The perks of remote work are almost endless.
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In fact, the only drawback I can think of is that I pay for a co-working space, and it’s often full of people on calls. (Loud, annoying calls.) Aside from that, I have almost total freedom as a freelancer to build my schedule, work where I like, and even explore the world while I do.
I’ve logged hours at airports, on trains, while in town for weddings, and much, much more.
The best part? Digital nomads and remote workers have an ever-expanding list of options when it comes to traveling and working. In Europe, for example, almost a dozen countries recently rolled out brand-new and inclusive digital nomad visa programs.
But Europe is one of the priciest places a digital nomad or remote worker can wander. And many of my friends here in Barcelona set their sights on more exotic destinations when they’re scheduling a three-week work trip.
Want to take a look at some of the best international winter escapes for all your remote working needs? I’ve got a great list of top locations thanks to a data-driven study by Eskimoz, a research and marketing firm that’s worked with global brands like Sandro.
After stacking up data like average winter temperatures, the number of coworking spaces in a city, and other factors like safety, these are the best spots to hunker down for winter while working remotely around the world.
Best cities for remote workers & digital nomads
- For first-timers: Dubai
- For cultural explorers: Mumbai
- For workers who need solid Wi-Fi: Taipei
- For language exchange: Buenos Aires
- For gorgeous surroundings: Rio de Janeiro
- For budget-conscious workers: Bangkok
Best cities for a winter escape
For first-timers: Dubai
Don’t have much experience traveling or working abroad? It’s straight to Dubai for you!
While this might seem like a stretch given Americans usually have little exposure to the United Arab Emirates, I promise that the luxurious, suburb-style city will feel immediately familiar. The city is clean, safe, and well-organized.
From your Wi-Fi connection to the average hotel room, you can expect a simple and satisfying travel experience. Dubai is also known for its high level of service and friendliness, meaning that you’ll start to feel comfortable in no time—even if you still need to learn the basics of Arabic culture.
Check out these rentals and hotels in Dubai.
For cultural explorers: Mumbai
On the opposite end of the spectrum from Dubai, we have Mumbai. I’m suggesting Mumbai with a massive grain of salt.
If you head to India on a remote work trip, you best be interested in culture—and willing to schedule your work around immersion.
Mumbai won’t give you a choice. From power outages to tummy bugs, you need to plan for interruptions and obstacles. That being said, you’ll be treated to an experience unlike any other in the world—from the foods you sample to the music you hear to the fashion you wear.
But it won’t be a soft landing or smooth sailing like what you saw in Eat, Pray, Love, so be ready for a transformative experience.
Check out these rentals and hotels in Mumbai.
For workers who need reliable Wi-Fi: Taipei
Taipei is fast-paced but mindful, traditional and yet cutting-edge, and a few other contradictions. The small island is also easy to explore—and layered with lush jungles in the center, in case you didn’t know.
That being said, I recommend this city for any remote workers who need reliable Wi-Fi. Given Taipei’s focus on modernity, it’s very well connected in terms of internet connection with averages of around 260 Mbps according to the Eskimoz study.
Its coworking spaces are varied and professional, and its safety index is also one of the highest on the list. Just be ready for the crowds.
Check out these rentals and hotels in Taipei.
For language exchange: Buenos Aires
Some remote workers and digital nomads have specific goals when they set off to a new country. If you’re hoping to develop your language skills this winter, then I suggest heading to Buenos Aires (or Rio de Janeiro, if Portuguese is your focus).
Aside from providing you a good chance to learn Spanish, the Argentinian capital is also known for its great weather, affordability, and cool factor.
Though I haven’t been there, many of my friends are from Buenos Aires—and they’re trendy, independent thinkers that just about anyone would love to have a beer with. I’m confident any remote workers could find their ‘tribe’ in Buenos Aires pretty quickly, especially when it comes to language exchanges.
Plus, you’ll be there during summer, letting you double down on the sunshine.
Check out these rentals and hotels in Buenos Aires.
For gorgeous surroundings: Rio de Janeiro
0Want some jungle with your winter escape? What about beaches? And great music? And sexy people? I’m sure you’re already picturing Sugar Loaf Mountain in your head, or Christ the Redeemer.
With its vibrant energy and playful atmosphere, it’s impossible not to recommend Rio de Janeiro for remote workers.
While the city isn’t the safest, the weather is almost perfect throughout the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months. With a growing number of co-working spaces, you’ll have options in terms of finding that home-away-from-home office.
Check out these rentals and hotels in Rio.
For budget-conscious workers: Bangkok
Whether you’re looking for medical care or a next-level party, you can find it in Bangkok… for a reasonable price, nonetheless. Just beware that Bangkok’s affordability comes with a very high-energy atmosphere that’s on par with Mumbai.
That being said, you can find more than a few budget-friendly oases to enjoy in the city. In fact, in terms of coworking spaces, Bangkok comes in second on this list—that gives you a whopping 164 coworking spaces to choose from as you settle in.
