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Forget Paris, Barcelona, London, and the like: if you’re a digital nomad on a European quest for a better quality of life, higher levels of safety, great connectivity––and even culture––your destination may lie further East than you might have suspected at first:
Eastern Europe is brimming with digital nomads, and if Nomad List‘s ranking of Best Places to live in the Old Continent is anything to go by, all your usual Western hotspots are losing momentum as once-overlooked destinations start catching up.
4 Eastern cities in particular seem to be experiencing the biggest surge in visiting nomads, and it’s time we had a look into the why:
The capital of formerly-socialist Czechia, Prague has a monument-packed historic center encompassing an iconic square flanked by Gothic buildings, a 15th-century bridge, ornate Baroque churches, and a hilltop castle that’s among the largest in the world.
It’s called the City of a Hundred Spires, and good luck if you’re climbing up Petrin Hill in an attempt to count all of them (we never got further than maybe 30 ourselves).
Besides its obvious timeless beauty and cultural mightiness that would appeal to Europhiles, Prague is just as enticing a prospect for digital nomads: it’s one of the highest-ranking European cities on Nomad List currently, with near-perfect scores across the board.
Nomads love it for how safe it feels compared to much of Western Europe, where cities like Paris, Barcelona, and London have seen crime increase significantly, lively social scene––Prague’s cosmopolitanism is not to be underestimated––and a myriad of laptop-friendly cafes.
That being said, it’s not one of the cheapest nomad destinations East of the divide, nor the most welcoming:
Monthly expenses total $3,038 to live in (month-long stays on Airbnb cost $1,052 – $1,611, and consumer prices have increased), and based on Nomad List reviews, the perception of racial prejudice is higher among non-European residents, but the good far outweighs the bad.
Capital of a landlocked Balkan state that, much like Czechia, also had a socialist past, Skopje is a surprisingly laid-back city traversed by a scenic river, with your usual cobbled Old Town and castle on a hill––and countless celebratory kitsch statues.
Seriously, we doubt there’s another European city with a higher concentration of sculptures per square mile than Skopje: from Alexander the Great proudly mounting his horse to the pious Mother Teresa (who was born here), there are larger-than-life icons scattered all over the place.
Naturally, taking selfies with Skopje’s infamous rows upon rows of effigies is not the main reason why nomads are coming here: North Macedonia lies both outside the European Union and the eurozone, so needless to say, bureaucracy and prices here are much lower.
1 U.S. dollar equals 56.86 Macedonian denar, and considering the national minimum wage is a mere MKD 22,567, or around $400––as reported by Wage Indicator––you can guess how much further your hard-earned IT dollars will stretch in Skopje.
We’re talking $539 per month for an apartment rental in the city center, within walking distance of all the shops, cafes and main attractions, kebabs for around $6.18 in the Old Bazaar, or $30 for a more luxurious dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant.
Affordability and the absence of strict Schengen rules seem to be the two biggest draws here, as Nomad List respondents have reported ‘fun levels’ are just ‘okay’, and nightlife as being ‘bad’, but if you ever need somewhere cheap enough to lie low for a while, look no further than quirky Skopje.
One of the most innovative and fastest-growing business centers in the East, Warsaw is not your typical European city with postcardy streets exuding Old World allure and the fairytale castle on a hill, but it has something the others lack:
It’s as cosmopolitan as Europe gets after London, with towering skyscrapers as far as the eyes can see, manmade parks nestled amid the concrete jungle that will evoke your fondest memories of Manhattan, and a thriving social scene only a true global capital can offer.
The visiting nomad may wonder how exactly Warsaw turned out this way when many of its counterparts are, you know, more on the quaint side of things, but the truth is, much of the historical city was destroyed by bombing in World War II.
Boom. Gone. Literally razed to the ground and rebuilt anew from the 50s onwards.
That’s why, in strolling modernism-dominated Warsaw today, you get more ‘America’ vibes than you do ‘Europe’––except it’s kept the walkability, the living standards, and (at least some) of the centuries-old culture.
Old Town Warsaw, a reconstruction of the former medieval center, boasts a high concentration of cafes and pastry shops where nomads are more than welcome to sit and unwind for a while (you may even be able to spot the odd 14th-century structure that survived the bombing).
In Mokotów, however, it’s all about the shopping centers, including one of Warsaw’s busiest at Galeria Mokotów, and the riotous nightlife: Puławska Street is where you’ll find all of the trendiest cocktail bars and brewpubs in town.
Over in Bielany, a more laid-back, calm district on the banks of the scenic Vistula River, nomads get to enjoy peaceful riverside walks and abundant green spaces, and let’s not forget offbeat Powiśle, famous for the quirky art galleries and bistro scene.
As you might have guessed, despite its amazingness that would put it on a par with all of Western Europe’s grandest city breaks, life in Warsaw costs $2,812 per month, as reported by Nomad List, and the big plus is safety:
You’d maybe expect a city as big––1.7 million residents––to be awash with crime and other deep-seated urban problems, but that certainly doesn’t apply to Warsaw, where harm is unlikely to come to you walking alone at night as a woman, and violent crime is (mostly) unheard-of.
Murphy’s law once stated that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, but this doesn’t change the fact that safety levels in Warsaw are higher, and thus your risk of being affected by crime is subsequently lower.
The rising star of Eurasia, Georgia’s Tbilisi is an ancient queen famous for its eclectic architecture, comprising periods of Persian, medieval, Imperial Russian and socialist influence, picturesque Old Town, and most recently, for reinventing itself as a nomad hub:
At present, it’s the highest-charting city in Europe on Nomad List, and to the uninformed onlooker, this might seem a bit surprising considering Georgia’s relative anonymity, but we’re here to shed some light on it:
Unlike the namesake U.S. state, this country is not exactly associated with peaches, as much as it is with wine and centuries-old Orthodox churches.
As for Tbilisi itself, it’s proof that you can have one foot in Europe and another in Asia and get the best of both worlds.
It has a distinctly European feel about it, with wide boulevards lined by stately palatial complexes and ornate building facades, and your usual landmark squares and fairytale castle on a hill, but as nomads have been glad to report, price-wise it’s, well, on a par with Central Asia.
A modest meal in a cheap downtown restaurant will cost you $10, or the equivalent in Georgian lari, whereas a more elaborate dinner for two in a chic restaurant up the high-end Bambis Rigi will probably run you up a reasonable $44.20.
As for Airbnbs, monthly rentals in Tbilisi have definitely become pricier in the last couple of years owing to the influx of nomads––and Russians and Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Eastern Europe––but there are still apartments for a surprisingly-affordable $665 – $745 per month on Airbnb.
Tbilisi’s unrivaled cafe scene is yet another compelling factor for remote workers. Places like Fabrika, Coffee LAB, and Lui Coffee cater to an international crowd and are well-equipped to host English-speaking guests.
Last but certainly not least, most nomads–and certainly Americans–can stay a whole year in Tbilisi visa-free, thanks to Georgia’s generous open-visa policy.
Learn more about it here.
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The United Nations (UN) wears many hats, oftentimes on the darker side of the spectrum in places not deemed fit for tourists.
Take Haiti, for example. If you’ve been able to decipher real news through the election cycle’s talking heads, then surely you’re aware of Haiti’s continuous tragic downfall.
Founded in 1945, the UN’s purpose has been to promote peace, security, and basic human rights worldwide and step in as needed when nations fail to do so.
That’s why you’ll see the UN present for humanitarian crises, such as Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen – none of which ever sniff top tourism numbers.
But the UN also promotes tourism within their World Tourism Organization branch, especially unheard-of destinations in need of a boost.
In their own words, the hope is to encourage travelers to visit as a ‘driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability’.
Dozens of unknown places made the cut for their ‘Best Tourism Villages 2024‘ list.
To simplify said list, we’ll highlight Mexico’s 3 undiscovered towns because you’re not really going to visit Roches Noires, Mauritius or Azheke, China, are you?
As one of Mexico’s hotspots for all types of travelers, Oaxaca’s gorgeous coastlines and immensely cultural namesake city have been well explored.
But venturing northeast through the Sierra Juarez is a quiet mountain town you’ve likely never heard of and may need to tap into your Rosetta Stone skills.
Capulálpam de Méndez may be a mouthful to say, but the UN believes it’s well worth a visit – and yes, ‘mouthful’ is a double entendre as there may be no better authentic food region in Mexico.
While the highly anticipated train connecting Cancun to Oaxaca is destined to showcase the region’s hidden gems, Capulálpam de Méndez is an extra layer of “hidden” as most travelers overlook the Sierra Juarez’s villages.
Set 7,710 feet high, this delightful town is oozing timeless charm. So much so, it can quite literally take your breath away.
In fact, the town’s real claim to fame was being designated as a pueblo magico in 2007, but it’s ready to embrace its newfound fame as Oaxaca has soared to new heights.
Start your day with a coffee and epic views at El Verbo de Méndez Café, wander timeless streets and witness the crown jewel, Parroquia de San Mateo, and rest your head at Hotel Chorromonte, housed in a traditional colonial building.
There are few states in Mexico where you may not recognize a city, but that’s the case for the state of Coahuila.
In fact, the claim to fame may be in Texas’ Big Bend National Park as a bi-national natural wonder stretching across the border.
Other than that, it’s quite likely you haven’t heard of a single place here. But don’t let that stop you from visiting Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, as there’s a bit of a loophole to visiting this small desert oasis.
Dubbed as the ‘Galapagos Of Mexico’, and also designated as a pueblo magico, if you’re into stunning nature and colonial charm, this off-path region is right up your alley.
Home to enormous craters, glassy rivers, vivid blue pools, along with postcard-worthy cobbled streets on the “urban” side, your sense of wanderlust will be redlining.
As off-the-beaten path as it may be, it’s not a treacherous journey. Two border towns, Ciudad Acuna and Piedras Negras, offer bus routes, but if it were me, I’d fly into Torreon (nonstop flights from Dallas and San Antonio) and take a 3-hour bus from there for a safer option.
Surprise, surprise – another pueblo magico. Experiencing old Mexico never gets, well, old.
Mexico’s ‘magic towns’ are teeming with rich history still permeating on every street.
Palizada is no different, but may be the most eye-catching of the bunch. Located in the state of Campeche, which has slowly begun creeping onto travelers’ radars, is gleaming with vibrancy and historic charm.
Wandering the streets is the best way to get a feel for the way of life here where you can visit local artisan shops, eat delicious local cuisine like Atapakua and Churipos, and enjoy the scenic views of the Rio Palizada.
The easiest way to get here is to fly into Villahermosa or Campeche, one of Mexico’s safest cities, and take a bus.
As far as modern conveniences go, Palizada may be the most convenient of the bunch with well-preserved buildings, more accommodation options, and plentiful captivating excursions like river cruises and Mayan ruins tours, which you can read more about here on the town’s official tourism page.
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Sun, sea, and stunning white sand. Tropical rum cocktails. Plus, guaranteed great weather.
Fall is the perfect time to book that well-deserved vacation to the Caribbean.
However, some Caribbean islands are safer than others.
The U.S. Government issue travel advisory ratings for each country in the world which range from Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions to Level 4: Do Not Travel.
This is advice rather than hard and fast instruction, as many U.S. travelers continue to explore level 3 and 4 destinations.
The huge number of Americans who continue to go to Jamaica (with its Level 3: Reconsider Travel rating) is a great example of this.
However, 18 Caribbean islands have been awarded a Level 1 travel advisory rating. Meaning these are the safest Caribbean islands to visit right now:
If you visit a destination with a Level 1 Travel Advisory rating, you’re as safe as you can be if you use U.S. government advice as your benchmark for safety.
Even if this isn’t your benchmark, it’s worth being aware of the Travel Advisory rating for each destination you visit, because this can have an impact on the validity of your travel insurance.
According to the U.S. State Department website “Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.”
Travel advisory ratings are regularly reviewed by the U.S. Department of State, meaning that the information they contain is up to date.
On August 19, 2024, the ratings for 6 different Caribbean islands were reviewed and then rereleased without change.
Those islands were Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Curacao, Bonaire, and Aruba.
So where should you consider travelling for your next visit to a stunning Caribbean island paradise?
Well if safety is one of your primary concerns, then you should choose one of the following 18 islands:
Anguilla – This is a small island with a population of less than 20,000 and 33 beautiful beaches to choose from. It’s a popular spot for snorkelers and divers thanks to its barrier reef, and 7 unique marine parks.
Antigua and Barbuda– These islands boast a mix of pretty pink and white sand beaches and are best known for their warm and welcoming people. Sailing is a popular activity here, as is eating as much fresh seafood as possible!
Aruba – White sand beaches, the colorful buildings in the capital of Oranjestad, and spectacular geographical formations. Aruba also boasts year-round sunshine and a great climate. We’ve had staff stay at both the Marriott and the Embassy Suites properties and loved it! Don’t forget to visit the north side of the island too; it is like visiting another planet! (De Palm Tours has an awesome UTV experience that starts at $189)
Barbados – Barbados is a popular island with an active nightlife and fascinating pirate history. It’s also the birthplace of rum! Travelers choose Barbados for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, which are ideal for surfing.
Bermuda – The beautiful beaches are the main attraction in Bermuda with the most famous and popular being the curved Horseshoe Bay Beach. Many tourists choose Bermuda for the off shore diving opportunities.
Bonaire – Bonaire boasts the same stunning beaches and turquoise waters as many other Caribbean islands but it is also known for its cultural events. You’ll find the world’s oldest marine park here. Offshore diving is so good here that if you can dive to 30ft with a snorkel, you don’t really need much equipment to see some incredible marine life. For something really unique, try landsailing! Bonaire Landsailing Adventures offers the experience from $60 and up.
British Virgin Islands – If you love to be in water then this is the perfect vacation spot. Fishing, sailing, and swimming are the most popular pastimes on the British Virgin Islands. This is a volcanic island chain with wildlife rich rainforests.
Cayman Islands – Over 2 million tourists visit the Cayman Islands every year and is a high-end but laid-back island chain loaded with resorts. Outdoor adventures and outstanding natural beauty await.
Curacao – Curacao is home to world-class diving spots, and is sheltered which means it enjoys great weather, gentle trade winds, and is sheltered from the Atlantic’s hurricane season. The capital of Willemstad is the only World Heritage Site in the Caribbean.
Dominica – This is the Caribbean’s most mountainous island meaning it boasts excellent hiking trails and outstanding natural beauty. One of its main attractions is the natural hot springs, many of which are suitable for bathing in.
French West Indies – Located in the French-speaking Caribbean (as the name suggests) this is a great place to explore both French and Caribbean culture, with both influencing the music, cuisine, architecture, and style on the island.
Grenada – Beaches, waterfalls, and marine life are the main attractions on Grenada. Off the west coast of Grenada, divers can visit a collection of 75 underwater sculptures by artist Jason de Caires Taylor. From staff experiences, we can recommend Dive Grenada as the top pick for scuba and snorkel outings.
Saint Kitts And Nevis – These are rich volcanic islands with 18 miles of lush rainforest and a majestic mountain range. Ideal for all kinds of outdoor adventurers!
Saint Lucia – Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia boasts incredible rainforests surrounded by turquoise waters. The beaches here are stunning, but it’s the vibrant nightlife scene that steals the show and has return visitors coming back for more.
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines – Like many other islands in the region, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines boasts outstanding natural beauty. It is home to unique black sand beaches and climbing or hiking are popular activities here. Visit for the luxury all-inclusive resorts and the rich pirate and sailing history.
Saba – Saba Island is the smallest island in the Caribbean. It’s just a tiny speck of a former volcano, but it’s an idyllic paradise of a speck that is rarely visited by tourists, so it has a wonderful old-school vibe.
Sint Eustatius – This is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island famous for its excellent diving and hiking. Not hugely popular with tourists, this island has an authentic feel and its locals are friendly and welcoming. If you’re interested in history, more than 300 archeological sites have been documented on the island.
Sint Maarten – Another Dutch Caribbean island, Sint Maarten is very different to Sint Eustatius. It’s much bigger and boasts world-class shopping and an amazing modern arts and culture scene. It has also been named the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
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With its high-end resorts and exclusive fine dining experiences, the Caribbean might not be your first choice for a budget getaway.
But according to a new report from Squaremouth, one Caribbean island is the cheapest spot for American travelers to choose if you’re looking for a budget fall getaway this year.
I’m talking about the Bahamas, and I’m just as surprised as you are!
The same study found that traveling this fall will cost 30% more than it did last year, making this the most expensive fall travel season to date.
Wondering whether the Squaremouth research is right on the money? Here’s a breakdown of costs to visit the Bahamas to work out just how affordable it can be:
There are 4 international airports in the Bahamas:
They all offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. this fall.
The cheapest airport to fly into is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.
This is also the busiest airport in the Bahamas and is considered the most important airport in the Caribbean, so I will focus on this one when listing example prices.
Getting to Nassau is a breeze, with direct flights from a whopping 10 U.S. airports this fall.
These are:
Flying from Miami to Nassau from October 15 to October 22 nonstop in an economy class seat will cost $245 flying with Bahamas Air.
Alternatively if you would prefer a U.S airline then for $265 you could choose American Airlines on the same dates.
This flight route has an incredibly appealing flight time of just 1 hour.
Alternatively you could fly from New York to Nassau. Flying from October 13 to October 19 nonstop will cost $258.
This is with Delta, and has a 3 hour 10 minute flight time.
There are plenty of options for travelers on all kinds of budgets to visit the Bahamas, but the focus here will be on budget stays.
And with 700 different Bahaman islands to choose from, narrowing down where exactly you want to stay should be your first job before you pick a hotel.
Grand Bahama is the most northerly of the main islands, and has a reputation for being the most budget friendly. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches but with a less eye-watering price tag!
On the Tripadvisor rating of the best 10 budget-friendly hotels in the Bahamas, 3 of the top options cost less than $200 per night for stays in October.
These are the:
One of the very best things to do in the Bahamas doesn’t have to cost a penny. Relaxing on perfect white sand beaches!
If you pack your snorkel and mask, then many beaches have shallow areas that are ideal for snorkeling.
Pearl Island, just northwest of Nassau, is considered the best snorkeling location in the Bahamas.
Provided you stick to public beaches or the beach attached to your hotel or resort, spending the day on the beach or snorkeling from the shore doesn’t have to cost you a single cent!
If you prefer diving then the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros and The Abacosall feature a host of world-renowned dive sites.
If you fancy yourself an international man (or woman) of mystery then the James Bond Wrecks is one of the most famous dive sites in the Bahamas. Located off the coast of New Providence, you can book trips with the Reef Oasis Dive Club.
Dive packages start from $61 per person.
Finally, the most popular and famous excursion that takes place in the Bahamas is a visit to see the swimming pigs.
You can arrange this with Exuma Water Tours, though I admit it’s more of a splurge than a budget day out.
A half-day pig swimming tour on a 36-foot power boat with reef snorkeling and blow hole swimming, as well as the chance to swim with the pigs, will cost $190 per person.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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