If you are anything like me then you’ll be a seeker of an eternal summer too.
There are of course many destinations around the globe that offer a year round perfect climate for the digital nomad. Cities such as Antigua in Guatemala, Medellin in Colombia and and Kigali in Rwanda offer a year around Spring like climate that appeals to many.
However being nomadic will probably mean you will tire of being stuck in one place and the world is a big place and is getting smaller. Always remember that medical cover too when you are going overseas!
So with that in mind I am going to take you through a year of perfect weather in remote worker friendly places.
Starting off from January to June.
JANUARY
Auckland, New Zealand – Jan average temp 20C
It’s the start of a new year and while the Northern Hemisphere shivers under grey skies, the South is approaching mid-summer and frolicking on the beach and in the warm sea.
My pick for January would start off in the largest city of New Zealand, Auckland. The city of sails is in full outdoors mode in January with lots of events, festivals with great city beaches packed with sun-seekers.
The cafe culture of Auckland will ensure you will always have somewhere cool to work from when you are not having a BBQ by the beach.
Auckland, New Zealand
FEBRUARY
Sydney, Australia – Feb average temp 25C
A three short hope across the ditch from NZ and you land in Australia and there aren’t many places on the planet better than Sydney in Feb.
Sydney’s long and enviable summer is very much in full swing this time of year with lots of events and activities to get in to.
Wake up early and head to Manley Beach for a surf then head to one of the 100s of beach side cafes that line Sydney’s shores. If you want to cool off from the fierce Australian heat then take a commuter train up to the Blue Mountains and be awestruck by the views.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
MARCH
Saigon (HCMC) Vietnam – Mar Average Temperature 30C
So leaving Australasia behind we now move into one of the most popular regions for nomadic workers, that being Southeast Asia, famous for year round tropical sun and affordable living.
HCMC is very much on the backpacker’s trail in Asia and is a great base for the month of March which heralds the finish of the dry season.
The city can be over-whelming but has all the right ingredients for a digital nomad including free wifi in the many coffee shops and co-working centres. Accommodation is available for all budgets and the friendly locals will ensure you are never short of great food or a cheap beer.
Saigon, Vietnam
APRIL
Bangkok, Thailand – average temperature 32C
OK so Bangkok is often quoted as the hottest city on earth (based on average daily temperatures) and April is one of the hottest months where temperatures can reach 40C! So why are we including Bangkok in April?
Well the Songkran water festival that takes over in April is worth a look for sure, just make sure you don’t have your laptop on you or put it in a waterproof bag!
Bangkok, the backpacker capital of Asia (the World?) is also a major centre for Digital Nomads, many of whom make the city their home for the year. It’s not hard to see why because compared to Europe and North America, the Thai capital is very affordable but has all those western comforts too.
The city is modernizing real quick but there are still street sellers and strong Thai culture running through the traffic-clogged streets.
Just don’t forget your waterproofs!
Tuk Tuk, Bangkok, Thailand
MAY
Bail, Indonesia – average May temp 29C
So we are flying South again across the Equator to the resort island of Bali. Bali is a well established destination for sun seekers and digital nomads alike. It’s a small island and can be crossed in a couple of hours (traffic permitting, and the traffic can be bad!) and punches well above it’s weight in terms of what it has to offer.
The predominantly Hindu island has beach resorts, artistic centres such as Ubud, high mountains and volcanoes that can be climbed. Bali also has all the modern western comforts and suits budgets grand and small.
Ubud in the hills and Seminyak in the south by the coast are the two most popular destinations for expats and many split their time between the two. Villas can be had for a few hundred dollars per month, and while it’s not as cheap as it once was, it’s certainly affordable if you are earning anywhere near a western wage.
As of May 2014 the local currency Rupiah has crashed against major currencies such as the dollar, euro and sterling making it even more affordable
Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia
June
Rome, Italy – average June temperature 28C
Rome is not one place you’d immediately associate with a digital nomad hangout but the Italian capital in many ways ticks a lot of boxes.
Firstly Rome is heating up nicely in June and is still bearable before the heat of July which can be quite oppressive to say the least.
Since the economic crash in Europe the Italian economy has suffered pretty bad along with other Southern European countries such as Spain and Greece. This was not good news for the country but it has been good news for visitors as Italy has become affordable again. While Rome is the capital and therefore more expensive than many places it is cheaper than it’s Northern rivals of Milan and Turin.
Rome is packed full of affordable accommodation both long term apartments and hotels too. There are many deals to be had on Airbnb and other booking sites.
The cafe culture is huge is Italy, the food is sublime and if you need a break from your work then you have 2000 years of history to immerse yourself and explore.
Rome, Italy
Look our for Part Two coming along soon that will feature the UK, Spain, USA, Mexico to name a few.