5 Practical Tips to Find Perfect Digital Nomad Accommodation

Stepping into the life of a digital nomad, you quickly realize it's not all about those glam Instagram posts. I mean all those sexy twenty- or thirty-somethings sitting on the beach and sipping margaritas or mojitos during their work time. It’s like 1% of the digital nomad lifestyle. There's a lot more going on behind the scenes.

Finding the right place to stay, one that ticks all the boxes for work and comfort, is often a number one job. How do you discover this perfect balance between enjoying nomadic freedom and ensuring you've got a suitable base to handle your professional duties?

Here are my (high) five practical tips for finding the perfect digital nomad accommodation. Let’s dive in!

1. Research digital nomad communities and platforms

As a digital nomad, you’re a part of an elite group of remote workers and entrepreneurs. No, no, I am not exaggerating! 

Look, there are a lot of people dreaming about your lifestyle. For some of them, becoming a member of a digital nomad community might be a goal in itself. And I am not surprised at all.

Digital nomads are generally very dynamic and brave people, realizing their passions and living their lives to the fullest. Besides, as a community, nomads are very helpful and keen on sharing their experiences and good tips.

That’s why leveraging the power of digital nomad communities and platforms should be your first step in finding a perfect digital nomad housing.

No matter which place you consider for your next digital nomad adventure, you can be almost 100% sure that someone was there before. Finding and contacting people who recently lived in a place you’re planning to move can give you invaluable insights about accommodation. 

They can share up-to-date information on the best neighborhoods, potential safety issues, food recommendations, and maybe connect you with locals and other nomads there. 

Even if you ultimately choose another digital nomad housing option, first-hand insights from experienced community members can save you a lot of time on research. And you will know what you should pay attention to. Not to mention other incredible benefits, such as meeting awesome people who can stay in your life for longer than just a short workation! 

Believe me, I know what I say. Three years ago, I sought some fellow nomads to share costs in Thailand. I found two people who are my good friends till now, and we often travel together.

Okay, but how do you find these communities? Generally, you have three places to check first: Facebook groups, Reddit, and Nomad List.

As for Facebook groups, you can check “Digital Nomads Around the World”. Besides the general, worldwide community, there are country-specific chats you can join.

Nomad List is probably the most recognizable digital nomad community. There are a lot invaluable information about different countries and cities. You can also join topic or destination-specific discussions. Disadvantages? Access to all Nomad List features is paid.

Frankly, I am not a frequent Reddit user. I treat it as a supplementary source if I can’t find the information I need from other sources. But try it by yourself and check “r/digitalnomad”.

My two pieces of advice for digital nomad communities: start by searching past topics, and don’t be afraid to ask!

2. Choose a place with digital nomad housing amenities

Sometimes I feel like a lot of people romanticize the digital nomad lifestyle. Meanwhile, the reality is that we work a lot. One-third of nomads spend more than 40 hours a week on professional duties. I don’t want you to think I’m complaining about it. I love being a digital nomad. But we must not lose sight of the inherent part of our lifestyle, which is work.

Therefore, when looking for digital nomad accommodation, you must find a comfortable place to work. What does it mean?

There are three crucial amenities each digital nomad housing option should have - a reliable internet connection, a comfortable chair, and a desk or table. Alternatively, there should be a coworking space nearby.

Now, how do you narrow down your process of finding digital nomad accommodation only to places including those essentials?

Use filters

Most digital nomads and remote workers use well-known booking platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, and so on. You can use filters to specify the type of accommodation and amenities you desire. Unfortunately, those platforms don't have any remote-work-specific filters except internet access. The rest requires your manual job.

Digital nomad booking platforms

My favorite way.

Digital nomad booking platforms are, as the name suggests, websites listing accommodation tailored to work & leisure needs. There are plenty of them, and I tried almost all. Most frequently, I book my accommodation with TripOffice.com.

I am a digital nomad who prefers to work from home (or room). Coworking spaces are fine, but I value being alone in a room because it makes me more productive.

TripOffice presents only accommodation including internet, ergonomic chair, and desk - so all I need. Their site might look a bit outdated, but it works well.

Google search

Last but not least is the good old Uncle Google. Just type "digital nomad accommodation in XYZ" (or similar keyword) to find blogs and forums with recommendations. People often share their experiences and tips on blogs and other sites, helping you find great places to work and relax. This way, you can uncover hidden spots that aren’t on the big websites, making your search easier and more effective.

3. Calculate all the costs together

People can say various things, but there is only one truth - price is the most important factor when booking accommodation. Of course, there are other vital aspects like location, comfort, and so on, but most often, price is a decisive one. Digital nomads are no exception. In fact, as much as 91% of us treat price as absolutely crucial. That’s why I think it’s another tip for finding perfect accommodation.

Okay, how do you calculate costs in practice? Your housing decisions do not exist in a vacuum. To have a broad enough picture, you must consider other factors like food expenses or transportation costs. 

Depending on the country, food expenses can significantly burden your budget. You must decide whether you’d prefer eating out (i.e. street food in Vietnam) or cooking by yourself (like in Germany, cause it’s an expensive country). If the second option is much better, you must look for kitchen or kitchenette facilities in your digital nomad housing.

As for transportation, you should know that the place of your residence impacts the way you can move from one place to another. In other words, if you stay in the center of a big city, you can use public transport. But if you’re dreaming about a distant village in the middle of nowhere, you must calculate the possibility of renting a vehicle or a scooter. Even to buy some food, cause the nearest shop might be a half hour drive.

Besides, think in advance about how long you will stay in your desired destination. Why is it important? Because the longer the stay, the lower the price for a day. But, regarding the length of stay, I have one crucial tip…

4. Be prepared for changes

When you're a digital nomad, picking where to stay is a big deal. Here's a tip: go for places that let you leave easily if needed. Why? 

Well, sometimes, you might like the place less than you thought you would. Or you could find a better spot nearby. Or meet friendly people who will offer to stay with them. There are endless reasons. That's why it's wise to choose digital nomad accommodation that doesn't make you stay longer than you want to. 

Think about it like this: you're trying out a new café, but the coffee isn't great. If you paid for a month's worth of coffee upfront, you'd be stuck drinking bad coffee for a whole month. But if you could just pay as you go, you could leave any time and find a café with better coffee. It's the same with choosing a place to stay. 

Look for short-term options or places that don't ask for a long commitment. This way, if the Wi-Fi is slow or if it's too noisy to work, you can pack up and move to a better place without losing money or stressing out. Finding these flexible places might seem tricky, but it's worth it. They give you the freedom to make the best choice for your work and happiness. 

So, always ask about the lease terms before you book. If they're cool with you staying for just a short while, that's a good sign. It means you can keep your nomad life as free and flexible as it's meant to be, always ready to move to where the Wi-Fi is strong and the coffee is good.

5. Choose sustainably

I believe that every decision matters and we must take responsibility, no matter what. In my opinion, being a digital nomad isn't and shouldn’t be just about finding the coolest place to live and work. It's also about making choices that are kind to our planet. 

So please, when picking your next spot, think green. Look for accommodations that are committed to sustainability. This could mean places powered by renewable energy, those that use water-saving devices, or those owned by local businesses (not global tycoons). 

Why does this matter? Well, as digital nomads, we have the unique opportunity to influence the places we visit in positive ways. Choosing ethical accommodations sends a message that there’s a demand for sustainability, encouraging more places to adopt green practices. 

Plus, it’s about leaving the beautiful spots we visit just as pristine as we found them, ensuring future nomads can enjoy them too. Finding these eco-friendly stays isn’t tough. Many booking sites now offer filters for eco-certified lodgings. 

And don’t forget to check reviews or the accommodation’s website for their green policies. Often those smaller and locally-owned places do the most for the environment and society.

Here is a short example. Last year, I spent four weeks in Rwanda. It is a small country, so I decided to live in just one house in the capital city, Kigali.

I chose to stay with Gaya - a founder of EarthEnable social company that helps poor families to build solid houses. The time I spent there was absolutely amazing. Not only was I productive in my everyday life, but my choice also supported Gaya’s initiatives. Living in her house helped me understand East Africa much deeper and inspired me to engage in social initiatives in my home country.

Remember, every sustainable choice you make, no matter how small it seems, adds up. From the energy that powers your laptop to the waste you produce, it all impacts the environment. So, let’s be the kind of nomads who explore the world and protect it. After all, who would care about our beautiful home if not young, proactive, and brave people enjoying the magnificence of Earth?

Conclusion

Ok, here is a short wrap-up of what you should remember.

When looking for a perfect digital nomad accommodation, use nomad communities to find the best stays. 

Ensure your work comfort by choosing a place with good internet, a comfy chair, and a desk. 

To have a clear picture, consider all accommodation-related costs together. 

Pick spots with flexible terms so you can move easily. Lastly, choose sustainable places to help the planet. 

Follow these tips for great stays that fit your nomad lifestyle and protect our world.

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