those staying longer, the 1% tax rates are a huge reason to move your digital nomad business to Georgia.

Cons of Living in Tbilisi as a Digital Nomad

• Traffic. Avoid travel between 6pm & 8pm Monday to Friday.
• Pollution. Tbilisi is in a valley. This can lead to haze. It’s not terrible but it’s enough to have some concerns.
• Infrastructure. Public transport is improving but taxis are still the primary choice given their low cost and convenience. Intercity transport is often in very cramped minibuses. Though some modern trains are now available.
• Health & Safety. Potholes, broken sidewalks and insane driving all lead to a riskier lifestyle.

What is the Visa Situation in Tbilisi?

365 days on arrival (For the 95 countries that qualify, includes EU, UK, US etc) with the ability to travel, live and work legally without restriction. Cross the border and return immediately to get another 365 days in perpetuity.

Pre-COVID, digital nomads could enter on the basis of $2,000 USD per month income (or $24,000 USD in savings). Read more about entry requirements here. We expect regular entry rules to return sometime in 2021.

If you intend to stay more than 183 days in any 12 month period, you will trigger tax residency. If you qualify for the 1% tax rate, this can actually be a very good thing, but you must apply for this in advance, not retroactively.
Information for remote workers can be found here.

4. Bansko, Bulgaria

• WiFi around 100 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartments from $275/month
• 90 day stay for most nationalities

Written by Alice Nettleingham

Looking for the most friendly, affordable mountain ski town in Europe? Bansko in the southwest of Bulgaria is where it’s at! With an easy 90-day stay available, this is my second time here and I’ve been living in Bansko for 4 months so far. Here’s why…

Why is Bansko a Great City for Digital Nomads?

Bansko is a top choice for digital nomads. It’s incredibly safe and the community is strong. You’ll never grow tired of the amazing variety of professions, ideas, and initiatives that materialize from the entrepreneurs who come here.

Socially, my life has never been so busy. There are hiking events, group dinners, hot spring nights, board game get-togethers, masterminds, workshops, and yoga mornings.

You have mountains to hike and ski down. Forests to explore. Plenty of bars to cheers a beer or two in and gyms to get buff in.

Oh, and if you really want the Bulgarian experience, don’t miss trying the local delicacies. Ayran (a salty yoghurt drink), wedges of Banitsa (a cheesy pastry) and local Bansko sausages are all good.

You can walk from one end of Bansko to the other in about 30 minutes. In the Old Town you’ll find all of the locals and the traditional buildings. But many nomads are also drawn to the Gondola location, because it’s right next to the ski lift and the nightclubs.

How to Find Apartments in Bansko

Airbnb is here, but my best advice is to look on the ground yourself when you arrive. I highly recommend Four Leaf Clover, Avalon and Bansko Royal Towers.

WiFi Speed in Bansko

In Bansko, you can find 100 Mbps, and 4G data. The WiFi hits all of your top speed needs! It’s fast, solid and consistent. 

Co-working Spaces in Bansko

Bansko has 3 coworking options. Current membership prices start from €129 for Coworking Bansko (minus VAT), €129 for Altspace (inc. VAT) and €75 for Four Leaf Clover Coworking.

These prices reflect joining up as a member for 1 month at a time, but there are deals for signing on for longer and different prices for weekly memberships!

Cost of Living in Bansko

Accommodation costs start from €150 but be aware that you’re going to have to pay for heating in winter – and that adds up! Expect around €80 a month if you’re turning it on in the evenings. For a meal, it costs around €7. The cost of living in Bansko is incredibly affordable.

Pros of Living in Bansko

• Incredibly safe
• Mountain and ski town
• 3 coworking spaces
• Europe on a budget
• Awesome food

Cons of Living in Bansko

• Heating bills in Winter
• Apartments are not the most soundproof – which is why they are hard to keep warm in the winter

What is The Visa Situation For Bansko?

Bulgaria is part of the EU, which is great for EU citizens who can therefore stay as long as they want. Many other nationalities receive a 90-day visa-free stay.  

Honourable mentions for Europe:

Best Places for Digital Nomads in The Caribbean

While the Caribbean hasn’t become a hotspot (yet) for remote workers (due to costs, lack of amenities, and ease of travel), there are a couple of standouts to consider.

1. Barbados

• WiFi around 100 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartment average $990/month
• 6 month stay for most nationalities

Written by Dariece Swift

The island nation of Barbados sits in the Atlantic Ocean, and is the easternmost island in the Caribbean. This stunning atoll is different from its neighbours in that it’s a flat, coral island, rather than a volcanic one. 

Due to this, Barbados is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean! Nick and I spent 2 months living in Barbados in the parish of St. George while petsitting. 

With English as the first language, a slow-paced vibe, and a more “western” mindset, Barbados is a top choice when it comes to places to live in the Caribbean.

Why is Barbados a Great Place for Digital Nomads? 

Barbados as a whole is a great choice for digital nomads due to the recent Welcome Stamp that the country implemented in 2020.

With this visa, DNs can stay for 1 year on the island, while enjoying blazing fast wifi (up to 600 Mbps download speed is available!), and stunning weather.

There are lots of things to see and do, and while you can’t take a boat to the neighbouring islands, you can find flights. Plus, there are direct flights to Barbados from Canada, the USA, the UK, and other parts of Europe. 

There are numerous activities to keep you busy in Barbados, including scuba diving, SUP’ing, kayaking and surfing. Plus, you’ll find everything from beach bars and fish fry-ups to fine dining on the island.

This isn’t a popular digital nomad destination (yet), but if you’re looking for somewhere a little more offtrack, Barbados could be a good spot for you.

How to Find Apartments in Barbados 

You can easily find a place to stay in Barbados on Airbnb. Another option is to check out VRBO, or one of the real estate companies when you arrive on the island. There’s a newly created digital nomad group on Facebook that you can have a look at also.

Barbados is small, so no matter where you stay on the island, you’ll be able to easily get around.

The best area to stay in for digital nomads is the southern/western part of Barbados. This is where you’ll find the best beaches for swimming, most of the restaurants, the coworking space, and all the action as well. 

WiFi Speed in Barbados

Barbados has super-fast wifi: 60 – 120 Mbps download, and 20 – 60 Mbps upload speed.

Co-working Spaces in Barbados

Since Barbados is new to the remote working scene, there’s really just one official coworking space on the island — One Welches. The cost is 850 BBD ($420) per month. I always worked from our home in Barbados or at a cafe. 

There are some great cafes and restaurants you can work at as well: Senses Marche, Artsplash Cafe, or Planet Juice…to name a few. Just make sure you always purchase a meal and drink if you are going to be working at one of these places. 

Cost of Living in Barbados

If you’re looking for a budget destination for digital nomads, Barbados isn’t it. However, if you’re looking to live on a Caribbean island, and have some cash to spend, it’s a good option. 

A basic one-bedroom apartment will vary from $650 – $1,830 USD per month. Transportation is affordable at around $1.75 for a bus ride

While the accommodation and transport aren’t expensive, it’s dining out, groceries, and entertainment that will add to your cost of living.

Most items need to be imported to Barbados, which drives up the costs of groceries and other household items. If you stick to local foods, your costs will be reduced, but if you want any international food, it’ll cost a lot more.

Pros of Living in Barbados

• Beautiful beaches
• Fast wifi
• Very friendly people
• Lots of dining options
• Digital nomad visa is available
• Great rum!

Cons of Living in Barbados

• Very expensive
• The weather is nice, but it can be very hot and humid
• The island is densely populated and the traffic is horrendous
• You’re on “island time”, meaning things move slowly (which is good, but frustrating if you need to get important things done)
• Since Barbados a coral island, it’s flat, meaning there aren’t a lot of hikes available 

What’s the Visa Situation in Barbados?

With the new Welcome Stamp, if you qualify, you can stay for 1 year in Barbados. Otherwise, you are granted 6 months in the country.

Honourable mentions for the Caribbean:

Best Cities For Digital Nomads in Asia

A pick of the top cities in Asia to live and work as a digital nomad this year.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

• WiFi around 20 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartment average $435/month
• 90 day stay for most nationalities (after extending)

Written by Anna Faustino 

Located in Central Thailand, Chiang Mai is known as a digital nomad hotspot due to its warm year-round climate, cheap cost of living, and abundance of great food and cafes. My partner Tom and I have lived in Chiang Mai on and off over the last three years and absolutely love it there.

Why is Chiang Mai a Great City for Digital Nomads?

For me, one of the biggest reasons why we love living in Chiang Mai is the abundance of good (and insanely cheap) street food! Although it is a city, there are also tons of fun things to do like the Monks Trail up Doi Suthep as well as camping in some of the National Parks. 

Chiang Mai is known for its cafe culture and has an abundance of beautiful cafes (most with great wifi) where you can work for a couple of hours.

Because we are constantly surrounded by other digital nomads, there are always a ton of meetups where we’ve learned a lot of productivity tips that helped us grow our blog. The Old Town has an abundance of temples which you can visit during your time there if you want to know more about the local culture.

How to Find Apartments in Chiang Mai

Most digital nomads stay in Nimmanhaemin Neighborhood (Nimman for short) as it has the most number of cafes, co-working spaces, and shops. Most tourists tend to stick to the Old Town but if you have a motorbike you can easily get from one place to the other.

As in most digital nomad hotspots, you can easily find places to stay on Airbnb or through Facebook groups. There are dedicated Facebook groups around Chiang Mai just for housing and rental.

WiFi Speed in Chiang Mai 

Chiang Mai has some of the fastest internet speeds that we’ve encountered in Asia! 20-40 Mbps download is the standard internet speed in cafes while co-working spaces can go up to 100mbps.

Generally speaking though, you can get blazing fast internet installed in your home for $25 a month.

Co-working Spaces in Chiang Mai 

Apart from fun cafes, there are a ton of co-working spaces in Chiang Mai. A few of our favorites are Pun Space, Heartwork, and Buristro (this one has a pool!).

You can also check out the co-working space in Maya Mall called CAMP. This is a free co-working space where a lot of local students hang out.

Cost of Living in Chiang Mai

The cost of living in Chiang Mai is relatively cheap, but naturally, this depends on your lifestyle but on average you can get a studio for $350-400.

A good budget would be around $1200-1500 for accommodation, food, weekend trips, etc. But there are tons of people who live on $750-1000 per month.

Pros of Living in Chiang Mai:

• Amazing street food
• Lots of culture
• Very safe (you can leave your laptop lying around and it will still be there!)
• Lots of digital nomad events
• Fast Internet

Cons of Living in Chiang Mai: 

• Landlocked (far away from the beach)
• Air quality can get bad during burning season (January – March)
• Road Safety
• Freedom of speech (monitored by Thai govt)
• Animal tours (elephants and tigers) are still prevalent.

What’s the Visa Situation in Thailand?

The visa situation in Thailand can be a little tricky but with advance planning, you can easily apply for tourist visas, allowing you to stay in the country for longer.

If you opt to get a visa on arrival, you get 30 days when landing but if you apply for a tourist visa in the Thai consulate, you can get 60 days with the option to extend for another 30 days when your visa runs out, giving you a total of 90 days or 3 months.

If you intend to stay in Thailand for longer, make sure you apply for the double or triple entry for your tourist visa, allowing you to do border runs to nearby countries like Laos or the Philippines.

☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Chiang Mai

2. Canggu, Indonesia

• WiFi around 25 Mbps (up to 100Mbps)
• 1 bedroom villa average $500/month
• 60 day stay for most nationalities (after extending)

Written by Dariece Swift

Canggu has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a digital nomad, surfer, vegan, hipster, or animal lover, you’ll find your place in this beach town on the island of Bali.

While it has become much more developed over the years, it’s still a great place to connect with likeminded people and unwind for a while. Together with Nick, I spent 3 months living in Canggu and really enjoyed my stay. 

Why is Canggu a Good Choice for Digital Nomads?

Canggu checks all the boxes when it comes to digital nomad destinations. Not only are there co-working spaces available, but it’s the norm to work from your laptop at cafes (of course, you should buy something), and you’ll find people living the laptop lifestyle at all times of the day.

You’ll find numerous restaurants serving up international cuisine and Balinese specialties, loads of events and workshops geared towards earning money remotely, and a plethora of things to see and do in your downtime. Work hard, play hard!

How to Find Apartments in Canggu

Canggu isn’t like the other digital nomad cities on this list as rather than apartments, most people rent gorgeous pool villas!

I recommend staying in a guesthouse or an Airbnb and then look for a villa when you arrive. Sadly, in many cases, what you see online isn’t the reality (unless you book a Superhost with lots of reviews on Airbnb). Have a look at the many Facebook groups geared towards rentals.

Some of the best neighbourhoods are Batu Bolong (the busiest and most central), Echo Beach (co-working and surfing), Pererenan (quieter, more local), Berawa (expat area, cafes) and Umalas (expensive, exclusive).

We stayed in Berawa and found it to be a great location among the rice paddies, just a short scooter ride to the beach, and filled with cafes and restaurants. 

WiFi Speed in Canggu 

Indonesia is a developing country. So, you can expect power cuts and dropped wifi from time to time. Having said that, we had no problems working as DNs for 3 months in Canggu — while getting up to 100Mbsp. It’s not uncommon to get around 25 Mbps. 

Indonesia has great data plans where you can get 30GB for around $10.

Co-Working Spaces in Canggu

We prefer to work from home, but Canggu has lots of co-working spaces, with DoJo being the most popular. It’s around $15 for a day pass and $200 per month for unlimited usage.

Cost of Living in Canggu

One of the best things about living in Canggu is affordability. Luxury, 2 bedroom pool villas for $50/night or less, a scooter rental is around $50/month, Indonesian food is just a few dollars, and international or health-focused meals cost around $5 each. 

Dining out in Canggu costs less than purchasing groceries, which is why most people opt to go to restaurants or cafes. We spent about $2,500 per month, which is at the high end. You could spend much less in Canggu and live quite comfortably.

Pros of Living in Canggu

• Surrounded by likeminded remote workers and entrepreneurs
• Excellent value for money
• Quality of life is great
• Lots of restaurants, cafes and bars
• Numerous workshops and seminars
• Friendly locals who you can befriend

Cons of Living in Canggu

• Traffic is a problem
• Overdevelopment – which means the loss of rice paddies and nature
• Non-swimmable beach at times (it’s a great place for surfing, but can be too rough for swimming)
• Garbage, which is an issue in all of Indonesia

What is the Visa Situation for Canggu?

For many nationalities, you will be granted 30 days visa-free in Indonesia. However, if you want to stay longer than that, you will need to pay for a visa on arrival when you land in Bali (around $35), which can then be extended for another 30 days.

After that 60 days, you will need to do a border run – ie: fly out and fly back. Recently, Bali has issued a Business Visa for digital nomads. Learn more here.

☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Canggu, Indonesia

3. Penang, Malaysia

• WiFi around 75 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartment average $300/month
• 90 day stay for most nationalities 

Written by Kirsten Raccuia 

Penang, a little island off the west coast of Malaysia, has been my home since 2013. After a three-week vacation, we fell in love, went back to Chicago, sold everything, and moved across the world. It’s that good.

Why is Penang a Top City for Digital Nomads?

Penang is a bustling island that has loads to do. There are Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and mosques to visit–sometimes all on one street.

The food is celebrated as some of the best street food in Asia. And it is super cheap, so you can eat dinner for a few dollars.

There is a flourishing digital nomad community here, and more and more coworking spaces are popping up. Penang offers a very modern lifestyle at very affordable prices.

How to Find Apartments in Penang 

The best neighborhoods for digital nomads are George Town, Gurney Drive, and Tanjung Tokong. Short term rentals are a little more expensive and challenging to find, so looking at Airbnb is a good option.

If you are here for a year, there are tons of options at different prices. I suggest getting involved with the Penang Facebook groups and asking for housing. Tons of people will help out. In fact, those groups are the best way to find anything in Penang.

WiFi Speed in Penang 

The WiFi in Penang is cheaper and faster than we had in Chicago because our building has fiber optics. However, not every area has that, so when looking for apartments, ask the agent or owner if it is available.

Co-working Spaces in Penang

@CAT is geared toward start-ups and tech entrepreneurs. A one-day pass is $6 and a monthly fixed desk is $74.
MSOGO is a bright and colorful co-working space in the heart of George Town. Monthly hot desks are $74 and daily desk is $7.

Cost of Living in Penang

One of the reasons we love Penang, and Malaysia as a whole, is the cost of living is very low for what you get. We live in a 2300 square foot condo overlooking the Straits of Malacca for $692.

Our unit has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and views for days. The building has full-time security guards. Although Penang is extremely safe, all condos are required to have them. We also have a lovely pool and a small gym.

It is possible to find places that are even more affordable; it just depends on your standard of living.

Street food is so cheap that it costs more to cook at home than to eat out. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes, but they are more expensive, although not compared to the US.

We spend about $2000 a month all in and could spend even less if we watched our budget. My cost of living in Penang blog breaks down the affordability factor even more. 

Pros of Living in Penang as a Digital Nomad

• Low cost of living
• Almost everyone speaks English
• It’s very safe
• The healthcare is excellent
• Locals are super friendly

Cons of Living in Penang as a Digital Nomad

• Most locals don’t care about the environment — people litter, assuming someone else will pick it up.
• The public toilets are pretty gross. Bring your own toilet paper
• Customer service in Penang is a lost art
• For me, it’s very far away from family in the USA, the time difference makes connecting with loved ones challenging

What is The Visa Situation for Penang, Malaysia?

There are a lot of countries that get a 3-month visa on arrival. If you plan to stay longer, you can leave for a few weeks and come back in, but they frown upon visa runs, so I don’t suggest doing that for the long term.

☞ SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Penang, Malaysia

4. Taipei, Taiwan

• WiFi around 100 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartment average $660/month
• 90 day stay for most nationalities

Written by Nick Kembel 

The Taiwanese capital, Taipei, is an enticing metropolis known for its night markets, convenience stores, and amazing MRT system.

I first came to Taiwan as a backpacker. My intention was to stay for a year tops, but I fell in love with the culture, and before I knew it, 10 years had passed!

Why is Taipei a Top Choice for Digital Nomads?

Firstly, Taipei is incredibly safe. It is easy to get around by public transportation or bike-sharing programs. The locals are welcoming and the country is super LGBTQ-friendly. 

When not working, digital nomads can feast in the city’s night markets, climb a dormant volcano, head to the beach, or soak in hot springs. Finally, Taipei has a relatively small but tight expat community that organizes a vast array of activities and events.

How to Find Apartments in Taipei

The most cost-effective way to find an apartment in Taipei is by sharing one with expats. Try TEALIT, Pop-Rooms, or Facebook groups like this one. 

Here is a detailed guide to the best neighborhoods, hostels, and hotels in Taipei.

WiFi Speed in Taipei

Taiwan has some of the world’s fastest Internet at around 100+ Mbps download speeds. All cafés and most restaurants offer free WiFi. The city also has free WiFi services with hotspots everywhere.

Co-working Spaces in Taipei

Besides cafés, which are in abundance, digital nomads may also consider renting a working space at The Hive Taipei. A desk is $125 per month, while a private office is $325.

Cost of Living in Taipei

Taiwan isn’t dirt-cheap, nor is it as pricey as Hong Kong or Japan. A reasonable budget would be $1,200 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle.

For example, you can eat on the street for $2, while you can spend $20-40 in a mid-range restaurant. If you live in New Taipei City, also MRT accessible, you can cut your costs significantly.

Pros of Living in Taipei as a Digital Nomad

• Safe and convenient
• Welcoming locals
• Fast Wifi and many cafés
• Tight expat community
• Lots to do in free time 

Cons of Living in Taipei as a Digital Nomad

• Not the cheapest destination
• As of January, 2021, it’s not currently possible to enter without work visa, student visa, or Gold Card

What is the Visa Situation for Taipei

You can enter as a tourist and do visa runs every 3 – 6 months. Many countries (including Canada, the USA, UK and EU) receive 90 days on arrival.

Taiwan now has a Gold Card, granting visas to entrepreneurs who make at least TWD160,000 (approx. $5700) per month. Always check the current regulations before travelling.

5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• WiFi around 100 Mbps
• 1 bedroom apartment average $500/month
• 90 day stay for most nationalities 

Written by Jennifer Ryder Joslin

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the capital of Malaysia and one of our favorite cities in Southeast Asia. We’ve spent a lot of time in KL over the past seven years, coming here first as travelers and now as digital nomads.

Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful tapestry of Malay, Indian, and Chinese culture, with a mix of other international cultures woven in (namely Dutch, British, Portuguese, and Japanese colonialism) as well as the many foreign workers who call the city their home.

You can see this diversity in the food, architecture, arts, and religions throughout the city.

Currently, we have been living in Kuala Lumpur since March 2020. We arrived three days before the country went into lockdown for Covid-19! The Malaysian government has graciously extended our stay, for now, until the end of March 2021.

Why is Kuala Lumpur a Top City for Digital Nomads?

Kuala Lumpur has so much to offer digital nomads. We primarily work from home as online English teachers so our work requires fast and consistent internet. Our apartment’s wifi speed is 110/105 mbps. These high speeds are pretty typical of the Airbnbs and house-sits we’ve stayed in and worked from.

Most cafes and restaurants offer free wifi and you’ll often find people working on their laptops from cafes. In our experience, it’s pretty easy to strike up conversations and meet new people, both locals and foreigners. Most people in Malaysia can speak English.

There are many fitness facilities around town: gyms, Crossfit boxes, yoga studios, boxing gyms, and dance studios. Many apartment buildings have gyms and pools as well.

It’s easy to get out into nature in Kuala Lumpur. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, and there are many forest trails to hike on.

How to Find Apartments in Kuala Lumpur

The easiest way to find short term housing in Kuala Lumpur is through Airbnb. Bukit Bintang is one of the most popular neighborhoods with easy access to transportation, nightlife, restaurants, and activities.

There are many hostels and hotels around the city, especially in China Town.

Co-working Spaces in Kuala Lumpur

Some popular co-working spaces are Komune Coworking and Common Ground which cost about $5-15 per day.

Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a good value for money. You can find apartments on Airbnb costing $50+ per night.

Local meals and street food like Nasi Lemak cost about $1.50, while a meal at a restaurant goes for around $5-30+. I’d estimate that a couple can get by on $1,000-$2000 per month, depending on how you decide to spend your money. On average, we spend around $1600 per month.

Pros of Living in Kuala Lumpur as a Digital Nomad

• Variety of food
• Diverse culture, art, and history
• Fast Wifi
• Friendly locals
• Easy to get into nature

Cons of Living in Kuala Lumpur as a Digital Nomad

• Alcohol is pretty expensive
• Not as safe for women as some other countries in Southeast Asia (I don’t walk alone at night here)
• Lots of construction happening around the city so it can be noisy

What is The Visa Situation for Malaysia?

Many nationalities get a free 90-day Social Visit Pass on arrival. Be sure to check your country’s requirements.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

• WiFi around 20 Mbps average
• 1 bedroom apartment average $700/month
• 3 months after extension

Written by Darren Griffiths

Bangkok needs no introduction. It’s the capital of Thailand and a central SE Asian city for exploring other parts of the continent.

It’s exciting, busy, and buzzy but stay awhile and you’ll find the calmer side of the city which has a reputation for being anything but calm. I’ve been living in Bangkok for 18 months with no plans to leave anytime soon.

Why is Bangkok a Top City for Digital Nomads?

Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world so combined with a cheaper cost of living when compared to Europe and the U.S., it makes it a top choice for Digital Nomads.

When it comes to getting your head down to work, the city is home to many co-working spaces, fast wifi/4G, and plenty of fellow digital nomads for networking and fun.

Once the laptop is closed there is no shortage of things to do in Bangkok.

Thai food needs no introduction and Bangkok is obviously the best place in the country to find it. Whether it be street food, markets, restaurants or rooftop bars, there’s no shortage of Thai food. But with Bangkok’s huge international community you can find food from all corners of the world.

Nightlife is in abundance and you can find a night out no matter what your style. From chilled cocktail lounges to banging nightclubs, Bangkok has it all.

How to Find Apartments in Bangkok

Finding short-term apartments in Bangkok is not as easy as in cities like Chiang Mai as most apartment owners are looking for tenants who can commit to a one year contract.

The way around this is to use Airbnb. It’s a more expensive way to pay rent but it gives you the flexibility to rent short-term.

The most popular areas for Digital Nomads are Asok, Phrom Phong, Thonglor, Ekamai, Prakanong and On Nut. This is in order of price too with Asok being the most expensive (due to the most central) and On Nut being the cheapest.

WiFi Speed in Bangkok

The wifi speed in Bangkok is fast and reliable. Whether it be in your apartment, coffee shop or tethering to your mobile’s 4G.

Co-working Spaces in Bangkok

Bangkok has many co-working spaces but I have tried only a couple. I use The Hive which has two sites in Thonglor and Prakanong.

I pay $120 per month for full time access across both sites. The Hive put on regular events for members so it’s a great space for meeting people.

To mix it up, I also use the AIS Design Centre inside the Emporium shopping mall in Prong Phong. It’s a huge library/working space which offers a 1 year membership for just $40!

Other co-working spaces I’ve tried are We Work in Thonglor and Monstar in Asok but I found We Work to be too expensive and Monstar to be too quiet.

Cost of Living

How you find the cost of living in Bangkok will depend on where you are from. Bangkok is not a cheap place to live but neither is it overly expensive.

While apartment rentals in popular spots are more expensive ($500+), you can always save money by eating at the many cheap eateries such as street food, markets and local restaurants where you can pick up a meal for between $2-$3.

Coffee shops vary in price from the cheaper Amazon chain where coffee costs less than $2 right up to more expensive brands where I can often pay the same for a cup of coffee as I do back home in London ($4).

Nightlife costs can also vary depending on where you go but anywhere decent will be charging almost western prices for beer, cocktails etc.

But saying that, you can enjoy a night out at a high-end top bar but pay the same prices as you would at an average bar back home. So while prices are similar, you get better value for money in terms of setting/experience.

Overall, expect to pay between $1500 and $2000 per month as a minimum in Bangkok.

Pros of Living in Bangkok as a Digital Nomad

• Fast wifi
• Never-ending list of things to do
• Best location for exploring other parts of Asia
• Cheaper cost of living when compared to Europe/U.S.
• Heaps of co-working spaces and coffee shops for working

Cons of Living in Bangkok as a Digital Nomad

• Apartment rentals are on the higher end
• You have to make an effort to find fellow digital nomads. They’re not all on your doorstep like in Chiang Mai
• Coffee and alcohol can be similar prices to back home
• Vehicle traffic can cause noise/air pollution
• Any national parks or beaches are at least 2 hours drive away

What Is The Visa Situation in Thailand?

There are no visa options for digital nomads so the easiest option is to get a 2-month tourist visa in advance from a Thai embassy and then extend that for 1 month once in the country to give you 3 months.

I did that on and off for 1 year with no issues until I sought an agency to help me secure a 1-year visa. 1-year visas include education, volunteer, and business.

Honourable Mentions in Asia:

☞ SEE ALSO: Cost of Living in Thailand for Digital Nomads

Review This Post:

1. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
2. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
3. Medellin, Colombia
4. Merida, Mexico
5. Oaxaca, Mexico
6. Lisbon, Portugal
7. Budapest, Hungary
8. Tbilisi, Georgia
9. Bansko, Bulgaria
10. Barbados
11. Chiang Mai, Thailand
12. Canggu, Indonesia
13. Penang, Malaysia
14. Taipei, Taiwan
15. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
16. Bonus! Bangkok, Thailand

Where Will You Go?

With remote work on the rise and more countries adopting digital nomad visas, these days there are more options than ever! 

When it comes to choosing the best places for digital nomads, there are a few things to consider — and, that’ll really depend on your personal wants and needs, and your profession.

If you’re making money as an Instagrammer or YouTuber, you’ll need a picturesque place, whereas if you’re working as a virtual assistant, graphic designer, social media manager, blogger, in tech, etc., you’ll basically just need reliable wifi and good quality of life.

I hope this list of cities to live as a digital nomad gave you some inspiration!

Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

As we enter the new year, every travel lover starts planning their trips. As we all know, the cheaper the destination, the longer you can afford to stay — or the better your travel lifestyle can be while visiting. The cheapest countries to visit on this list offer both affordability and value for money.

In some countries, $45 / night barely affords you a hostel dorm bed, while in others that can pay for a luxury villa. In Canggu, Bali, you can get a 2 bedroom private pool villa for $50 / night, while when visiting Japan that same $50 barely affords a double bed on the floor of a small room. 

This year is sure to be an amazing year for travellers and if you’re already planning your travels for the year, then this post is for you. Some of these countries are cheaper now than ever, largely due to drops in their local currency on the global market, or due to a recent lack of tourism.

We would never write a post to revel in low prices at the cost of economic struggle, but by visiting these places independently now, you can not only enjoy better prices for yourself but also help the local businesses and people along the way.

Here are the top 10 cheapest countries to travel this year!

Note: Always check the current travel restrictions before booking a trip, and always follow the current local health measurements that are in place. This article has been updated 2021 to include the current cheapest countries to visit, the updated conversion rates, and a bonus eleventh cheap place to visit that you won’t want to miss. Happy travel planning 

1. Indonesia

White sand beaches, world-class surfing, the best scuba diving in the world and some of the most picturesque jungle and rice paddy scenery, Indonesia is without a doubt one of our favourite countries on earth and it’s a cheap place to travel as well.

Currently, Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries to visit that we know about. 1 US dollar will get you around 14,000 rupiah, which is about 2,000 more rupiah than in 2018. Six years ago you’d only get 9,050 rupiahs to the dollar.

As I said in the opening paragraphs of this post, Indonesia offers incredible value for accommodation, food and transport. Here you can get beautiful guest house rooms, often set in pool villas, for as little as $20 / night.

You can eat delicious seafood meals and millennial classics like “smashed avo on toast” for around $3 and you can rent a motorbike here for just a couple of dollars per day (cars are around $15 / day).

The only thing that’s not of great value is alcohol. Indonesia has placed a pretty heavy tax on imported booze, so a low-quality bottle of imported wine will cost around $20, while a drinkable local wine is still $13 – $15. Bintang beer is nothing to write home about, but it’s affordable at around $1.50 – $3 at a beach bar or restaurant and imported beer is around twice the price.

Out of all the countries we’ve travelled to and kept track of our budgets, Indonesia is definitely amongst the top 3 best value for money, and with a stronger dollar / weaker rupiah, this has never been truer than it is today. Don’t miss the islands of Raja Ampat, Bali, Sumatra, Sumbawa, Lombok, Gili Islands, Flores, Komodo National Park, Alor…and more!

2. Mexico (one of the cheapest countries to visit for North Americans)

A diverse and delicious (albeit not very healthy) cuisine, friendly local people, world-class beaches, all the amenities you could hope for and an intoxicating vibe make Mexico a place that we return to time and time again.

It’s one of our favourite countries to travel to and one of the few destinations where we could see ourselves living long-term. There are so many incredible places to visit in Mexico, and things to do that you could spend years here and not see it all.

Mexico is extremely affordable these days thanks to a struggling peso added to an already low cost of living. At the time of writing, the US dollar is at 19.80 pesos which is incredible. We’ve been to Mexico numerous times, but when we travelled here way back in 2014, the dollar was at just 12.8 pesos and even then we thought it was good value for money. 

Today, Mexico is theoretically 49% cheaper because of the currency conversion to the USD (and many other currencies including CAD).

If you want to really save money while visiting Mexico, avoid coming here during peak season (November – March) when accommodation prices can skyrocket (especially in December) and many of the best places are booked out.

No matter when you come, Mexico will shock you with its great value. Tacos for 30 cents each, a kilo of fresh prawns from the fish market for $3, Coronas with a slice of lime for $1.50 and strong margaritas served to you while your feet are buried in the sand for just $1 each.

You’ll find affordable internal flights with Viva Aerobus and Aeromexico, and cheap long-distance bus rides.

On top of the great prices for food and booze bought in restaurants and bars, Mexico has many shops that North Americans love, like Sams Club, Costco in the major cities, and one that not everyone loves, Walmart.

On top of these institutions, Mexico also has its own brand of grocery stores like La Comer and Soriana. Purchasing your own groceries and cooking for yourself is a great way to save money (and make a healthy meal) as the food in the grocery stores here is very affordable. 

Mexico may be one of the cheapest countries to visit, but it’s also a popular destination for digital nomads and retirees looking to spend a longer period of time in the country.

3. India

Oh yes, whether you love it or hate it, and even if you do love it you probably also hate it, India is one of the most exhilarating travel destinations on earth. Chaotic and tranquil. Pristine and filthy. Friendly and furious. Free and frustrating. India is the epitome of all the oxymoronic experiences that make travel so amazing.

While India is likely the most exciting and bewildering place to travel, it’s also probably the cheapest. Thanks to the Indian Rupee currently trading at 70 rupees to the dollar – which is 6 rupees more per dollar than you would have received in 2018 – India is likely the best place to travel if you want to stretch your dollars, euros or pounds.

Last time we were in India, I purchased the cheapest (yet filling) meal I’ve ever had while travelling. 20 cents bought me a pile of puris (fluffy fried bread) and two different types of curries served to me from a street cart. The meal was delicious and completely filled me up… amazing.

While the cost of that meal was exceptionally low, we often ate all you can eat thali meals for as little as $1.50 and drank fresh lime juice squeezed on the street for 15 cents a glass. We had free accommodation in ashrams (it doesn’t get much cheaper than that) and when paying for our hotels, we had decent but basic double rooms for around $3 per night.

Depending on what class of train and bus you take, getting around India can be unbelievably affordable, with a train from Mumbai to Kolkata covering 1,968 km and taking over 30 hours costs just $11! In my opinion, India is one of the best countries to visit, and it’s also one of the cheapest countries as well.

4. Colombia

After backpacking Colombia in late 2016, it quickly set itself amongst our favourite countries we’ve ever been to. Friendly people, incredibly pristine and lush jungles, stunning Spanish colonial cities and breathtaking beaches, Colombia is a traveller’s dream.

The Colombian peso saw a massive drop in recent years which unfortunately isn’t good for local economies and Colombians looking to travel, but it does give budget travellers an added incentive to visit this incredible country.

We met a couple in Medellin who decided to move to Colombia to retire in 2014. Since their arrival the peso went from 1,800 to the US dollar, all the way to 3,350, an incredible 88% drop, essentially giving their retirement a massive boost.

Luckily the peso has started to stabilize again slightly and at the time of writing it’s sitting at around 3,300 pesos to the US dollar. This means that everything in Colombia is a great value for travellers. Whether you’re visiting with a dollar, pound, euro, yen or yuan, Colombia is a better deal now than it’s ever been.

We were eating delicious seafood meals on the beach for just a few dollars, beautiful Spanish style guest houses only cost around $30 / night and you can enjoy scuba diving in the Caribbean here for as little as $24 / dive when buying a 10 dive package.

We stayed in some of the best hostels we’ve ever seen in Colombia, with rooftop pools, funky bars and luxurious rooms (one even had a jacuzzi in it).

The cost of tours and experiences is also excellent in Colombia. We highly recommend doing the 4 day Ciudad Perdida trek and a coffee tour in Salento (the latter is only $2). Colombia is one of the cheapest countries to visit this year, and it offers excellent value for money.

There are endless amazing things to do in Colombia, which can seem a bit overwhelming at times. Why not have a local plan a cool trip for you?! Click here to learn more.

5. Cuba

If you’re looking for a cheap destination to visit in the Caribbean, then Cuba tops the list! You can travel here on an all-inclusive, but if you choose to travel to Cuba independently, you’ll have a far richer experience and it’ll cost you less. For cheap countries, Cuba is one of your best bets.

Stunning beaches, a unique Caribbean and Spanish vibe, tasty cooking (contrary to belief), friendly people and incredible landscapes, Cuba is a diverse country that needs to be on your list.

For Americans, it’s possible to travel to Cuba if you travel under one of the allowed categories. People To People is what most people choose to travel under. But, it’s still a confusing process for our American friends.

You’ll need to build an itinerary containing activities that meet the criteria for People To People category — or get help from local experts to plan a legal trip (5% discount for Goats On The Road readers!).

We spent a month backpacking Cuba and it was a highlight of all our travel experiences. Meeting the Cuban people, dancing in the streets, lazing on virtually empty beaches, partying in Havana and hiking to tobacco farms were our most memorable moments.

Cuba’s currency is the CUC or the CUP. In general, you’ll use CUC (which is pegged to the US Dollar) for your accommodation, food at tourist restaurants, cocktails & beer, activities & excursions, car & scooter rentals, and the Viazul bus. CUP is used for smaller items such as fruit and veg from local vendors, the local bus and some peso food shops.

1 USD = 1 CUC

1 USD = 25 CUP

Staying in casa particulares with the local families is what Cuba is all about. This is the best way to meet the people and enjoy an authentic experience. However, Airbnb is cropping up in the country and there are some great places online. Casas will cost $20 – $30 / night for two people, discounts for 1 person (and oftentimes it includes breakfast), while hotels cost $25 / night up to $180+.

The cost of food in the restaurants in Cuba really depends on which city you’re in, and which restaurant you are at. But in general, expect to spend between $5 – $10 for a filling meal.

We recommend dining at least 1 night at your casa as they cook some amazing traditional food! Cocktails are about $2 – $3 at a bar.  Now, if you were to eat “peso food”, you would spend about $1 for a small meal.

Activities can be fairly cheap in Cuba as well, with chilling out on beaches and wandering around the stunning and bustling streets costing you nothing.

Museum visits, caving, horseback riding and other tours will cost between $5 – $30. The cost of Cuba is incredibly affordable, making it one of the cheapest countries to visit.

6. Bulgaria

Back to the truly great value destinations for the year, Bulgaria is probably the cheapest country we’ve been to in Europe. With gorgeous old towns, phenomenal wine, lovely coastline and super friendly and ailak (relaxed) people, Bulgaria is also one of our favourites in the region.

While the country has offered great value to travellers for decades, a recent dip in the Bulgarian Lev on the global market, means that Bulgaria is an even better value now than it was just a few years ago.

When we visited Bulgaria in 2016 we were blown away by the incredible value we got for our dollars. On one occasion, Dariece, myself and a friend sat in a restaurant bar for over 5 hours. We ate a massive platter of meat, veggies and bread and drank copious amounts of wine.

When the bill finally came, we thought there was a mistake, or we were misreading it in our double vision. That night we paid under $30 for that bill and we still don’t know how.

The great deals continued as we travelled around Bulgaria, with lovely hostel rooms in 200-year-old buildings costing just $20 per night and bottles of wine at restaurants rarely breaking the $8 mark.

If you want to visit Europe, experience history, meet really cool people and taste some of the world’s best wine while never breaking the bank, Bulgaria should be on your travel wish list this year. This is definitely one of the cheapest European countries and best places to visit this year.

7. South Africa

One of the most adventure-packed and naturally blessed countries on Earth, this list wouldn’t be complete without our favourite country in Africa. South Africa offers visitors too much to see in any trip under 6 months.

With a rugged and stunning coastline, incredible wildlife, extremely friendly people, tasty Indi-afro fusion food, decent roads and great prices, you really can’t beat SA.

We believe that this country on the south tip of the continent is the perfect beginner’s stepping stone into the more chaotic and adventurous travel of other countries in the region. South Africa is relatively easy to travel, especially if you rent your own car (highly recommended).

What makes South Africa so affordable in 2021 is the cost of the rand. While it’s not trading as well as it was at the beginning of 2016, at 15.25 rand to the USD, a trip to South Africa is is affordable.

When we were last there in 2011, we received just 6.7 rand to the dollar, but everything was still great value.

We paid $40 / night for lovely double rooms, around $7 / meal and just $10 to enter some amazing national parks. Take into consideration the current 53% discount based on the currency devaluation and these all become incredibly affordable in 2021, even considering the rate of inflation since 2011.

8. Turkey

Possibly the most liberal of the countries in the region area, Turkey attracts visitors with one of the most exciting and beautiful capital cities on earth, Istanbul.

Plus, this country offers a blissfully alluring Mediterranean coastline, amazingly friendly people (especially in the east) and an intoxicating Islamic culture and architecture.

The value for dollar in Turkey has always been great, but with the Turkish Lira dropping from 1.28 to the US dollar in 2010 to the current 7.48 today, the home of the former Ottoman empire is better value than it was 10 years ago. 2021 is the cheapest time to visit Turkey as the Lira has hit a 10 year low.

Every time we visit Turkey we are amazed by the value for money found here. You can eat delicious meals of traditional Turkish food for $5. Portions here are often so massive that you could share a meal and that cost.

Tasty kebabs are just a couple of dollars on the street and you can get lovely guest house rooms here for under $20 / night (more in the major cities).

One of the costs that do add up in Turkey is the cost of visiting mosques. Many of the best ones in Istanbul for example, cost as much as $10 to enter. If you’re on a tight budget, consider only visiting a couple of paid mosques and try to find some others that you can enter for free.

9. Thailand

We have to include the land of smiles on this list of cheap travel destinations for 2021. Thailand has always been one of our favourite countries in the world and the budget backpacker that still resides deep inside our souls rejoices every time we return.

There are numerous places to visit in Thailand — whether you want National Parks, jungles, cities or islands, there’s a place in Thailand for you.

The Thai Baht, although it has seen some dips and spikes, doesn’t make the country especially cheaper than it has been in the past few years, but that doesn’t matter. Thailand simply offers some of the best value for money you can find anywhere on earth.

Lovely guest houses and beach huts right on the sand for as little as $15 / night, spicy and mouth-watering Thai dishes for under $2 a plate, and scuba diving for under $20 a dive makes Thailand a constant competitor as one of the cheapest countries to visit in the world.

When we first visited in 2008 we were amazed to find budget rooms (albeit extremely basic) for under $10 and when we returned in 2017 on a higher budget, we couldn’t believe the luxury, 2 bedroom private pool villa we were able to afford for just $1,500 / month ($50/night!).

Your biggest expense when travelling in Thailand (depending on where you’re coming from) will likely be your flight, but once there you can enjoy an incredibly low cost of living and the warmth of the local people who have made this place famous.

See Also:

10. Greece

If this list was in the order of most picturesque and best value for money, Greece would no doubt be near the top. It’s amazing how a place so beautiful, set right in the Mediterranean, can be so affordable.

Because Athens Airport is such a central European destination with many great flights to many other countries, Greece is one of the cheapest places to travel from the US and is actually one of the cheapest places to fly to from most places in the world.

Greece has been on the Euro since the start of 2002, so while there has been a devaluation of the Euro in recent years, Greece was always affordable, but perhaps never as much as it is today.

What likely contributes to this is the unfortunate struggles that the Greek economy has seen in recent years and the influx of refugees. So perhaps Greece more than any country on this list can benefit from more tourism.

With such great value, Greece is the perfect place for 2021. We rented a beautiful, modern, 550 sq ft studio apartment with a view of the sea for under $20 / night on Zakynthos Island. We also had another 2 level, 1 bedroom apartment with a pool near the south coast of Santorini for under $20.

Greek food is incredibly delicious and you can usually get tasty seafood meals in restaurants for under $8. On top of the already great value, Greek restaurant owners and chefs have a habit of offering their patrons freebies, like free wine, appetizers and desserts. Whenever you’re leaving a traditional restaurant in Greece, you’ll be fat and full and so will your wallet.

On top of good food and accommodation value, activities in Greece are typically priced well too. We did a free honey bee tour, an olive oil tour and tasting for $35, a half-day cycle tour for $24, an amazing cooking class with unlimited booze and food for $65 and winery visits and tastings for under $5.

We also rented our own boat on the island of Corfu and drove it from bay to bay for an entire day. This cost us $95 plus gas, which isn’t overly “cheap” but considering Sea-Doos and Jet Skis typically rent for around $50 / hour, we thought this was an amazing deal for both of us to enjoy a full day out on the water.

All-in-all, Greece is definitely one of the cheap European countries to visit and it offers some of the best value for money in all of the continent. Considering its location on the map and the level of quality you find here, it also competes as one of the best value travel destinations on earth.

See Also:

Bonus! Argentina

Whether you’re into culture and history, nature and landscapes, lakes and fishing, or cities and wine, Argentina has something for you…and right now it’s one of the cheapest countries to visit.

Since Argentina is such a vast country, with a wide variety of landscapes and regions, it can be visited year-round.

Argentina is known for being one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. If you’re an angler, fly fishing season in the Lake District of Patagonia is best in January & February due to the warm weather, and ability to fish all waters during this time.

For trekkers, the winter months are a good time to hit the mountains of Patagonia. El Chalten in the south is dry and has temperatures around 20°C (68°F), perfect for checking out the peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, exploring waterfalls, drinking beer on patios and much more.

Don’t miss nearby El Calafate and its popular Perito Moreno Glacier, which calves massive chunks of ice every few minutes.

If all of these places to visit in Argentina aren’t enough to spark your interest, maybe the cost will. When we travelled to Argentina in 2017, we received around 18 Argentine Pesos for 1 US Dollar.

According to XE, at the time of writing, the rate is $1 USD = 37.85 Argentine Pesos.

Argentina isn’t known for being one of the cheapest countries to visit, but with the current instability of the peso, you can definitely save some money by visiting now and maybe help the local economy along the way. We highly recommend this South American country.

Where Will You Go?

As the world becomes more connected by budget flights and advanced communication and commerce, many places are becoming more and more expensive to visit with each year that passes.

Aside from the cost of flights which have been reduced thanks to budget airlines, travel is typically more expensive now than it has been in the past.

Thankfully, there are still some incredible countries that always offer travellers great value for money. The most exciting countries in the world are often those that are still developing.

For visitors, this means low prices but also a better understanding of the world economies and wealth disparities.

We always recommend visiting countries independently so that you’re giving the most amount of money back to the local communities as possible. Rather than always staying in American or European chain resorts, consider locally owned guest houses, hostels and homes.

Instead of joining a foreign-owned tour, consider heading there on your own and hiring guides yourself once you’re in the country. Not only will this likely be much cheaper for you, it will also enrich your experience in the places you visit.

We’ve listed 10 of our favourite cheap countries to visit in this article, but the list is by no means exhaustive.

What’s your favourite place to travel on a budget and why? Comment below and start a conversation!

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You may find it hard to believe, but the cost of living in Thailand for an entire month (including everything) is most likely less than your rent payment at home. As digital nomads, we’re constantly looking for places to stay for a couple of weeks, a month, a year, and Thailand is always one of the top options when it comes to affordability and amenities.

If you’ve been considering working abroad, or just want somewhere to put down some temporary roots, Thailand might be the place for you.

Where else can you rent an apartment for around $200 / month, dine on delicious Thai food for $1 or join the gym for $25 / month?

In this guide to the cost of living in Thailand, I’ll list the 3 best places to live, what to expect and what you’ll spend each month.

Why Choose Thailand?

There are numerous places to visit in Thailand and it has long been a backpacker favourite. Since the hippie days it has continuously been one of the most popular destinations and is always on lists of cheap countries to visit. There’s just something magical about the Land of Smiles.

From the beautiful beaches and lush jungle, to the unique culture and delicious food, Thailand is a fascinating country to see…and live in.

These days, it’s becoming more of a hot-spot for digital nomads and retirees who want to enjoy one of the cheapest places to live in the world. It’s amazing how much farther your money can go if you move to the right destinations – and Thailand is definitely one of the best options.

We’ve spent around 6 months both living in Thailand and travelling around the country, and even though we’ve lived in numerous other places around the world (Malta, Mexico, Grenada, Barbados, Argentina, Indonesia, etc.), we still list Thailand as one of our favourites.

The people are friendly (although a bit jaded by tourism), but they make you feel welcome and aren’t rude. Plus, we’ve never had an issue with our safety in Thailand.

There are international hospitals available, with high standards and low price tags. I’ve personally visited the Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok and we’ve both been to the dentist in Bangkok as well.

My only issue with the hospital was that it was incredibly busy and I couldn’t make an appointment, and since it was a non-emergency, I had to wait quite a while for a check-up. Regardless, the hospital was very clean, the equipment was modern and the doctor spoke English.

In Thailand, you can get many medications over the counter without having to visit a doctor for a prescription first. The pharmacists are helpful (and knowledgeable) and you can purchase things like antibiotics and birth control pills within minutes. This saves you time and money.

Apart from feeling safe and not having to worry about healthcare, you can enjoy the beaches, mountains and jungle. Or, you can hop on a cheap flight to a nearby destination for a quick holiday away.

With the cost of living in Thailand being so low, you’ll have money left over each month for a holiday – whether domestic or international.

The only decision you’ll need to make is which part of Thailand you want to live in.

Visa Situation When Living in Thailand

If you aren’t living in Thailand full-time (ie: running a business or retiring there), then you can enter Thailand on a tourist visa. If you’re from one of these countries, Thailand is one of the best visa free countries because you don’t have to pay for your visa.

However, you can only stay for 30 days before you will have to either renew your visa at an immigration office (for a fee), or leave the country and return.

When we were living in Koh Samui, we landed at the Bangkok airport and received a 1-month visa for free, and then extended it at the immigration office on the island of Koh Samui to receive a further month. The cost of that extension was 1,900 thb ($58).

Another option is to obtain a 60 day tourist visa before entering Thailand (at a consulate abroad, or in your home country). You will be allowed to extend that visa once more when you’re in Thailand, giving you a total of 90 days before you need to leave the country.

If you’re arriving by air, there is no limitation on the amount of times you can enter Thailand in a year if you are from one of the visa exempt countries, and you leave and return by air (not sea or bus).

It’s not an ideal visa situation if you plan on living in Thailand long-term, as you’ll constantly have to leave the country.

But, it’s always nice to head out on a holiday and with cheap flights with AirAsia and IndiGo, you can fly to nearby countries of Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos and enjoy a weekend away before returning to Thailand.

If you are 50 years of age or older, and you want to retire in Thailand, you can apply for a Retirement Visa, which is valid for one year. However, you aren’t able to open up a business or you would need a Work Visa.

According to the US Embassy and Consulate in Thailand:

• Applicant must be able to provide proof of a pension or other regular income from a source outside of Thailand;
• Applicant’s pension or other regular income must be no less than the equivalent of 65,000 Baht ($1,995) per month;
• Alternatively, the applicant may meet the financial requirement by maintaining a Thai bank account with a minimum amount of 800,000 Baht ($24,500). (Applicants will need to show that they have 800,000 Baht in savings each year when they renew their visa.)
• Any applicant married to a Thai citizen may be able to receive a visa on that basis rather than retirement.

As you can see, there are numerous variations to the visas you can obtain, and the extensions you can receive. Always check with the Thai Consulate for the most up to date information.

Note: new rules state that you must be able to show sufficient funds in the amount of 20,000 THB ($610) when entering Thailand as a tourist. Whether or not the immigration officer asks you to show proof is up to them. But, to make sure you’re not turned away or questioned, make sure to have sufficient funds (doesn’t have to be in Thai Baht) on you. We were never asked to show proof of funds on entry in 2017. Also, you must have proof of onward travel out of Thailand. Click here to learn how we deal with that requirement. 

Cost of Living in Thailand: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is known as being one of the top digital nomad hubs in Asia – it has everything you could want or need. This is the place to live in Thailand if you want to be surrounded by other entrepreneurs and those who work remotely.

You’ll find people who get paid to write online as freelance writers, virtual assistants, social media influencers, web designers, people who teach English online and numerous other genres of remote work.

In Chiang Mai, you’ll find many restaurants (both local and international), bars, shops, gyms, a cinema, grocery stores, spas and much more. It has everything you could want or need when living abroad.

There are numerous things to do in Chiang Mai to keep you busy – watch some Muay Thai boxing, practice yoga, or take a motorbike out to the waterfalls or on scenic drives in the mountains.

Another option is to head to nearby cities. Check out the fun things to do in Chiang Rai and all of the chilled out things to do in Pai. If you’re feeling antsy, hop on a cheap domestic or international flight at the Chiang Mai airport and head off for a weekend away on the southern islands of Thailand, or nearby country.

How To Find An Apartment in Chiang Mai

There are a few ways to find accommodation in Chiang Mai. Unless you’re going to book through a reputable website like Airbnb, I would definitely wait to see the apartment in person before agreeing to one online.

Even with Airbnb, I recommend choosing a “Superhost” or a place with good reviews. Due to Airbnb scams, I would be hesitant to book an apartment that was newly listed and had zero reviews. Airbnb hosts will often offer a discount for 1 month+ stays.

In Chiang Mai, it’s more popular to arrive and look around once you’re on the ground. If you don’t want to book through Airbnb, you can check out these companies and agents in Chiang Mai:

Basically, send them an email of what you’re looking for in an apartment, and they will have some viewings lined up and take you around to look at places. The cost of living in Thailand is low, but the cost of apartment rentals in Chiang Mai is really low.

You can find places for around $200 / month (it will most likely be a studio apartment, however). Typically, for a newer apartment with a pool and kitchen expect to spend around $400 – $600 / month.

If you are renting a small house outside of the city center, you would spend around $450 / month for 6 months or more. And finally, if you’re looking for a more modern, luxurious accommodation (with 2+ bedrooms), you’ll spend around $1,000 / month. The longer you rent for, the cheaper it will be.

As you can see, the cost of living in Chiang Mai really depends on the type of accommodation you want, which part of the city you live in, and how long you rent for.

Something to note is that ideally, you can find a place that has a swimming pool and/or a gym attached. The days can be hot in Chiang Mai and with no beach around, having a pool can be a lifesaver.

But, if you can’t find a place with a pool, you can always purchase a pass at one of the fitness centers and use their facilities.

Best Areas to Stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Old Town

This area is in the middle of all the action. You’ll be surrounded by numerous accommodation options and western restaurants. Accommodation prices tend to be on the higher end here.

Chang Khlan Area

Accommodations in this area are cheaper than the Old Town, yet you’re just a 15 minute walk southeast of the Old Town. This area is less modern, with a few seedy bars, but it’s still a safe place to live. You’ll also find lots of street food and cheap restaurant options.

Nimmanhaemin Road Area

This is a popular, trendy, “cool” area located northwest of the Old Town. This part of Chiang Mai is home to a large expat crowd, numerous coffee shops, western restaurants, a massive mall with a cinema and lots of co-working spaces. It is one of the more expensive areas Chiang Mai to rent in, but is where many digital nomads choose to live.

Chang Puak

Since this area is close to a university, you’ll find lots of students around. It’s located north of the Old Town about a 25-minute walk to the center, and a 5-minute walk to a large grocery store.

Accommodation is cheaper here and again there are lots of street food and cheap restaurant options. If you’re looking for a really low cost of living in Thailand, check out this area in Chiang Mai.

Costs of Living in Chiang Mai

Depending on your lifestyle, you can live for very cheap, or live like a king (while still spending less than you would in your home country most likely).

Costs are incredibly varied in Chiang Mai, with some people living on the budget end in a studio apartment and spending a total of $600 / month including everything.

Others in the mid-level range spend around $700-$800 / month, and at the higher end from $1,000 and up. There are top-end options as well, but with so many nice houses and apartments in the budget – mid-range, it’s really not necessary to overspend in Chiang Mai.

Obviously, if you’re a couple or if you find some housemates, you’ll be able to split the cost of rent and utilities.

Here’s a list of some average costs of items in Chiang Mai:

Total cost of living in Chiang Mai per month: $600 – $1,500 / person

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Cost of Living in Thailand: Koh Samui

The cost of living in Thailand is very affordable, but if you want to live on one of the islands, you’ll spend a bit more each month than you would on the mainland.

The islands of Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta and Koh Samui are probably your best bets when it comes to places with amenities that digital nomads and westerners typically want/need.

We spent 2 months living in Koh Samui in a gorgeous pool villa in the jungle. The island is quite large and offers everything from beaches and waterfalls to nightlife and street markets.

This island isn’t known as being a party place (unless you stay in the Chaweng area), but rather, it’s a spot for holidaymakers and expats.

Koh Samui isn’t exactly a “digital nomad hub”, but it’s a chilled out place where you can relax and get some work done while staying near the beach in a stunning villa.

There aren’t really co-working spaces here, but we did find an amazing spot that you can work from, while enjoying healthy food – Vikasa Life Cafe Organic Restaurant.

Another option that we’ve heard about is the Content Castle where you stay in a shared house, pay $200 / month and receive room and board. You’ll also have to do some writing for the company. Click here for details.

We met a few remote workers, and those practicing or teaching yoga during our time spent at Vikasa. The setting is stunning and food is amazing (around $7 / meal).

We chose to stay in the Lamai area which has a long stretch of sand, beach bars, a local community (where we were), 2 large supermarkets (Makro and Tesco Lotus), plus numerous markets offering produce and street food.

Restaurant food goes from around $3 and up for a plate of Thai food, whereas at the nightly food market, you can get meals for around $1.50.

The Lamai area is a great spot if you’re looking to have enough going on so that you’re not bored, yet looking for a place that isn’t as busy as Chewang.

How To Find Accommodation in Koh Samui

If possible, I recommend coming to the island and renting a guesthouse or hotel for a few nights while you search for a place to stay.

But, if you’re short on time, or if you just don’t want to waste days looking for accommodation, you can contact an agency online, or book with a reputable site such as Airbnb.

We contacted an agency and they showed us many accommodations they had available on Koh Samui. After some back and forth bargaining about the price, we ended up booking a villa through the agent.

We found out afterward that the villa is actually on Airbnb as well. As always, opt for a place with recent, positive reviews.

To find accommodation in Koh Samui, check out the listings on Airbnb (don’t forget to get your Airbnb coupon code!), have a look at Samui Renting agency (the company we went through), or Thailand Property which lists availability through numerous agencies.

You can also search on local Facebook groups for houses and villas for rent. Another option is to simply rent a motorbike when you arrive on the island and drive around.

You’ll see numerous signs “For Let” or “House For Rent” and you can speak with the owner and see the property.

The only issue might be that you’ll have to pay cash. With online booking sites, you can pay with PayPal or your credit card, which gives you some sort of insurance and recourse if the owner happens to be a shady character.

You’ll notice that there aren’t a lot of apartments in Koh Samui in the traditional sense – high rises, big apartment blocks – but rather, small houses, villas or bungalows.

Best Areas To Stay in Koh Samui

If you’re a tourist, there are numerous areas to see in Koh Samui. However, if you’re looking to live for a while as a digital nomad, you’ll probably want to stay in one of the 2 areas below. This is because you won’t want to be secluded from everything and you’ll want some amenities nearby.

Lamai:

This is the area that we stayed in and is the best place in my opinion. If you’re looking for enough food options, a beautiful beach, grocery stores (Tesco and Makro), a night market and restaurants, then this is the place for you.

The beach at Lamai is the second-longest on the island and is very calm for swimming. The beachside restaurants are great, but they cost more than eating away from the water. There’s also a weekly night market with lots of food, plus a nightly smaller market as well.

Chaweng:

If you want to be right in the action, then this might be the area for you. In Chaweng, you’ll find a large stretch of beautiful beach (quite shallow though), lots of bars and restaurants, many shops and grocery stores. The people who stay in this area tend to be a younger crowd who are more interested in partying.

Cost of Living in Koh Samui

It’s still Thailand, so even though the cost of living on the island is more than in the northern city of Chiang Mai, or the bustling capital of Bangkok, it’s still affordable. Again, your monthly budget will vary depending on the lifestyle you want to lead.

When it comes to accommodation, if you want a pool villa, expect to spend $1000+ / month. If you’re after a bungalow or smaller home, you can find these for around $600+/month. One of the things we noticed was that there are lots of places that are 2 bedrooms or more. So if you are 2 couples, or a few friends, you could split the cost of rent.

Total cost of living in Koh Samui per month: $800 +

Our personal monthly cost of living in Koh Samui was:

Accommodation: $1500

Electricity: $200

Motorbike: $120

Groceries: $430

Restaurants: $450

Alcohol: $380

Massage: $36

Total: $3,115 (for 2 people)

Obviously, your costs could be a lot less if you shared the accommodation or if you found a cheaper place to stay. If you don’t drink much alcohol or purchase western food at the grocery store, then your costs of groceries and booze would be significantly reduced as well.

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Cost of Living in Thailand: Bangkok

Ah, Bangkok, the city that never sleeps. This is one of our favourite cities in the world – there are so many awesome things to do in Bangkok that each time we visit, we always find something new to see, do and eat.

If you get tired of the busy city, you can always head out on a day trip to places like the Ayutthaya Historical Park and the floating market.

Not only that, but there are endless accommodations for rent, numerous co-working spaces and a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. And actually, in my opinion, the best Thai food in Thailand is found in Bangkok.

The cost of living in Thailand can be incredibly cheap, or in the case of Bangkok, incredibly expensive. The budget for living in Bangkok varies widely – with luxurious accommodations available, or smaller more modest apartments.

Bangkok is also an excellent hub for getting around Asia, and further afield as well. This modern city offers huge malls, a skytrain for getting around, proper healthcare and hospitals and endless restaurants and bars to choose from.

If you’re looking for a modern city that has it all, Bangkok is the place for you.

Note that many people end up spending a lot of money in Bangkok due to the awesome craft beer scene, trendy nightclubs and 5 star restaurants. But, if you stick to local food and midrange bars, you’ll be able to save some cash.

How To Find Accommodation in Bangkok

When thinking about where you want to live in Bangkok, it’s important to take into consideration the size of the city, and the climate as well.

If you have a favourite co-working space or gym, you don’t want to be an hour away from it – otherwise, you’ll find yourself stuck in traffic in 30-degree heat, or having to navigate the skytrain at rush hour.

Even if you consider yourself a bit of a partier, you’ll want an apartment that’s far enough away from the nightclubs so you don’t hear the sound of bass all night long…

The cost of accommodation in Bangkok really depends on which neighbourhood you’re in, how many facilities are included, and how modern the apartment is.

If you’re planning on staying long-term in Bangkok, your best bet is to contact an agent and have them look for places for you.

Other options include walking around the neighbourhood you think you might want to stay in and speak with the receptionist/admin at the front entrance of the apartment building (although, they may not speak much English).

If you’re looking to rent online, check out Airbnb, HipFlat or DDProperty.

Unless you’re booking through Airbnb with a host that has a high amount of positive, recent ratings, don’t sign any contracts, or pay for any accommodation until you’ve actually seen the property in person. There are too many horror stories of properties not being at all like the photos.

Best Areas To Stay in Bangkok

There are 50 districts and numerous neighbourhoods in Bangkok. The most popular ones for expats and digital nomads are Silom, Sukhumvit and Sathorn.

However, they are also the more expensive areas, and the more westernized places. For a few underrated spots that offer a bit more local character, check out On Nut, Phra Khanong and Rachadaphisek.

Just make sure that you’re close to a train line, coffee shops, restaurants, your gym, co-working spaces, etc. Basically, choose an area that you can easily get from your accommodation to where you want to go each day.

Cost of Living in Bangkok

No matter your budget, there’s an accommodation that will suit your needs. And, with food costs being so low, and getting around Bangkok being affordable, your costs don’t necessarily need to be high — although, if you bump up the budget, you’ll be rewarded with some stunning apartments!

At the budget end: you can find a modest studio apartment with some basic furnishings for around $200/month. This won’t be near to the BTS or MRT stations however and will be very much “no frills”.

At the budget – midrange end: if you spend $250 – $375 / month, that will afford you a slightly more modern place (could still be a studio, however) that might have a pool, sauna and a gym attached. If you’re looking for a modern apartment that is near to public transport options and includes a kitchen, the minimum you’ll most likely spend is $400 / month.

At the more “comfortable” end: to us, having a comfortable place to stay is important. If having a bedroom (rather than a studio), a kitchen, space to move around, a pool, a gym and a cleaner is what you’re after then expect to spend $800+ / month.

When it comes to restaurant and food options in Bangkok, this is where you can really spend a lot, or save a lot. If you hit up the food courts in the malls, or food stalls on the streets during lunch hour, you can get a great meal for around $3.

There are also some awesome Thai restaurants serving up authentic dishes for around $3 – $4. Street food such as noodles and basic dishes cost around $1 – $2.

However, if you plan to eat at American style restaurants, pubs or wine bars, you can expect to easily spend $5 + / meal.

Approximate cost of living in Bangkok per month: $800+

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Summing Up The Cost of Living in Thailand

It’s really hard to put an average on the cost of living in Thailand as each city and island will have different costs. I think the main thing to note is that everyone has a different level of comfort that they require — based on your budget, age or personality.

Some people might want to party more and eat at restaurants, but stay in a very modest studio apartment. Others might want a luxurious apartment and will cook for themselves most of the time.

On the whole, the cost of living in Thailand is incredibly affordable (especially as a couple) and if I compare it to what we were spending when we lived in Canada, it’s significantly less!

I hope that this guide to the cost of living in Thailand gave you a rough idea of what you could potentially spend while living there. Let me know if I’ve missed anything in the comments below.

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Digital nomads are always looking for somewhere to work with good wi-fi and a decent cup of coffee. I personally try to find a destination with at least one other nomad around, where the concept of sitting in a cafe for hours on my laptop isn’t too strange.

But in Medellin, it’s not a question of ‘where can I find the best cafe’. The question really is — ‘which one should I choose?’

As Colombia’s second-biggest city, which was recently named “the world’s most innovative city”, it’s no surprise that it has become such a major hub for digital nomads.

If you’re considering living in Medellin as a Digital Nomad, here’s all you need to know.

Best Areas to Live in Medellin & Rough Costs

The most popular places for digital nomads to live are south and west of the city centre: El Poblado, Envigado, Ciudad del Rio, Laureles, Floresta, Estadio.

El Poblado: Tends to be the most expensive area as it’s the most touristy. A double room in a shared apartment will start around 1m COP (roughly 330 USD) per month. A one-bedroom apartment starts around 700 USD per month.

Envigado: Technically located outside of Medellin, Envigado is a little further south than El Poblado. Prices are similar – sometimes a little less. If you are looking for somewhere close to Poblado but not within the tourist bubble, it could be a good option.

Ciudad del Rio: Close to El Poblado but accommodation is usually a bit cheaper here, as it’s less touristy with lots of apartment blocks. Prices for a standard room in a shared apartment start around 600k COP (roughly 200 USD). A one-bed apartment usually starts around 600 USD per month.

Laureles/Estadio/Floresta: These areas are located west in Medellin, and feel a little more authentic Colombian than El Poblado (although they are westernizing quickly). They are close to the football stadium, a public sports arena, and home to one of the main universities – so it feels young and vibrant, full of Colombian students that live here.

A double room in a shared apartment should start around $600k COP (roughly 200 USD). For a private one bed apartment, expect to pay from 500 USD per month.

If you are looking to live in luxury with amazing panoramic views of the city, there are a lot of penthouse apartments (with pools, gyms, saunas etc) dotted around all these areas – for a fraction of European prices.

Where to Search for Apartments in Medellin:

Comparto Apto: Often the best place for value as you deal directly with the landlord, on this website. However, you will most likely need to have a basic level of Spanish to be able to communicate with the landlords.

Facebook groups: Sometimes the costs can be marked up a little, but it’s relatively easy to find a room especially for English speakers. Check out “Digital Nomads Medellin” and “Medellin Rooms, Apartments and Expat Info”. 

Airbnb: Lots of rooms are available here, and many have discounts on stays over a month.

If you find yourself visiting the big city of Bogota during your stay, check out our post on the best things to do in Bogota.

Best wi-fi Spots & Cafes to Work in Medellin

Internet connection is generally very strong around the city, and there’s frequently free wi-fi in the streets and parks. (But as with any public network, be careful using it for anything personal)

Of course, digital nomads need to ensure there is fast and stable wifi for working. Here are my favourite cafes & spots to work in Medellin:

El Poblado

• Botanika Lounge – great wifi connection with plug sockets under every table
• Cafe Zeppelin – go for the menu of the day for 12,000 COP (under 4 USD) and stay all afternoon
• Pergamino – known for the best coffee in El Poblado
• Cafe Velvet – a popular spot for nomads although you need to get there early as plugs are a little sparse
• Amarillo Chocolate – cute interior with a great selection of veggie sandwiches
• Como pez en el agua – go for brunch and stay all day (their fried eggs on toast with mushrooms & truffle oil is just 16,500 COP – approx 5.50 USD)

Envigado

• Cafe Otra Parte – great garden and terrace if you want some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of Poblado
• Cocolatte – relaxed atmosphere, great coffee and friendly staff makes it easy to stay all afternoon

Ciudad del Rio

• Cariñito Cafe – often a bit quieter than the Poblado cafes, with an impressive coffee menu & large terrace

Laureles

• Algarabia – has a scenic view overlooking the second park in Laureles
• Cafe Revolucion – located on the main road, it can be a bit busy but it’s great for people-watching at the same time.
• Naturalia Cafe – one for the health-conscious foodies out there, with an extensive menu & another cheap but great menu of the day

Floresta

• Hostal Ondas – has a cafe on the ground floor open to anyone, and a great co-working area above

Transport Options in Medellin

Getting around the city is generally very easy and cheap – either by taxi, metro or bus.

Local taxis: There are plenty of taxis driving around the city; however, sometimes it can be tricky to track them down. Often they don’t stop, despite seemingly looking empty.

Uber: The rules on Uber are slightly strange in Medellin. Technically it is illegal to take an Uber, but the app still exists – so it is very easy to pick them up. However, if the police stop you, you could be in trouble. Therefore, I’d recommend taking the local taxis – they are similar in price anyway.

Metro: The standard cost of the metro is 2,300 COP (roughly 80 cents), for pretty much all trips (regardless of the distance). It was built to enable locals up in the outskirts work in the centre – so it’s a great option to save money.

Unfortunately, the metro station in Poblado is a little way out of the centre, at the bottom of a hill. If you take the metro to go to the centre of Poblado, be prepared to walk up Calle 10.

Bus: There are lots of buses around the city so you can easily pick one up from the side of the road. There aren’t as many bus stops but they stop and pick you up as it drives along the route on the main road.

They say in big letters on the front where they are heading – but always check with the driver when you hop on, and if in doubt, ask the guy next to you. Each journey costs between 1,900 COP (under 1 USD).

With the massive influx of nomads, there are lots of meet-ups and social events. Hostel Ondas has a weekly social on their roof, specifically for digital nomads, and there are lots of independently organised Couchsurfing meet-ups.

Plus, there are lots of groups on Facebook, which you can request to join and be part of the community. For example:

So if you are looking to make some friends with like-minded people, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Living Like a Local in Medellin

Here are some of the best ways to get your food, groceries and other daily needs while living in Medellin.

Groceries

The most popular supermarkets are: Exito, Jumbo, Euro, & Carulla. There are many large supermarkets, as well as smaller convenience stores, all over. Exito, Jumbo & Euro are cheaper; Carulla is more premium.

For the more niche health foods, there are shops such as Salud Pan or Ceres Mercado Organic where you can pick up non-dairy milks, nut butter etc.

Plaza Minorista is a huge market with lots of fresh fruit, veg, meats, cheeses and more…such as the superstitious soaps that apparently the locals like to buy, to get good fortune in things such as love or finances.

Goods here are cheaper than in the supermarkets, but its location in El Centro means it’s not as convenient to just pop down there, if you are coming from one of the resident areas mentioned above.

Street food

Arepas & empanadas are everywhere! There is a wide variety of types and flavours of each, and prices usually start at 2,000 COP (0.65 USD).

Drinks

Beer

The two most common, and generally cheapest, beers are Aguila & Club Colombia. Expect to pay around the following:

• Supermarket: 2,000 COP (0.65 USD)
• Local pub: 4,000 COP (1.30 USD)
• Bars/restaurants: 6,000 COP (1.95 USD)
• Nightclubs: 8,000 COP (2.60 USD)

Spirits

Aguardiente is the national spirit that’s available all over Colombia. A 750ml bottle costs around 27,000 COP (just under 9 USD) in the shops, and with an aniseed taste, similar to sambuca, it is popular with the locals. (It’s not for everyone though!)

“Ron Medellin” is Medellin’s most popular rum, and is the cheapest spirit, after aguardiente. A 750ml bottle is around 28,000 COP (just over 9 USD) in the shops.

Juices

Colombians love their fresh juices, and there is usually a juice of the day included within the menu of the day at lunch. Popular flavours are:

• Lulo – an exotic, sour Colombian fruit
• Maracuya – passionfruit
• Guanabana – a unique Colombian fruit, that almost tastes both sweet and sour.

They usually cost around 6,000 COP (1.95 USD).

Water

Tap water in Medellin is fine to drink. However, if you do travel elsewhere in Colombia, check the health warnings as it’s generally not drinkable in most other areas.

Exercise

They say the Colombians are some of the most beautiful people in the world — so if you are looking to join the crew and stay in shape, there are plenty of places to go in Medellin.

Gyms

• Alpha Fitness (Poblado) – has a great timetable for classes such as HIIT, TRX, yoga and crosstraining
• Bodytech (all over) – loads of equipment available but one of the more expensive gyms, although you can get a trial pass which has 3 days free
• Dinamo fitness (Envigado) – tends to be a bit cheaper, especially if you choose an off-peak membership

Yoga

• Flying Tree (Laureles) – classes are available in both English & Spanish; 1x class is 25,000 COP (8.20 USD) or monthly unlimited passes are 160,000 COP (52.50 USD).

Running / walking

• Parque Arvi – take the gondola to this massive area of nature, where you can walk around & enjoy the waterfalls and more
• Cerro El Volador – a short but very steep hill close to Estadio, with incredible views overlooking the whole city
• Stadium (Estadio) – the full-sized athletic track is free for public use

Nightlife

There’s a variety of bars and clubs all over the city, although they are most heavily saturated in El Poblado or Laureles. Reggaeton and salsa are probably the two most popular music types for the locals, but there are numerous places around so you’ll find something to suit your taste.

El Poblado:

The bars and clubs here tend to be a bit more western with more techno, house as well as the more Colombian reggaeton, salsa and bachata.

• Electronic music: Mansion & Calle 9 are two popular clubs at the weekends, with entry usually costing just 10,000 COP (3.30 USD). Salon Amador has a good sound system but is a bit swankier and more expensive (usually 35,000 COP, approx 11.50 USD – although it can be more on special nights)
• Salsa: Mojito Salsa Guaracha y Son. is a small, intimate but popular one.
• Cheap beers with a chilled atmosphere: Latineria – located on Parque Poblado – has beers for around 4,000 COP (1.30 USD).

Laureles:

Calle 33 and the ‘setente’ (Carrera 70) is where most of the bars are situated here. They tend to feel a little more local, with more salsa and reggaeton.

• Salsa/bachata: Son Havanah & El Tibiri are both popular spots amongst the locals

Carlos E Restrepo (not in, but close to, Laureles): A super eclectic area, close to the university, where many locals hang out and drink beers on the street, singing and dancing to the street performers. Drinking in the streets was banned in January, so this is one of the few places where you can chill at night.

Can’t speak Spanish?

Medellin is a very cosmopolitan city so most people in cafes and shops speak English — especially in the more western areas of Poblado & Laureles.

El Centro is slightly less Western so you may find it a little harder to communicate in English but on the whole, you shouldn’t struggle too much without any Spanish.

There are lots of Spanish schools around and language exchanges if you do want to pick it up while living there. Some recommended Spanish schools are below:

El Poblado

Laureles

Weather in Medellin

Medellin is also called ‘The City of Eternal Spring’, because the weather is generally pretty good all year round. It does rain from time to time (and usually when it rains, it pours) but it’s consistently warm, being in the high 80s F / low 20s C.

It’s a cultural hub

There are many museums, independent theatres and cinemas, concerts, and street art to inspire you when you’re not working.

Botero’s sculptures are dotted around the city, there’s a plaza filled with 20m tall lights (Parque De Las Luces), and Comuna 13 (home to hip hop & graffiti artists) has some of the most vibrant street art in the city.

The list is constantly growing so it would be difficult to exhaust everything – but in the unlikely event of that happening, Medellin has two airports and national bus stations, so it’s easy to travel internally for a weekend away.

Safety in Medellin

One of the main things that puts people off visiting Medellin is the question of safety. The city has undergone a massive transformation in the last 20 years, and the locals are trying super hard to shift the stigma to increase tourism.

There are the same general precautions which need to be taken, as with any big city.

However, from a personal perspective, I can honestly say that I haven’t felt at risk at all. Obviously, if you go looking for illegal stuff, you will put yourself more at risk — but if you are careful, it shouldn’t be any more dangerous than any other big city in the world.

With a low cost of living, good internet connection, and a large nomad community – it’s no wonder more and more nomads are flocking here. Will you be next?

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Since 2020, a multitude of people have started working from home, whether they’re freelancers, small business owners, or even salaried workers. If you’re wondering how to stay healthy while working from home, you’re in the right place.

I started working remotely almost a year ago now. I’ve worked as a social media manager, graphic designer, article writer, web designer, and virtual assistant with over 30 clients. I have managed to try out many ideas for staying healthy while working at home. 

In this list, you’ll find ideas that I’ve personally tried.

Once I implemented some of these strategies and tips, my productivity, mental health, and physical health improved drastically.

Here’s how to stay healthy while working from home this year.

About Remote Work and Working From Home

While remote working has been around for a while, it recently grew in popularity in the last year. 

Whether you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, online business owner, or if you work for an employer at a salary job — many companies are 100% remote and international. These days, it’s easier than ever for people to work from the comfort of their own home.

Working remotely has a wide variety of benefits, including wearing more comfortable clothes, being with your children and family more often, and not having to deal with rush hour. 

☞ Looking for remote work jobs? Check out FlexJobs which is the leading online job board. Use promo code NOMAD to receive 30% off the (low) monthly fee. Click here for more details.

However, it comes with its own set of cons too.

Working from home can be lonely, and it can be challenging to separate work life from home life, making a balance near impossible for some.

It can also be tough to figure out how to stay fit and healthy while working from home, which is why I’ve put together this list to help you out.

10 Ways To Stay Healthy While Working From Home

Here is a tried and tested list of some of the best tips to stay healthy while working from home. Pick and choose the ones that feel easiest for you to focus on.

1. Meal prep to save time and energy throughout the week

This has been one of my own personal biggest life-savers the past year since I started working from home as a freelancer. My roommate and I specifically take the time to plan all of our meals for the week and then cook them in bulk.

We found a great set of reusable meal prep dishes that we use religiously. As a tip, if you are meal prepping lunches, try to give yourself two options. You won’t want to eat the same salad every day for a week… trust me, I’ve been there.

When I was struggling with how to stay healthy while working from home, I found that I was just grabbing what was quick and easy for my meals, which was usually microwave food. This, in turn, made me feel sluggish and less productive for the rest of the day.

Meal prepping has not only ensured that I eat more nutritious food, but it also leaves me feeling better knowing all the effort and care I put into creating the meal earlier in the week! If you’re wondering how to eat healthy while working from home, meal prepping is one of the easiest ways.

2. Use your “rush hour” time to exercise

Utilize the time you would’ve spent in traffic if you had an in-person job. Since you’re working from home, you now have “bonus” time. Whether it’s a 30-minute or 1-hour block in the morning and late afternoon, utilize that time to move your body.

Dedicate it strictly to working out, even if that means working out while catching up on your favourite television show. Being active, especially in the morning, wires your brain to focus throughout the day!

3. Have your meals away from all electronics

Here’s how to eat healthy while working from home: give your eyes a break and focus on what you’re eating instead of munching mindlessly.

This is one of the biggest lessons I’ve had to teach myself. Don’t use your electronics when you’re taking your meals… give your eyes a break!

That message from your coworker can wait for a response until you return. Trust me; this is essential for an ideal work/life balance. It can be challenging to do this, so at least take the time to turn your notifications off for Slack or Gmail while you eat. 

4. Utilize the time blocking method for your calendar

Time blocking is seriously one of the most overlooked methods of organization and weekly planning. This is one of the best ways to manage your time.

The weeks that I’ve used time blocking have been the weeks that I’ve checked the most tasks off my to-do list. 

It can be done relatively quickly using the free calendar app on an Apple computer or even just Google Calendar. Schedule out everything from meetings to your designated break times.

Keep in mind while time blocking that no task is too small to include on your calendar. This way, you can get an accurate overview of what your day and the upcoming week looks like. 

To take it to the next level, schedule in your designated workout time too! Having it written somewhere holds you accountable.

5. Go on walks whenever you can

This may seem like one of the most straightforward ideas for staying healthy while working from home, but honestly, most people forget to do it. As humans, we need fresh air, and yes, that means you need more than a cracked window by your desk.

Designate one of your break times to go outside, even if it’s just for a quick walk around your block. The fresh air is rejuvenating and can genuinely energize you even more.

There have been days where I’ve forgotten to go outside to get some fresh air, and I’ve found those were the days that I was most miserable.

The past few months, I’ve implemented at least one short walk outside per day, and it’s done wonders for my work ethic.

If you’re wondering how to stay active while working from home, know that this is one of the most simple yet overlooked ways!

6. Make the time to see family and friends

Spending time with loved ones is especially important if you live alone. Whether it’s taking the time to do a quick FaceTime or Zoom call with someone you haven’t seen in a while or grabbing a bite to eat with them after work, make sure you take the time to see the ones you love most in life.

When you’re with them, be sure to not talk about work to maintain a work/life balance. Instead, talk about life, your hobbies, and what else you’ve been up to.

As an added challenge, try inviting one of your family members or friends to workout with you at least once a week as an accountability buddy. You’re more likely to do something when you’ve made a set plan with someone else, especially a person you care about.

7. Don’t answer work emails during your off time

I believe that this is the most challenging task for absolutely anyone who works from home. 

Often, I’ll get an email around 9 p.m., and I’ll feel the need to answer it because it will only take a few minutes. However, anything work-related doesn’t deserve my (or your) attention when you’re relaxing in the evening. 

Don’t forget that we work to live, and not the other way around.

If you’re wondering how to stay healthy while working from home, consider either deleting your work email from your email app or setting notifications to not pop up as part of your wind-down ritual when you log off work for the day.

8. Create an area strictly for work only

It’s tough to get work done if you’re doing it from your favourite couch or even from your bed. This is because your body knows this area as a spot for you to relax. The more you try to work in said spot, the more difficulty you’ll start to have to relax in them!

To stop this from happening, designate a particular part of your house or apartment strictly for working. This can be as elaborate as a whole desk setup, or it might even be a spot at your dining room table.

If you can afford it, you might even consider getting a membership at a local shared office location/co-working space. Having a work-only space is pertinent for your mental health.

9. Invest in a comfortable chair

If you had told me six months ago that I’d buy myself a $350 chair for my remote work setup, I would’ve laughed in your face. Yet, the more I sat in my cheap $40 chair that I’d had for years, the more tired and loathsome I became.

Invest in a comfortable chair for when you work if you can afford to. If you own your own business or if you’re a freelancer, you can even write this off on your taxes as a business expense.

Having a comfortable chair will allow you to be a bit more energetic throughout the day and won’t strain your body as much, which is excellent for physical health.

10. Get dressed for the day as if you were working in-person

This tip might seem silly, but it can make a huge difference. Try not to go to work while wearing your favourite pajamas or leggings if you can help it.

Your workout gear should strictly be for active activities, not working from home. This one can be hard to break out of, but you’ll feel a lot more professional and ready to work if you dress like you’re going to work.

Dressing for work can also be pertinent for mental health and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. The second that your workday is over, feel free to switch back into your comfiest clothes!

Looking for more Freelance articles?

5 Best Programs To Help Stay Fit and Healthy While Working at Home

Since working from home for the past year, I’ve found that there are tons of great programs out there to help you stay active while working from home. Here are some of my favourites.

1. Nike Training Club

I’ve been a user of Nike Training Club for at least six years now. What I love about it is that the membership is entirely free! If you’re wondering how to stay active while working from home, this is hands-down one of the easiest ways. 

Plus, a lot of the workouts don’t require any equipment whatsoever. All you need is yourself and a space in your house or apartment.

The app also tracks your progress so you can see how active you’ve been over a set period. When you first set up your account, be sure to be honest about your current fitness levels because the app will make a suggested workout plan for you.

2. Peloton App

Do you have an old, dusty stationary bike sitting around your house? Or maybe you’ve been meaning to learn yoga for quite some time now?

Here’s the solution: get the Peloton app. Many people think that to use Peloton’s services, they need an actual Peloton bike, but that’s not the case.

Their app and digital membership is only $12.99 a month and includes yoga lessons, stationary bike routines, and more. You’ll have every type of workout imaginable right at your fingertips for an affordable price.

3. Pomodoro Method

This is another free program that so many remote workers swear by. Keep in mind that using the Pomodoro Method is easier for self-employed individuals or those who can create their own schedule.

With this method, you’ll work in 25-minute sprints. After each sprint, you’ll reward yourself with a 5-minute break.

If you’re time blocking, this method will be extremely beneficial to you!

4. Pinterest

I’ve gotten nearly all of my recipes for meal prepping specifically from Pinterest. Just use the handy-dandy search bar and type in “meal prep recipes.”

It’s pretty easy to fall into a dark hole searching through all the recipes, but it can be quite rewarding with some of the foods you get to try. If you know there’s a particular meal that you’re in the mood for that week, then search that!

Remember to store all your favourite recipe pins on a board so that you can easily access them again at a later date. If you don’t, it might be impossible to find them again.

5. Spotify

This might seem a bit silly to include, but listening to music can boost productivity while working and exercising. 

If you’re not a music person, then take advantage of Spotify’s podcast section. There are tons of podcasts, so you can find something to listen to no matter your interests. 

While ad-free Spotify does require you to purchase a subscription, there’s also a free version if you don’t mind commercial breaks.

Now you know how to stay healthy while working from home!

Getting yourself on a schedule and into a routine can be quite tricky at first as a remote worker, but it will start to feel like second nature over time. So, what are you waiting for? Start applying these tips for staying healthy while working from home and enjoy a better work/life balance.

Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

The island of Grenada in the Caribbean is a true jewel. There are numerous things to do in Grenada, but there isn’t a lot of information online about this tiny island nation.

We’ve lived here for over 5 years, so we know lots of unique things to do in Grenada and this blog has more information than any other online today.

The Isle of Spice is located just far enough south in the Caribbean to avoid the tourism masses that the northern islands see, yet it’s still easy enough to travel to Grenada on a cruise ship or a direct flight from North America.

There are so many things to do in Grenada, you could spend a year and never be bored!

If you’re wondering what to do in Grenada during your trip, I’ve got you covered. Here is my list of 61 best things to do in Grenada:

*This post has been updated in 2021. These items are in no particular order and the Parishes are listed in brackets.

1. Try “Doubles” (St. George) – one of the best things to do in Grenada for foodies

Doubles are a delicious breakfast found in the southern Caribbean and while they’re originally from Trinidad, they’re so delicious that they make our list of things to do in Grenada.

Sweet and spicy chickpea curry is wrapped inside of a soft bara bread.

Latta and her husband make the best ones on the island, and you can find them serving doubles out of the back of their orange van on Wall Street in Grand Anse. Update: Latta and Frank now have an orange and dark coloured van! Look for either one of them. 

2. Grand Etang National Park (St. Andrews)

This beautiful, lush park is set high in the mountains of Grenada. At 1,900ft, this is the perfect spot to escape the heat and enjoy nature.

With the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, a lake, and endless walking trails, Grand Etang is a place you could return to again and again. Visiting this National Park is one of the top things to do in Grenada for sure. 

Join this highly rated day trip which includes round trip transportation, a guide to show you the way, and free time to enjoy swimming in the waterfalls.

*Note* These days there’s a new highwire canopy obstacle course that has been built in the rainforest at Grand Etang falls. Many people enjoy this activity and it’s something fun to do in Grenada with kids.

3. La Sagesse Beach (St. David)

A stunning cove with soft sand, clear waters and lined with palm trees. This is one of the best beaches in Grenada. You can walk the length of the beach and hardly see another person. There’s only one hotel on this beach, which has a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

*Note: as La Sagesse is often quite quiet, be mindful of your belongings and your safety when on this beach.

Top Tours in Grenada (the easiest way to see all of the top attractions in Grenada)

Do you have a day to spare and want to take a tour around the island? Many people aren’t comfortable driving abroad (and, the driving in Grenada can be a bit crazy!), but a great option is to take a half-day tour, or a full-day tour while ticking off some of the main activities in Grenada along the way. 

1. Half-Day Highlights of the Things to See in Grenada

This highly-rated half-day tour takes in St. George’s town, Annadale Falls, Grand Etang Lake, a rum distillery, and the stunning Morne Rouge Beach. Learn more and read traveller reviews here.

2. Half-Day West Coast Highlights

This highly-rated half-day tour takes in the lesser-visited west coast of Grenada. Heading up the coast, you’ll take in the Belvidere Estate (learn about the growing of fruits, vegetable and spices), visiting Concord Waterfalls, the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station, the Diamond Chocolate Factory (free samples of Jouvay chocolate included), and a stop at the Grand Etang National Park on the way back. Learn more and read traveller reviews here.

3. Full-Day Highlights and Top Places To Visit in Grenada

This highly-rated full-day tour is a bit longer and offers many of the things to do in Grenada that I list in this article. You’ll visit St. George’s town, Grand Etang rainforest, Concord waterfalls, Douglas Spice Plantation, and River Antoine rum distillery. Learn more and read traveller reviews here.

4. Sunsets at La Luna (St. George)

There are many places to enjoy the golden sunset with a glass of wine in hand, but the best spot has to be at the gorgeous La Luna Hotel.

Going for a swim, lounging on beach chairs, and enjoying the sunset with a drink is one of the best things to do in Grenada. You can come here for a drink at the beautiful open-air bar even if you’re not a hotel guest.

Sunset at Laluna is a real secret on the island! Even the locals don’t know about the half-price drinks, so you won’t likely find this on any other list of things to do in Grenada.

☞  Click here to see the latest price of Laluna on Booking.com.

5. Sailing (St. George)

Getting out on the water is a must when visiting an island! Sailing up the and down the Caribbean coastline aboard a catamaran is a magical experience. Check out Footloose Tours for a great day (or multiple days) of sailing. (Update: our favourite company to sail with is Savvy, more on them below).

6. BBQ’s in Grenada (Island Wide)

Every weekend, local vendors set up their BBQs on the street and serve up some delicious pork and chicken. Check out the BBQ at D’Cliff, St. Paul’s, Jerk chicken in Grand Anse Valley, and Rosanne’s BBQ near Red Gate (St. David) it’s the best BBQ on the island!

7. Dodgy Dock (True Blue, St. George)

This awesome marina-side restaurant and bar is a nice place to meet up with friends for an afternoon beer or dinner. The views of the water and sailboats are lovely.

Plus, you can also stay here at the True Blue Bay Resort, or pay for a day pass which will grant you access to the watersports, pools, lounge chairs, food and drinks. Click here to learn more about True Blue.

8. Hashing: One of The Most Unique Things To Do in Grenada (Island Wide)

The Hash House Harriers are a social running/walking group that meets every Saturday. Someone sets up a trail around the island (usually about 2 hours long) and the runners/walkers follow piles of shredded paper until they reach the finish line. The starting and finishing point is typically at a rum shack! It’s a lot of fun and a very unique thing to do in Grenada.

Check out our article: On! On! The Art of Hashing in Grenada

Fun Note: Hashing is one of the best things to do on Grenada because you can become a part of a pretty cool community with loads of locals, expats, students and tourists on the island.

9. Scuba Diving

The diving around Grenada is stunning. This island isn’t really known for being a diving destination, but with the first Underwater Sculpture Park in the world, shipwrecks, and coral that has been virtually untouched, it really should be more popular.

Check out Dive Grenada, the best dive shop on the island with excellent divemasters, and equipment. Nick has done numerous dives with this company and highly recommends them.

Don’t miss this article and video: Under The Caribbean Sea With Dive Grenada

10. Friday Bonfire & BBQ (St. George)

This is one of the best things to do in Grenada on a Friday night. If you like bonfires, s’mores, steel pan music and BBQs (and who doesn’t?!) head to the Savvy Beach Cabana, which is one of the best restaurants in Grenada.

Dine under the stars with your feet submerged in the soft sand, while the local steel pan band serenades you with their tunes.

For dinner, take your pick between chicken, steak, fish, lobster and more, which are all served with a side of rice and peas, mashed pumpkin, roast potatoes and house salad. 

For dessert, relive your childhood by toasting a marshmallow on the beach bonfire to create your own s’more, complete with graham crackers and a square of Grenadian chocolate. 

Insider Tip: Many guests assume that the side dishes are served in hollowed-out coconut shells, but they’re actually made from calabash – impress your server with your island knowledge! 

Outside of Friday nights, the Savvy Beach Cabana is open for lunch and drinks from 10:00am to sundown. This is a great lunchtime spot with a diverse, tasty, and affordable menu. Don’t miss the catch of the day, the chuck burger, and (when in season) the lobster linguine.

Savvy Beach Cabana is a part of Mount Cinnamon Grenada, one of the top-rated accommodation options here on the island. If you’re looking for a great place to have dinner outside of Friday nights, then check out their second restaurant, Savvy’s.

11. Whisper Cove Marina (St. David)

If you’re looking for something to do in Grenada on Saturday afternoons, look no further! For only $10 USD you can enjoy a steak lunch with french fries, salad, and a cold beer! (Update 2021: This restaurant is now under new management. On Saturdays, they now offer Spicy wings, Fish cakes, Fish tacos or Battered fish, with fries for $11 USD).

12. Hog Island (St. David)

This gorgeous island is just a 10-minute boat ride from Whisper Cove Marina, or you can drive the bumpy road from Mt. Hartman Dove Sanctuary, and then walk across the bridge. Or, you can set off on a long walk from near the Secret Cove Marina.

Hog Island has a great trail for hiking, a nice (shallow beach), and wonderful views. This is one of the more off-track places to visit in Grenada.

13. Roger’s Bar (Hog Island)

There’s a little ramshackle bar located on Hog Island and every Sunday, Roger puts on a lunch BBQ consisting of chicken or fish, green salad, macaroni salad and potato salad. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a beer while swimming in the stunning water.

14. St. George’s Carenage (St. George)

St. George’s (what the locals call “town”) is a very colourful capital city! Walking along the carenage while enjoying the views of the water, the buildings, and the boats coming and going makes for a great afternoon. 

15. Fort George (St. George)

This fort was built in 1705 by the French and is located to the west of the harbour. The views from atop the fort looking down on St. George’s are fabulous. An entrance fee of $5EC is payable when you enter the fort.

16. Volunteer at the GSPCA (St. George)

Do some good during your holiday and spend a couple of hours helping the sweet dogs and cats at the GSPCA. You can stop by for a visit to give the animals some love, spend an hour or so taking a dog for a walk, or, if you don’t have the time, you could always donate some cash to this non-profit company.

Be warned, the fur babies are so cute you’ll want to take one home with you!

While looking for things to do in Grenada, consider activities that give back to the local communities. The GSPCA helps provide affordable animal care to locals through donations and volunteer work.

17. Belmont Estate (St. Patrick)

This gorgeous 17th-century plantation is a great place to go to learn about cocoa processing. You can also visit gardens, the goat dairy farm, and enjoy a delicious Grenadian lunch.

To go on a tour of the plantation and learn about cocoa, the cost is only 13EC ($4.80) /person, which includes tasting some delicious chocolate at the end!

18. See The Leatherback Turtles (St. Patrick)

Leatherback turtles start their nesting season on Levera Beach in March, and the hatchlings head out to the water by July.

Seeing these massive turtles haul themselves up on shore, dig a canal in the sand to drop their eggs, cover them up and head back out to sea is an unforgettable experience.

You need to come here in the evening with a guide in order to see the turtles. Learn more about volunteering with the conservation of leatherback turtles here.

19. River Antoine Rum Distillery (St. Patrick)

It’s a known fact that rum is the drink of choice throughout the Caribbean. The River Antoine Rum Distillery’s processes have changed very little since the 1800’s. This is the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery not only in Grenada, but in the entire Caribbean.

The best Grenada rum depends on who you ask, but if you’re looking for an interesting tour, check out this place. Tours here are $5EC ($1.85) and you get a tasting at the end. Bottom’s up!

20. Prickly Bay Marina (Lance Aux Epines, St. George)

This is where lots of sailors and yachties hangout. The vibe here is good, the pizzas are delicious (1/2 price on Monday and 2-for-1 on Saturday) and happy hour runs from 5:00 – 6:00pm. The sunsets over the marina here are nice as well.

21. Try Oil Down – Grenada’s National Dish (Islandwide)

This one-pot dish is actually very complex and time-consuming to make. The ingredients are coconut, saffron, callaloo, chicken, crab, dumplings, breadfruit (and more).

We’ve only seen it made at friend’s houses, or at get-togethers, so if you want to sample a taste of Grenada, ask at your hotel where you can try it!

While we’ve listed oil down as one of the things to do in Grenada, it’s actually quite hard to find because it’s so difficult to prepare that most restaurants won’t feature it on their menu. To maximize your chance of trying this delicious dish, come around Carnival time when there’s oil down on many street corners.

22. Sunset Sailing (St. George)

For an amazing afternoon of sailing (or multi-day trips), check out Savvy. They sail on a traditional sloop boat and offer fun times on the sea.

You’ll sail up the west coast, do some swimming, some drinking and of course, enjoy the company of Danny and his crew. Click here to read about our experience aboard the Savvy, it is definitely one of our favourite things to do in Grenada.

*Note: Savvy is locally owned and operated. Danny runs private tours on his boat, so you’ll never be stuck with a group of people who you don’t know. Click here to contact Savvy and arrange your day at sea.

23. Levera Beach (St. Patrick)

Located at the very northern tip of the island, the beach here is lovely and is a great spot for a picnic. The beach is usually quite empty, so be mindful of your belongings. Also, this is not a good beach for swimming as currents are very strong.

24. Carib’s Leap (St. Patrick)

Located in the town of Sauteurs, this is a very historical spot in Grenada. In 1651, rather than face domination by the French invasion, the native Carib people leaped to their death off of this cliff.

25. Royal Mt. Carmel Waterfalls (St. Andrew)

Located just 3 km south of Grenville, these are the tallest waterfalls in Grenada. After an easy 20 – 30 minute walk, you’ll arrive at the falls. A great place for a picnic and a swim.

26. Grand Anse Beach: One Of The Best Things To Do in Grenada! (St. George)

This is the largest beach in Grenada, and arguably the most beautiful. The sand is soft and white and the waters are clear and calm. This is the most popular beach in Grenada, yet it’s practically empty.

You can go diving, swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, or just chill out on the sand with a book in hand. It’s also a good spot to watch the sun set. This beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Grenada, and for good reason. 

27. Umbrella’s Beach Bar (Grand Anse Beach, St. George)

Located on Grand Anse Beach, this is a popular spot for locals, students, tourists and expats. The food is good and it’s a casual place to head in for a drink.

Try the Umbrella burger, catch sandwich, beet salad, wings and the wedges! Fridays and Saturdays they have live music from 7:00 – 9:00 and on Sundays from 5:30 – 7:30pm. Find them here on the map. 

28. Morne Rouge Beach (St. George)

Located one bay over from Grand Anse Beach on the south end, this is a gorgeous cove. The waters here are very calm and perfectly clear. This beach is much quieter than Grand Anse, and is one of the best beaches in Grenada.

29. Fort Frederick (St. George)

Built by the French, this fort is a great place to come for views of St. George’s and the Caribbean Sea. It’s right next to Fort Mathew (below) and they both make our list of things to do in Grenada because they both have great views over the nation’s capital, St.George.

30. Fort Mathew (St. George)

Just adjacent to Fort Frederick, this fort went from battleground to insane asylum! The 18th-century fort offers underground tunnels and cells, plus army kitchens and more. 

☞ SEE ALSO: Travel to Grenada: The Ultimate Budget Guide

31. Practice Yoga (St. George)

Practicing yoga is one of the best things to do in Grenada after a long flight… or if you’ve been sitting on the beach for too long!

There are a few great yoga spots around Grenada. Check out Spice Harmony Yoga in St. George, MitSukha at Coyaba Beach Resort (St. George) and Sankalpa at True Blue Resort (St. George).

32. Annandale Falls (St. George)

Located just 15 minutes from St. George’s, these are the easiest falls to visit on the island. The 15-meter high waterfall is beautiful and a great spot for a swim.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Grenada, and one of the top sights when coming from the cruise ships. So, you’ll likely see lots of people (locals and tourists) at this refreshing hot spot.

33. Laura’s Spice Garden (St. David)

Grenada is known as the Island of Spice and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without learning about the nutmeg and other spices this island is famous for. The tour here is about 20 minutes and the guide will explain every use for each herb and plant on the property. There’s a $5EC ($1.85) entrance fee.

34. Ronda’s Ice Cream (St. David)

This small, side of the road ice cream shop has local ice cream on offer. Make sure to try the cookies n’ cream! Located just before the Grenada Marina turnoff on your right-hand side when driving to La Sagesse Beach, if you’re coming from the south.

35. Levera National Park & Bathway Beach (St. Patrick)

A lovely area at the very northern reaches of the island. Walk around the lagoon, or enjoy the bird-watching. Bathway Beach is a great place to enjoy the afternoon as well, just be aware of strong surf here.

A trip “up island” may seem like a long way to go, but it’s worth the drive and is one of the best things to do in Grenada.

36. Dragon Bay (St. George)

This local beach is a nice spot to enjoy a picnic and do some snorkelling. Here you’ll rarely see another tourist, it’s a great spot to get to know the locals.

37. Fish Friday in Gouyave (St. John)

An open-air event held each Friday. All sorts of fresh, local seafood is available and sold at little vendors. This is a very local event filled with good food, music and dancing in the street. It starts around 6:00pm and ends around 1:00am. This is one of the most popular things to do in Grenada.

38. Go For a Craft Beer (St. George)

Located near the Calabash Hotel in Lance Aux Epines is the West Indies Beer Company. The beers are brewed in-house and are very tasty. Try the IPA! Food here is also very affordable, and they often have live music. Click here to learn more.

39. Cycle Tour (St. George)

Mocha Spoke is a cool company here on the island offering cycle trips around Grenada. The guides are professional and the bikes are top-notch. Mocha Spoke is also an open air cafe, serving up waffles, paninis, and of course, coffee!

40. Carnival (St. George)

Carnival in Grenada is held every year, with the main music competitions and parades in July / early August. Music, costume and dance competitions happen all over the island. It’s a bright, colourful, crazy festival! Don’t miss J’ouvert, Monday Night Mas and Pretty Mas. If you’re looking for things to do in Grenada, this celebration is our top choice.

In our opinion, this is one of the absolute best things to do in Grenada.

41. Kayak Tour (St. David)

Conservation Kayak is the company to go with if you want to do a kayak tour. They leave from Le Phare Bleu after a good 30 minute or so briefing. Tours vary, but most paddle out near Hog Island.

42. Deep-Sea Fishing (Leave From St. George)

Grenada has some excellent fishing opportunities. Sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi and barracuda are just some of the many fish you could hook into! If you’re an avid fisherman or woman, you’ll want to check out the Billfish Tournament which takes place each year in January. 

But either way, if you’re interested in a fun day at sea with a professional, safety-oriented, fun crew, contact Frank, the owner of the Oceanus. We went on a 6 hour trip with this Grenadian owned and operated company, and highly recommend it. 

Click here to learn more about the Oceanus and book your deep-sea fishing excursion. 

43. Concord Falls (St. John)

There are actually three waterfalls here. The first is easily reached, while the other two require a bit of a hike through gorgeous scenery. It’s about 45 minutes to the second fall. This is a great place to spend the day, pack a picnic.

44. Mt. Moritz Breakfast (St. George)

This breakfast is held on the last Sunday of each month. Many local foods are on offer and there’s music as well. It’s a well-attended event and there’s lots of seating and parking.

45. Saturday Morning Grenada Market (St. George)

If you’re looking for some fresh fruits and veggies, this is the place to come on Saturdays! Located right in the center of St. George’s, just one street back from the Grenada fish market.

46. Mount. St. Catherine (St. Mark)

At 840m (2,760ft), this is the highest point on the island. Mt. St. Catherine is actually a stratovolcano and the youngest of the 5 volcanoes that Grenada is comprised of. You can hike up to the top, but you’ll need to take a guide. Tours are available out of Victoria, or you could arrange it in St. George’s.

47. Magazine Beach (St. George)

This is one of the best beaches in Grenada. You’ll be sharing the beach with the guests of the Rex Grenadian hotel and Maca Bana Villas, but it’s still pretty quiet. At the southern end of the beach is the Aquarium Restaurant which has an awesome Sunday BBQ, or bring your own food and drinks to the beach. You can snorkel here as well if you have your own gear.

48. Lake Antoine (St. Patrick)

This shallow crater lake is a great place for bird watching. There’s a trail that circles it as well. Bring some food and spend a couple of hours chilling out.

49. Grenada Fish Market (St. George)

A great place to find fresh fish! Snapper, barracuda, mahi-mahi and more are on offer. Shore fishing in Grenada is quite popular, but to haul in these big fish, these fishermen will be out on their boats. Prices are about $8EC ($3) / pound. Even if you’re not interested in purchasing anything, it’s an interesting and bustling place to visit.

50. Black Bay Beach with Amerindian markings (St. John)

About a 20-minute hike from Concord off the main road is this secluded beach. There’s also a cave here with Amerindian markings inside.

51. Dougaldston Spice Estate (St. John)

Learn about various spices while on tour at this 600-acre nutmeg plantation. This is a non-working spice factory now, but you can still visit to see the old buildings and machinery and get a glimpse of what a working plantation might have been like in its hey-day.

52. St. George’s Anglican Church (St. George)

This church was built in 1825, but suffered during Hurricane Ivan. This church has no roof, but a bell, clock tower, some stained glass, and tiled flooring remains. It’s an interesting stop during your trip to St. George’s town.

53. National Museum (St. George)

This building has been a lot of things in the past – French Barracks, a prison, two different hotels, and a warehouse. In 1976 the museum was established.

The sections here are: Slavery, First Inhabitants, Plantation Economy, Whaling & Fishing Archaeology, and Early Transport & Technology. You’ll also find Carib and Arawak artifacts here. For history buffs, this is one of the things to do in Grenada that you won’t want to miss.

54. Drive Around the Island

This is a must-do when in Grenada. You’ll probably get lost a couple of times as there aren’t many road signs, but just pull over and ask someone where you’d like to go!

Get a good map, bring some food, and enjoy the day. We recommend having a picnic up near Bathway Beach. Car rentals cost around $50 / day, but once you have a car it’s easy to tick many items off your list of things to do in Grenada.

55. House of Chocolate (St. George)

Another fun thing to do in Grenada’s capital. This boutique bakery and mini-museum has been around for just a few years and is already a very popular spot to visit. Enjoy a homemade chocolate goodie, while learning about cocoa in Grenada. Learn more here. 

56. Go Bowling (St. George)

This is one of the newer things to do in Grenada. Lavo Lanes are on the road to the airport, and they have about 8 lanes for bowling. Upstairs and the rooftop terrace are more of the party areas, complete with a bar and oftentimes, live music. If you’re wondering what to do in Grenada when it’s raining, this is a good idea. Click here to learn more.

57. Le Phare Bleu (St. David)

Le Phare Bleu is a marina, restaurant, and boutique hotel. Enjoy a meal at the newly renovated restaurant, or a drink at the Lightship which is docked just offshore. A new addition to the hotel and restaurant is the onsite Bluelight Gin Factory. Learn more about the gin tour and information here. 

The surrounding area is residential (Egmont) and is a great place for walking. Try to find your way down to one of the little beaches.

58. Golfing at Grenada Golf & Country Club (Grand Anse/St. George)

You can play 9 holes ($20USD) or 18 holes ($30USD) here. The cost of a caddy and club rental is on top of the initial cost. The views of the Caribbean Sea from the greens are stunning.

59. Visit Carriacou & Petit Martinique

The island country of Grenada actually consists of 6 smaller islands, as well as the largest island, Grenada. The sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are really the only other two islands you’ll hear about.

You can take the Osprey Ferry to visit these islands (about a 2-hour journey from Grenada to Carriacou), fly with SVG Air, or you can take a sailboat for a journey up the Grenadine chain with Savvy.

60. Listen to Steel Pan Music in Grenada 

Listening to steel pan bands while in Grenada is a must. The sound is incredible, the vibe is great and the music will make you want to dance. You can find the music at Prickly Bay on certain nights, Friday nights at Savvy Beach Cabana, during Carnival season, and at the Spice Basket as well.

61. Pure Grenada Music Festival (St. George)

April 2016 was the debut of this music festival and it’s been going on every year since! In fact, it was listed by Billboard Magazine as a top 7 must-see festival in the Caribbean. The venue is the grassy area at Port Louis Marina, and the entire production is top-notch. The stage, sound, vendors, and performers all come together to create this incredible event.

2018 had three different music nights: Soul, Reggae & Caribbean, with top international artists such as Daley from the UK, Chrisette Michele, and Morgan Heritage from the USA, Jah9 and Protoje from Jamaica, Alison Hinds from the UK/Barbados, and numerous Grenadian performers as well!

The local talent on this island is phenomenal. Click here to learn more about the festival, and check out our live Facebook video from the event:

2019 Grenada Music Fest was held at Quarantine Point, with some top performers, such as Ky-Mani Marley, Maxi Priest, Busy Signal, Patrice Roberts, and the Grenadian artists Lavaman, Luni Spark & Electrify, Wuss Wayz and more. To learn more about the 2021 event, click here. 

Now You Know What To Do in Grenada!

Grenada is one of the most jam-packed islands (or countries) that we’ve ever come across. For such a small nation, it really does pack a punch. There are many more things to do in Grenada that I could add to this list, but I don’t want to give away all of our secrets…

Your Turn! Have you ever been to Grenada? Do you know more things to do in Grenada? Anything you don’t think belongs here? Share below.

For more articles and videos about living and travelling in Grenada, click here.

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What do you want to accomplish this year? What are your dreams, goals, desires? For the most part, when people are thinking up New Year’s resolution ideas, they tend to lean towards four main life categories that they want to improve on:

1. Money
2. Travel
3. Learning
4. Health

When it comes to achieving goals, it’s important to write them down and have a clear vision for what you really want. Saying “I want more money this year”, or “I want to lose weight” is great, but it’s best to be specific about your goals.

Write down exactly how much more money you want to earn, and how much weight you actually want to lose. What would that feel like? What would you do with more money? Why do you want to lose weight?

The more detailed and specific you are about your New Year’s resolutions, the more likely you are to achieve them.

In this article, I’ll share my top 25 New Year’s resolution ideas and tools to help you earn more money, travel more (for less), learn new skills and boost your overall health. 

Note: This article has been updated for 2021 and includes more New Year’s resolution ideas to help you lead a happier and healthier lifestyle. Here’s to a great year ahead!

New Year’s Resolution Ideas: Earning More Money

This is the #1 resolution for most people. Who doesn’t want to earn more money? More cash equals more freedom.

Whether you want to make more money so you can go travelling, pay off your debt or make a big purchase, this list will help you put some extra cash in the bank. 

Online Surveys 

Want to sit around in your pajamas, with a cup of coffee in hand and make money? Paid online surveys are probably the easiest side hustle out there. You won’t become a millionaire, but all you have to do is answer surveys or watch TV in order to get paid. 

Every penny counts when it comes to saving money. 

There are many spammy sites out there, but these are some of the legitimate ones:

1. SwagBucks (earn $10 just for signing up)
2. Survey Junkie 
3. Inbox Dollars (earn $5 just for signing up)

Check out our full list of paid online surveys and start earning some easy money in the new year. 

Work Remotely

If remote work is one of your New Year’s resolution ideas, then you’ll want to check out this website. There are some freelance jobs and part-time work listed on FlexJobs, but this platform will also connect you with well-known companies that are looking to hire remote employees full-time. These are well-paying jobs!

As with anything online, there are numerous scams out there. FlexJobs handpicks and siphons through all of the junk and only posts the legitimate jobs.

There are over 50 different career categories available, from marketing and account management to medical and engineering, there’s bound to be a job that fits your skillset. 

Click here to learn more about FlexJobs. If you sign up before January 10, 2020, use promo code NEWYEAR to receive 50% off the membership. After that, use promo code NOMAD when you sign up and receive 30% off the membership fee.

Also, check out our full article about remote work here. 

Find Continuous Freelance Work

Working as a freelancer is great, but with that comes insecurity about your salary — which is constantly fluctuating.

Crush the feast/famine cycle this year. Rather than finding a few one-off jobs, wouldn’t you rather be fully booked? Solid Gigs offers freelancers just that, solid gigs!

The team manually searches through over 100 job boards to find the top 1% of freelance work available. Then, they send you a list of the best straight to your inbox on Tuesdays.

Plus, you’ll receive access to 100 premium video and written lessons, and interviews with expert freelancers. Spreadsheets, templates and other tools are also available to help you succeed.

If you’re a designer, developer, writer, or marketer, you’ll find jobs suited to your skills on Solid Gigs. Sign up here and enter the code GOATS2 to receive your first month for just $2.

But, there are many more sites out there. Have a look at these top freelance websites for beginners, or the popular Upwork website. Read our insider’s review of Upwork.

Start a Blog

How could I not put this on the list? In my opinion, this is one of the best New Year’s resolution ideas out there.

If you’ve been following our journey, you’ll know that we earn a six-figure income from this travel website, Goats On The Road. We want to help you start a blog, share your knowledge with the world, and earn some money.

We write about travel and making money on the road. But, a blog can be about any topic: parenting, pets, crafts, food, fashion, tech…the list goes on.

If you are knowledgeable and passionate about a particular subject, start a blog, and start making more money this year.  

Can’t think of a blog name? That’s fine, you can start your website and come up with the name later on. 

As a bonus, if you start your blog through this link, we’ll send you our Beginner’s Blogging Course, Blogging Tips ebook and SEO Checklist for free. Plus, you’ll be added to our VIP Facebook Group. 

Update 2021: Once you’ve started your blog, the next thing to think about is SEO (Search Engine Optimization). You can have the best message in the world, and have the most useful information to share, but if that content doesn’t rank in Google, hardly anyone will see it. We’ve put together the SEO Made Simple multimedia course that includes video, PDF downloads, worksheets and access to our private Facebook group. Check out this one-hour SEO tutorial, which is actionable, and completely free.

See Also:

Teach A Language

These days, you don’t actually have to move abroad to teach foreign students. You can do so from the comfort of your home. Teach English online and make money from anywhere that has a solid wi-fi connection.

If you’re from Canada, you’ll want to apply to become a VIPKID or GoGoKid teacher, as you can earn $22 – $25/hour,

For Americans and UK citizens (living in the USA or the UK), EF Education First is a great option for you. They are the longest-running company in the business, you teach the same student each class, and the pay is $20/hour.

For those of you from other countries who want to become online teachers, you’ll want to either check out this post, set up a profile with Skillshare, or have a look at Italki. 

Note: Most of the high-paying teaching companies require you to have a TEFL certificate. MyTEFL is the cheapest 120-hour certificate. Use promo code GOATS35 at checkout to receive 35% off. Or, have a look at our list of the Top 7 Best TEFL Courses Online. 

See Also:

List Your Home on Airbnb

Airbnb is a game-changer for travellers and homeowners. It has opened up opportunities for people to make some extra cash on the side, and to connect with people.

Whether you want to rent out a room in your home, list one of your investment properties, or rent out your house while you’re away on holiday, Airbnb is the best platform to do so. 

Depending on which part of the world you live in (and which city), you can make a lot of money on the side by renting out your property and becoming an Airbnb host. 

Click here to learn more about becoming an Airbnb host and add it to your list of New Year’s resolution ideas. 

See Also:

Become an Uber Driver

This is one of the best ways to earn some cash on the side. If you work during the week, you can pick up shifts on the weekend. If you work during the day, you can drive in the evenings.

You are your own boss and choose your own schedule. And obviously, the more driving you do, the more money you will make. 

On average, in the United States, Uber drivers earn between $8 – $11 / hour after accounting for driving costs. If you live in New York, Uber drivers earn around $29 / hour!

The amount of money you’ll earn really depends on which city you live in, which hours of the day you are driving, how many passengers you pick up per hour, etc. 

Click here to learn more about becoming an Uber driver. 

Create Your Own Online Course

Online courses are popular right now. We ourselves have created two online courses, which include video tutorials and downloadables.

For those of you who want to easily set up a course and teach the world a particular skill, Teachable may be the platform for you. 

Basically, if you are knowledgeable about any topic (art, tech, culinary, design, etc.) you can create professional online courses and sell them to your students. Teachable makes it incredibly easy to create, edit, upload and sell. It’s the all-in-one course builder.

This is the platform we personally use for our courses and we recommend it. Click here to learn more and become a course teacher this year with Teachable. 

See more ways to make money online in 2021 in our article here. 

New Year’s Resolution Ideas: How To Travel More

We have our fingers and toes crossed that borders will be more open in 2021 and the world will be travel friendly once again.

As soon as the new year approaches, everyone starts searching for the cheapest countries to visit, or maybe the cheapest European countries to visit.

And for those of you from the northern hemisphere who want to escape the cold, you’re probably searching for the best places to travel in January. No matter when you travel, or where, these tools will help you see the world…for less. 

See Also:

House Sitting 

I can’t recommend house sitting and pet sitting enough.

In my opinion, there’s no better way to receive free accommodation around the world. If you like to travel and love animals, then this is one of the top New Year’s resolution ideas for you.

Most of the house sitting jobs are also pet sitting gigs, meaning you’ll be taking care of a cat, dog, bird, fish, etc. while living in someone’s home.

For homeowners, having someone take care of their home and pets is great as it means their fur baby won’t have to be in a kennel while they are away, and the house will be safe and well taken care of.

You’ll be able to live like a local, receive free accommodation, and have a furry friend. Typically, a vehicle will be available for your use, and in some cases, you will also receive a salary.

When looking for a house sitting job, you’ll probably notice that most of the available sits are in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand.

Having said that, we’ve only ever pet sat in tropical destinations — Barbados, Grenada, and Costa Rica. Plus, we’ve turned down offers in Italy, Qatar, Thailand, Mexico, and Guatemala. House sitting jobs are available around the world.

Click here to see the available homes and learn more about the most popular house sitting website online. Trusted Housesitters is the only site we’ve ever used and we highly recommend it. 

See Also:

Travel Hacking

Another epic way to receive free travel this year (or discounted travel) is to learn about travel hacking.

Some people don’t like the word “hack” as they think it means to scam or cheat, but in reality, there’s nothing illegal about travel hacking. It’s a great way to get free or discounted flights, hotels, car rentals and more. 

Travel hacking can be done by using credit card points, or just various tips and tricks.

For Americans, you have some incredible credit cards at your disposal which offer high points when you purchase various items.

The most popular card is the Chase Sapphire, which offers 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months of having the card. That’s $625 in free travel when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

There are many more pros to having this card in your wallet. Click here for a full review.

For those of us from Canada, our credit card options aren’t so great!

But, after a few years of using our credit card, we were finally able to book return flights from Grenada to Barbados, and from Grenada to Ecuador, using just our credit card points. It may have taken us a while, but the free flights were worth it.

See Also:

Opt For Uber

Rideshare programs are a great way to save money on transportation.

Plus, with companies like Uber and Lyft, there’s no exchange of cash or debit cards, you don’t have to stand on the side of the road and hail a cab, you can follow your driver on the map to see where they are, and it’s much more affordable than taxis.

If you use the code: dariecesue, you’ll get your first ride with Uber for free. 

After that, you can invite your friends to use Uber (you’ll see how to do it on the app) and you’ll receive another complimentary ride. 

Not only can you receive free rides and get from point a to point b much cheaper than with traditional methods, but (as I listed above) if you become an Uber driver, you can earn some cash on the side. 

Choose Cheap Countries

This may seem obvious, but if you want to travel more this year, start with choosing the cheapest countries to visit. If your funds are limited, you’ll want to travel somewhere that your money will stretch farther.

Destinations in Asia, Central America, Eastern Europe and parts of South America are known for being very affordable — especially for those from counties with strong currencies (USA, Europe, UK). 

If your budget won’t allow you to fly, stick to your home country!

Explore your own city or a neighbouring state. Take a road trip rather than a flight. But keep in mind that you can often find very affordable flights if you book in advance, use flight comparison websites or take a trip in the off-season.

See Also:

FAM / Press Trips

FAM (Familiarization) Trips and Press Trips are for those in the travel industry who are reviewing destinations, hotels, cruises, tour companies, etc. and writing about their findings.

As travel bloggers, we’ve been on numerous press trips, which offered us free travel and in most cases, a salary.

If you want to learn how to become a travel blogger, this is one of the perks you can look forward to. Enjoy 5-star luxury, business class flights, unique events, awesome activities, and fantastic food.

In exchange, you write about the experience on your travel blog, make videos for your YouTube channel, and share on your social media accounts. 

See Also:

Workaway

If you’re looking for New Year’s resolution ideas that involve volunteering and exchanges, then this is for you.

Workaway is a cultural exchange company that has been around since 2002. It promotes homestays, farm stays, working holidays, volunteering, language learning, and cultural exchanges. 

Essentially, you volunteer your time helping out on a family farm, at a school, in a village, at an eco-lodge, at an animal sanctuary, etc. and in exchange for working a few hours a day, you receive free accommodation and food. 

This is an incredible way to meet new people and put your skills to good use around the world. It’s what being a responsible traveller is all about! Click here to learn more about Workaway. 

Update 2021: We recently interviewed Erin who worked in Montenegro with the Workaway program. Check out this post to learn some insider information on what it’s like to live, work and travel abroad with Workaway. 

WWOOFing

WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is another program where you help out around the world, but these jobs are on organic fruit and vegetable farms, wineries, dairy farms or other remote plots of land.

You’ll have to pay 20 GBP ($25) to sign up as a WWOOFer, and that membership fee is valid for one year. 

Your stay on the farm is free in exchange for you helping out each day. Click here to learn more about WWOOFing around the world. 

Apply For a Working Holiday Visa

This is a great New Year’s Resolution idea for students. Many countries around the world offer a Working Holiday Visa for those who are a certain age (typically 18 – 30 or 35 years old).

This working holiday concept allows visitors to work in the country for a certain period of time, without having to get a traditional working visa — which can be very difficult to obtain. The program is in place for young people to be able to experience new cultures while earning an income as well. 

Not all countries offer a working holiday program, but if you’re from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada, there are many options available to you.

For US citizens, since the United States only offers a working holiday visa to 5 countries, you won’t have as many options as countries that have more reciprocal agreements in place. 

With a working holiday, you’ll be able to travel to a new country, learn about new cultures, live abroad and make money while doing so. If you’re eligible, this is a great way to travel more in the new year. 

See Also:

How To Get a Working Holiday Visa… 

New Year’s Resolution Ideas: Learning New Things

If you’re not learning something new each day, or trying new things, then life can become pretty dull. In the new year, it’s time to get your brain working and learn something new! There are many ways to do so, here’s a list of my favourites:

Learn a New Skill With Skillshare

This platform is a great tool for those wanting to join a virtual class and learn something.

This is Skillshare’s motto: “Our purpose is to make the new economy an open meritocracy, where the skills and expertise needed to succeed are available for anyone willing to learn them.”

That’s something we can definitely get behind! Gone are the days of hefty University and College fees, or needing to have certain grades to attend school, these days, people are learning information and skills online. 

Of course, you aren’t going to learn how to become a doctor or get your law degree, but if you are interested in knowing more about animation, film production, graphic design, music, accounting, finance, marketing, parenting, web development, crafts and culinary, then you’ll find those classes on Skillshare. 

There are many free workshops and classes, but for more advanced ones you’ll need to pay a fee. Sign up for Skillshare and receive a 1 month trial for free. 

Learn a New Language 

For travellers especially, learning a new language is one of the New Year’s resolution ideas I would recommend.

When visiting a new country, getting around without speaking some of the local language can be a difficult task. Between phrasebooks, online translators, and hand gestures, it can be hard to get your point across.

If you’re planning a trip to a particular region, or if you just want to learn something new, why not practice a new language?

Italki is the leader in online language classes. All you do is sign up, choose a teacher that suits your needs, and enjoy 1-on-1 lessons at a time that works for you.

What’s great is that you can choose where your teacher is from, the hourly rate you want to spend, and whether they are a native speaker, or are fluent.

Another great feature is that you set the program to choose which languages your teacher must speak (English, etc.), then from there you choose which language you want to learn (Arabic, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin, French, etc.).

Click here to learn more about Italiki.

Learn From YouTube 

The news is everywhere. Every time we turn on the TV, open the newspaper (do people still do that?!), or open up our Facebook feeds, there it is, the negative news.

There’s not much positivity (and in some cases, truth) when it comes to the news these days, so why not spend some of your time browsing independent media such as YouTube?

With YouTube, you can enjoy the inspiring and informational TED Talks or hear about the world’s headlines from hilarious comedians (John Oliver, Russell Howard, Seth Meyers and Trevor Noah are our favourites).

For marketing and media strategies, Pat Flynn is probably our favourite channel, although GaryVee is one of the most popular.

YouTube and podcasts are excellent outlets for learning about the world and getting some inspiration and motivation to try something new.

Learn From a Local 

Whether you’re travelling or not, there’s always more you can learn about your home country or the countries you visit.

Joining a tour with locals offers you the best chance of learning about neighbourhoods, history, and architecture. We always join walking tours and love getting an insider’s perspective on the destinations we visit. 

Even if you’re from the city, there’s a lot you can find out by joining a tour with a knowledgeable guide. But, rather than just joining a cookie-cutter tour, try meeting up with a local to experience the city through their eyes.

It doesn’t matter how many books you read, or movies you watch, when you actually speak with a local, it’s amazing how much you can learn.

Airbnb Experiences are becoming very popular. These days, if you have something to offer guests to your city or country, you can apply to be a guide on Airbnb.

There’s a rating and review system (and you must have actually been on the tour in order to leave a review), meaning you’ll be able to choose top local hosts and guides.

The experiences available are really unique — perfume creations in Paris, making pasta with grandma in her home just outside of Rome, or going on an “underground” tour of Barcelona to learn about the nitty-gritty of the city.

There are some really amazing experiences on the platform, that are unlike any regular tour. Click here to search for a fun and memorable experience in the destination you plan to visit.  

For 2021, online Airbnb Experiences are quite popular. These fun, virtual experiences are a great way to connect with loved ones around the world — while not actually travelling. 

New Year’s Resolution Ideas: For Healthy Living

Whether you want to lose weight or not, living a healthier lifestyle is always a good thing. Eating healthy and doing some exercise doesn’t have to be a challenge.

For those of you who can’t stand going to the gym, or who always purchase a gym pass and then never use it, here are some New Year’s resolution ideas for how to be healthier this year — that you’ll actually do.

Walk, Don’t Drive

Hopping in your car and heading down the road is what most people are used to doing. But unless you plan to stock up on numerous bags of groceries, and the destination isn’t 2 hours away, why not walk there instead?

Driving or taking public transport is easier, sure, but if you want to get some exercise then consider walking to get from point a to point b.

This is especially true when travelling. Seeing all of the “in-between bits” of a destination is what it’s about. Walk aimlessly around the cities you’re visiting, or join a walking tour.

After all that walking, you won’t feel guilty for indulging in that pizza in Rome, or that perfectly cooked rib-eye steak in Argentina. 

Listen to Your Body

With the constant diet fads out there, it can be hard to choose the right one for you (if any). Rather than just following what everyone else is doing, keep an eye on your body and see what works best for you. 

For some people, the Keto diet is a game-changer when it comes to losing weight and having more energy. For others, vegetarianism or veganism works with their lifestyle. While others may need a more well-balanced diet to feel at their best. 

See what works for you and then stick with it.  

Practice Yoga

Yoga is one of the best exercise programs you can do. It’s good for your mind, body, and soul.

But, purchasing a yoga pass and finding time to go to the studio makes it less likely that you’ll follow through on your New Year’s resolution idea of doing more yoga. Luckily, you can do yoga from the comfort of your home — for free.

Yoga is great for strengthening and lengthening your muscles, toning, and losing weight. Plus, it helps to calm your mind and ease stresses. As a bonus, this sort of exercise is easy to do anywhere. All you need is a mat. 

You can find numerous free yoga programs on YouTube, or you can find free classes on Skillshare. 

Prepare Meals Ahead Of Time

One of the main reasons that we all find ourselves snacking or eating unhealthy meals is because we don’t want to take the time to prepare a healthy lunch or dinner.

I’ve found that if we prepare food ahead of time and have it ready to go in containers, we’re more likely to eat well. 

If you drink smoothies in the morning, have all of your fruit and vegetables cut up and portioned into little bags.

Put them into the freezer and each morning all you need to do is grab one out, toss it in the blender, add whatever else you want and mix. Washing and cutting the vegetables and fruit is the time-consuming part.

For dinners and lunches, making a large batch of food and then freezing it is an easy way to have grab n’ go meals. Make a big pot of spaghetti sauce, chili, stew, soup, etc. and then all you need to do is heat it up and maybe cook some pasta or rice. 

Try to prepare a week’s worth of food and you’ll find it easier to eat healthy this year. 

Eat Local and Natural

What happened to eating real food?! These days, if you look at any labels, there are all sorts of ingredients that most people have never even heard of — not to mention, all of the fillers and added sugar.

In my opinion, when it comes to New Year’s Resolution ideas, clean eating is at the top. 

This means cutting out sugars and processed foods and replacing them with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Simple as that.

When you go to buy a can of black beans, turn the can over and read the ingredients. If there is anything other than black beans, water and salt, check another brand. 

I also recommend utilizing the ingredients around you and eating locally. Living in the Caribbean, we had some fantastic fruits, vegetables, and herbs with health benefits (soursop, moringa, turmeric, coconut) on offer, and we always tried to incorporate them into our daily diet. 

Enjoy Less Screen Time

These days we’re all more connected than ever. I’m not sure when it became socially acceptable to scroll through Facebook when hanging out with friends, or to text with other people while on a dinner date, but that’s the way it is these days. 

When you’re out with friends, make it a rule that whoever reaches for their phone first has to buy the next round of drinks!

When you have people over at your house, put all of their phones into a box right away, not to be used until they leave. Limit the amount of time you can access social media accounts using apps like this one. 

An overload of media increases the risks of social anxiety, depression, and stress. Give yourself a detox this year.

Less time with your nose stuck in your phone, while scrolling aimlessly through your Facebook newsfeed, means more time actually interacting with those around you.

Without using your phone for a crutch when you’re bored, just sit there with your thoughts for a few minutes. Imagine the ideas you could come up with. 

These days we all want (and in many cases, need) our phones. This year, try to include using it less as one of your New Year’s resolution ideas.

Put These New Year’s Resolution Ideas Into Action

I hope that this list of New Year’s resolutions gave you some ideas for ways to achieve your goals for the new year. Start by choosing a few of the items on this list.

Setting too many goals might make you feel overwhelmed, so start with a couple and work your way up from there. But most importantly, have fun with the resolutions. Here’s to a happy and healthy new year! 

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To list all of the places to visit in Greece would be impossible. This is a spectacular land of beauty with an endless variety of landscapes. From rugged snow-capped mountains and ancient ruins to turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Greece can satisfy every traveler’s needs.

Along with the stunning Greek Islands, some of the best places to visit in Greece are the country’s amazing historical sites.

Greece is the birthplace of democracy and also the cradle of Western civilization. With its mix of awe-inspiring beauty and history, Greece is most definitely one of the top destinations to visit.

There are numerous places to visit and things to do in Greece to satisfy every type of traveller.

If you’re planning a trip soon, make sure you check out our epic Greece travel guide. Not only is this one of the cheapest places to travel, but it’s also on our list of the best countries to travel to for food. 

Looking for where to go in Greece? In no particular order, here is my list of the 15 best places to visit in Greece.

1. Santorini

Probably one of the most well-known places to visit in Greece, Santorini is the diamond of the Aegean. Thousands are drawn to the beauty of this island every year and leave knowing that there is nowhere else like it.

This spectacularly beautiful place is one of the most scenic in all the Greek Islands. Picturesque and world-renowned, Santorini must be seen to be believed.

Take a dip in the turquoise waters, walk around the beautiful villages and dine in the fine restaurants, Santorini will steal your heart. This is still easily one of our favourite places in Greece.

From its volcanic beaches and whitewashed houses to its incredible sunsets and scenery, Santorini is most definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece. Learn more about the best 15 things to see and do in Santorini in our post.

There are no Greece places to visit quite like Santorini.

Santorini is touristy but is still rated as one of the very best places to visit in Greece

2. Nafplio

Shaped over the centuries by many different cultures, today Nafplio is the playground of the Athens elite and one of the places to go in Greece for the rich and famous.

The Ottomans, Byzantines, Venetians and many more have all left their mark on this little seaside metropolis. Citadels and fortresses dot the hillsides giving Nafplio an enticing charm.

This friendly and patriotic town was once the capital of Greece, as many of the locals will happily tell you. As well as history, Nafplio also offers some great restaurants and beaches where you can kick back and relax.

Explore the narrow and winding streets of the town and marvel at the architecture. Stroll along the esplanade and dine on some of the finest seafood, while million-dollar yachts bob in the harbour next to you.

Nafplio is one of the most romantic towns you will ever visit. This is one of the best places in Greece for couples and families.

3. Corfu

Corfu is an island located off of the northwest coast of the country. Along with its rich cultural heritage, the island also boasts rugged mountains and some of the best beaches in Greece.

Corfu definitely is one of the most popular places to visit in Greece and when people are searching the web for where to go in Greece, Corfu usually shows up in the top 10 of all places in Greece.

However, if the throngs of tourists are not your thing, isolated beaches stretch along the winding coast of Corfu. With so many beautiful beaches on offer, it is very easy to find your own perfect piece of paradise.

Along with white sandy beaches, there are also picturesque towns and villages such as Perithia and Corfu old town. Here you can find the remains of the Venetian builders and also anti-pirate castles from an age gone by.

All in all, Corfu is an incredibly beautiful place to visit and there are endless things to do in Corfu. Learn about where to stay on Corfu in our complete guide to the best areas of the island.

Nick and I even spent our anniversary in Corfu. Have a look at our videos from our time spent on the island to get an idea if this is one of the places to visit in Greece that you want to see:

4. Knossos (One Of The Best Places in Greece For History)

A short car or bus ride from the Cretan capital Heraklion lies the Minoan ruins of Knossos. This relic of the bronze age was once home to the mighty Minoan civilization which dominated the region over 5000 years ago.

The ruins of Knossos are the best-preserved bronze age relics in the whole of Greece and are an incredible sight to see. A visit here is one of the top things to do in Crete.

Along with beautiful mosaics and fine pottery, there is also the hall of kings. The hall of kings is where the legend of the Minotaur and Labyrinth was played out.

The ruins of Knossos are a must when visiting the Island of Crete. The history of Greece stretches far back into the mists of time and Knossos is a great place to roll back the mist to catch a glimpse of the past. Knossos stands proud as one of the best places to visit in Greece.

To learn more about travelling to Crete, have a look at our complete guide to the island.

5. Zakynthos

Home to some of the Greek Islands’ best nightlife, Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Mediterranean. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and huge chalk-white cliffs, all give Zakynthos its signature beauty.

The island is also home to one of the most photographed spots in Greece, the incredibly beautiful Shipwreck Cove. Otherwise known as Navagio beach, this alone makes Zakynthos a must-visit destination.

The centre of the island is less explored than the coastline, with fir trees and olive groves adding to the island’s charm.

In our opinion, Zakynthos is definitely one of the best places to visit in Greece.

☞ SEE ALSO: Zakynthos, Greece: Our Last Minute Travel Decision

Zakynthos is also one of the Greek Islands’ biggest party spots. So if you are looking for some great nightlife along with idyllic beauty, Zakynthos is a place that ticks all of the boxes. There are so many things to do in Zakynthos, you’ll never be bored. 

For more on travelling to Zakynthos, check out these popular places:

6. Athens (One of The Best Cities in Greece to Visit)

There are few cities on earth which can boast a history of the kind that Athens can. The birthplace of democracy and accredited as the founder of Western civilization, this is a city that stretches across the ages.

This throbbing and vibrant place is a must-visit and is likely the best city to visit in Greece as a whole.

Athens overflows with Greek culture and is filled with spectacular sites like the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus. Also do not forget to visit the Plaka district. This little suburb of Athens is located just below the Acropolis and is a splendidly beautiful spot.

Stroll among the cobbled streets and take in all of the handicraft shops and restaurants.

☞ SEE ALSO: Discovering the Magic of Kefalonia – Our 5 Day Travel Guide

Athens is a city that defies the ravages of time and is just another of the incredible places to visit in Greece. When you’re visiting Athens, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to authentic food. Make sure to check out these best restaurants in Athens, and get ready to watch your waistline grow.

There are endless things to do in Athens, you’ll never be bored here! 

7. Rhodes

The Island of Rhodes, located off of the southwestern coast of Turkey is one of the Greek Islands’ most visited spots. Rhodes caters to all tastes, from backpackers to the rich and famous, all drawn to this teardrop in the Aegean.

Boasting some of the best swimming spots in Greece, Rhodes has the perfect mix of quaint towns, pristine beaches, and archaic history.

Whether you want to party the night away in Faliraki or relax in luxury at one of the many 5 star hotels, Rhodes covers every angle.

As you have noticed by now, Greece is the perfect blend of paradise and history with Rhodes being no different.

The island’s capital, Rhodes Old Town was once home to a wonder of the world, the mighty Colossus of Rhodes. This kind of history, along with the incredible scenery, nightlife and swimming spots make Rhodes one of the best places to visit in Greece.

To learn more, see our complete travel guide to Rhodes Greece.

8. Meteora (One of the Best Places to Visit in Greece on the Mainland)

Next up is something a little different. Meteora is one of the most unique places to visit in Greece, and Europe as a whole!

Located in the heart of northern Greece, Meteora is home to some of the world’s most spectacular Orthodox churches.

The Meteora Monasteries are one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that have been given a double status. UNESCO gives two different world heritages status, one for art and one for nature. The stunning bluffs and hoodoos of Meteora have received both.

☞ SEE ALSO: Chios, Greece: Unearthing The Magic of The North Aegean

This is a land where fingers of stone reach for the heavens, with Orthodox monasteries perched precariously on the tips. A land where people live in the sky and still worship God with a passion of a bygone age.

Built in the 14th and 16th centuries, Meteora is a place that will make you gasp in wonder.

Looking for places to visit in Greece that aren’t on an island? Look no further than Meteora.

9. Delphi

Here is another destination for history lovers. Delphi, the religious centre of the ancient world still clings on even today. Perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, these ancient ruins were once a place that drew people (even kings) to hear the words of the Oracle.

The Oracle of Delphi has been etched into Greek history and the priestess of Apollo’s words has echoed through the ages.

The Temple of Apollo still stands and is one of the highlights of Delphi. Along with the Temple of Apollo, there is also the Athena Priene, a theatre, and an ancient stadium.

Take a stroll among the ruins and transport yourself back to a time when Delphi echoed with the cries of the Oracle and kings bowed before the Temple of Apollo. Delphi is certainly one of the best places to visit in Greece.

10. Skyros

Located in the centre of the Aegean, Skyros is known for its beautiful beaches, jagged coastline, and seaside villages. Steeped in tradition and still relatively untouched, Skyros is a great choice for an idyllic getaway.

Where the north is all rolling farmlands and pine forest, the south is characterized by arid hills and rocky shorelines. Skyros has managed to fly under the radar for a long time and does not attract the masses of tourists like many of the other Greek Islands.

☞ SEE ALSO: Visiting Lesvos, Greece: Our 5 Day Travel Guide 

If you do make it to Skyros, keep an eye out for the legendary wild horses of the island. For millennia Skyrian horses have roamed the island, unfortunately however they are becoming fewer and fewer. Who knows how much longer you will be able to see these majestic animals in the wild.

11. Olympia

Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games is another of the places to visit in Greece which is carved into history.

Located in the hallowed Valley of the Gods, it is still possible to see the ancient stadium and training grounds of the Olympians. At that time, Olympia would’ve been one of the best cities to visit in Greece.

Along with the stadium and training grounds, the UNESCO accredited Olympia also boasts some of the best-preserved monuments and temples in all of Greece.

These hallowed monuments are dedicated to the great gods of old such as Zeus and Hera. Located in the rugged hills of the Peloponnese, the Valley of the Gods is an awe-inspiring place.

Along with Olympia itself, the valley also has some incredible hiking and mountain bike trails and is situated close to the spectacularly beautiful Alfos River Valley. All of this combined makes Olympia and the Valley Of The Gods one of the best places to visit in Greece.

12. Skiathos

Skiathos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. Best known for its beach and nightlife, Skiathos has blasted onto the itinerary of many travelers in recent years.

With crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, along with some incredible nightspots, it is easy to see why.

Despite the influx of tourism, the island has lost none of its beauty. With over 60 gorgeous beaches and hiking trails through rolling pine forests, Skiathos is a nature lover’s dream.

☞ SEE ALSO:  The Best Time to Visit Greece & The Greek Islands

Along with the natural beauty of the island, there is also Skiathos Town which caters perfectly to tourists. Nice restaurants spill out onto the streets where you can sit and dine the evening away as the sun slowly dips into the Mediterranean.

13. Halkidiki

Just south of the city of Thessaloniki lies the peninsula of Halkidiki. This very well could be Greece’s best-kept secret.

Home to some of the best stretches of sand in northern Greece, the Halkidiki peninsula has a perfect blend of modern luxury and archaic tradition.

The Halkidiki peninsula is split into three fingers which splay out into the Aegean. There are the Golden sandy beaches of the Sithonia headland, the resorts and restaurants of Kassandra, and finally the mysterious Athos which is home to some of the most stoic monastic communities in Greece and is traditional in the extreme.

When combined, all three headlands of the peninsula come together to create the perfect retreat. Halkidiki, for the time being, is still relatively crowd-free. How long this will last however is unknown, visit soon before the word is out.

14. Mycenae

Finally, we have a city that dominates the myths and legends of old. The walls of Mycenae were so high that the ancient Greeks credited their creation to the Cyclops.

The city of Mycenae comes from a time before Greece and features in tales such as the fall of Troy. It’s most famous ruler was the mighty King Agamemnon himself.

Separating history from myth is very difficult at Mycenae as the city was at its most powerful over 3500 years ago.

Mycenae lies way off the beaten tourist path and will take you to a part of the country which few tourists get to see. Without a doubt, Mycenae is one of the great archeological sites of Greece and will leave visitors awestruck at the engineering prowess of the ancients.

A visit to Mycenae will not disappoint, located to the south of Corinth, the ruins lie in the heartlands of the ancient legends of old. The culture, scenery, and history all come together to make Mycenae one of the country’s must-see destinations.

15. Chios

Chios is a little bit off-track but is very much underrated. We visited this tiny little island on our most recent visit to Greece and we absolutely loved it.

Hidden medieval villages, stunning beaches, funky accommodation options, and great restaurants make this island one of the best places to visit in Greece.

As Chios is becoming more popular and more businesses are opening on the island, we figured we had to add it to this list when updating it for 2020!

We rented a car during our last visit to Chios and met some amazing people. We highly recommend checking out Oz Cocktail Bar in the town of Chios for some award-winning mixed drinks and don’t miss a bicycle tour with Goat Trails (awesome name, right?).

If you have time (and you love Greek food as much as we do), then head to Chios Cooking Lessons for a family lunch at a local’s home.

Best Places To Visit in Greece Video

16. Bonus: Lesvos

Located near the country of Turkey, Lesvos (or, Lesbos) is another island in the North Aegean that you won’t want to miss. We spent 5 days here and really enjoyed our stay. There are enough things to see and do in Lesvos to keep you busy!

Lesvos is the third largest island in the country and is one of those places to go in Greece if you’re looking for somewhere away from the crowds. 

From the pottery-filled, mountainous village of Agiasos and the Petrified Forest in the west, to the scenic coastal town of Petra and the neoclassical capital of Mytilene; Lesvos truly is a diverse destination in Greece.

If you’re an adventure-seeker, Lesvos is also a great place to explore above and below the water.

We joined a unique experience that combined sailing with scuba diving and had a wonderful day. For scuba diving, visit Lesvos Scuba Oceanic Center and for sailing see George at Alternative Sailing — both professional companies that we recommend. 

Now You Know The Best Places to Visit in Greece

This incredible country offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and history. A visit to Greece is one that you will never forget and this country will draw you back time and time again. 

We also have a lot of great travel information including where to stay, when to go, the best things to do and more. To learn more, check out our Greece Travel Guide.

How many of these incredible places have you visited? What is your favourite place in Greece? Do you prefer ancient ruins or irresistible beaches?

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I realize that 2020 is a year that many people don’t want to talk about or remember, let alone, write an article about. But, Nick and I always enjoy sharing our round-up of the year with you — it’s a matter of tradition!

Each year has a vibe or a feeling.

This year can be described using all sorts of words — challenging, disappointing, heartbreaking, eye-opening (the list goes on), but I think the all-encompassing phrase is “a year we won’t forget”. 

And while it truly has been the most life-altering year our generation has seen, from our point of view, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. 

This roundup article is where I share what we got up to this year, how our businesses have progressed (or remained stagnant), and where I list some goals and ideas for 2021. 

See these reflection posts from previous years:

Our Predictions From 2019

At the end of each year, I list some things we want to accomplish and what I hope the year will be like. Funny enough, at the end of 2019, I didn’t list any specific goals or plans that we wanted to achieve.

Here’s what I predicted for 2020:

Currently, for us, there are no plans — which I think is great! No work commitments, no flights booked, and nowhere we have to be. 

We’re thinking of 2020 as a blank slate. It’s a fresh, pure year waiting for us to colour in the time slots as, and when, we want. 

For me, 2020 means “vision” and “clarity”. And while everything looks a little bit blurry at the moment due to the stress of the past weeks, once we move into the new year I’m certain some definition will start to appear. 

I have a feeling there are some epic changes on the horizon and we’re excited to see where we go, and what we end up doing!

…well, my predictions weren’t far off actually.

We didn’t have any work commitments, or anywhere we had to be — just places we chose to be. There were definitely some epic changes on the horizon, they just weren’t the changes we were expecting.

I’m glad we didn’t have our year all planned out, and to be honest, 2020 really was a year of “clarity” for us. 

It started out really great actually, doing exactly what we wanted…

Our Europe Travels 

There was nothing we wanted more than to hit the road in January 2020, with Europe as our destination of choice. We wanted the opposite of where we lived in Grenada, so we flew from a quiet Caribbean island to a bustling European city. 

Eating Our Way Through Paris, France

Landing in Paris was incredible. After travelling for more than 10 years, we still hadn’t seen many of the major tourist destinations. Paris was a first for us, and it didn’t disappoint. 

Spending 5 days in Paris, we soaked up as much of the city as we could — while devouring croissants, escargot, duck confit, and beef bourguignon along the way. Plus, all the cheese, bread, and wine we could get our hands on. 

The sites and architecture were as beautiful as they were grand. It felt great to be back in Europe.

☞ See Also: How to Spend a Weekend in Paris and the Best Things To Do in Paris

Bar Hopping and Late Nights in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona. A city we’d heard about for years, but hadn’t visited. The city wowed us with its fun neighbourhoods, endless tapas and wine bars, funky street art, and epic nightlife. 

Doing as the locals do, going out for dinner at 10:30 pm became the norm during our week in Barcelona, as did sleeping in until noon the following morning.

With an old town, seaside promenade, gorgeous viewpoints and numerous things to see and do, Barcelona really impressed us, and a week wasn’t nearly enough time spent there.

Living Like Locals in Rome and Day Tripping to Naples & Vatican City

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: There’s no place like Rome! 

Having spent some time in the Italian capital a few years before, our second visit to Rome wasn’t all about visiting the historical sites, it was more about wandering around and seeing where the day took us. (Hint: usually it brought us to a wine bar or a cute restaurant with handmade pasta).  

This time around, we spent 3 weeks in an apartment in the trendy, bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere — a traditional, lively area of Rome. 

From Rome, we day-tripped by train to Naples to devour margarita pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria d’s Michele, the same restaurant Julia Roberts did in the movie Eat, Pray, Love.

We walked all over that city and ended the day with a second pizza at the famous Pizzeria Da Attilio restaurant from the Netflix series, Ugly Delicious. 

Finally, we made it to the smallest Independent City State in the world, Vatican City. Ruled by the Pope and surrounded by the city of Rome, this is a must-see place. 

After 3 weeks in Italy, it was time to move on.

Falling In Love With Lisbon, Portugal

We flew from Rome to Lisbon and were excited to add our 68th country to the list!

As soon as we landed in Lisbon, we hit the streets and explored the city. Lisbon was aesthetically pleasing (to say the least), with its cute trollies gliding up the hills, and colourful architecture from numerous time periods.

We had 3 weeks in Portugal before flying to Ireland, and with no real plan, we set off to see what we could see.

We visited hole-in-the-wall restaurants, sipped on vinho verde, walked all over the city, and enjoyed the overall vibe. With an open-minded attitude and a multitude of cultures and people living here, we fell in love with Lisbon right away.

…which was a good thing.

Everything Changed…Including Our Plans

It was about halfway through our time in Lisbon when the news really started reporting on COVID. Before that, it was “just in China”, so we didn’t really think much about it and didn’t hear much about it either.

But, once it reared its ugly head in Italy, Europe was on alert.

On the day before we were meant to fly to Dublin, we had a decision to make: Do we stay put in Portugal, or make a move to Ireland?

With countries calling their citizens home, and borders closing, we decided everything was too uncertain. While the world was spinning, we decided to stay still.

Luckily, none of our travels were for work, so we simply cancelled the rest of our Europe adventure and settled into Lisbon. 

Portugal Became Our Haven

We’re so grateful for our time spent in Portugal.

That sentence may sound strange as we were “stuck” there for 7 months. But, in truth, there’s no place we would’ve rather been during the initial madness that the world was experiencing. 

Since we work for ourselves and have no permanent home, we made a choice to stay, and it was the best decision we could have made.

The country handled the pandemic as best it could, without long, debilitating lockdowns. 

The people were warm and welcoming. Shopping at the grocery stores was a calm experience. Delivery services were in place, and (most importantly?) bottles of wine were just €3-6 for a nice red.

We had always wanted to live in Portugal, and this year we were able to.

☞ See Also: Life During Coronavirus – An Update From Self-Isolation in Portugal and One Month in Lockdown – An Update

Living in Lisbon

As we settled into our gorgeous apartment (which would be home for 4 months), we were grateful that we had decided to rent a large place, but wished we had the foresight to find one with a proper balcony, or rooftop!

Regardless, our little sanctuary was large and comfortable.

We had space to workout in the living room, a fully stocked kitchen for cooking meals, a big fridge and freezer to hold our food and booze, fast and reliable wifi, and we even had a spare room that we used as a YouTube studio.

During our stay in Lisbon, we were always permitted to go outside for exercise, so with a city park nearby, botanical gardens, and a riverside promenade, we walked a lot.

As soon as restaurants and cafes opened again, we went out right away — trying to help the small businesses as best we could.  

Renting a Campervan

As things opened up more and more, and we were able to cross municipalities again, we received a partnership offer from Indie Campers. We had always wanted to see what it would be like to travel in a campervan and jumped at the opportunity. 

Having our own wheels, which dubbed as our accommodation, restaurant, and bathroom, was the perfect way to travel during a pandemic. 

Since we’d been in Lisbon for close to four months by this point, the last thing we wanted to do was to visit cities. So, we headed to central and northern Portugal to see what that part of the country had to offer — turns out, quite a lot.

We enjoyed hiking, fishing, and driving through the stunning Peneda-Gerês National Park. We wild camped alongside rivers, wandered around quiet towns, jumped into swimming holes, and enjoyed cooking and hanging out in our van.

The campervan trip in Portugal was 10 days long, and while we really did enjoy it, we also realized that we could never live “van life” — we need more space!

Road Tripping The Algarve

The south of Portugal is a hotspot for European holidaymakers (many from the UK) who come to laze on the gorgeous beaches and marvel at the rocky coves and outcrops. 

Since we were in Portugal during the summer months, during an unprecedented year, we decided to head to the south of Portugal to see what all the hype was about.

Being in a popular tourist destination, without the tourists, was unique in itself. Apart from domestic travellers and some Spanish, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

This southern region of Portugal lived up to the hype and we enjoyed exploring it by rental car for two and a half months.

There were many highlights of the Algarve, but visiting the islands off the coast of Olhão, sleeping in a dome in Alte, walking the boardwalk in Alvor, visiting wineries, and all of Lagos really stood out for us. Of course, the stretches of sand were pretty incredible as well.

Thank You, Portugal

I figured we would enjoy our stay in Lisbon, which is why we had initially planned on 3 weeks there. 

But, I didn’t know just how much we would love it.

While the sights, landscape, food, wine, and people were all wonderful, for us, our stay was much more than that.

Portugal was our safe space during all the commotion in the world. It was our sanctuary, our home. It had everything we wanted and needed, and there’s nowhere else we would have rather been.

Lisbon and the country as a whole really got under our skin. So much so, that after 7 months there we really didn’t want to leave, and are already talking about returning. 

Decisions, Decisions

As people who work remotely, and who don’t have a permanent home, trying to figure out where to go was the biggest challenge for us this year.

If you know about the Schengen Zone, you’ll know that Portugal is a part of that area of free movement. Luckily, immigration in Portugal granted an extension to our stay, but it was very unclear how long they would continue to do so.

I mean, we had been in the country for 7 months already, and were technically only allowed 3 months.

As the expiry of our extended stay grew closer, we had to decide what to do and where to go and it was incredibly stressful trying to make the right decision. A million thoughts and questions ran through our minds.

Which countries are open to travellers right now? Which countries could we go to without a visa? Do we need to take any tests to be granted entry? What about layovers, do we need any documents? What if the flight gets cancelled? What sort of restrictions are in place in the destination? Are we making the right choice?!

After much back and forth with each other, and friends in similar predicaments as us, we decided on Mexico — a country we know quite well, and one that’s on the same side of the world as our friends and family.

We travelled for around 24 hours door to door, and eventually arrived at our new (temporary) home. 

As of the time of writing, we’ve actually been here in Playa del Carmen for 4 months already. Time has flown by.

With friends as neighbours, all the amenities that a digital nomad could need, and beaches and walks at our doorstep, we’re incredibly happy with our decision to come here. (Minus the 2 hurricanes and tropical storm we endured!)

We’re not here to travel, we’re here to live. And, we’re better prepared this time for any potential lockdowns — we rented a place with a rooftop 😉

How Was Business For Us in 2020? 

If you asked us that back in March/April, we would’ve laughed and said it was pretty much abysmal.

For a couple of months, we were down 60% of our monthly income, and our top-performing posts on Goats On The Road were ones that were written ages ago — one of which was about goats. Seriously.

Naturally, people weren’t searching for places to go, or how to quit their jobs to travel. 

Some of our affiliate partners slashed our commissions or cancelled their programs altogether.

I think, like most of us, at the beginning of this whole pandemic we were all panicking and we all sort of flailed. This was unchartered territory and everyone (both businesses and individuals) were worried about income and their livelihood. 

But, thankfully, we saw an uptick after a few months — in visitors to this website, in our monthly income, and in partnerships.

These days, our website traffic is pretty much back to where it was and even though we lost some affiliate partners in 2020, we were able to gain new (more lucrative) ones. 

We Bought Another Website

In 2020, about one month before everything went pear-shaped, we had already made some changes and decisions. We purchased a destination based website that was already online and was earning some money. 

We saw potential for the site, and immediately redesigned it, hired a team of writers, and planned the content out. Articles started to rank in Google, and income from tours and hotel stays were starting to come in. 

That lasted about a month. Then lockdowns hit and now no one is travelling around there, not even domestically. 

It was a “fail”, but we still own that website property and are hoping tourism returns.

Nick Started a Third Website From Scratch

While in Lisbon, we did a bunch of “clean-up” to Goats On The Road (backend, techy stuff that we had been neglecting to do), and worked on some YouTube videos.

After about a month of that, Nick decided it was time to build something new while I did my best to keep Goats afloat.

We teach others how to create a website, get it up and running, and start earning an income. So, it was time to practice what we preach and use this new website as sort of a case study for our blogging course students. 

Nick built a new website from scratch while we were in Lisbon. He hired a team of experts on the topic and published his first article on it in April. 

I’m so proud to say that after just 9 months, Nick’s website is earning almost $5,000 per month and is growing rapidly.

Not only that, but he’s already enjoyed a press trip in Portugal, and is currently working on some big sponsorships as well.

But, there’s more! The website traffic to the new site has skyrocketed to 30,000 users a month — to give you some perspective, it took Goats On The Road two years to get to that number.

The website is still nowhere near Goats’ current traffic or earnings, but it’s exciting to see it growing so organically.

Want to take your website to the next level? Learn how by signing up for our free 1-hour training seminar. 

We Create a Fourth Website Together

With the success of Nick’s site and with Goats On The Road pretty much back at where it was, why should we start up anything else?

Since March, Nick has been pretty much focused on his new site, and dealing with the technical stuff on all of our websites (something that goes right over my head).

Goats On The Road and the other blog that we purchased have been kind of “mine” this year.

So, we wanted to start another project — one that we could work on together. 

That new website is in its infancy, but it has lots of potential and we’re looking forward to continuing to build it up.

2020 To Us – A Year Of Clarity

For us, 2020 truly was an eye-opening year all around. We’re fortunate that we didn’t lose any loved ones to the virus, but we did lose (or put on pause) a lot of things that are important to us.

Travelling is our main passion in life, and it was quickly snatched from us. Our financial security was questioned this year. Our freedom to see whomever, do whatever and go wherever were taken away as well. 

But, with this gave us the opportunity to grow, pivot and realize some things. And, to be honest, we’re better for it. 

We Can’t Have All Our Eggs in One (Blogging) Basket

The fact that we only had one website since 2012 is mindboggling. Why hadn’t we built new businesses? Why were we focusing on just one platform to bring us money? Why hadn’t we hired more people to help us grow?

Goats On The Road was doing so well in terms of income and visitors that we sort of felt like “Well, we’re set. We don’t need anything else”. 

This year has shown us the importance of pivoting and expansion — within this flagship website, and growing and building other businesses as well. It was the push we needed.

We Can’t Take Travel and Freedom of Movement For Granted

This is something I never thought I’d have to think about.

There’s nothing Nick and I love to do more than travel. Not the actual act of flying, or dealing with logistics, but meeting new people, learning about different cultures, trying new cuisines, and going on random adventures. 

We’re fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling in the past 12 years (including 2020), but during those years, we moved around at a snail’s pace.

This is why we worked hard to build up new businesses in 2020, so that when the world opens up, we can hit the road and not have to be online very much.

We want to experience, see and do it all.

In 2021, if borders are open and it’s safe to travel, we’re not planning on settling down or having a base anywhere. We want to get out there and explore more of our beautiful world while we’re still able to do so.

What Brings Us Joy?

Of all the things we thought about, discussed, and learned this year, this is one that stood out the most. 

We should do more of what we love. Time is precious, and things can change in an instant.  

If we didn’t need to be on our computers during the day, what would we want to do with our time? What would our days look like, and what about it would bring us joy?

Maybe we would learn how to cook or bake. Maybe we’d pick up new hobbies or start playing group sports. Perhaps we’d volunteer more, or simply read a book.

Happiness is what we focused on this year, and we’ll continue to do so.

Health is Important

I’m pretty sure I’ve said this in previous round-up posts, but during 2020 more than ever, we’ve focused on our health. It may not show, but this was the first time in a long time that we properly worked out.

Thanks to our fitness friends who set up an online group workout, we’ve been able to do 30-minute classes, 4 times a week since March! We don’t make every class, but we try our best. 

We’re so grateful for the virtual workouts — especially considering all of the wine and lack of movement this year.

Even though we were able to walk and hike all around Portugal, and we walk the beaches and neighbourhoods here in Playa del Carmen, we’re not getting in nearly as many steps as we would when we’re travelling.

Regardless, we’re thankful for the fresh air and ability to get out and move our bodies.

It Wasn’t All Bad

I realize that 2020 was dire. The year that we don’t want to talk about took people’s lives, jobs, freedoms, and zest for life. And while that’s all horrible, there were some positives from the year and I want to leave you with these thoughts.

Remote Work is The Norm

As “digital nomads” who work online from anywhere in the world, we were always the odd ones out. This year, working from home really took off! 

With that came the opportunity to work more efficiently, have more free time, and see family (furry or human) more often. Parents spent more time with their kids, there was no need to waste hours on a commute to work, and wearing pants for conference calls was optional. 

There are so many upsides to working remotely, and I hope it continues going forward.

Mother Nature Healed

According to Statista, in 2019 there were 38.9 million flights taken. In 2020, there were 16.4 million flights. This year saw a decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions by 7%, giving the atmosphere a bit of a break. 

In populated cities like Delhi and Los Angeles, smog was lifted and you could actually see the blue sky! The Himalaya Mountains were also visible from the state of Punjab for the first time in around 30 years. 

For marine life, scientists in Canada have been researching the effects of noise pollution on whales. When the whale’s acoustics are hindered, they struggle to protect themselves, communicate with other whales, and find food as well. 

With less boat traffic (due to lack of cargo ships and movement), the noise pollution in the ocean has been down roughly 50% this year.

Finally, animals have been free to roam! Without humans in the way, there have been reports of wolves, lions, penguins, deer and other animals walking around cities. 

In Mexico, they even reported crocodiles and jaguars at empty resorts, and turtles coming to nest on beaches which are usually filled with tourists.

While there have been some downsides and a negative impact to animals in some cases, it’s interesting to see what can happen when humans aren’t around. Hopefully, these positive stories will continue and we’ll try harder to protect and heal the earth. 

People Got Creative

If there’s one thing that 2020 gave us, it was the gift of hilarity. 

The TikTok challenges and videos and all of the memes were on point! With so much time on our hands, people really got creative and the result was lots of laughter, and (virtual) connections with others around the world.

Laughter and dance are great for mental health and by creating these global challenges, it really made it feel like we were all in it together.

People Made Connections

Even though physically being together wasn’t possible most of the year, people seemed to really make an effort to stay in touch with loved ones — more so than usual.

Zoom calls, group chats, and online Experiences really took off. As did quiz nights, and playing games online.

Again, with more time to spare, there was more time to contact people and make an effort to check-in on parents, siblings, and friends.

We Got Back to Basics and Slowed Down

With the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it’s easy to forget to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

This year, that’s one thing that was in surplus: Time.

Suddenly, there was time to go for a jog in the morning, to learn how to cook and to eat meals with family. People became more self-sufficient by learning how to grow a garden, create meals out of “nothing”, or raise their own livestock. 

There was a chance to learn how to play an instrument, take an online course that there “was never time” for, and to simply sit and watch some TV.

Not to mention, there was lots of time for introspection.

Granted, it’s unfortunate that it took a global pandemic to make us realize this, but it’s true. Most of us are so busy that we don’t have time to stop, relax and revel in the little things. 

And while I hope the world returns to some sort of normality this coming year, I do hope we remember this feeling of simplicity and time abundance.

Life Is What You Make Of It

At first, our emotions were all over the place – fear, panic, stress, frustration, and then eventually, calm. This has been a rollercoaster year, but at the end of the day, every experience in life is what you make of it.

Personally, rather than focus on the negatives and what we can’t do, we’ve tried our best to be positive, grateful and happy for what we have!

Sure, this hasn’t been our ideal year, but it definitely has been a productive one, filled with lots of love and laughter. 

Our Plan for 2021

We’re big on visualizing our future and always have been. Numerous times on this blog we’ve talked about following our Personal Legends, going with the flow, and being the architects of our own reality. 

We’ve constantly been guided in the right direction and when we choose the path of least resistance, everything falls into place — simply and easily. 

Over the past few months especially, we’ve been really thinking about what we want the upcoming year to look like.

First, we need to go to Canada and Grenada to see our friends and family, and to get some overdue “adulting” completed. After that, here’s what we’re hoping to accomplish.

• Because we’ve been productive workwise in 2020, we want to live off the fruits of our labor in 2021 and move around as much as possible — while working as little as possible. Don’t worry, there will be more content than ever published on this blog! We are just going to boost our productivity and hire a larger team to help out. 😉
• Ideally, we would buy a vehicle in Europe and spend the year there, moving around from place to place. Our European adventure was cut short this year and we still have so much of the continent to see.
• Keeping health at the forefront. In terms of working out, walking lots, and eating well, we need to continue to focus on our health — we’re not getting any younger! Hopefully, there will be a lot more nature, mountains and hiking in 2021.
• Doing the things we enjoy. This is a big one. We’ve talked a lot about this over the past year and plan to keep that in our minds going into 2021. Whether on the business side of things or in our personal lives. If there’s something we aren’t resonating with anymore, it’s time to move on.
• Continuing to support local businesses. This year has been devastating for small businesses, with many of them closing their doors. We are going to make an effort to spread our money around, and support locally where we can.

Since the future is so uncertain, we aren’t making any sort of real travel plans just yet. In the immediate future, we’ll still be here in Mexico.

We’ll just have to let the path unfold before us and see where we end up.

Thank you!

As always, but especially this year, we want to sincerely thank you for following our journey. Having your support means the world to us.

If you have any questions about travel, working remotely, or living abroad, please feel free to send us an email. We’d love to hear from you.

Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy 2021.

Dariece and Nick

Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

In this 2 day itinerary, you’ll learn to spend the perfect weekend in Paris.

Paris. The name alone conjures up images of decadent food, sumptuous wine, Renaissance architecture, and of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower. Many people dream of visiting this famous city, and for good reason!

Spend 2 days in Paris and see for yourself what this magical place has to offer. 

With a weekend away in Paris, you’ll be able to enjoy the history, art, food, wine, markets, and shopping — there’s a little something for everyone in the French capital.

We spent 5 days in Paris during our travels around Europe, but not everyone has that amount of time to spend in the city. Even if you have just 2 days, plan a weekend in Paris — you won’t regret it.

With so many cheap (direct) flights from North America and Europe, getting to Paris is simple. 

Here’s my perfect weekend itinerary for 2 days in Paris to help you plan your trip.

Paris in a Weekend: Day 1 

Waking up in Paris is such an exciting feeling! You’ll want to start your day off right with a tasty breakfast and coffee.

Unless you’re a real breakfast person, I suggest doing as the Parisians do and keeping your first meal simple — pastry and a coffee. Then, get on with your day.

Morning

Start your day with a buttery, baked good at one of the many Patisseries. I recommend Notre Patisserie in the 7th Arrondissement which has delicate baked goods on offer. 

I don’t know about you, but having an authentic, Parisian croissant or a pain au chocolat was high on my list when planning our trip to Paris.

The women working in this cute little shop are kind and welcoming. A croissant and a flakey pain au chocolate will set you back about €2.50.

For coffee, if you find yourself in the 7th, I recommend the Bleu Olive cafe (the staff here speak English and the coffee is good), or Terres de Cafe — the owners pioneered specialty coffees in the country.

If you’re in Le Marais area (the 4th), check out The Caféothèque of Paris and if you’re in Montmartre (the 18th), don’t miss The Hardware Société.

Insider tip: coffee is quite pricey in Paris (think €4 – €6 for a small latte), so you may want to see if your hotel or Airbnb accommodation has coffee on offer or a coffee maker in the room. 

After you’ve had some breakfast, it’s time to go on a free walking tour of Paris to get yourself orientated with the city and to learn some of the basic history. Joining a free walking tour is one of the best things to do in Paris when you first arrive.

There are a few companies that you can go with, but we chose SANDEMANs and enjoyed the experience. There are a few time slots throughout the day, but try to join the 10:30am one so you can maximize your weekend in Paris.

The tour ends outside of the Louvre and the Arc de Triumph, which, since you’re trying to see a big city in a short period of time, means this would be a good time to visit the Louvre Museum.

But first, lunch.

Afternoon in Paris

By this point in the day, your pastry will have worn off and you’re probably ready for a meal. 

A great lunch spot that I recommend is Bistrot Victoires, located in the 1st Arrondissement just an 8-minute walk from the Louvre. This buzzing spot offers delicious, affordable meals. And, there is an English menu available.

Order the tender duck confit with garlic fried potatoes and salad (€12.50), or the fall-off-the-bone roast chicken with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy (€10.90). You can thank me later!

Wash it all down with a glass of wine, or a craft beer and you’re all set to keep exploring.

Before you enter the Louvre, walk 7 minutes from the restaurant to the Église Saint-Eustache — an impressive gothic church, which is free to enter.

From the church, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Louvre Museum, which is the largest art museum in the world — housing around 38,000 objects.

Now, if you’re an art lover or a historian, you’ll want to spend some time here admiring all of the pieces. You may even want to join a guided tour to fully understand all that the Louvre has to offer (and to not get lost in the 72,734 square meter / 782,910 square foot building!). 

Since we’re not big on museums, we only spent 1.5 hours in the Louvre ticking off the highlights — the Crown Regent, the Mona Lisa (from a distance because the line up was massive), Venus de Milo, Victoire de Samothrace (Winged Victory), and many more paintings and sculptures. 

If you don’t book a guided tour, you’ll need to purchase your entrance ticket beforehand and I recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket, as the wait times can be huge. We purchased this ticket and were able to enter right away. Click here for details.

Late Afternoon

From the museum, make your way to the Eifell tower, the iconic symbol of Paris!

While we personally didn’t climb up the tower, many people want to get that amazing view of the city and enjoy the experience of being in the Eifell Tower.

You’ll need a special ticket for that, click here for a skip-the-line pass with access to the second level. 

After checking out the Eiffel Tower, it’s time to hop on a boat and take a 1-hour cruise down the River Seine (which departs from near the Eiffel Tower).

Pass by famous monuments, such as Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, the Notre Dame, Louvre Museum, and Grand Palais — while learning about these sites from your audioguide. 

The one hour boat ride is a great way to see the city from a different vantage point. Not to mention, it’s very affordable. Click here for details and to book your boat ticket online.

Evening

Finally, to round off your first day in Paris, enjoy dinner at Constant Cafe.

This restaurant is located in the 7th Arrondissement and is run by Michelin Star chef Christian Constant — who owns 6 restaurants in Paris. Plus, he was actually a judge for 4 years on the French version of Top Chef.

To be honest, I didn’t know any of those things about the restaurant before we decided to visit. I just read one blog that suggested going to Constant Cafe, and I’m glad I found that article. 

The small Bistrot style restaurant offers comforting, hearty, French dishes at affordable prices. It’s a casual place, so you don’t have to worry about dressing up in your finest clothing to enjoy fantastic food. 

With homemade dishes such as French beef filet with mignonette pepper, scallops roasted with salted butter, and free-range chicken roasted with herby butter, and potatoes with bacon and baby onions…the only problem is deciding what to order! 

I personally recommend the beef stew, escargot, cream of pumpkin and chestnut soup and the profiteroles with chocolate sauce. Make a reservation as this place fills up fast. 

Weekend in Paris: Day 2

Get up early and enjoy your last full day in the city.

Morning in Paris Itinerary

If you’re enjoying a weekend in Paris, you’ll definitely want to visit the Bastille Market on Sunday Morning. If you’re spending 2 days in Paris during the week, this market is also open on Thursday.

The Bastille Market opens at 7:00am, but since you were probably out a bit late last night, you don’t have to arrive when it opens. Plan to be at the market around 9:00am, which is when many locals arrive as well. 

This is a proper market with residents stocking up on their food for the week. 

The outdoor Bastille Market is one of the best we’ve ever been to. Located on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir with the Place de la Bastille’s Colonne de Juillet (monument commemorating the Revolution) as the backdrop, you’ll find over 100 stalls selling everything from artisanal cheese and meats to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Plus, there’s an area of the market dedicated to housewares and clothing. 

After browsing and shopping (and sampling!), it’s time to move on.

Make your way by foot to Le Marais neighbourhood (in the 4th Arrondissement), passing through the stunning Place des Vosges, and the National Archives Museum and Garden.

Continue wandering through the narrow, crooked alleyways, while passing by boutiques, vintage shops, museums, art galleries and more.

Prior to Napolean, all of Paris looked like Le Marais, but these days, this quarter is all that’s left of the medieval streets and pre-revolutionary buildings. 

Spend some time here enjoying the twists and turns and unique shops before grabbing a bite to eat.

Keep lunch simple today and grab a falafel to go at one of the many popular shops on Falafel Street in Le Marais — I recommend Chez Hanna for its falafel. Or, opt for a tasty crepe at the highly-rated La Droguerie.  

Afternoon in Paris Itinerary

In the late afternoon, it’s time to explore another beautiful neighbourhood in Paris — Montmarte in the 18th Arrondissement

Walk to the Etienne Marcel station in Le Marais and take Metro 4 to Montmarte.

Perched on a hill, this is the artist district of the city and is a place where you’ll see artists painting in the plazas, musicians on the street corner, and street art on the walls. In fact, famous artists such as Picasso, Modigliani, Monet and Van Gogh all lived around here. 

Since the neighbourhood is on a hill, there are quite a few steps to reach the Sacré-Coeur — the 1914 basilica that towers over Montmarte. If steps aren’t your thing, you can always hop on the funicular and ride up!

After wandering around the quiet lanes and visiting the Sacré-Coeur, make your way to Le Mur des Je t’aime (Love Wall), which is a wall painted with “I Love You” in numerous languages. Snap a photo and carry on.

If you’re looking for a little “pick me up” at this point, pop into The Hardware Société for a coffee. 

Evening in Paris Itinerary

To round off the weekend in Paris, enjoy a fabulous homecooked meal by an awarded French chef! We found this experience on Airbnb and can’t recommend it enough. 

Chef Nick greeted us at his atelier (private workshop/studio) and immediately, we felt like we were having dinner with a friend.

Nick is welcoming, funny and full of interesting stories about Paris and France as a whole.

I won’t give away the menu or share any photos as he likes to keep it a surprise, but it’s a stunning 3-course meal with wine. I’m a bit of a picky eater and I loved everything on the menu — so I’m sure you will too!

This won’t be a private dinner (unless you book it that way), and we had one other traveller who joined us. It’s a great way to meet new people from around the world, while dining on tasty food in a fantastic setting. Click here to learn more. 

Other Things To Do With a Weekend Away in Paris

The weekend in Paris itinerary I set out above is pretty jam-packed, but if you’re the type of person who can get up early and go to bed late, you might have time for more.

Or, maybe you’re not interested in the suggestions above. Here are a few other fun things to do with 2 days in Paris. 

The Catacombs 

Descend 30 meters below ground into the catacombs of Paris.

These are the old limestone quarries, which were turned into mass graves when the cemeteries became full. There are 200 miles (320 kilometers) of tunnels under Paris, housing the bones of between 6 and 7 million people! 

If you get claustrophobic or are creeped out by skeletons, this tour won’t be for you.

We both really enjoyed the eerie experience and recommend getting the audioguide, otherwise, you’ll have no idea what you’re looking at. Click here for a skip-the-line ticket with an audioguide. You can find the Catacombs here on the map.

Walk Along The River Seine (a must-do with a weekend in Paris)

If you don’t want to take the river cruise, it’s still nice to walk along the river. This is a great way to get away from the traffic of the busy streets and enjoy a quiet stroll. 

Pantheon

Yes, there’s a Pantheon in Paris, not just Rome! Located in the 5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter), this stunning mausoleum houses the remains of many important French citizens.

While the exterior is stunning, inside you’ll find pillars, decorated domes, and artwork. Find it on the map, here. 

Luxembourg Gardens

These gardens are huge! Dating from the 17th century, these formal gardens (which spans 25 hectares) are a great place to relax and people watch or go for a walk. Here you’ll find ponds, trees, orchards, greenhouses, 106 statues, and much more. If you’re feeling active, you can also play tennis here. Find the gardens on the map, here. 

Getting to Paris from The Airport

Before you can enjoy your Paris travels, you first need to get into the city from the airport. You should know that there are 3 airports in Paris, and I’ll list how to get from the airport to Paris for each one.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (the main one)

If you’re flying in from North America, Australia, South America or Asia, you’ll most likely land here. This is the major international airport in Paris, it’s also one of the largest in Europe.

To get into the center of Paris, you can take the Metro (RER), a taxi, the bus, Uber, or a private driver.

Metro (RER): The metro (RER B) operates from Charles de Gaulle to Gare du Nord (in the 10th Aronndessemont). It’s about a 35-minute journey. That the metro runs from 04:50 to 23:50, so plan your trip accordingly. Click here for a detailed post on getting from the Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris.

Taxi: If you’re arriving late, or if you don’t want to deal with figuring out how to take the metro (while being jet-lagged!), then just hop in a taxi. Follow the signs from arrivals towards the taxi stand. There’s a flat fee depending on which part of the city you are in. Rates are between €50 – €65 euros, with the journey taking about 45 minutes to the Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement).

Bus: The Roissy Shuttle bus takes about an hour to get into the city and runs from 6:00 am to 8:45 pm, every 15 minutes, and 8:45 pm to 00:30 am every 20 minutes. The bus picks up from Terminal 1, Terminal 3, Terminal 2AC,  Terminal 2D and Terminal 2EF, and drops off at Opera in Paris. 

Orly Airport

This is the main domestic airport in France, with Air France and Transavia France operating out of here. 

From this airport, your best bet is taking the Orly bus which links the airport to Denfert-Rochereau in the 14th Arrondissement. The bus runs from 6:00am to 12:30am, with departures every 15-20 minutes. The ticket costs €8.70 one way.

Another bus option is Bus Line 1, which runs from Orly Airport to Gare Montparnasse (with stops at the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, and Etoile/Champs Elysées). This journey takes between 30 and 40 minutes. It’s €12 euros one way, or €20 for the return journey.

Paris Beauvais Airport

If you’re taking a budget airline such as Ryan Air or Wizz Air, this is where you’ll arrive. While the cost of the flight might seem cheap, you have to take into consideration that this airport is farther away from the center, with longer journey times, and that you’ll still need to get from the arrival point in Paris, to your hotel. 

From the Beauvais airport, hop on the Beauvais shuttle bus which departs from the airport and arrives at Porte Maillot. The journey is 1 hour and 15 minutes (traffic permitting), and tickets can be purchased in advance or when you arrive. From Porte Maillot, you’ll need to take a taxi, or the metro to reach the center.

The cost is €17 euros each way. Click here for details.

Now You Know How to Enjoy a Weekend in Paris!

The City Of Lights truly is a dream destination, it’s no wonder it’s one of the top places to visit in all of France. If you get the chance to visit, jump at it.

While two days isn’t a lot of time, it’s enough to see the main highlights of Paris…and eat some delicious cuisine while you’re at it!

My biggest tip would be to walk as much as you can so you see all of the “in-between” bits. It’s about the journey as much as it is the destination. Paris might not be the cheapest destination in Europe, but it’s worth every euro. Bon voyage.

*The lead image in this article is courtesy of Shutterstock, a top website for finding royalty-free images and videos. 

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