7 Top Destinations for Remote Work Vacations

In recent years, the concept of a workcation (from the fusion of the terms “work” and “vacation”) has evolved from a niche trend into a mainstream lifestyle for professionals worldwide. With the rise of remote work, more and more individuals are seeking destinations that blend productivity with leisure, allowing them to work from anywhere while immersing themselves in new cultures.

The statistics back this up: on a global scale, remote work has become increasingly common, as of 2025, nearly 60% of the global workforce engages in remote work at least part-time. In the U.S. alone, projections estimate that 36.2 million Americans (about 22% of the workforce) will be working remotely by the end of the year, a significant increase of 16.8 million people compared to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the lasting impact of WFH on the labor market.

In this digital nomad travel guide about the top workcation destinations worldwide, we’re taking you on a globe-trotting adventure to the best spots whether you’re dreaming of a sun-kissed beach, a buzzing city center, or a tranquil mountain hideaway, these destinations not only tick all the boxes for remote work essentials but also serve up endless opportunities to dive into new adventures and experience the authentic, unfiltered side of each place.

The Rise of Workcations

The days of the rigid 9-to-5 office grind are quickly fading into the past. With more companies embracing the flexibility of work-from-anywhere jobs, professionals are now living the dream: exploring the world while continuing to climb the career ladder. This shift has sparked an entire movement, transforming cities and regions into hubs specifically tailored for location-independent workers.

Several major shifts have fueled the remote work revolution, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as the pivotal turning point. Forced to adapt, businesses quickly realized that their teams could not only survive but thrive outside the traditional office setting. But it’s not just about convenience: working from home has been shown to boost productivity by a remarkable 13%, enhance overall job satisfaction, and even slash attrition rates by 50%. 

At the same time, as remote work continues to evolve, it’s become increasingly clear that today, it’s not just about where you work -it’s about where you live and how you experience the world while you work. This is where the concept of workcations comes into play, blurring the lines between work and travel, and creating a new and dynamic way of living for remote professionals.

Top Destinations for Remote Work Vacations

1. Bali, Indonesia

A paradise for digital nomads, Bali offers stunning landscapes, an affordable cost of living, and a thriving remote work culture. Ubud and Canggu boast the best co-working spaces on the island, featuring high-speed internet, vibrant cafés, and networking hubs like Dojo Bali and Outpost. 

Remember that iif you’re planning a workcation to Southeast Asia, ensure your remote work adventure runs smoothly by getting an eSIM for Indonesia, your digital lifeline for high-speed internet wherever your journey takes you. Go to the website to learn more about it and make sure you can keep your productivity on track while exploring all that this dynamic and diverse region has to offer.

• Co-working spaces: Bali’s remote work infrastructure is well-developed, with high-speed internet in hotspots like Ubud and Canggu. Collaborative environments such as BWork and Tropical Nomad provide excellent facilities, networking opportunities, and a strong sense of community.
• Community & Cost of Living: One of the most affordable workcation destinations, with budget-friendly housing, thriving expat communities, and a mix of entrepreneurs, creatives, and freelancers from all over the world.
• Visa options: Indonesia’s Social Visa (B-211A) allows stays of up to 180 days, while the upcoming Digital Nomad Visa aims to provide long-term residency options.
• Perks of working remotely in Bali: Bali offers an idyllic blend of work and play, with immediate access to world-class surf beaches for those looking to unwind after a productive day. Beyond the waves, the island is home to lush landscapes and tranquil nature retreats, perfect for recharging your mind and body. The wellness culture is deeply embedded in Bali, with numerous yoga and meditation centers, as well as holistic retreats, ensuring you can maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Tips for making the most out of remote work travel in Bali: 

• Choose co-living spaces like Roam Bali to immerse yourself in a vibrant, built-in community of remote workers.
• Take weekend getaways to nearby gems like Nusa Penida, offering pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes.
• Use motorbike rentals for easy, flexible transportation, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

The cosmopolitan capital of Portugal, Lisbon, has emerged as a European hub for remote professionals. It blends old-world charm with a modern, business-friendly atmosphere. The city boasts reliable Wi-Fi, work-friendly cafés, and co-working spaces like Second Home. Its mild climate, affordable living costs, and rich cultural scene make it an ideal destination for balancing work and leisure.

• Internet & co-working spaces: Lisbon is well-equipped with fast and stable internet throughout the city, making it one of the best cities for remote work in the Old Continent. Popular remote-friendly cafés and co-working spaces like Second Home and Village Underground foster creativity and offer great networking opportunities while providing all the necessary tools for a productive day.
• Community & cost of living: Lisbon’s digital nomad scene is rapidly growing, with plenty of networking events, meetups, and workshops to help you connect with fellow remote workers. The cost of living is relatively affordable, especially compared to other European capitals like Berlin or Amsterdam, making it an attractive option for long-term stays.
• Visa Options: The D7 visa allows remote workers and entrepreneurs to live in Portugal long-term, providing a pathway to residency. This makes Lisbon an ideal destination for those looking to settle in Europe while working remotely.
• Perks of working remotely in Lisbon: Lisbon’s unique blend of vibrant nightlife and café culture creates a stimulating environment for work and play. With scenic beaches in Cascais and the Algarve just a short drive away, you can easily unwind after a productive day. Additionally, Portugal offers tax incentives for expats through the non-habitual resident (NHR) program, making it an even more attractive option for long-term stays.

Tips for making the most out of remote work travel in Lisbon:

• Base yourself in the historic Alfama district for a unique blend of tradition and modern convenience.
• Take day trips to Sintra to explore its fairytale castles and breathtaking landscapes.
• Enjoy a pastel de nata (the iconic Portuguese treat, made of crisp, flaky layers of pastry with a delicious, creamy egg-custard filling and a dusting of cinnamon) while working from a café in Baixa, soaking in the local culture and charm.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

A long-time favorite among digital nomads, Chiang Mai is known as one of the most affordable remote work cities in the world, due to its welcoming community, and dynamic work environment. The city features ultra-fast internet, top-tier co-working spaces, and a cost of living as low as $1,000 per month. Additionally, with the low cost of services like yoga classes, massages, and transportation, Chiang Mai makes it easy for digital nomads to enjoy a work-life balance without breaking the bank.

• Co-working spaces: Chiang Mai boasts reliable high-speed internet, and its coworking scene is thriving with excellent hubs like Punspace and CAMP. Additionally, many local cafés cater to remote workers, offering strong Wi-Fi, a comfortable atmosphere, and a productive environment.
• Community & cost of living: Chiang Mai’s affordable lifestyle is hard to beat, offering digital nomads the chance to thrive on a modest budget. Rent can be as low as $300 for a one-bedroom apartment in popular areas like Nimmanhaemin or Old City, and street food options like Khao Soi (a local noodle dish) or Som Tam (papaya salad) cost just a few dollars
• Visa options: The Special Tourist Visa (STV) and Education Visa provide long-term stay possibilities, making Chiang Mai a viable option for extended stays while working remotely.
• Perks of working remotely in Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai boasts an incredibly low cost of living, with budget-friendly accommodation options and affordable, delicious street food at Sunday Walking Street Market. The city is surrounded by stunning nature, with outdoor adventures like hiking at Doi Suthep and exploring the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon. A thriving digital nomad community gathers at co-working hubs like StarWork and The Social Club, providing great networking opportunities. 

Tips for making the most out of remote work travel in Chiang Mai:

• Rent a motorbike to explore the surrounding mountains and hidden gems outside the city.
• Join networking events in the Nimmanhaemin district to meet fellow digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
• Don’t miss the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, a magical event celebrating Chiang Mai’s rich traditions.

4. Medellín, Colombia

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín boasts a temperate climate, affordable living, and a booming digital nomad scene. Its transformation into a thriving hub for remote workers is supported by reliable high-speed internet, vibrant co-working spaces like Selina and Tinkko, and a welcoming expat community. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to many North American cities, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.

• Co-working spaces: Medellín offers excellent Wi-Fi throughout the city, with co-working spaces like La Casa Redonda and BLOOM Eco-Working, providing both high-speed internet and strong professional communities. These hubs are equipped with everything digital nomads need, including private offices, meeting rooms, and regular networking events, making it easy to balance work with connection-building.
• Community & cost of living: This vibrant Colombian city is one of the most affordable remote work cities in the American continent. In sought-after areas like El Poblado, you can snag a cozy one-bedroom apartment for around $400, allowing you to live comfortably without breaking the bank. What’s more, Medellín’s rapidly growing digital nomad community, made up of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives, fosters a thriving environment rich with opportunities for collaboration, networking, and innovation.
• Visa Options: Colombia offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows remote workers to stay for up to two years, making it easy to settle in Medellín while working remotely.
• Perks: Medellín’s café culture is thriving, with local spots like Café San Alberto and El Poblado’s Pergamino Coffee serving up high-quality brews perfect for remote work. The city also boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it an ideal environment for digital nomads to connect and collaborate. With its consistent spring-like weather year-round, Medellín provides an ideal setting for both work and play.

Tips for remote work lifestyle in Medellín: 

• Stay in the trendy El Poblado district for easy access to co-working spaces and cafes.
• Take the Metrocable for a scenic ride and visit Comuna 13 to admire its vibrant street art.
• Learn some Spanish to integrate better into the local culture and communicate with the friendly locals.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

A dynamic and culturally rich metropolis, Mexico City (CDMX) combines the energy of a global capital with affordability and remote-work-friendly infrastructure. It boasts excellent Wi-Fi, some of the best co-working spaces in South America, and an expanding startup ecosystem. The city’s incredible food scene, museums, and lively neighborhoods provide endless after-work entertainment.

• Co-working spaces: With fast and reliable internet throughout the city, Mexico City is well-equipped for remote work. Top coworking spaces like Impact Hub, Coffice, and The Pool provide modern amenities, networking events, and comfortable workspaces. For those who prefer a café setting, spots like Blend Station and Cicatriz offer strong Wi-Fi and a relaxed vibe for working.
• Community & cost of living: A growing hub for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives, Mexico City has a thriving digital nomad community. In sought-after neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Condesa, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs between $700 and $1,200, significantly more affordable than in major U.S. cities.
• Visa options: Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa that allows remote workers to stay for up to four years, making it a great long-term base for digital nomads.
• Perks: Living in Mexico City means being at the heart of one of the most vibrant cultural and culinary capitals in the world. The food scene alone is enough to win over remote workers, whether it’s grabbing tacos al pastor at El Vilsito, enjoying a leisurely brunch at Lalo!, or experiencing Michelin-starred dining at Pujol. Beyond food, the city offers a mild climate year-round, lively nightlife, and an abundance of parks, like Chapultepec, where you can unwind after a workday. 

Tips for remote working in Mexico City:

• Stay in Roma, Condesa, or Polanco for easy access to co-working spaces, cafés, and cultural hotspots.
• Use Uber or the Metro to navigate the city efficiently.
• Learn some Spanish phrases to integrate better with locals and enhance your experience.

6. Barcelona, Spain

With its Mediterranean charm, world-class infrastructure, and thriving creative scene, Barcelona -the second-largest city in Spain after the capital, Madrid- is one of the top workcation destinations in the Old Continent. The city boasts fast internet, vibrant co-working spaces, and a dynamic international community, making it an ideal hub for remote professionals who want both productivity and an unbeatable quality of life.

• Co-working spaces: Barcelona offers reliable high-speed internet across the city, with numerous co-working spaces catering to digital nomads. Popular options include OneCoWork near central Plaça Catalunya, Betahaus for a startup-friendly vibe, and MOB (Makers of Barcelona) for creatives and entrepreneurs.
• Community & cost of living: While the cost of living is higher than in other Spanish cities, it remains more affordable than in many major European capitals. A one-bedroom apartment in Eixample or Gràcia typically costs €900–€1,500, and affordable options can still be found in areas like Poble-sec, Sant Andreu, or El Clot, which offer a more local vibe while still being well-connected to the city center.
• Visa options: Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers from outside the EU to live and work in the country for up to five years, offering a long-term option for those wanting to base themselves in Barcelona.
• Perks: Barcelona seamlessly blends work and play, offering a lifestyle that few cities can match. Spend mornings working in a stylish co-working space, then unwind in Parc de la Ciutadella or at a beachside chiringuito in Barceloneta. Barcelona also boasts an excellent public transport system, making it easy to explore nearby Costa Brava, Montserrat, or Sitges on weekend getaways.

Tips for remote working in Barcelona:

• Stay in Eixample or Gràcia for easy access to cafés, co-working spaces, and local culture.
• Get a Bicing membership to explore the city like a local.
• Even though Spanish is widely spoken, Catalan is the primary local language, so knowing a few Catalan phrases can help you connect more with the culture.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Whether you’re soaking in the energy of the V&A Waterfront or catching a sunrise hike up Table Mountain, Cape Town has a knack for blending business with pleasure, all while offering a workspace that feels like a vacation. Ready to turn your remote work dream into a reality? Let’s explore why this South African gem should be your next digital nomad destination!

• Internet & co-working spaces: Cape Town boasts fast and stable internet, with plenty of remote-friendly cafés and top-tier co-working spaces. Popular spots include Workshop17 (Waterfront) for a professional setting with harbor views, Workshop17 for sleek, design-focused workspaces, and Neighborhood for those who want an all-in-one co-living and co-working experience. 
• Community & cost of living: The city has a growing digital nomad scene, attracting freelancers, entrepreneurs, and creatives from all over the world. While Cape Town is more affordable than major Western cities, costs can vary depending on location. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in sought-after areas like Sea Point, Gardens, or De Waterkant typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 per month, while more budget-friendly options can be found in Woodstock or Observatory.
• Visa Options: South Africa has introduced a Remote Work Visa, allowing foreign remote workers to stay in the country while working for an international employer. The 90-day tourist visa is another option and can be extended for a longer stay
• Perks: This South African gem seamlessly blends urban convenience with outdoor adventure. After work, hike Lion’s Head at sunset, surf at Muizenberg Beach, or take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak. The mild climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife make it an unbeatable destination for remote workers.

Tips for remote working in Cape Town:

• Stay in Sea Point or Gardens for easy access to workspaces, restaurants, and nature.
• Join networking events, such as those held at the Neighborhood or Workshop17, to connect with other digital nomads.
• Take weekend trips to the Cape Winelands or Boulders Beach to experience the best of the region.

Key Factors in Choosing a Remote Work Destination

Internet reliability: As digital nomads, the need for fiber-optic connections and high-speed mobile networks can’t be overstated. When choosing a location, ensure the city has stable internet infrastructure that can support video calls, large file uploads, and uninterrupted workdays.

Cost of Living: One of the major advantages of working remotely is the potential to save money, especially when you choose to stay in affordable remote work cities. Research the cost of living for rent, groceries, public transport, and coworking spaces. 

Co-working spaces and cafés: Co-working spaces are the lifeblood of the digital nomad lifestyle. A solid network of professional spaces can help you stay productive and motivated while also offering the chance to network with other remote workers. 

Community & networking: The best cities for remote work foster a thriving community of digital nomads. Being part of this global network not only enriches your social life but also offers opportunities for collaboration, inspiration, and even business partnerships. 

Visa & legal requirements: Every country has its own set of visa and legal requirements, so it’s crucial to understand your options before booking that flight. 

Finding Your Ideal Remote Work Paradise

Choosing the right destination for your remote work lifestyle isn’t just about fast Wi-Fi and cheap rent: it’s about designing a routine that fuels your ambition while indulging your wanderlust. The beauty of work-from-anywhere jobs is that they let you swap the office cubicle for a sunlit café, a bustling co-working hub, or even a beachfront hammock (as long as the Wi-Fi holds up). With the right mix of connectivity, community, and affordability, your workcation can be as productive as it is inspiring.

From vibrant cityscapes to tranquil coastal retreats, the top workcation destinations contained in this digital nomad travel guide combine convenience, creativity, and endless opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. With some thoughtful planning, flexibility, and diving into the local culture, you can turn any trip into a seamless combination of productivity and exploration. 

So, where will your next workcation take you?