Some overseas destinations are particularly well-suited for digital nomads who want to combine work with exploring new places. With travel restrictions over now and more companies offering hybrid work options, now is an exciting time for remote workers to live abroad and take advantage of lower costs of living in destinations around the world.

Here, we’ll highlight some of the best overseas spots for those looking to blend work, travel, leisure and affordable living while taking advantage of the remote work revolution. Whether you want a slower pace of life, new cultures or just a change of scenery, these destinations allow remote workers to maximise their quality of life.

Malaga

Just down the coast from Marbella sits the port city of Malaga, an up-and-coming destination for remote workers in Spain. In fact, in 2023, it ranked as the top pick for cities to live and work in for expats. As the birthplace of Picasso and gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga offers a sunny Mediterranean climate with a distinctly Spanish flavour. The historic city centre provides atmospheric plazas and landmarks like the Moorish Alcazaba fortress to inspire, as well as cutting-edge architecture like the Pompidou Centre now gracing the skyline.

Charming neighbourhoods like Soho and El Palo boast local character with affordable dining and nightlife. While not yet as established as Madrid or Barcelona for digital nomads, Málaga is quickly adding coworking spaces, coliving options and professional services. The city offers proximity to beaches, mountains and day trips to nearby towns like Nerja. With its manageable size, emerging infrastructure and lower costs than some Spanish counterparts, Málaga is an enticing choice for remote workers.

Chiang Mai

For remote workers seeking an exotic change of pace, Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is a compelling option. As one of Southeast Asia’s digital nomad hotspots, Chiang Mai has developed excellent infrastructure and facilities to support location independent professionals. The extremely low cost of living compared to Europe appeals to budget-conscious travellers.

There are cosy cafes, coworking spaces, shared residences and ultra-fast internet to enable productive work, as well as year-round great weather providing a nice backdrop. Beyond work, Chiang Mai offers opportunities to experience Thai culture and cuisine. The slower pace of life, friendly locals and laid back vibe give Chiang Mai a different feel from hectic Bangkok. For remote workers who want to stay a while and immerse themselves in Thailand, Chiang Mai is a relaxing yet stimulating choice.

Lisbon

Portugal has long been a top destination for digital nomads seeking sun, affordability, and Old World charm, and Lisbon exemplifies the appeal. As the capital, Lisbon boasts a thriving community of remote workers drawn by the relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities. The famously hilly city overlooks the Tagus River and Atlantic Ocean, providing postcard-worthy vistas while you work.

With modern amenities like coworking spaces, cafes with Wi-Fi and great infrastructure, digital nomads can easily be productive here. The temperate climate means outdoor terraces are also usable most of the year. Beyond working, Lisbon offers rich culture, mouth-watering cuisine, fado music and easy day trips to nearby beaches to make the most of your downtime.

Berlin

With its reputation as an artistic hub with a vibrant nightlife scene, Berlin already attracts creative types from across the globe. In recent years, Germany’s capital has also emerged as a top destination for digital nomads seeking an affordable European base. The city offers a cool urban vibe with a laidback feel compared to cities like London or Paris. While not as cheap as some Eastern European cities, the cost of living in Berlin is still lower than other Western European capitals.

Berlin has developed excellent digital infrastructure, making it easy for remote workers to stay connected. Cafes with fast Wi-Fi abound across Berlin’s neighbourhoods, providing perfect spots to alternate working and people-watching. There’s also a huge expat community that creates a welcoming environment for newcomers. For remote workers who want a lively European experience on a budget, Berlin is hard to top.

Budapest

Budapest offers an enticing blend of grandeur, grit and affordability that increasingly appeals to digital nomads. Hungary’s capital is known for its stunning architecture spanning ornate Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles – the dramatic skyline with the Danube River winding through provides a regal backdrop for workspace inspiration.

The cafe culture and nightlife here rival Berlin, and coworking spaces and lightning fast internet connections cater to location-independent professionals. Budapest also provides rich history as one of Europe’s oldest cities. Walking the cobblestoned streets reveals traces of Roman, Medieval, Ottoman and Soviet influences. The city’s compact layout also makes it easy to experience on foot or bike.

The growing remote work trend is making the world more accessible than ever for digital nomads. With the right combination of affordability, infrastructure and leisure activities, overseas destinations allow professionals to maximise work and adventures. Sunny Mediterranean spots like the Costa del Sol, exotic locales like Chiang Mai and vibrant European cities like Lisbon and Berlin are all waiting to be uncovered by remote workers who have the flexibility to travel and explore.