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A few years ago, the idea of working abroad was just a daydream for most of the UK workforce.
But now it’s very much a reality for many, who are working remotely around the world.
But Andy Stofferis was ahead of the trend and adopted this ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle before the pandemic hit – six years ago. Now, the 31-year-old runs his own digital marketing agency and champions this liberating way of life.
He spends his weeks working from Airbnbs, short-term rental accommodation, co-working spaces, or in cafes, using his free-time to explore different cities around the world – with more than 40 destinations already ticked off his bucket list.
As a result, he knows some of the most popular cities for remote working, but he’s also uncovered some lesser-known spots, too – especially now digital nomadism has hit the mainstream.
He’s shared some of these more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations for those looking for some alternative options.
Digital nomad villages
For those not clued-up, digital nomad villages are organised communities that help remote workers with their way of life.
This typically means a certain area or small village with co-working spaces, co-living places or long-term rentals, strong internet connection and a variety of activities.
‘Ponta do Sol in Madeira is the most famous one,’ Andy tells Metro.co.uk. ‘Now, they also plan to open another village in Pipa in Brazil.
‘The aim of working remotely from villages is to contribute to the local community and “pump” money into the local economy.’
Others include the Digital Nomad Valley in Zadar (Croatia), The Tallinn Digital Nomad Village in Estonia (which is still in the in its concept phase), Bansko in Bulgaria and Trento in Italy.
Balkan countries
‘Balkan countries are also a great option and are quite “off the beaten track” to me,’ Andy says.
‘Herzegovina recently offered five influencers the chance to live for free for one month, as they want to attract more and more remote workers.’
It’s worth pointing out that Montenegro is currently launching a digital nomad visa to entice more people to work, and Albania (Tirana) recently hosted the Tirana Digital Nomad Festival – so both could be great options.
Andy adds that near Sofia, in Bulgaria, there’s also another village called Bansko, where digital nomads tend to gather.
He continues: ‘I would personally recommend Skopje and Belgrade as well.
‘In Skopje, you can reach stunning landscapes (canyon, mountains) only within a 30-minute ride from the city centre. Whereas Belgrade is a vibrant city with “warm” locals.’
Islands with good Wi-Fi
Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Ko Pha-Ngan are a few islands that Andy recommends for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life – and opt for something a little more chilled.
‘Mauritius recently launched a digital nomad visa,’ he adds.
This premium visa program is ideal for digital nomads and remote workers who want to move to the scenic island and work there for a year.
The visa is free of charge (yes, that’s right) but applicants need to work for a foreign employer outside of Mauritius.
Turkey and Georgia
Turkey and Georgia are two of Andy’s favourite spots.
‘I recently stayed a year in those countries. People are very hospitable there and there are many places to explore for nature lovers,’ explains Andy.
‘They’re also really affordable – based on Western standards.’
Georgia has a remote working visa – a program that allows business owners, or remote employees, to stay and run their online businesses from the country for up to one year.
The only terms are that you need to be a resident of one of 95 countries eligible for application, have a valid passport, and to prove that your monthly income is at least £1,800.
More from Andy can be found on his blog.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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