Best place to stay for digital nomads

Balancing travel and remote work will always be one of the biggest challenges along the way. When you are a digital nomad, it is always difficult to balance tourism and also doing your work in a nice and calm environment. No one wants to spend hours looking for a coffee shop or be in one that is uncomfortable. It’s something I’ve struggled with a lot in the past.

Working from the road used to mean hunching over a small hostel common room table or arguing with an Airbnb host who swore their internet was “super fast” (only to discover they couldn’t even load a basic email).

But, as remote work has expanded post-pandemic, plenty of coliving 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 are aimed at those digital nomads who want a nice place to stay where they can not only work but also meet other travelers (as remote work can be isolating since you are doing it alone).

The largest and most popular platform for remote workers doing this is Off sitewhich has many beautiful places around the world.

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

What is the external site?

Founded in 2015, Off site 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 you can choose from.

Currently, anyone can book a stay at Outsite, but if you’re a member, you’ll have access to more perks and better rates. You can pay for an annual membership of $199 or pay once for a lifetime membership at $499. Benefits include access to members-only locations, 1 week free in new destinations, 50% off flash sales, 40% off extended stays, new member meetups, a job and subletting board, and some lifestyle benefits.

It is also easy to use. You simply browse their website, filter by destination or the type of environment you want (beach, city, mountain) and reserve your private room.

How does the external site work?

Off site It works as a boutique hotel combined with a coworking space. When you book an Outsite, you are booking a private room. Most rooms have their own private bathroom, although some economy rooms share a bathroom with another person.

Each location features huge, beautifully furnished common areas. You’ll be able to enjoy fully equipped chef’s kitchens that you could never afford in a solo Airbnb. Plus, you get spacious living areas, outdoor patios, and often rooftop terraces or pools (depending on location).

Each location has a dedicated coworking space built into the house. I’m talking ergonomic chairs, plenty of outlets, plug-in monitors, and ultra-fast business-grade Wi-Fi. You can wake up, make your coffee, and be at a proper desk in a state of deep concentration in five minutes.

Additionally, there is a social aspect to all Outside locations. Each location has a dedicated Community Manager. Before you even arrive, you’re added to a local WhatsApp group and locations host weekly events like family dinners, group weekend trips, Friday night tapas tours and morning yoga sessions. You really have many opportunities to meet people.

And the community manager is a great resource. During my stay in its location in 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 outside

First, the properties are really nice. Their place in Bordeaux had modern furniture, comfortable chairs to work in, a laundry room, and even a small gym. The rooms were also very nice. It had a private desk, a comfortable bed, and a really lovely bathroom (the water had EXCELLENT shower pressure!).

The shared kitchen was super clean (housekeeping comes daily) and the counter space was huge. It was the kind of kitchen I wish my house had. You could cook some really good meals here. (Coffee and tea are always provided free!)

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

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

At Outsite, you are surrounded by fellow digital nomads who can relate to your life experience. They’re not backpackers on a trip wondering why you’re sitting in front of your computer all day when you should be exploring. Because everyone is there to work. and Live, there is a shared link. you are there to work and enjoy. Most of the people at the Bordeaux headquarters were there for at least two weeks. Our community manager organized a series of weekend events to help people get to know each other too.

Things to think about

First, Outsite is not a budget option for backpackers. If you’re used to spending $15 a night on a dorm in Southeast Asia, Outsite isn’t for you. You’re paying a premium for the private room, guaranteed workspace, and community healing. That said, when you consider the cost of renting an Airbnb further When purchasing a monthly pass to a local coworking space, Outsite will likely work out cheaper.

Secondly, popular places are reserved fast. If you want to spend July at your Lisbon home or January at your Costa Rica location, you need to book months in advance. You can’t always be spontaneous with your most sought-after properties.

External Site FAQ

Do I have to be a member to book a stay? 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 through discounted nightly rates.

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

Is there a minimum number of nights required? For most places, the minimum stay is just 2 nights, making it easy to spend a weekend. However, some specific locations (especially in major cities with strict local housing laws like New York) may require a 30-day minimum stay.

Can I bring my pet? Generally not. Because it is a shared living environment with kitchens and common spaces, most off-site locations do not allow pets to ensure the comfort of all guests (and to prevent allergy issues).

*****

Living the digital nomad life shouldn’t mean sacrificing your career progression, comfort, or social life. You shouldn’t have to choose between traveling the world and having a comfortable desk chair, or seeing new cities and having a constant group of friends. I met interesting people while I was with them in Bordeaux.

Off site It is a great platform for people who want the benefits and comforts of a private home, the productivity of an office, and the social life of a hostel. I think sharing a house creates a feeling of intimacy and you will definitely make some friends with it.

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