How Do Digital Nomads Choose Their Accommodation? Discover the Secrets of Gabriel Freire and Angus Gaukroger
Welcome to our collaborative blog post, where Gabriel Freire, digital marketing manager at Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA and Angus Gaukroger, a Full-Stack Software Developer at Pitahaya Labs, join forces to share their experiences and insights as digital nomads.
We're here to inspire and empower fellow adventurers on their journey of remote work and exploration.
Stay with us until the end to uncover a pro tip from Gabriel and Angus that could transform your digital nomad experience!
Gabriel's Perspective:
Hola, amigos! I'm Gabriel, originally from Ecuador, and I'm passionate about digital marketing and empowering others to live their best lives.
As the digital marketing manager at Luna Volcán, I've learned the importance of balancing work and play while on the road.
Whether it's sharing productivity hacks or discovering hidden gems in new cities, I'm here to help you make the most of your nomadic lifestyle.
Angus' Take:
Hey everyone! I’m Angus, a Full-Stack Software Developer from the UK.
For the last 7 months I have been living and working as a digital nomad from various countries across the world and have had some incredible, unique experiences along the way.
My time as a digital nomad has taught me that this lifestyle is not necessarily as straightforward as it may initially appear. I hope my experience can help others thinking of trying out this lifestyle to approach it in the best way possible.
Connecting at Coliving Compostela:
Our paths first crossed at Coliving Compostela, a vibrant community of like-minded travelers nestled in the heart of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
It was here that we forged a bond over shared experiences and mutual passions, laying the foundation for our collaborative partnership.
From late-night discussions in the dining room to impromptu brainstorming sessions in the coworking space, Coliving Compostela provided the perfect backdrop for our nomadic adventures.
Insights on Finding Accommodation:
Finding affordable accommodation can be the biggest challenge for digital nomads, but with careful planning and consideration, it can also be the key to a successful journey.
Your next accommodation isn't just a place to sleep; it's your temporary home, office, and social hub in a new city. Here are some insights to consider:
Budget: (the king)
Plan for a long stay to benefit from discounted rates, typically offered for stays of one month or more.
Consider shared accommodation or coliving spaces to stretch your budget further and foster a sense of community.
Location:
Decide whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or the tranquility of a quiet retreat.
Choose accommodation close to essential amenities like supermarkets, transportation hubs, and fitness centers to streamline your daily life.
Look for locations that can provide the type of lifestyle that you would like to experience that falls within your budget defined in the previous step.
There are quite often cheaper alternatives to popular cities and digital nomad spots that can provide a great quality of life and strong Digital Nomad communities. A great example of this would be Sofia or Bansko in Bulgaria.
Internet Connectivity:
Prioritize stable and fast internet with positive reviews, essential for remote work and staying connected.
Have backup options like secondary WiFi networks or nearby coworking spaces for added reliability.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM to protect you for the worst case scenario - losing WiFi connection completely! Even if the speed isn’t good enough to take a call, it’s essential to have this option to explain your situation, or rearrange meetings should you need to.
Coworking Spaces:
Invest in places with designated workspaces to improve productivity and avoid isolation.
Take advantage of networking opportunities and skill-sharing sessions offered in coworking spaces.
In some cities, there are cafes and bars that are known to be unofficial coworking spaces. Make sure to join local community groups on Whatsapp and Facebook to uncover these gems.They can be a great place to network or just focus for a few hours with a cup of coffee and an almond croissant!
Safety and Security:
Prioritize accommodation in safe neighborhoods with 24/7 surveillance and secure facilities for peace of mind.
Exercise extreme caution with renting outside of major platforms, for example through Facebook groups. Scam listings do exist, and sometimes the price difference isn’t worth it for the risk of losing money and having nowhere to stay. If you are planning to rent in this way, do extensive research and ideally meet the owner/tour the property beforehand.
Kitchen Facilities:
Look for accommodation with a well-equipped kitchen to save money and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Be sure that they have clear rules and responsibilities for cleanliness and storage to foster a harmonious living environment.
In a coliving or shared space, a dishwasher is a must. This ensures that everything is disinfected and cleaned properly, accommodating for the different cleaning standards of various people, and saves both time and energy.
Laundry Facilities
Having a laundry machine in your apartment/coliving will not only save you money, but also a lot of time.
Paying for a Laundry service, every time you need to wash your clothes can be expensive, especially in Europe.
Where possible, book accommodation with this in the same building, so that you can access it whenever you need (Airbnb has a search filter for this!)
Booking Digital Nomad Accommodation:
When it comes to booking accommodation, consider using the best platform for each type of accommodation.
In our experience, these are:
Booking.com - For hotels.
Airbnb.com - For holiday rentals, long term stays and shared accommodation.
Coliving.com - Exclusively for Coliving spaces and flat shares.
Personal opinion: Benefits of coliving include all-inclusive amenities, regular networking events, and move-in-ready convenience.
Remember to filter options based on location, budget, and amenities, read reviews, and do additional research to reach the accommodation directly and negotiate long-term rates to maximize value.
The best platforms to get started with when searching for longer term rentals are Coliving.com and Airbnb.
In particular, you can find excellent deals on Airbnb for stays of a month or longer, and their filtering system for searches is incredible.
The 4 filters that we use every single time, when searching for accommodation are:
WiFi.
Kitchen.
Washing Machine.
Dedicated Workspace.
Adding these 4 will give you a much better idea of budget, and how much accommodation is available in a given place.
Pro Tip
The smart move: Arrive early to familiarize yourself with the area. Book a week in a hotel and test the waters before committing.
Does the area drain you or inspire you?
How easy is it to connect with local people, or other Digital Nomads?
Are there a range of activities available that will help you live a balanced and healthy lifestyle?
Can you realistically get work done here, without distractions?
Final thoughts
As you embark on your nomadic journey, remember to embrace the unknown, seek out new experiences, and forge connections with fellow adventurers along the way.
Whether you're coding in a bustling cafe or brainstorming in a coliving space, the world is your oyster, waiting to be explored.
Wishing you safe travels and boundless adventures,
Gabriel Freire & Angus Gaukroger