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Last Updated 4 months ago

Asia has long been a popular destination for digital nomads watching their budgets. It’s a great place to stretch your buck as far as possible.  

And now there’s a new budget-friendly hot spot to look out for.  

The Global Intelligence Unit has created a comprehensive report of the world’s best digital nomad destinations.  

The top-ranked Asian country where digital nomads live and work is officially Taiwan.  

Taiwan also came in 12th place overall in the global arena, meaning that it’s a destination well worth considering for digital nomads, especially for those who don’t want to flash the cash.  

Here’s why:  

Why Digital Nomads Should Consider Taiwan 

Taiwan is an incredibly beautiful country that ticks so many boxes.  

A subtropical climate, outstanding natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and modern vibrant cities too. Check, check, check, check!  

On top of all of this, living here won’t break the bank.  

On average, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei is between NT$8,000.00 and NT$25,000.00 ($263–$823).

However, if you choose an off-the-beaten-path destination outside of the city, your rent will be considerably lower.  

Eating out here is cheap too, and the street food is delicious.

Less than $5 will fill your tummy with a street food meal and some good company at the same time.  

Locals are friendly and welcoming to foreigners and digital nomads: there are no anti-tourism protests here!  

Taiwan was also one of the first countries in the region to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2019 and has robust anti-discrimination legislation in place, making it a safe country for LGBTQ+ nomads to explore.  

Taiwan Is Small But Perfectly Formed  

From a practical point of view, it’s worth mentioning Taiwan’s small size.

The country is around half the size of Scotland for Brits like me. Or ever so slightly bigger than Maryland for U.S. readers.  

Rather than being a drawback, this could actually work to the advantage of a savvy digital nomad!  

You can explore absolutely everything the island has to offer with relative ease.

The capital of Taipei tends to be the most popular spot for digital nomads, boasts incredibly high internet speeds, and has the largest number of coworking spaces.  

But you aren’t welded to city life. Taipei is just 30 minutes away from the lush green nature of the Yangmingshan National Park.

There is no entry fee to explore this park, so if you’re on a budget, this is a great place to visit.  

And getting around Taiwan is a breeze, too, as the country has a reliable high-speed rail network.

In real terms, this makes what is already a small country feel even smaller and easier to explore.  

Public transport is affordable. The Metro (known as the Mass Rapid Transit or MRT) costs NT $20 (61 cents) – NT $65 ($1.96) a ticket in Taipei.  

If you want to take the high-speed rail and explore the length and breadth of the country then you’ll pay between NT $35 and NT $2,500 ($1 – $76) depending on the journey you want to take and the class you choose with non-reserved tickets being the cheapest option.  

A New Digital Nomad Visa For Taiwan? 

Although full details of the scheme have yet to be released, Taiwan announced last month that it intends to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa.

This is great news as, up until now, there hasn’t been an official digital nomad visa in the country.  

The new visa will make Taiwan an even more appealing option for digital nomads.  

Taiwan will be the 4^th country in the region this year, after Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, to launch a digital nomad scheme.  

So far, we know that the visa will have a 6-month validity period and that the Minister for the National Development Council in Taiwan, Paul Liu, hopes it will attract new talent to the country.  

Though this new digital nomad visa scheme has been proposed, it will not come into effect until it is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

In the meantime, prospective nomads can apply for an Employment Gold Card.

This is a work permit, residency permit and re-entry permit in one handy document that is relatively easy to apply for and allows professionals to live and work in Taiwan for up to 3 years.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 2 days ago

The value of a dollar isn’t what it used to be, and perhaps no traveler knows this better than digital nomads.

$1000 lifestyles are few and far between, but believe it or not, it is still quite feasible in certain parts of the world.

Digital nomads’ jobs range from customer service agents to million-dollar business owners, but no matter your income, budgets are always on the mind when roaming the world.

This winter as more travelers of all types seek out warm getaways, digital nomads can strike gold saving huge amounts of money all while enjoying multiple sunny cultural destinations of Latin America.

Put the big names aside and embrace the lesser-known as these 3 cities researched by Journée Mondiale are exactly what digital nomads will be looking for this winter.

Cuenca: Ecuador’s Historic Town In The Andes

Don’t let “Ecuador” be a trigger word. Like just about anywhere else in the world, there’s good that comes with the bad.

In this case, the bad obviously being a state of emergency was recently issued alerting tourists visiting Ecuador as a crime wave took over popular areas of the country.

Good news for you is the historic town of Cuenca isn’t one of them and is actually regarded as being quite safe attracting both retired expats and digital nomads alike.

Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed city center and enjoy a slower pace rather than the hustle and bustle of major Latin American cities like Mexico City or Buenos Aires.

Here you can start your day by fueling up on stout local coffee at numerous delightful cafes, which you don’t have to bat an eye at spending since apartments are only $400 per month.

Factor in cheap eats, plentiful outdoor activities, and how walkable this mountain town is rather than Uber-ing around, your pockets may feel heavy with all the money you’re saving living on $1000 or less.

Arequipa: Peru’s ‘White City’

Who needs the chaos of Lima when you can wake up amongst gleaming white architecture derived of volcanic stones?

You may have never heard of Arequipa, but it’s well worth a winter stay at such affordable prices and immense beauty.

Only downside being you may want to start hitting the treadmill as Arequipa sits 7500 feet high in the sky surrounded by volcanoes.

Often overshadowed by icons such as Macchu Picchu, Arequipa has flown under the radar, but it’s time for that to change.

If $300 apartments don’t catch your eye, perhaps the phenomenal cuisine, like spicy rocoto relleno, or the eye-popping architecture will suffice as your daily base.

There ample numerous intriguing museums to visit in this elevated city of nearly 1 million residents, so don’t think this is a sleepy town – it’s quite large with traditional markets, delicious restaurants, and liveley bars to frequent with disposable income you’ll have.

Not to mention, there are great cafes to visit as Peru is known worldwide for coffee, plentiful centrally located co-working spaces, and even digital nomad favorite hostel, Selina.

Granada: Nicaragua’s Vibrant Colonial Gem

Nicaragua is arguably the most beautiful country in Central America, but you wouldn’t know it due to the government’s off-putting politics and treatment of their own people.

However, Granada is the exception to the rule if you can get past the invasive customs procedure where you may be asked a bazillion questions why you’re entering Nicaragua.

Once you’re through, you’ll be welcomed into a haven for expats and digital nomads in Granada, a vibrant colonial town nestled along scenic lakes, where you can explore volcanic islands like Ometepe.

This laid-back town is located an hour from Nicaragua’s capital of Managua, which is likely your gateway into the country, so it’s an easy trek and well worth it.

You can rent apartments in historic buildings as low as $300, but keep in mind if booking on Airbnb, the owner may try to tack on utilities; something I had to deal with when booking here.

Exploring the town is captivating with its timeless cobbled streets, charming cafes, and traditional markets to peruse.

It’s well-equipped for digital nomads with numerous hostels and co-working spaces, or sometimes both are packed into one like Casa Bloom (and there’s also a Selina here, too).

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago

One of the aspects of travel that saddens me personally is how often Mexico is wrongly portrayed.

Mainstream news grips any negative event with a tight fist to paint a misinformed picture of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

But the truth is that most of Mexico is safe; otherwise, millions of tourists wouldn’t return home unscathed with unforgettable vacation memories.

While beach destinations are incredible to visit, many of the country’s hotspots lack authentic culture, which is really a shame (apologies to Sammy Hagar).

Mexico City may be the mecca to indulge in an array of culinary masterpieces and witness some of the nation’s most captivating sites, but one historic city just a couple of hours away will rock your socks off.

Safe, cheap, and gleaming with incredible architecture and traditions, Puebla makes for a perfect escape to experience real Mexico, as even such places as Guadalajara and Oaxaca have become touristy.

One Of Mexico’s Top Cities For Affordability And Safety

No need to keep your head on a swivel wandering through Puebla’s wonders; the U.S. State Department confirms Puebla is very safe.

On par with many other popular destinations at Level 2, you can comfortably explore as you would just about anywhere.

That’s not to say there aren’t bad apples, but Puebla is a far cry from Mexico’s ‘dangerous’ reputation away from the safe havens of Cancun and Los Cabos per se.

Puebla’s historic city center makes for a great base, and there are some amazing values in both the luxurious and boutique hotels that dot the area.

Lined with colonial structures of Talavera tiles and meticulous detail, you’ll forget about Mexico’s glitzy resorts and become captivated by the city’s timeless atmosphere all while saving money!

Stay in luxury at Quinta Real Puebla this winter for great rates at $76 or perhaps a cozier feel at the Casa Rosa Gran Hotel for $42 this December.

If staying in the city center, it’s best navigated by walking so no stone goes unturned as there are numerous vibrant streets boasting lively bars, traditional eats, and artisan shops – none of which will break the bank either.

Plus, this city is a foodie’s paradise!

Should you venture beyond the city limits, Puebla does have Uber too, which is typically more affordable than taxis who can pull the classic “my meter is broken” tactic to obvious tourists.

Although, locals have been widely regarded as warm and very helpful to visitors.

Phenomenal Cuisine And Fascinating History

Across the U.S. there are world-class Mexican eateries and what you may not know is many cooks derive from Puebla bringing traditional flavors stateside.

Puebla is often regarded as ground zero for some of Mexico’s most renowned cuisine. In fact, famed chef and world traveler Anthony Bourdain visited Puebla on one of his first episodes to showcase the region’s distinct dishes, such as Mole Poblano, a must-try on your trip.

In other words, it’s impossible to go hungry in this city as every meal is a delight for your tastebuds (and don’t skip the cocktails either!).

Make sure to make a reservation at Mochomos Puebla for an unforgettable meal; it’s one of the top-rated restaurants in the city holding an impressive 4.9 rating Google with over 10,000 reviews.

Circling back to your travel budget, Puebla offers many free attractions like many outdoor celebrations and incredible cathedrals.

Being so eye-catching, you won’t be able to help yourself but enter one of the multitude of churches no matter your beliefs, simply to appreciate these architectural marvels.

Make sure you visit the Cathedral of Puebla, Santo Domingo Church, and La Compañía Church to name a few.

What may be even more fascinating for some is the nearby town of Cholula, but don’t get too excited thinking this place is home to the popular hot sauce brand.

Cholula’s claim to fame isn’t mouthwatering red peppers; it’s home to captivating ruins, including the world’s largest pyramid – take that Egypt!

Reaching Puebla Is Easy

Mexico City offers the most flight options directly from the U.S., but you can also fly nonstop from a couple of American cities (one being the ultimate travel hack).

Houston and San Diego (via Tijuana) are your only nonstop options at the moment. United flies nonstop from Houston, while both Viva Aerobus and Volaris fly from Tijuana which can be accessed by Southern Californians by never stepping foot across the border with the handy Cross Border Xpress.

If you fly into Mexico City, however, you’ll need to hop aboard a bus or take an expensive Uber or taxi.

According to Busbud, bus fares range from $6 – $23 this winter.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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Last Updated 3 months ago

It’s the season for solo travel!  

And whether you’re looking for frantic cities, laid-back beaches, high-octane adventure, or cultural enrichment, there’s one destination that is attracting solo travelers in huge numbers.  

Thailand is having a real moment right now, especially among those thinking of going it alone.  

Here’s why this Asian destination is a hot spot for solo travelers: 

Why Should Solo Travelers Choose Thailand? 

Thailand boasts an excellent tourist infrastructure that is easily accessible for solo travelers.

Getting around the country is straightforward, and finding places to stay as a solo traveler is also easy here.  

Thailand is also an incredibly affordable destination for solo travelers.

From hostels to higher-end hotels, you won’t break the bank when choosing somewhere to stay.  

If you’re new to solo travel or a seasoned solo traveler looking for some company, then there are plenty of small group trips throughout Thailand.

These are a great way to meet new people or to explore somewhere you might not feel comfortable going it alone.  

From tours of Bangkok noodle shacks to snorkeling tours of lesser visited islands, there are diverse options to choose from.  

I recommend booking a tour or two and combining this with your own solo adventures and seeing where the day takes you, so that you get the enjoy the best of both worlds.  

Bangkok Food Tours offers a historic Bangrat food tasting and culture tour that is ideal for solo travelers. Bangrat is a popular foodie destination for locals in Bangkok and is an area with a rich cultural heritage.

This tour costs 1650 THB ($) per person.  

While some people see eating as a social experience, the nature of dining in Thailand makes it ideal for solo travelers.  

The street food stalls you’ll find everywhere and casual ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurants mean that grabbing a bite and eating on the go, or taking a stool and sitting shoulder to shoulder with the locals, is the norm.  

A Diverse And Cultural Rich Destination  

Thailand is an incredibly diverse and multi-faceted destination.

If you want to relax on paradise-like white sand beaches, Thailand is for you. But you can also embrace the rich culture, bustling cities, and spectacular temples here.  

Thailand is a temple-rich (some might say temple-tastic!) destination, so if learning more about Buddhism and exploring its most spectacular temples is on your to-do list, then there is no better place to be.  

The most famous temple in Thailand is Wat Phra Kaew, and as it’s located right in the heart of Bangkok this is also one of the easiest to visit.  

Wat Phra Kaew is located within the city’s Grand Palace and its most noteworthy feature is the Emerald Green Buddha, considered one of the most sacred in Thailand.

Entrance costs 500 baht ($14) per person.  

For something truly unique, visit the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.

This is a spectacular and intricately carved temple that has the distinction of being the largest wood building in Thailand.  

Entrance here costs 500 baht ($14) per person too, and your entry fee also includes a guided tour in either English or Thai.  

Thailand is also famous for its beachfront Full Moon Parties, which take place in Koh Phangan.

Up to 20,000 people gather on the beach here once a month when the moon is full.  

This is a great place to be if you love to party and meet new people.

It’s a riot of fun and decadence. However, solo travelers should be aware of their safety at these parties.

Where there is drunkenness and excess there can sometimes be poor decision making.  

Being aware of your surroundings, and not leaving your drink unattended are both good tips.  

Other Reasons To Choose Thailand

You can’t talk about Thailand without talking about its people.

Thailand is nicknamed ‘Land of Smiles’, and for good reason.

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you’re in the city, which contributes to solo travelers feeling safe and comfortable in the country.  

It’s also worth noting that Thailand offers a high degree of safety for solo travelers, and this includes solo female travelers. 

The U.S. Department of State has awarded Thailand a Level 1 Advisory Rating. This is the lowest possible rating, and means that travelers should exercise normal precautions, but are otherwise free to enjoy their travels.  

The only exceptions are the regions of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla.

Due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities, these provinces have a Level 3 travel advisory rating.  

Solo travelers are advised to avoid these regions when traveling around the country.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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Last Updated 5 months ago

Isn’t it nice to share? Well, that’s what’s happening in Taiwan, where an exciting new pass allows locals and tourists alike to both enjoy the perks of unlimited train travel.

Some countries can be stingy only allowing locals to relish the perks of such a pass, but not in this case.

While Taiwan certainly found itself in some eye-popping headlines in recent months, safety concerns at this point are null and void.

The last travel advisory issued was in July 2023, and even then it was the lowest designation for safety risks with Level 1 status.

Taiwan has been given the all-clear. Its vast wonders from the bustling streets of Taipei to lesser known Chiayi are safe to explore, and what better way than by train?

Especially at high speeds!

The Need For Speed

There are 3 different pass packages, but we’ll start with the most thrilling and make our way down.

Asia is synonymous with lightning-fast bullet trains in terms of rail travel. Taiwan is no different, except here you have unlimited travel for 3 days with the new Taiwan Pass.

Those with the need for speed seeking for a fast-paced adventure through Taiwan’s stunning sites should look no further.

In fact, this pass for Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail is only for foreigners, so take advantage! At just $67, this seems more than worth it, right?

Your starting point, in all likelihood, is the capital city of Taipei as this is the most popular entry point into Taiwan.

High-speed trains run north to south ending in the highly underrated city of Kaohsiung with stop-off points to transfer to other Taiwanese treasures.

Why is this important? Because not only do you receive 72 hours of access for unlimited bullet train rides, you also receive:

• Choice of 1 Taiwan MRT pass (local metro)
• Choice of 1 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle pass

Ride Low And Slow Through Taiwan: A 2-For-1 Deal

Next up is the Taiwan Railway, a more traditional train ride where you can actually snap some photo-ops along the way.

This package is for those who take on the popular perspective of ‘it’s not the destination, it’s the journey’.

Costing slightly more than the high-speed line, for $86 you get to ride through some of Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery as you can essentially make a loop around the entire island nation.

Better yet, taking a page out of Southwest Airline’s book, this package comes with a companion pass. So really you and a friend are only spending $43 – an unbeatable deal.

Since this train doesn’t travel at breakneck speeds, you also get an extra couple of days for unlimited train travel.

Go anywhere you want within a 5 day period and also make the most out of the same benefits as above with an additional Metro and Tourist Shuttle Pass.

MRT And Tourist Shuttle Add-Ons

It would be foolish not to take advantage of freebies thrown into your package, but knowing where the MRT and Tourist Shuttle go is probably your net question.

Only 4 cities have MRT lines, which are:

• Taipei
• Taoyuan
• Taichung
• Kaohsiung

Additionally, there are 4 Tourist Shuttle stops (labeled A, B, C, and D on the route map):

• Nantou Qingjing Line
• Nantou Sun Moon Lake Line
• Chiayi Alishan Line
• Kenting Express Line

Taipei is where your adventure begins, not necessarily where it should end. Milking the perks of free MRT tickets is an unnecessary excuse to explore this amazing city.

If you were to head south from Taipei on either the high-speed train or the Taiwan Railway, the last thing you should do is feel guilty freeloading from the Tourist Shuttle.

It goes to some really cool places like Chiayi, for example. You can hop off and take the Chiayi Alishan Line and discover a hidden gem nobody ever talks about.

Brimming with fascinating temples, scenic nature reserves, and delicious local cuisine, you’ll quickly realize there’s so much more to Taiwan beyond the urban sprawl of Taipei.

No matter where you go, whether high-speed, low and slow, or shuttle, all you have to do is download the Taiwan Pass app from the Apple Store or Google Play for easy access for the ultimate adventure.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.