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Digital Nomad Hostels: How to Find the Best Coworking and Long-Term Friendly Stays
Tired of scrolling through hostel options that just don’t fit your remote work lifestyle? Afraid of endless party marathons, with loud music all day long and backpackers shouting at you? Well, get ready to wave goodbye to those days of feeling improper because I’m about to reveal my personal ultimate criteria and requirements to book a hostel specifically for digital nomads like you!
Gone are the days when hostels were only for party animals and backpackers. Nowadays, smart nomads like yourself are seeking out hostels that offer more than just a place to crash—they want a community and workspace that fosters productivity and creativity. And guess what? The hostel scene has you covered in most places!
Imagine a vibrant hub where you can work, socialize, and explore new destinations—all under one roof. With digital nomad-friendly hostels popping up left and right, finding your perfect workation spot has never been easier.
In fact, Hostelworld’s 2022 awards introduced a whole new category dedicated to recognizing these nomad-approved havens.
From cozy co-working spaces to lightning-fast Wi-Fi and everything in between, these hostels have thought of it all.
So, whether you’re a seasoned nomad looking for your next “home base,” a backpacker in Australia looking for a decent long-term stay, or a newbie ready to dip your toes into the remote work lifestyle, join me as I show you my evergreen categories to find the top hostels for digital nomads and backpackers. Get ready to turn your workation dreams into reality—let’s dive in! BUT first things first…
Why staying in a digital nomad friendly hostel?
The root of long term traveling: Community is king
Apart from the main reason, which is to be productive and really get things done, I love staying in digital nomad and coworking hostels for the vibrant community and the chance to meet fascinating people.
At the end of the day, traveling is all about connecting with others and sharing stories. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than staying in an Airbnb in a small city where it’s nearly impossible to meet people. That’s never a problem when you’re staying in a hostel. And when it’s a digital nomad-friendly hostel, it’s even better!
So, besides the obvious benefits like excellent working facilities, the number one reason I choose these hostels is for the enriching social experience they offer.
Oh, and did I mention that it’s usually cheaper too? If you don’t mind sharing your room with others, you’ll save tons of money. It’s a win-win-win situation!
Typically, if a hostel in Hostelworld, Agoda, or Booking scores at least a 9.3 with a decent amount of reviews, it means people there are awesome! For backpackers, reviews from Hostelworld are more reliable!
Safe tons of money
Staying in hostels as a digital nomad isn’t just about the vibrant community and convenient workspaces; it’s also a smart financial move.
By opting for hostel accommodation for digital nomads, you can significantly slash your lodging expenses, freeing up more funds for memorable experiences and adventures.
Plus, many hostels offer budget-friendly amenities like shared kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and discounted group activities and even free entries to parties, further maximizing your savings while on the road.
So, not only do you get to immerse yourself in a dynamic social atmosphere, but you also get to stretch your travel budget further than you ever thought possible. It’s the ultimate win-win for any savvy digital nomad looking to make the most of their journey without breaking the bank.
Especially if you are a newbie digital nomad or freelancer, I highly recommend staying in digital nomad friendly hostels!
How to choose a digital nomad friendly hostel? My 3 Criteria before I book!
1. Pics, Pics, Pics: Comfortable equipment and space
2. Recent comments from fellow digital nomads
Authentic Feedback:
Recent comments offer real-time feedback from travelers who have recently stayed at the hostel.
This feedback is often unbiased and provides a genuine reflection of the hostel’s atmosphere, facilities, and overall suitability for digital nomads. Just make sure to look for more than one source!
You want to check comments from Hostelworld, Agoda, and trip.com to see what different kinds of people say about the hostel.
Next, remember that hostel conditions and management can change over time.
By looking at recent comments, you can ensure that you’re getting up-to-date information about the hostel’s current state.
This includes details about the quality of amenities, cleanliness, internet speed, and any recent renovations (noise) or improvements.
Community Vibe:
Digital nomads typically value hostels that foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for socializing and networking.
Comments from fellow nomads can give you an idea of the social atmosphere within the hostel, including whether it’s easy to meet like-minded individuals or at least make connections!
3. Well-equipped Kitchen!
What’s better than making a coffee or tea and cooking anytime you want? Or just picking it up already ready to go! Exactly—nothing beats the convenience and productivity of a shared kitchen in a hostel.
It’s as simple as that; a shared kitchen is definitely a must-have for me!
I always look for the size of the kitchen; it must be big enough that at least 2 people can cook at the same time!
Revealed: My best coworking hostel and more criteria
To be honest, I often enjoy staying in the hostel chain Selina too. But one of the best digital nomad friendly hostels I’ve stayed in was in Córdoba, Argentina, named Aldea Hostel.
However, not because of the views, but because of the nice people and the short distances within the hostel itself!
What do I mean by that? Well, basically, you can reach the kitchen, your room, and the coworking space in less than 30 seconds! They even had a terrace to get some fresh air and sun every once in a while!
For me, short distances are absolutely golden for keeping productivity up! (and distractions down)
Final thoughts and conclusion
In a nutshell, digital nomad-friendly hostels are like the secret sauce for remote workers seeking both productivity and connection on their global adventures.
Remember to keep an eye out for those must-have features like dedicated workspaces, friendly people, and good recent reviews from fellow nomads.
And hey, who doesn’t love a hostel with short distances without elevators and endless steps, like the gem I found in Aldea Hostel, Córdoba, Argentina?
Armed with these insider tips, get ready to experience the best hostels yourself on your upcoming trip (working holiday in Australia ;), forging connections, creating memories, and living your best digital nomad life like a pro!
What’s next in your journey?
>>Plan your working holiday Australia or other trip step-by-step with me! I always use the following crucial travel resources:
- Apply for the working holiday maker visa subclass 417 (usual approval time 1 min – 14 days) or 462 (usual approval time at least 14 days due to further requirements)
- Provide further details to get the application going (health examination, asked information in your immigration account)
- Get credit cards (min. 2 weeks – 1 month before you plan to flight
- Book your flights (AFTER receiving an approval letter from immigration)
- Packing list
- Travel insurance before you fly (SavetyWing or Heymondo)
- Best onward ticket (1 day before your flight) is evidence of leaving the country you enter, ALWAYS! For a working holiday in Australia, it’s NOT necessary.
- Job hunting and other bureaucratic stuff (once in Australia)
- Open up your US LLC to get your freelancer business started!
- Sign up for my newsletter to become a smarter traveler and stay up-to-date
