The Best Place to Stay for Digital Nomads

Balancing travel and remote work will always be the biggest challenge on the road. When you’re a digital nomad, it’s always a struggle to balance sightseeing and getting your work done in a nice, quiet environment. No one wants to spend hours looking for a coffee shop or stay in a place that is unpleasant. This is something I have struggled with a lot in the past.

Working from the road meant hunting down a small hostel common room table or arguing with an Airbnb host who swore their internet was “super fast” (only to find out it couldn’t even load basic email).

But, as remote work has expanded post-pandemic, a ton of coworking spaces have emerged that combine the benefits of a coworking space with the social atmosphere of a hostel (but without the basic dorm-style amenities). They’re for digital nomads who want a nice place to stay where they can not only get work done, but also meet other travelers (because you’re doing remote work alone)!

The largest and most popular platform for remote workers to do this is Outsite, which has many beautiful locations around the world.

And, in this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about them and my experience staying with them on a recent trip to Bordeaux.

What is outside?

Founded in 2015, Outsite is a global network of coliving and coworking spaces designed specifically for remote workers, location-independent entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.

They started with a single house in Santa Cruz, California, aimed at people who wanted to surf and work. Today, they have over 5,000 members and 50 locations that you can choose from.

Currently, anyone can book a stay on the offsite but if you are a member, you get access to more privileges and better rates. You can pay an annual membership of $199 or a one-time payment of $499 for a lifetime membership. Perks include access to members-only spaces, 1 week free at new destinations, 50% off flash sales, 40% off extended stays, new member mixers, job and sublet boards and some lifestyle perks.

It is also easy to use. You just browse their website, filter by destination or the type you want (sea, city, mountain), and book your private room.

How does it work out?

Works out like a boutique hotel meets a co-working space. When you book an outdoor space, you are booking a private bedroom. Most rooms have their own private en-suite bathrooms, although some budget-friendly rooms share a bathroom with one other person.

Each location features large, beautifully furnished communal areas. You’ll get to enjoy a fully equipped chef’s kitchen that you can never afford at a solo Airbnb. Plus, you get spacious rooms, outdoor patios, and often rooftop decks or pools (depending on location).

Each location has a dedicated in-house co-working space. I’m talking ergonomic chairs, lots of outlets, monitors you can plug into, and high-speed, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi. You can wake up, make your coffee, and be at a proper desk in a state of deep concentration within five minutes.

In addition, all outdoor spaces have a social aspect. Each location has a dedicated community manager. Before you arrive, you’re added to a local WhatsApp group and venues organize weekly events like family-style meals, group weekend trips, Friday night tapas crawls, and morning yoga sessions. You really get a lot of opportunities to meet people.

And Community Manager is a great resource. During my stay at the Bordeaux location, he was there to share tips, recommend places to eat, and answer any questions I had. It was really helpful.

What I love about the outdoors.

First, the features are really good. Their place in Bordeaux had modern furniture, comfortable work chairs, laundry facilities, and even a small gym. The rooms were also really nice. I had a private desk, a comfortable bed, and a really nice bathroom (the shower had great water pressure!).

The shared kitchen was extremely clean (cleaners came daily) and the counter space was huge. It was the kind of kitchen I wish I had at home. You can cook great food here. (Coffee and tea are always provided free of charge!)

Plus, I love the design. The spaces are designed with natural light, plants and local art. It feels incredibly far from the sterile environment of a corporate hotel. It feels like you’re staying at your very rich, very good friend’s house.

However, for me, the main draw to using Outsite is the community aspect. Being a remote worker means you often work alone. Whether in a hotel or a coffee shop, it’s just you and your community. Meeting people is difficult.

At Outsite, you’re surrounded by fellow digital nomads who can relate to your life experience. They aren’t backpackers on a trip, so why are you sitting at your computer all day when you should be exploring? Because everyone is there to work. And Live, there is a common bond. You are there to work. And Most people at the Fun Bordeaux location have been there for at least two weeks. Our community manager organized a bunch of weekend events to help people get to know each other too.

Things to think about

First, outsite is not a budget backpacker option. If you’re used to spending $15 a night on a dorm room in Southeast Asia, Outsite is not for you. You’re paying a premium for private rooms, guaranteed workspace, and community curation. That said, when you consider the cost of renting an Airbnb. Plus Buying a monthly pass to a local co-working space is likely to be cheaper than outside.

Second, booking popular destinations fast. If you want to spend July at their Lisbon house or January at their Costa Rica location, you’ll need to book months in advance. You can’t always be spontaneous with their most sought-after features.

Frequently asked questions about the outdoors

Do I have to be a member to book a stay? No! One can book a stay at an outdoor location. However, if you plan to stay more than a few days, the $199 annual membership pays for itself almost immediately through discounted nightly rates.

Is there an age limit? There is no official age limit, but you must be at least 18 (and in some places, 21) to book. The majority of guests are working professionals in their late 20s, 30s and 40s. It’s definitely a little older and more professional than your average backpacker hostel.

What is the minimum number of nights required? For most places, the minimum stay is just 2 nights, making it easy to pop in for the weekend. However, certain locations (especially large cities with strict local housing laws like New York) may require a 30-day minimum stay.

Can I bring my pet? Generally, no. Because it is a shared living environment with communal kitchens and living spaces, most outdoor venues do not allow pets to ensure the comfort of all guests (and to prevent allergy issues).

Living as a digital nomad doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your career development, your comfort or your social life. You don’t have to choose between traveling the world and having a comfortable chair at the table, or seeing new cities and having a permanent group of friends. I met some nice people while staying with them in Bordeaux.

Outsite is the perfect platform for those who want the comforts and conveniences of a private home, the productivity of an office, and the social life of a hostel. I think sharing a house creates a sense of intimacy, and you’ll definitely make some friends out of it.

Be sure to check them out on your next trip and find your tribe!

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

mine The New York Times The best-selling travel book will teach you how to master the art of travel so you can save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. This is your A to Z planning guide, dubbed the “Bible for Budget Travellers” by the BBC.

Click here to learn more and start reading today!