Best Travel Destinations for Online Entrepreneurs

One of the biggest benefits of owning and running a remote business is being able to work from a location of your choice. Given this, you may be curious about the best travel destinations for online entrepreneurs. After all, working while traveling may be one of the reasons you chose to start or purchase your own online business in the first place. 

In this article, we will discuss:

• How travel can benefit online entrepreneurs
• Top getaways for online entrepreneurs
• Top vacation activities for online entrepreneurs
• How to save money when booking your next vacation

How Travel Can Benefit Online Entrepreneurs

Owning and running your own successful online business brings obvious financial benefits. It can also allow you to live with a greater degree of ownership over how you spend your time and where you choose to call home. For many, the ability to travel and move locations while continuing to work is one of the biggest draws to starting an online business. 

Traveling brings with it more than just lifestyle perks, however. The perspective gained through traveling can prove to be hugely beneficial for you as you run your business and create your own lifestyle.

“Throughout the world, there is a huge community of online business owners who decide to continually travel the world while working from their laptops.”

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Expand your network

One of the first things you will discover about traveling while running a business is that there are many other like-minded entrepreneurs who share your love of travel. In fact, the two go hand in hand. Throughout the world, there is a huge community of online business owners who decide to continually travel the world while working from their laptops. 

These digital nomads run a variety of online businesses, including:

• Amazon FBA companies
• Content sites
• SaaS companies
• Ecommerce businesses
• Consulting firms

In addition to business owners, you will also meet many individuals who work independently on a freelance basis. It is common to encounter graphic designers, writers, content managers, photographers, coders, personal assistants, and more. 

The world of online entrepreneurship has developed over the past 15 years or so, aided by the shift to remote work brought about by the pandemic. Given this, there are a growing number of remote-work hubs in different locations around the world. These hubs attract engaged, driven, and interesting individuals who are likely to share similar goals and interests. 

If you decide to take your business on the road and move to one of these hot spots, you are guaranteed to meet other like-minded entrepreneurs. Aside from friendship, these connections can provide tangible benefits to your business operations. 

Whether you hire a freelancer for your business or meet your next business partner, surrounding yourself with other online entrepreneurs will only serve to help your business grow and move you toward your goals. 

“For many, the ability to travel and move locations while continuing to work is one of the biggest draws to starting an online business.”

Grow your skill set and knowledge base

In addition to building your network, traveling can provide opportunities to grow your entrepreneurial skill set and knowledge base. 

In many remote-work hot spots, coworking spaces offer classes and courses in a wide variety of business-related topics. Whether you are looking to learn how to code, improve your content strategy, or learn the basics of website development, it is likely you will be able to find a class to guide you.

As you meet more entrepreneurs and grow your network, you will naturally be exposed to more ideas and skill sets. As these relationships develop, you will have more and more opportunities to grow the skills you need to successfully run your business. 

Fine-tune your work/life balance

Business benefits aside, gaining perspective through travel can lead to many lifestyle improvements. 

For starters, your expectations for the kind of lifestyle and work/life balance you can achieve may shift as you meet other entrepreneurs. What once may have felt out of reach may start to feel more realistic as you meet other entrepreneurs living out their dreams. 

Through growing your network and speaking with other entrepreneurs, you will have the opportunity to gain insight into the ways you can go about turning your lifestyle goals into a reality. How can you automate your Amazon FBA processes further to free up more of your time? Can you hire a personal assistant to help execute your social media marketing strategy? The individuals you meet during your travels will help you ask the right questions as well as come up with creative solutions. This, in turn, will help you run a more profitable, streamlined business and ultimately create the ideal work/life balance for your needs. 

Top Getaways for Online Entrepreneurs

If you are ready to hit the road and travel, you may be wondering about where to go. After all, the world is a big place, and there are a lot of interesting locations to explore. 

In this section, we will discuss some of the factors you should look at when picking a travel destination. After this, we will look at some of the top destinations around the world for the nomad entrepreneur. 

Things to consider when picking a travel destination

Of course, you should prioritize the locations that appeal to you for leisure or fun purposes, as you would when planning a vacation. But since you will be working, there are several other things to consider when making your plans, including:

• The cost of living
• Time-zone considerations
• Internet connectivity
• Visa requirements
• Community life
• Dining and nightlife
• Recreational activities
• Safety

One of the biggest benefits of being able to run a business remotely is the ability to live in less expensive locations while still earning the same amount of money you would back home. Depending on where you choose to stay, you may be able to have a high degree of material well-being at a fraction of the price it would cost you in the United States. 

Considering Time Zones

Depending on the nature of your business, however, you may prefer to stay within certain time zones. For example, if you have multiple daily meetings with team members on the East Coast of the United States, you may not want to live in a time zone that forces you to have those meetings in the wee hours of the morning. 

Internet connectivity is another big factor to consider. Obviously, you will want to choose a location that has stable, fast, and reliable connectivity. 

If you plan to visit for a short period of time, visa requirements and rules likely will not impact you. If, on the other hand, you are thinking about staying for months or more at a time, it is important to take into account the visa rules of the country you are visiting. 

In addition, you may want to take into account the level and type of community in your target location. As we discussed previously, surrounding yourself with other online entrepreneurs can have huge benefits for your entrepreneurial success. 

As with any travel planning, you will want to consider the dining and nightlife scene, available activities, and safety in whichever destination you choose. 

Below, we discuss some of the top destinations for online entrepreneurs. 

“One of the biggest benefits of being able to run a business remotely is the ability to live in less expensive locations while still earning the same amount of money you would back home.”

Lisbon, Portugal

Over the past five years or so, Lisbon has risen as one of the top, if not the top, destinations for remote workers and online entrepreneurs. With a combination of cosmopolitan appeal, permissive long-term visa options, relatively inexpensive cost of living, and easy access to plenty of activities, it is easy to understand why.

While visiting or living in Lisbon, you can expect to find a thriving community of online entrepreneurs. In order to accommodate the influx, a number of coworking studios and shared office spaces have popped up throughout the city. These hubs are a wonderful place to meet like-minded people, build your network, and grow your local community.

For the active types, world-class surfing is just a short drive or train ride away. Nightlife abounds, as does the full range of cultural attractions one would expect from a major European city. 

However, keep in mind that Lisbon is eight hours ahead of PST and five hours ahead of EST. If your business requires you to be available during standard US business hours you may find yourself working late into the evening. 

Bali, Indonesia

The small island of Bali, Indonesia, has long been popular with backpackers looking for tropical weather, great surfing, and yoga retreats. It has more recently become a mecca for online entrepreneurs. 

While Bali has grown to be part of the mainstream, the cost of living remains relatively low. Internet connectivity is also good and visa requirements are permissive, as the island caters to remote workers. 

Bali shines as a digital-nomad destination in terms of its vibrant community and fun activities. It is virtually impossible not to connect with other business owners and entrepreneurs. Coworking spots abound in hot spots around the island such as Canggu and Ubud, with many offering networking social events, classes, and skill-building workshops. Surfing, hiking, gyms, and yoga centers provide plenty of non-work fun. 

However, one of Bali’s best attributes is its dining scene. With an influx of westerners over the past several decades, the island has gained a reputation as a major foodie destination. Restaurants of all different cuisine types are easy to find. The relatively inexpensive cost of living allows you to dine out at quality establishments without breaking the bank. 

Keep in mind, however, that Bali sits in southeast Asia. The time-zone difference could pose a problem for those needing to be available during normal US business hours. 

“For those looking for a big-city experience with European-style charm but prefer to stay closer to US time zones, Buenos Aires is an excellent choice.”

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a major cosmopolitan city in Argentina, often compared to similar-sized European capitals. While more expensive than some other cities in Latin America, it is still relatively inexpensive compared to cities in the United States. Despite its size, Buenos Aires has neighborhood pockets, such as Palermo Soho, which have become popular with remote workers and online entrepreneurs. 

Argentinians know how to have a good time, and Buenos Aires has world-class nightlife. Just don’t count on the evening really getting started before midnight. In addition, the dining scene in Buenos Aires is as good as one would expect from such a large city.

Internet connectivity can sometimes be a challenge in Buenos Aires. However, since it is only one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time, it makes it easier to accommodate normal US business hours. 

For those looking for a big-city experience with European-style charm but prefer to stay closer to US time zones, Buenos Aires is an excellent choice. 

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa is a quickly developing town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Being in Central Standard Time, it is a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to escape to a fun, laid-back tropical beach town while staying comfortably within normal US business hours. 

Surfing is the main activity in Santa Teresa, with breaks up and down the town’s long stretch of beach. As a smaller town, dining options may be somewhat limited compared to a major city, although with the recent growth of the town a number of new restaurants have opened up. 

Due to its beautiful and fun atmosphere and proximity to the US, it has become hugely popular in recent years. As growth has outpaced development, housing and accommodation costs have soared. In fact, housing costs in Santa Teresa are on par with many areas of the United States. 

Despite its relatively small size, there are several coworking hubs throughout the town. As with many digital-nomad destinations, these coworking spots are a wonderful place to meet new friends and make professional connections. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the top destinations for online entrepreneurs. From Europe to Asia to Africa, there are many more established and up-and-coming cities and towns waiting to be explored. 

Top Vacation Activities for Online Entrepreneurs

Blending work and travel is one of the major perks of running an online lifestyle business. The freedom to live where you want and create a work/fun schedule of your choosing adds immeasurable benefits to your life. 

Aside from business and practical considerations, many online entrepreneurs choose to live in locations that allow them to pursue the recreational activities they love. Whether you’re tuning out for an hour work break or planning post-work activities, it pays to live in a place that provides ample opportunities for fun. 

Dining and nightlife

For the most part, popular digital-nomad destinations have a thriving dining and nightlife scene. Of course, major cities popular with the remote-work community such as Lisbon, Budapest, and Bangkok will have excellent dining options and plenty of nightlife options. 

However, smaller destinations such as Canggu, Bali, or Ericeira, Portugal, often hold their own. While options may be more limited compared to big cities, there is still plenty to explore. 

“Whether you’re tuning out for an hour work break or planning post-work activities, it pays to live in a place that provides ample opportunities for fun.”

Surfing

Many online entrepreneurs love staying active and trying new things. Combined with the obvious perks that a warm, tropical destination brings, it is easy to understand why surfing is a favorite activity for remote workers.

From the west coast of Europe to Central and South America, and from Cape Town, South Africa, to Asia, there are plenty of opportunities to create a “work and surf” trip. In Bali, for example, some beachside coworking spots have surf racks and showers to make it easier to take a quick surf break while working. 

Skiing and snowboarding

While warm-weather destinations are often more popular with remote workers, some love to take their work with them to the snow. For skiers or snowboarders, several months spent working in a mountain town and skiing every day is a dream come true.

Destinations such as Chamonix, France, or Whistler, Canada, are popular. For those looking to keep costs down, Bansko, Bulgaria, has become a popular winter destination for online entrepreneurs.

Hiking

If you like to stay active but aren’t quite up to skiing or surfing, hiking may be a good alternative. Many destinations offer opportunities for hiking. Of course, major cities such as Buenos Aires make it harder to access hiking trails easily. Mountain towns like Boulder, Colorado, or Lake Tahoe, California, have plenty of easily accessible hiking during the summer months. 

Scuba diving

If you travel and work long enough, you will learn there are many individuals who choose destinations that offer excellent scuba diving. Bali, the Caribbean, and Belize are standout locations for those interested in scuba diving. 

Sightseeing and cultural attractions

Of course, a big draw of traveling is being able to explore a new culture and learn the area’s history. Getting out to see local cultural sites, historical landmarks, and museums is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in a new world. 

In addition, having the opportunity to stay in one location for a longer period of time will allow you to see and learn more than you would as a business traveler passing through. 

How to Save Money when Booking Your Next Vacation

The common notion is that travel is expensive—and it can be, if you let it. However, traveling does not have to be expensive if you take the right approach. Depending on your values and budget, it is highly likely you can travel in a way that adds to your life without breaking the bank.

Consider where your money will go the furthest

As mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of working remotely is being able to earn US dollars while living in a much less expensive part of the world. Compared to earning and spending in the US, your money will go a lot further in many parts of the globe. 

Southeast Asia has plenty of popular remote-work destinations that are a fraction of the cost of cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York City. For example, the average monthly cost of living in Canggu, Bali, is $1,841, according to nomadlist.com.

While currently undergoing growth, there are many parts of Portugal that are still much less expensive than other parts of western Europe. Eastern European countries like Romania, Estonia, and Hungary are also popular destinations. South America and Central America, with the exception of Costa Rica to some degree, are other good choices as far as the cost of living. 

Western Europe, Australia, and the United States are all relatively more expensive, depending on where you want to travel. But this doesn’t mean they should be ruled out. If one of your life goals is to live in Paris or Rome, for example, it could be worth the cost if your budget allows it. 

“Depending on your values and budget, it is highly likely you can travel in a way that adds to your life without breaking the bank.”

Book longer-term stays

One of the best ways to keep travel costs down is to stay in one place for a longer period of time, as opposed to moving more frequently. For example, you may want to consider staying in one location for a month or more instead of moving every few days or every week. 

There are many reasons for this. For starters, long-term rentals on sites like Airbnb or VRBO often give significant discounts for stays of a month or more. In addition, your transportation and flight costs will be reduced as you will be moving less frequently. It is also easier to get groceries and cook your own meals if you are settled in one place longer. 

Explicit financial costs aside, many individuals who work while traveling find it easier to be productive while staying in one place. Finding reliable internet or a comfortable work spot and having a solid work routine is much easier when you aren’t constantly moving.

“One of the best ways to keep travel costs down is to stay in one place for a longer period of time, as opposed to moving more frequently.”

Use credit-card miles

Lastly, if you anticipate you will be traveling and working remotely, it often pays to make use of credit-card airline miles. Many cards offer significant sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for travel points. 

You may also want to consider using a credit card for your business expenses in order to rack up points. For example, if you run a successful Amazon FBA business and you consistently spend thousands of dollars per month on inventory, you might as well pay with a travel credit card and make use of the points. Of course, all credit cards should be used responsibly in order for them to be worth it. 

By choosing your destination carefully, planning longer-term stays, and taking advantage of credit-card travel points when appropriate, you can work and travel while reducing your travel spending and staying within your budget.