Remote working has become much more common in recent years, and people are (unsurprisingly) getting quite used to it. Saying goodbye to commutes, public transport, and longer days has seen many people favour the remote lifestyle, opting for a more relaxed approach. And to take it to the next level, you can even integrate the one thing that's always calling your name - a vacation. Digital nomads are easily able to travel while working remotely, earning money from beaches and cities around the world (sounds good, doesn’t it). And here at Plum Guide, we know exactly where in the world you should want to be - we are travel experts, after all. So read on for our expert guide to the top destinations for your travels as a remote worker.
Rome
The Trevi Fountain behind some pink flowers at sunset, Rome, Italy
As far as historic global cities go, you can’t do much better than the Italian capital - why else would it be number one on our list? Home to some of the world’s most renowned architecture, Rome has an endless array of attractions for you to feast your eyes upon in between meetings, from the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, to the unforgettable Trevi Fountain. Celebrate hitting your deadlines by popping out for some traditional Italian cuisine, stopping by one of the capital's many, many Michelin-starred restaurants. Italy has recently introduced a digital nomad visa, making it easier than ever before to enjoy exploring one of the world’s most famous cities while you work. Take advantage of the lifestyle, and work your way through both your to-do list, and your bucket list.
Two Wheels, Plum Guide home in Rome, Italy
Los Angeles
A black and gold signpost on a sunny day in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA
Live it up in Los Angeles, one of the top destinations for digital nomads. With so many incredible things to do, LA really is the perfect spot for travel while working remotely - join a meeting from the Hollywood sign, and watch as you become the envy of your colleagues instantaneously. With the sun beaming down consistently, seek a spot at Venice Beach to manage those tasks, or set up shop at a sun-soaked cafe to engage with the community as you earn your keep. At the end of the working day, put your laptop aside and switch off with a trip to the Dolby Theatre, or catch a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Alternatively, visit a nighttime museum, or attend a classic comedy show - the unique work-free moments are what makes the digital nomad lifestyle so special.
The Glass Box, Plum Guide home in Los Angeles, USA
Porto
Two small boats on water in front of a town in Porto, Portugal
If there’s one thing you associate with Porto, it’s the wine - what better way to round off a day of hard work? Settling down with a glass of port in the evenings is exactly what remote work is all about - it gives you that luxurious balance of work and pleasure. In this charming Portuguese city, you could even go a step further, spending the evening touring a vineyard, sampling different wines as you put the day’s work firmly behind you. Embrace the city’s culture with a weekend trip to the FC Porto Museum, or go one better and catch a match at the Estadio do Dragao. Or, if you're more into architecture than athletes, make your way to Porto Cathedral, where you can admire centuries-old heritage and history. Employee by day, explorer by night - that’s the way to do it.
Behind The Brushstrokes, Plum Guide home in Porto, Portugal
Berlin
A view of the Brandenburg Gate on a sunny day in Berlin, Germany
The German capital may not be such a sun-soaked wine haven, but Berlin still more than deserves its place in this guide. With iconic landmarks such as the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate, you won’t have to look very hard for that ultimate Zoom background. Spend time marveling at eye-opening monuments such as the Holocaust Memorial, and break your day up with a venture to Charlottenburg Palace, or one of the city’s numerous museums. Your digital nomad visa here does only initially cover three months, but with the option to extend it to three years, you could be exploring the German capital in between meetings for just about as long as you could ever need. As long as you find the time to get your work done, there's no reason why every day can’ be a holiday - you’re here to strike the dream balance, after all.
Goldie, Plum Guide home in Berlin, Germany
London
A path with benches a large pink trees in a park in London, UK
For anyone looking to travel while working remotely, London is the place to be. By day, the English capital is a professional’s dream, with hard-working people and businesses everywhere you look, but by night, the city explodes into life. With too many post-work watering holes to count, and iconic landmarks and attractions around every corner, London will always have exactly what you’re looking for. Snap some postcard-perfect pictures from atop the London eye, or marvel at the unforgettable Big Ben. Alternatively, head out to Tate Modern and admire remarkable artwork, settle down at one of the city’s many Michelin-starred eateries, or catch a West End show to write home about. With so many exciting activities on offer, there's nowhere better to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle - just don’t forget to do the ‘work’ side of the bargain.
Barcelona
A view of La Sagrada Familia behind a lake and green trees on a sunny day, Barcelona, Spain
Rounding off this expert guide, we have the famous Catalonian capital, with its sun, sea, and spectacular scenery - you simply can’t go wrong. It’s time to work with your toes in the sand - it might be a bit trickier to see your laptop screen, but we think that’s a fair compromise. Make your way down to Barceloneta Beach, Llevant Beach, or Nova Mar Bella Beach, and work on your tan and tasks simultaneously. Or, if the beach isn’t your ideal working environment, pitch up at a local cafe, and enjoy coastal strolls as you wait for your next appointment. In your free time, explore the world-renowned La Sagrada Familia, or embark on a tour of the famous Camp Nou stadium. Enjoy the sun at a boutique winery, learn how to whip up traditional cuisine at a cooking class, or dive into the Mediterranean on a snorkelling excursion. However you choose to spend your time, you’ll be delighted you chose the ultimate lifestyle.
