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The number of workers turning to live as digital nomads has been soaring over the past few years.
17 million Americans and a total of 35 million people worldwide are choosing travel, freedom, and a better work-life balance by becoming digital nomads.
As a result of this, work and travel has forever changed.
Many companies are now offering their workers to do hybrid or fully remote work, continuing to increase the numbers of digital nomads worldwide.
More than one-third of remote workers hold full-time jobs, with the remainder being freelancers in IT, media, and PR.
These digital nomads are continuously on the hunt for the best countries to visit next. And in order to help these workers to find their next destination, Flatio launched a new digital nomad report.
The report surveyed over 25,000 people and took into account a range of topics, including motivation, personal preferences, accommodation prices, annual earnings, and digital nomad visas.
It was found that one country stood out amongst all the top destinations for remote workers.
Here’s why Portugal is the best country in the world for digital nomads:
According to Flatio’s report, 27.1% of digital nomads voted that Portugal was their favorite destination and it’s easy to understand why.
Portugal has been making headlines as one of the most popular destinations for travelers due to its mix of rich culture, excellent cuisine, affordable prices, and pleasant climate.
There is a steadily growing digital nomad community there who are attracted by the many benefits the country has to offer.
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Affordability
46.6% of digital nomads say that cost is the most important factor in determining their next destination.
Portugal has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, making it a highly attractive country for those wanting to live comfortably on a modest budget.
Whether a digital nomad chooses to live in the quiet countryside or a bustling city, they can expect to live on about $1700 a month for all their basic needs, including accommodation and groceries.
On average, an Airbnb apartment in the city will cost around $1200 per month while private rentals start around $900.
You can expect to pay $30 for a meal in a mid-range restaurant for two people and only $42 for a monthly Lisbon transportation pass.
If you are an E.U. member, you can get free healthcare, but for visitors from the rest of the world, you will pay around $100 for basic medical care.
Whether you are looking for a destination to save money in or to enjoy a high quality of life, Portugal is the best choice for remote workers.
Climate
The second most important factor for digital nomads when deciding where they want to travel is the location’s climate.
Portugal offers temperate weather and an average of 300 sunny days per year.
The country is characterized by its two coasts: the Atlantic, with mild winters and refreshing summers, and the Mediterranean, with its humid winters and warm summers.
During summer, the average daily temperatures are slightly higher than 81°F (27°C), while the lows are around 63°F (17°C). The average temperature in winter is around 54°F (12°C), with highs of 63°F.
This combination of climates makes Portugal the best place to travel no matter what the time of year is. It’s no wonder why it ranks at the top of digital nomads’ lists of countries to visit.
Lifestyle
Portugal is the perfect destination for digital nomads looking for a good balance of work, relaxation, and adventure.
This vibrant country offers a wide range of things to do after the workday is done, and since it’s an affordable destination travelers can easily plan to spend their free time exploring all that Portugal has to offer.
Adventure lovers can find activities like hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis, and more.
While culture seekers can wander local museums, stroll ancient streets, or eat delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Those who love the nightlife can head to The Algarve or Lisbon for their luxury beach clubs and romantic bars.
Portugal has an excellent and affordable transportation system which makes it easy for travelers to access all the activities, cities, and beaches the country has to offer.
Diversity
Another reason Portugal is the best country in the world for digital nomads is for its rich cultural and natural diversity.
The history of the country dates back to the Roman Empire and contains traces of a variety of cultural influences from over the centuries, including African and Brazilian.
Visitors can see this reflected in the country’s architecture, music, art, and cuisine, making for an appealing atmosphere with a little something for everyone.
Portugal offers diverse scenic landscapes where digital nomads can feel inspired and rejuvenated.
From medieval castles to sandy beaches and vibrant greenery to colorful cities and picturesque cliffs, there are many places for travelers to explore.
Some lesser-known destinations to visit in Portugal include Ferragudo in The Algarves and Marvao in the mountains. Or, if you’re looking for a hidden gem for nomads, head to Aveiro, often called the Venice of Portugal.
But the most popular places for digital nomads are Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira. Each city offers a great existing community allowing you to feel more at home.
Community
The Portuguese are known for being friendly, welcoming, and open-minded towards people from other cultures. This makes Portugal the perfect place for digital nomads to meet new people and feel a part of the local community.
Being a digital nomad can sometimes be lonely, so they are often looking for destinations where they can connect with others both personally and professionally.
Cities like Porto and Lisbon have seen a surge in co-working spaces offering a vibrant community of like-minded people, high-speed internet, and beautiful spaces to get work done.
If co-working spaces aren’t your thing, Portugal offers affordable high-speed internet, which ranks 7th in the world for fastest connection.
Major cities like Lison offer monthly packages for about $120, allowing digital nomads to work from almost anywhere. You can connect in hotels, public green spaces, airports, and cute little cafes.
With these favourable conditions, it makes sense that Portugal was named the best country in the world for digital nomads.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com