Sunny Weather & Vibrant Culture: Digital Nomads Are Flocking To This Florida Beach City

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According to research conducted by MBO Partners, 18.1 million U.S. citizens are officially digital nomads, or roughly 11% of the total American workforce.

That’s a stunning number in itself, considering that, prior to 2020, the concept of remote work was restricted almost exclusively to IT and certain niche fields of entrepreneurship.

The primary goal of these individuals is to be location-independent while earning a living, and many of them have an innate passion for traveling, and you’re likely to find them anywhere the sun is shining, and the cost of living is low, from Mexico, to Spain, to Thailand.

Panoramic View Of Miami, Florida

Be that as it may, an equally significant percentage of American nomads are quite happy city-hopping in their own neck of the woods and aren’t exactly keen on relocating to a foreign country.

One U.S. city in particular has in fact tripled its digital nomad population since 2019, charting ahead of long-time faves for tech-savvies like Austin and San Francisco.

Miami Is America’s Top Nomad Hotspot Right Now

Florida’s most popular beach destination, Miami is America’s leading nomad hub right now, leading not only in numbers, but in public opinion:

Miami Beach, Florida

According to this other Hostinger analysis, it is the best home base for digital nomads craving a change of scenery while keeping it somewhat ‘local’.

Miami has excelled not only in the ‘freelance income potential’ category, thanks to its thriving economy and myriad of career opportunities, but also its big selection of coworking spaces.

It has a well-established cafe scene that puts it on a par with New York, Chicago, Seattle and the like, and wherever you are in the sprawling coastal metropolis, you’re never too far from a laptop-friendly eatery serving delicious daytime brunch to keep you going.

Think a cozy The Cafe At Books & Books in Coral Gables, a solid pick for overcoming that persistent writer’s block if you’re an independent writer—free WiFi, floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with books, timeless wooden furniture, and an intellectual vibe throughout.

Female Digital Nomad Working From A Computer In A Sunny Location

For a livelier environment and a quick 30-minute inbox-clearing sesh powered by strong coffee, we love Magdalena in Edgewater, and if you feel a light breakfast in an airy, soft-lit space will get you to boost your productivity, try Little Haiti’s Panther Coffee.

A Vibrant Culture & Social Scene

Speaking of Little Haiti, it is one of Miami’s most vibrant ethnic neighborhoods (one of many!), boasting a high concentration of Caribbean-style restaurants, creative murals covered in street art, and quirky indie galleries.

The local Caribbean Marketplace is particularly great for finding local produce if you’re staying in Miami a while, as well as buying Afro-Caribbean handicraft.

Crandon Park Beach located in Key Biscayne in Miami

Over in Little Havana, the heart of Miami’s Cuban community, you’ll stumble upon an equally fascinating cultural scene, from Calle Ocho, lined with cantinas and walk-up windows selling Cuban cigars, to the busy meeting point that is Maximo Gomez Park.

Then there’s South Beach, or how we like to call it, quintessential Miami, with its historic charm—you’ve probably never seen this beautiful collection of pastel-hue, Art Deco facades anywhere—cosmopolitan feel, and active nightlife

If you’re wondering where to go for some fun on a Friday night, Ocean Drive’s where it’s at.

In sum, there is plenty about Miami and its diverse communities that will keep you inspired and get your creative juices flowing when you need them most.

Miami Digital Nomad

High Quality Of Life & No Visas Required

As MBO Partners have concluded, Miami also scores well in monthly living costs: though it is the gateway to Latin America, by no means does it share the nether subcontinent’s cheap prices, but life here doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyed.

In fact, nomads will spend an average $2,200-$2,800 per month, in line with other Floridian cities, and tourism hotspots across America, and somewhat cheaper than the average for places like New York and Chicago.

Rent is truly the one thing that will nab the greatest chunk of your income, particularly if you’re keen on living in a trendy Wynwood, or a Bohemian Coconut Grove—on the other hand, grocery prices are reasonable, and there is plenty of affordable dining options around.

Classic Car In Miami

Another one of Miami’s undeniable appeal for American nomads is the fact it is a domestic destination boasting pleasant weather and white-sand beaches.

Americans don’t need to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (commonly shortened to DNV), worry about entry and stay regulations, or for God’s sake, even have a passport when choosing Miami as their new temporary hub: this is the United States, after all!

Latin America, Europe and Asia are great, but have you tried qualifying for one of those hard-to-get DNVs, or living on constant visa-runs to avoid breaking immigration law?

Lastly, this is the closest you can get to being in a tropical location Stateside, as temperatures here vary from 62°F to 90°F during the year, and they rarely fall below 50°F.

As a local coworking space founder Karla Rodriguez has added, ‘Miami offers what nomads crave most’, namely the infrastructure for productivity, coupled with ‘endless opportunities for rejuvenation’: in other words, it offers great quality of life.

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Sunny Weather & Coastal Views: This Hidden European Island Is The Perfect Winter Getaway

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You’re probably thinking winters in Europe are all about cobbled towns enveloped in mist, cozy Christmas Markets, and snow-clad landscapes, and while that’s certainly true for Prague, Edinburgh, and the like, this hidden island doesn’t seem to have got the memo.

As a matter of fact, it seems like it’s forever stuck on spring, with highs of 68°F and lows of only 66°F in winter, plenty of sunshine hours, and very, very limited rainfall––as for snow, it’s an unheard-of phenomenon.

If you’re craving some of that Old World culture, but you’re also craving that vitamin D boost, El Hierro in Spain is the answer to your prayers:

Young Man Taking A Picture At A Cliff In El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain

A Forgotten Gem Of The Atlantic

The second-smallest and most westerly of Spain’s Canaries, an archipelago lying off the coast of Africa, El Hierro is a laid-back island sized 103.67 square miles that makes up for its relatively small landmass with a thriving nature.

It is definitely not the side of Europe you may be expecting, with the medieval castles and storybook towns, with unique geological formations, ancient forests, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes taking center stage.

Charco Azul During Sunset In El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain

Charco Azul, a natural pool formed by a lava flow and filled with unusually clear, turquoise waters, is one of El Hierro’s most famous landmarks: it’s a popular spot for swimming, and there are no entry fees, though the nearby cafe will charge €2 for the toilet.

A symbol of El Hierro, El Golfo is a valley resulting from a powerful eruption thousands of years ago and shaped like an amphitheater––even when nature is the prevailing force, you just can’t escape Europe’s omnipresent culture.

Charco Azul In El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain

The moderately challenging uphill trek to Mirador de la Peña is a must-do, not only for the breathtaking views that await at the very top but also for the stone-built Restaurante Mirador de La Peña, serving traditional Canarian food in a scenic setting.

UNESCO-Protected Laurel Forests & Pristine Beaches

Other natural wonders include El Sabinar, a row of twisting and bending juniper trees that have somehow survived the harsh environment, Charco Manso, yet another natural pool, shielded by basalt rock and distinguished by its picture-perfect arch, and Laurisilva:

Laurisilva, A Laurel Forest In El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain

Similarly to the other Canary Islands, El Hierro is mostly arid in nature, but at its very center, the moss-covered laurel maze is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering refuge to Canarian wildlife and crisscrossed by hiking trails.

As for beaches, El Hierro doesn’t have the expansive sea dunes both Tenerife and Gran Canaria are famous for––the coastline is remarkably rugged––except for Arenas Blancas, a white-sand beach hugged by a teal Atlantic, a rather unusual sight on a volcanic island.

Experience Canarian Culture In Valverde

Baroque Church In Valverde, El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain

Valverde is the capital and cultural center of El Hierro, located on the island’s northeastern part: it is distinct for being the smallest capital of a Canary Island, as well as the only one not straddling the ocean (instead, it’s surrounded by a verdant countryside).

It is the best-equipped municipality on El Hierro, as well as where most of the restaurants and manmade landmarks are located: for great seafood at affordable prices, Yesimar is the place, and don’t miss a Baroque Purísima Concepción Parish Church.

Punta de Orchilla In El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain

Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, El Hierro was inhabited by the Bimbaches, Berber peoples from North Africa, and in El Julan, you can still see their ancient petroglyphs carved on rocks, with guided tours being your best bet at deciphering them.

The most fascinating attraction on the island, however, is Punta de Orchilla, the westernmost point in non-contiguous Spain… and the exact spot where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the New World.

Affordable Accommodation

Coastal Village In El Hierro, Spain, Canary Islands

Despite the island’s compact size and small population, with only about 11,000 Spaniards calling it home, it doesn’t suffer from lacking tourism infrastructure: there are exactly 47 accommodation providers listed on the island, from guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Located near Isora, Casa Carlos is a typical El Hierro rural homestay, with two-bedroom houses costing as little as $95 a night; in Mocanal, Casa Rural Aguarijo is a three-bedroom property where overnights will set you back by only $88.

In Valverde, there are good-value-for-money options in Hotel Boomerang ($74) and a one-bedroom apartment unit in V.V Juana ($48), or if you’re here for the coastal views and luxurious amenities, the Parador de El Hierro costs $213 to book per night.

flying and traveling, view from airplane window on the wing on sunset time

The only flights to Valverde-El Hierro (VDE) are operated from Gran Canaria and Tenerife-North, so in order to reach this Atlantic Eden, you’ll first need to get yourself to one of the major resort islands of the Canaries archipelago.

Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Los Cristianos, in Tenerife, to El Hierro: there are departures 6 days a week, and the company operating on this route is Naviera Armas, with a crossing time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

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Up For An Adventure? Americans Can Fly Nonstop To This Incredible Warm Weather City From 3 U.S. Airports

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Who’s up for an adventure?

Typically, winter travelers stay close to home for winter sun and save up for a big summer trip, but why wait?!

Life is short. Sometimes you just gotta say fu…

Fun is calling. Yeah, that’s what I was gonna say.

Man-made Streets Beach in Brisbane

The world is a big place, but it seems a lot smaller when there are nonstop flights to far-flung destinations.

Good news for Americans is one of the most exciting new routes was just launched to an incredible warm weather city in ‘the land down under’.

While it might be tempting to explore Melbourne’s buzzing streets or pose in front of Sydney’s world-famous Opera House, there’s another Australian city deserving of a seat at the table with 3 nonstops routes from the U.S.

Brisbane: One Of Australia’s Coolest Cities

Couple observing Brisbane skyline

Ever heard of Brisbane? Let’s refresh your memory.

If you’re like me, one of the most famous Aussies was a childhood hero of mine.

You know who I’m talking about, the Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin. Just north of Brisbane was Steve’s playground for all his thrilling animal encounters.

His parents founded Beerwah Reptile Park, where he was practically raised, is now the world famous Australia Zoo, home to 1,200 animals and counting.

Say what you want about zoos, but this one has to be the exception to any hesitations as you won’t be able to withhold your enthusiasm for wildlife in typical Irwin fashion.

Tip: the zoo offers day tours from Brisbane every day at 9am.

Australia Zoo sign

That being said, the zoo is not the only reason to jet off to Brisbane – it’s truly an awesome city to explore, especially when it’s 85 degrees here and freezing back home.

Here in Brisbane, the outdoors seem to come alive, whether perusing trendy neighborhoods and enjoying a coffee under a shaded patio, to going for a swim at the man-made urban oasis, Streets Beach (free admission!).

And that’s just within the cityscape. Brisbane is best explored as a region rather than staying within arm’s reach of the pretty skyline.

Come hungry, pack your swimwear and hiking shoes, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip discovering Aussie’s paradises, such as Nudgee Beach, Suttons Beach, and D’Aguilar National Park.

Jaw-Dropping Coastlines & Kangaroos On The Beach

Sandgate Beach in Brisbane

Brisbane is set on prime real estate with its own set of beautiful beaches but also within 2 hours of both Sunshine Coast to the north and slightly closer Gold Coast to the south.

Within Brisbane, visitors will love hitting up Suttons and Nudgee as I just highlighted, but also Shorncliffe Beach lined with fish ‘n chip eateries and the reddish sands of Redcliffe Beach as well.

There are too many to name, but what may be most enticing is a trip to Brisbane’s numerous islands, which may fly under the radar.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Australia without kangaroo sightings – but why not level up with said sightings on the beach?

Kangaroos on Brisbane's Bribie Island

Bribie Island is home to unbounded Eastern Grey kangaroos, among other wildlife.

Just try to avoid getting into a boxing match as seen on some viral TikTok clips albeit you probably stand a better chance than whatever the world just witnessed watching Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson…what was that?!

For more tame wildlife sightings, head to North Stradbroke Island by ferry from Cleveland for out-of-this-world beaches and whale sightings.

For more insight on Brisbane’s top islands, check out Australia’s official tourism page here.

Reaching Brisbane From The U.S.

The iconic LAX sign at night

The West Coast had a monopoly on Brisbane’s direct flights, but yippy ki yay, there’s a new sheriff in town.

Dallas has entered the chat, launching the Lone Star State’s most exciting new route on October 26th.

Now that the new flight has commenced, all of America top dogs fly to Brisbane nonstop – Delta, United, and the latest to the party, American, who also just announced 2 new routes to Italy as well.

Here is the full rundown for Brisbane – U.S. flights:

  • Los Angeles: United flies from LAX on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday on a 13 hour 25 minute flight
  • San Francisco: Delta flies from SFO excluding Monday and Thursday on a 13 hour 5 minute flight
  • Dallas: American flies out of DFW every day at 9:40am on a 14 hour 55 minute flight
American Airlines plane

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