The Best Place to Stay for Digital Nomads

Balancing travel and remote work will always be one of the biggest challenges down the road. When you’re a digital nomad, it’s always difficult to strike a balance between sightseeing and getting your work done in a nice, quiet environment. No one wants to spend hours searching for a coffee shop or being in an uncomfortable coffee shop. It’s something I’ve struggled with a lot in the past.

Working from the road meant hunching over a small table in a hostel common room or arguing with an Airbnb host who swore that his internet was “too fast” (only to discover he couldn’t even load a basic email).

But as remote work has expanded post-pandemic, plenty of living 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). It’s for those digital nomads who want a nice place to stay where they can not only get work done, but also meet other travelers (as remote working can be isolating because you’re doing it alone)!

The largest and most popular platform for remote workers who do this is Off siteWhich includes many beautiful sites around the world.

In this post, I will go over everything you need to know about them and my experience staying with them on my recent trip to Bordeaux.

What is an external site?

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

They started with one house in Santa Cruz, California, targeting people who wanted to surf and work. Today, they have over 5,000 members and 50 sites to choose from.

Currently, anyone can book a stay at Outsite, but if you’re a member, you’ll get more perks and better rates. You can pay an annual membership of $199 or pay once for a lifetime membership at $499. Perks include access to members-only locations, one free week in new destinations, 50% off flash sales, 40% off extended stays, new member mixers, a job board and subletting, and some lifestyle perks.

It’s easy to use too. Simply browse their website, filter by destination or type of vibe you want (beach, city, mountains), and book your own room.

How does the external site work?

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

Each location features huge, beautifully furnished common areas. You can enjoy fully equipped chef’s kitchens that you could never afford at an Airbnb on your own. Additionally, you get spacious living rooms, outdoor patios, and often decks or pools (depending on location).

Each location has a dedicated co-working space built right into the house. I’m talking comfy chairs, plenty of ports, displays you can connect, and super-fast, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi. You can wake up, make your coffee, and be at your desk in a state of deep focus in five minutes.

Additionally, there is a social aspect to all external sites. Each site has a dedicated community manager. Before you arrive, you’re added to a local WhatsApp group and the sites organize weekly events such as family dinners, group weekend hikes, Friday night tapas crawls and morning yoga sessions. You really have a lot of opportunities to meet people.

The community manager is a great resource. During my stay in Their location is BordeauxThey were available to share tips, suggest places to eat, and be there to answer any questions I had. It was really helpful.

What I like about the external site

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

The shared kitchen was very clean (cleaners came daily) and the counter space was huge. This was the kind of kitchen I wish I had in my home. You can cook some really good meals here. (Coffee and tea are always provided for free!)

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

However, for me, the main attraction of using Outsite is the community aspect. Being a remote worker means you often work alone. Whether you’re in a hotel or a café, it’s just you and your community. It’s hard to meet people.

At Outsite, you’re surrounded by fellow digital nomads who can connect with your life experience. They’re not backpackers on a trip wondering why you’re 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 I listen. Most people at the Purdue site have been there for at least two weeks. Our Community Manager has organized a range of weekend events to help people get to know each other too.

Things to think about

First, Outsite is not an option for backpackers on a budget. If you’re used to spending $15 a night on a dorm room in Southeast Asia, Outsite isn’t for you. You pay a premium for a private room, guaranteed work space, and community organization. However, when you take into consideration the cost of renting an Airbnb plus By purchasing a monthly pass to a local coworking space, Outsite will likely be cheaper.

Secondly, book popular sites fast. If you want to spend July at their home in Lisbon or January at their location in Costa Rica, you need to book months in advance. You can’t always be spontaneous with their most desirable characteristics.

Frequently asked questions about the external site

Do I need to be a member to book accommodation? no! Anyone can book a stay at Outsite. However, if you plan to stay more than a few days, the $199 annual membership pays for itself almost immediately with discounted nightly rates.

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

Is there a minimum number of nights required? For most locations, the minimum stay is just two nights, making it easy to come for a weekend getaway. However, some specific locations (particularly in larger cities with strict local housing laws such as New York) may require a minimum stay of 30 days.

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

Living the digital nomad life doesn’t mean sacrificing your career advancement, comfort, or social life. You don’t have to choose between traveling the world and having a comfy office chair, or seeing new cities and having a consistent group of friends. I met some amazing people while staying with them Bordeaux.

Off site It is a great platform for people who want the perks and amenities 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 will definitely make some friends from it.

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

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