Where should be on the remote worker list first (post-COVID)?
So travel is slowly opening (and in some cases closing again) and we’re beginning to make it out into the world again. And with that, we’re looking at where we can make our office again.
While the UK government has created its own quarantine list, not all countries on the exemption list are allowing international visitors in. For example, I would have loved to go to Sri Lanka, but at the time of posting this, they were not allowing any international visitors.
The travel industry is in this weird catch 22 at the moment where on the one hand, it’s imperative to keep people safe, however without the money we spent on tourism and travels, the industry won’t be able to get going again. So with this in mind, I’d like to offer a few suggestions to my fellow remote workers that are keen to get back out to their next office away. But remember to check local guidance and everyone safe so we aren’t thrown into another wave.
LISBON (PORTUGAL)
The capital city of Portugal does not get the hype it deserves! With its quirky cafes, amazing work/life balance and picturesque streets, it’s impossible not to be drawn in by the magic.
From the old town of Alfama to the repurposed LX Factory, there’s something for everyone in this artsy city. Whether you want history, culture, activity, Lisbon has it all!
Some laptop spots I’d recommend with great wifi (and coffee) are:
OSLO (NORWAY)
Another underrated one with one catch: the price tag.
When I visited Oslo for a weekend, I was not expecting there to be as much on offer as there was. It’s the perfect place for meeting friends, getting lost in history and exploring the surrounding countryside. And it’s also a great place to base for work. As long as you’re prepared for the London-like price tags, this really is a very underrated city and well worth the visit. It is possible to be a little to reign in costs, providing you do your research however and I’ll definitely be returning for a second visit.
Some general areas to check out are:
Grunnerlokka
Akker Brygge
TRENTO (ITALY)
Especially if you can pick a cafe outside in the sun! This cute town nestled in the Italian Dolomites is a hidden gem that needs more hype. Not only for the usual pizza, café and gelato, but for the beautiful sites and activities on offer.
From taking the funicular for an Aperol Spritz and gorgeous town views to a vino in a cave. And of course, there’s all the activities on offer in the mountains themselves!
BERLIN (GERMANY)
I’m sure there are some more cost effective ways to visit Berlin, but the two times I’ve been has had a similar effect to a week in central London on my bank account.
I love it though! The way Berlin owns and has reinvented its history - and has an awesome creative community to hang with! I’m forever keen to return and discover more of this bold city.
Discover my laptop spots of choice here.
BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)
An accidental discovery - I had some annual leave I had to use up - but worthy of a mention nonetheless. I only spent one full day there, but it was enough to consider going back - and at the end of January also.
Cost effective, creative and a lot on offer, I definitely needed more time here. It’s definitely one of the more openminded cities for food preferences (plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten intolerance options) and if you step only a few streets away from the main streets into the Jewish quarter, you are in for some rare (and very hipster) treats.
A couple of my must-trys were:
Plus the very cute Airbnb I stayed in!
PRAGUE (CZECH REPUBLIC)
While the rest of the team were on a campaign, I booked my own remote office getaway - and was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered.
Having gone through sixth form, uni and the early grad days hearing tales of others headed to Prague for stag dos and lads holidays, my expectations were not super high.
However, while plant based food was a little pricier in a couple of cafes, Prague really came through and was well worth the trip! It also happened to be the last week of the Christmas markets also, which even in January were incredibly cute to visit after clocking off!
Some Wifi spots I’d highly recommend are: