In my lifetime of travel I have stayed in a huge variety of accommodation. And I adapt the different accommodation available to the type of travel I am doing. Now when I am moving around finding places to stay in each new destination as a digital nomad I compare different aspects of accommodation to suit my needs. This can be exhausting.  If you are wondering which is the best digital nomad accommodation for you, let’s compare some of my favourite options for digital nomad stays and why I choose them.

 

What is Digital Nomad Accommodation

 

Though co-living and co-working spaces are being developed for digital nomads, in general, there has never been specific accommodation designed for digital nomads. This is why it can be exhausting finding a place to live as you travel and work around the world as a digital nomad. But it doesn’t have to be. As long as you know what is out there and what aspects of certain accommodation you require, the choices can be relatively easy.

 

Factors to Consider when choosing Digital Nomad Accommodation

 

When I am heading to a new place and needing accommodation so I can live and work, I do a bit of research and pre-planning. Sometimes if I arrive in a place on a whim a hotel or hostel is fine to stay in for a couple of nights. However, as being a digital nomad means staying in one place for a while, and needing to work, there are some things I consider before choosing my long-term accommodation.

 

1. Location

 

Location of my digital nomad accommodation is a high priority to. I always consider the proximity to transportation, amenities, is it a safe location (or looks to be safe) and how far to the beach. Well, the beach I don’t always need, but having grown up at a beach, I do like visiting them often. I also like to be near supermarkets, restaurants and pubs as I probably won’t have a car and will be reliant on public transport or walking. What are your priorities with location? Is living in a big city your priority or living by the sea or in a jungle? So choose the location that suits you.

 

2. Natural Light & Privacy

 

I like having natural light in my digital nomad accommodation. I have stayed in way too many dark and dingy places so having a large window, preferably with a view, that allows in natural light during the day helps me to acclimatise and work better. I find better natural light the higher in a property I am. So I wouldn’t stay in a ground floor flat because even though it might have good light, it might not have the privacy I want. I don’t want people walking past my window and seeing me sitting at my desk. I’m opening myself up to potentially being robbed by passers by seeing my tech equipment!

 

3. Accommodation Amenities

 

Once I have decided on the location of my digital nomad property, I look at what amenities it offers. I like to feel ‘at home’ in my accommodation so having a separate bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom and even a laundry is an ideal set up for me. I like to have these areas, particularly if I am staying long-term which can be anything from one month onwards. I enjoy cooking and making nutritious meals for myself so my kitchen needs a pantry, a fridge and cooking equipment. Cooking my own meals also saves me money but not having to eat out all the time. It is also nice to have a TV so I can catch up on news on what is happening locally and internationally.

 

4. Workspace

 

When setting yourself up in a new place for a long-term stay, a dedicated workspace is a high priority. This is one of my requirements so I can work comfortably. I will check photos of the property to see whether there is a desk or a table available so I can work. Even though I travel with a laptop stand, I do prefer to set up at a desk – I just seem to work better and quicker. And thus I can enjoy my local surroundings more.

 

5. Internet Speed

 

My second priority in choosing accommodation for my digital nomad life is fast WiFi. Yep, fast and reliable internet speed is essential for me to complete my remote work. I always choose accommodation that offers high-speed internet. I still travel with a VPN and an eSIM just in case so I have options in case the internet speed lets me down.

 

6. Cost

 

Cost of my digital nomad accommodation is important. One of the reasons I am a digital nomad is because the cost of living in other countries is much lower than my own, thus the cost of my accommodation important because I need to budget. My budget is quite more generous nowadays than when I first started out, so if you are starting out, you will need to find accommodation within your budget.

 

7. Community

 

Being a digital nomad can be a lonely business, particularly if you are a solo digital nomad. Occasionally, to help with the feelings of isolation and loneliness I seek out others in the digital community. I usually do this by finding co-working spaces to work in. However, sitting in a coffee shop surrounded by people can also help me interact with people again.

 

The Best Digital Nomad Accommodation

 

Now you know things to think about that you want from your accommodation, then you can check out the types of accommodation available so you can find accommodation that should be suitable for your digital nomad needs. Here are some of the most popular digital nomad and remote worker housing options to consider.

 

1. Hostels

 

I’m starting off with hostels. Hostels have long been the choice of backpackers and budget travellers for the cheap accommodation option they are. But they are also becoming attractive to digital nomads. Hostels have realised the importance of the digital nomad market and are adapting their hostels to offer appropriate accommodation. Many hostels have introduced single rooms with or without private bathroom facilities and co-working spaces. So now you can book a desk in a co-working space offering fast wifi so you can work. And then you can go back to your room. One thing I like about staying in hostels is you will meet other travellers, some of them doing exactly what you are doing. Yep, living a digital nomad life. Check out HostelWorld to find your next digital nomad hostel stay.

 

2. Hotels & Motels

 

Hotels and motels can be a great option for digital nomad accommodation. As long as they offer all the things you require to live and work, then why not add these to the mix. I have found on many occasions hotels and motels offering a private bathroom and a kitchenette and there is usually daily cleaning. Sometimes on the expensive side hotels and motels don’t always offer long-term rentals. So you may find yourself hotel and motel hopping every couple of weeks. I find hotels and motels via Booking.com.

 

3. Serviced Apartment

 

Most cities and towns have serviced apartments. They have always been attractive to business people who needed a base while working. Mostly located in buildings offering other serviced apartments they provide a home away from home with someone who comes in weekly or every couple of days to clean and tidy the apartment. Hence the name serviced! I have found some great serviced apartments through Booking.com. 

 

4. Long-term Rental Apartments & Airbnb

 

If you are wanting to spend a few months or longer in the one place, you can look to rent an apartment or Airbnb. These are one of the most popular options for digital nomads and families because of the home-like amenities which allow long-term rentals. Mostly, you will have the whole apartment or house to yourself. Perfect for digital nomads and remote workers who want to spend a few months or longer in the one place. Check out Booking.com and also VRBO. 

 

5. Digital Nomad Co-living Spaces

 

For very good reason, co-living spaces are becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads. These communal living spaces have been designed to offer a shared workspace in a co-living environment that offers a sense of community. This is because you usually only find other digital nomads here. These are particularly great to help alleviate the isolation and loneliness you can experience on the road because the co-living spaces promote social interaction and opportunities for networking. 

 

6. Living in a Van or Car

 

Van life is a popular digital nomad accommodation. You not only have your accommodation but your transport also which provides you with the ultimate freedom to travel and work from anywhere. The biggest cost is your initial cost of purchasing or renting a van. Then having the accessories like bedding, cooking utensils and bathroom facilities sorted. Some are choosing to car camping providing them the opportunity to live and work in their car. Plus you need to look into the logistics of working on the road by having good Wifi access to complete your work. 

 

7. House Sitting and Pet Sitting

 

House sitting and pet sitting is a great option for digital nomads. As the names suggest you house or pet sit in return for free accommodation. Caring for someone’s home and pets while they are away provides comfortable and cost-effective accommodation. House and pet sits vary in length so you will need to find a sit for the length of time you wish to stay in a particular place or, do a few sittings. Duties required are usually looking after the home, watering plants if there are any, collecting the post, putting out the rubbish bins and caring for pets which could involve feeding them, walking them and having cuddles on the couch. I’ve done a few housesitting gigs and highly recommend this option to fellow digital nomads seeking budget-friendly accommodation. I get my house and pet sitting gigs through Trusted Housesitters.

 

My Best Tips for Choosing the Best Nomad Accommodation for You

 

Finding the best digital nomad accommodation for you requires a little research on your part. This is what I do:

1. Know what I want from my digital nomad accommodation
2. Check out websites likes Booking.com, HostelWorld, VRBO, Airbnb and Trusted House Sitters of what is available. Also Facebook pages of the place I will be in. Do a search of the town/city you are looking for accommodation and see which Facebook pages show up.
3. Read Reviews of places that meet your criteria.
4. Have a check list of things you require – fast internet, private facilities, close to cafes, etc.
5. Have a trial stay. Yes, book a shorter stay and hope you can extend if you like it

 

Are You Ready to Choose the Best Digital Nomad Housing for You?

 

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to finding the perfect place to call home while you live and work abroad. Hopefully this post has given you the information you need to help you select where you will be sleeping next? If you’ve got any suggestions for digital nomad accommodation I’d love to hear about them in the following comments.