One of the most exciting parts about being an Indy Author is that you're no longer tied down to one spot for a job. You can work anywhere in the world, as long as you have your laptop and good WiFi in the area. Online tools abound for helping independent authors do their jobs. Thousands of authors are now realizing that this means they can travel the world, staying in country after country for a few months at a time. These digital nomads are making up a larger part of the online workforce every year.
Touring the world while writing online might seem like a dream come true, but like in all things, preparation is key. At the bare minimum, you'll need to take some things into account before jetting off to another country:
- Best quality internet access
- Cheap cost of living
- An interesting lifestyle
- Networking possibilities
Out of all the major cities in the world, here are ten places that are very popular for digital nomads right now, and for good reason.
- Chiang Mai This city in Thailand may be home to more digital nomads than any other place on earth. It's close to Bangkok with its big-city opportunities for networking and entertainment. The internet speeds are lightning fast, free WiFi is available in a lot of spots, the cost of living is low and good rental spots are available all over town. The slow pace of life and high percentage of nomads and ex-pats make it the ideal place for an author to stop off and work for a while.
- Ubud Mali? It's a no-brainer for those dreaming about living around the world. The weather is nearly perfect if you like warm weather and sunshine. The rent is cheap and the internet speed is fast. If you're looking for a healthy lifestyle along with the perfect place to write your next book, this could be your next home base.
- Shanghai You may be surprised at how ideal this biggest city in China is for the digital nomad. The cost of living is surprisingly cheap, there's an exciting social scene with people of many cultures, and the internet speed is top-notch.
- Brasov Romania may be a bit off the beaten path, but this city is calm and quiet, has plenty of open space to spread out and breathe, has a very low cost of living, and enjoys some of the fastest internet in Europe.
- Berlin If you want to tour around Europe for a time, this German city should be your home base. The cost of living is relatively inexpensive, and it's perfectly placed for short trips to other parts of the continent. Great culture and social scene make this a fun place to live, and the large number of ex-pats and nomads make it ideal for networking.
- Cusco If you truly want to get away from it all and just write, this city in southeast Peru is just perfect. The cost of daily life is low, the internet speed is high, the view of the Andes is inspiring, and the laid-back vibe makes for some truly great motivation.
- Buenos Aires This is a huge city, and not for those who want a relaxing and laid back getaway. If you thrive in a city of exciting nightlife and crowds of new friends, this is your place. Go between October and April for the best weather; the summer months are when everyone clears out and goes to cooler spots.
- Medillin Columbia might not be on the top of your travel wish list, but the Medillin of old has cleaned up her act. There are great opportunities for finding inexpensive spots with incredible views, and the weather is just about perfect all year round.
- Bucharest For some of the fastest internet in Europe, this city in Romania is perfect if being connected is something you demand. The housing is good quality and inexpensive, it's easy to make jaunts to other parts of Europe from here, and the scenery is varied and beautiful.
- Ho Chi Minh City Tourism is booming in Viet Nam, and so is the influx of digital nomads. English is widely spoken and the cost of living is very inexpensive. The great weather and large number of other nomads for socializing and networking make this an ideal city to put on you list.
Keep the Faith and May the Force be with You!