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Now that winter is just around the corner and working from the outdoors no longer feels so pleasant, we think it is time to say goodbye to Europe (and the Northern Hemisphere as a whole), at least temporarily, and turn our eyes to the South.
As digital nomads, we are always looking for the best place we can be prices are not prohibitive; the the weather is generally nice – not rainy and cold would be a good start – and the visa rules are not that bureaucratic (for short stays).
With this in mind, we’ve narrowed it down to these 5 up-and-coming nomad hubs where not only will the sun continue to shine all year round, but you can also save a lot of time by making a living less than $1,000 per month:
Makassar, Indonesia
Forget Bali! If you’re keen to immerse yourself in Indonesian culture and find a nomadic hub yet to be overtaken by the Instagram and TikTok crowd, look no further than Makassar, the main port city on the island of Sulawesi.
With temperatures ranging from 77°F to 90°F year-round, a charming Dutch-built colonial centre With historic forts, temples and world-class museums, and located on golden Losari Beach, lined with affordable seafood restaurants, Makassar is all the rage this winter!
Oh, and did we mention it’s one of the most affordable tropical destinations in the world? Based on estimates provided by Nomadsthe leading platform for tracking digital nomad trends online, it costs just $916 per month to live here.
Hoi An, Vietnam
One of Vietnam’s top cultural destinations, Hoi An is rapidly rising in popularity among nomads thanks to its pleasant weather (it enjoys an average daily high of 80 degrees in January), UNESCO-protected status and proximity to beaches.
The yellow-washed old town is filled with laptop-friendly cafes and cheap family restaurants where you can have a generous bowl of pho soup for no more than a dollar, and the beautiful, undeveloped An Bang Beach is great for cooling off from the heat.
Nomads also love Hoi An for how peaceful it can be compared to other larger Vietnamese cities, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), and its low cost of living, with monthly expenses of up to $922.
Weligama, Sri Lanka
Welligama means ‘Sand Village’ in Tamil, one of Sri Lanka’s national languages, and it couldn’t be a more apt name for this laid-back seaside town in the island’s Matara district, situated on a vast bay overlooking the azure Indian Ocean .
It’s not the place you go for the cafes, abundance of coworking spaces and vibrant nightlife, unlike the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, but if you’re hoping breaking away from the fast-paced modern worldeven if only temporarily, and to reconnect with nature, this is the place to be.
Aside from the friendly locals, cheap beachfront stays and great seafood, you can expect temperatures to rise as much as 27.8°C and your savings to decrease by around $656 per month: yes, cheaper than this can’t do it.
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
A cross-border city at the tripoint shared by Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguaçu is widely considered Brazil’s ‘last frontier’, surrounded by lush forests and of course serving as a gateway to the national wonder of the world that is the Iguazu waterfalls.
It is one of the most unique conurbations in Brazil, not only because of its location, but also because of the fact that it home to more than 80 nationalities and diverse communities: expect to see Catholic shrines, monumental mosques and even Buddhist temples.
Additionally, Foz (as it is known among locals) has average daily temperatures ranging from 71°F to 90°F, crime levels are lower compared to larger urban centers in Brazil, and if you live as a local, you’ll spend $986 per month.
Udon Thani, Thailand
A hidden gem in northeastern Thailand, Udon Thani is dominated by a richly decorated Buddhist complex, Wat Phothisomphon, which dates back to the 19th century, a sprawling urban park surrounding a picturesque Nong Prachak Lake. dotted with vibrant street markets.
The ‘workcation’ scene here isn’t as developed as in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, so the type of nomad who moves to Udon Thani will likely actively avoid the expat-dominated areas and look for more authenticity.
Temperatures? maximum 89.6°F; cultural value? Just east of the city is Ban Chiang, a Bronze Age archaeological site; restaurant prices? 19.4% lower then in Bangkok, and Bangkok is already dirt cheap; total monthly budget? Nomads experts seem to think $976 is an amount safe enough bet.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
