In this article, you will find a list of all locations where I have worked remotely, with a short description and the pros and cons of each area.
This list and the photos (original, not stock ones) are constantly updated so you can check them out occasionally.
I hope you find this article helpful on your next travel, and if you have any questions, please comment.
Quick navigation (click the location you like).
1. New York, USA
2. Miami, USA
3. Bangkok, Thailand
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
5. Koh Tao, Thailand
6. Pattaya, Thailand
7. Dhaka, Bangladesh
8. Sydney, Australia
9. Catania, Italy
10. Palermo, Italy
11. Krakow, Poland
12. London, United Kingdom
13. Berlin, Germany
14. Málaga, Spain
15. Marbella, Spain
16. Alicante, Spain
New York, USA
New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers.
Pros +
It was great to work from an apartment in Flushing (an area in NY) with good public transport to the centre, great internet (come on, it's NY), shops, bars, restaurants, and a lot of Mexican and Chinese food. I noticed the freedom around and that no one cares about what you wear or do, so you can be whoever you want (with pink and violet hair, piercing, tattoos and a leather biker jacket). What counts in the end is the human being himself. His character. Not what's on him. But that's just how I think. Overall, NY was a great experience, but for longer, I would choke over there as it's too fast in the long run. Come on, where is the time for fun? You only work over there, like in London, where I spent ten years of my life.
Cons -
Ufff, after a couple of days, NY reminded me of my busy times in London. Millions of people rush to take the train or tube. Aside from the central park with some nature, it's a "concrete jungle" everywhere, raw and cold. Don't get me wrong, I like that sometimes but not 24/7. So it can become tiring and for a more extended stay.
Miami, USA
Miami, officially the City of Miami, known as "the 305", "The Magic City", and "Gateway to the Americas", is a coastal metropolis and the county seat of Miami-Dade County in South Florida, United States.
Pros +
Miami is a vibrant place, so you will always find something interesting and exciting to do. From a boat/yacht cruise, jet-skis, sightseeing or checking out famous places with Drag Queen performances (seeing them changed my point of view, and now I'm 100% open-minded to everything, keeping in mind it's positive and healthy; by the way Drag Queens in Miami are fabulous at doing their art). Great internet, prices like everywhere, touristing places will have higher ones, but hidden from tourist eyes places (for locals) will offer better prices and the same or even higher "home-cooking" quality without all that fancy marketing sh*t (that's why it costs so much).
Cons -
Two things. You need a car to commute (hire one as, without that, it might be a pain to travel around the city; we got Dodge Camaro, and it was f***g incredible 500 horses power beast. The second thing is the temperature and humidity in the summer; it will get hot and humid like hell (Russian sauna x10). So air conditioning is a must.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to the opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.
Pros +
One of my favourite places. Fantastic food, great prices (if you know how to bargain), lot of things to do, great internet, super friendly and welcoming people always with a smile on their faces, great weather, super warm sea (the temperature in winter varies just around one degree, and for another 11 months it doesn't change, excellent transport services (public and private).
Cons -
Crowded as it's a capital city, so what would you expect? Police might stop you if they see a foreigner, and you’ll have to pay 1000 THB for riding without a helmet or Thai driving licence (they don’t accept foreign driving licenses; guys, why? because it's good for their business? LOL). If you pay, you do whatever you like later; if not, see you on the other side, my friend. A lot of sex tourism (so be careful if you see a beautiful girl from behind but then realise she's with a face of a 70-year-old guy; it happened to my wife and me). You need to bargain everywhere; if not, you’ll lose some money multiple times.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It's known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, dense, mountainous rainforest, luxury resorts, and posh spas.
Pros +
It is a grand island to work remotely. You will understand why travelling and working is a mind and soul-opening experience, great food, friendly people, lots of activities, great beaches, perfect water to swim, snorkelling or just rest after a successful project deployment (geeks will know what I'm talking about).
Cons -
Hard to find any, but over time, you'll know every inch of the island, and it might get boring. Based on my experience, stay in one place for 1-2 weeks max and move to another place; unless you prefer a more relaxed and slow adventure. I love seeing things, meeting new people, and being active from 5 AM… so you know. Action baby 😎 !!!
Koh Tao, Thailand
Ko Tao is an island in Thailand. Restaurants, nightspots and dive shops cluster in Mae Haad Beach and near Sai Ri Beach. Ko Tao is known for its tropical coral reefs, with species including whale sharks and rays. Hawksbill and green turtles gather here to breed.
Pros +
The best place for divers (I was doing my open water diver PADI certification), isolated from other party islands by the warm deep sea (ideal for diving), so you can rest here, reflect on your life and slow down.
Cons -
It’s a small island (relatively in comparison to other islands), so with a scooter, you'll go around in one day (a few hours, to be honest).
Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya is a city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast known for its beaches. A quiet fishing village as recently as the 1960s, it’s now lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.
Pros: great food as in entire Thailand (if you love hot&spicy you just found heaven), Ko Lan and Ko Phai islands to visit nearby (boat ride is cheap and fast), nice beach.
Cons: 2 hours away from Bangkok; not sure if that's an issue, but you'll need to get a car (2 hours) or take a boat/public transport which takes roughly 4 hours to get there, relatively small compared to Bangkok, lot's of high tower building with apartments that are rented via Airbnb but in front warnings "It's not a HOTEL!!! It's illegal to rent an apartment in Thailand"... what a bullshi****t... instead they want you to go to a hotel and pay 10x more (but maybe there is another hidden, tax-related issue). No matter what, I usually get AirBnb as it gives me complete freedom and saves a lot of cash.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh, in southern Asia. The 17th-century old city was the Mughal capital of Bengal. American architect Louis Khan’s National Parliament House complex typifies the vast, fast-growing modern metropolis.
Pros +
If you haven't seen Bangladesh first-hand, it's a beautiful experience which will teach you a lot about a simple life, astonishing nature, good-hearted people, delicious and spicy-hot food (don't worry, there is also non-atomic-explosion food), "mischti" (local sweets; super sweet; like 200% of sugar in sugar; food poetry for someone who loves sweet things; hey! Don't look at me, lol), a mix of religions: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, etc., beautifully colourful clothes (especially women wearing surreys) and many other things you won't find anywhere in the world.
Cons -
Dhaka is very noisy (car honking, salespeople shouting on the street, daily prayers from the nearby mosque, etc., but without that, it wouldn't be Bangladesh!), accommodation, food and things are cheap. However, you'll still need to bargain on every occasion as they'll rip you off (especially as a tourist) as soon as they see you. For some people, some parts of the city might be dirty, but that's something specific to this place, and over time you'll get used to that (not saying it's great, but it opens your eyes and mind; trust me, it does; for life!).
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life.
Pros +
Beautiful beaches (there are 100 beaches just in Sydney itself), fantastic nature (with all kinds of spiders that can kill you in 3 seconds if you don't run; just kidding), great food with delicious beef, vineyards, great roads for motorcycle trips, fabulous weather, friendly Aussies, the look and feel of London (at least for me) at some locations, excellent internet connection, great public transport (get yourself an Opal card).
Cons -
Expensive accommodation, an island far away from the rest of the world, and prices (it's not Thailand).
Catania, Italy
Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city's vast central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral.
Pros +
Great food (pizza was medium, but still, the base was a masterpiece), deliciously rich vine, small, narrow roads, great weather even in the winter time, good public transport, relatively low prices, good internet (couldn't get 5G but LTE was enough for my work).
Cons -
Tiny studio apartments (still cosy), spooky narrow streets at night, can be noisy sometimes (Italian way of articulating and emphasising every word, which is fun to watch; shouting, not talking at night).
Palermo, Italy
Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral houses royal tombs, while the huge neoclassical Teatro Massimo is known for opera performances. Busy markets include the central Ballarò street market and the Vucciria, near the port.
Pros +
The same as for Catania, but in Palermo, I visited the best market with seafood, sawfish, exotic seafood, different types of fish, octopus, you name it, it's there waiting to be eaten (LOL).
Cons -
The same as for Catania.
Krakow, Poland
Kraków, a southern Poland city near the border of the Czech Republic, is known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter. Its old town – ringed by Planty Park and remnants of the city’s medieval walls – is centred on the stately, expansive Rynek Glówny (market square).
Pros +
Beautiful medieval architecture (Italian architects were involved), lots of excellent restaurants and cafes, relatively low prices (I'm visiting Krakow quite frequently and noticed recently that the prices are going up but maybe it's a temporary thing caused by what's happening in the world with now with inflation), higher quality of services, great internet, delicious local and international food, very historical (including the Auswitch concentration camp from the 2nd World War), places to visit that were in many famous movie productions (such as Schindler's Factory).
Cons -
I noticed that prices are rising too fast, it can be crowded, and air pollution during the winter season (it's improving but still present).
London, United Kingdom
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, the site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel.
Pros +
This is the place where you can't get bored; there are free museums to visit, unique galleries (Tate, for example), international food quarters, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes, and the transport is well organised and on time, people are helpful but a bit reserved (in comparison to outgoing Americans or Canadians). The 5G internet will take your business to the next level, and top events and meet-ups will bring many new friends.
Cons -
At rush hours, you will find millions of people running for tubes and busses, which might get crowded. It can get expensive, and the prices for apartments are rising. But you can still get good deals if you stay on the outskirts rather than in the centre. British are friendly in general and approachable but reserved at the beginning if they don't know you, so don't expect too much as most of the words will be "politically correct". Everything changes in the PUB after a third pint, LOL. Travelling by tube or bus from one location to another in London can take up to 1-2 hours (yes, it's a huge city).
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany’s capital, dates to the 13th century. Reminders of the city's turbulent 20th-century history include its Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall's graffitied remains. Divided during the Cold War, its 18th-century Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of reunification.
Pros +
Berlin was a great place to visit, with great restaurants, bars and a music scene (if you love techno/rave, it's the music heaven. Price-wise, it wasn't a waller drainer; look for good deals, and you'll be all right. Great internet for work.
Cons -
I don't find any, but I will add something here if I find anything in my memories.
Málaga, Spain
Málaga is a municipality of Spain, the capital of the Province of Málaga, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. With a population of 578,460 in 2020, it is the second-most populous city in Andalusia after Seville and the sixth-most populous in Spain. It lies on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean, about 100 kilometres (62.14 miles) east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km (80.78 mi) north of Africa.
Pros +
Malaga is a great location to discover work-life balance. Most Spanish people will prioritise the second one (life over work), and it can teach you a perfect lesson: we can't forget why we work our asses off; yes, so we can enjoy life, travel and have fun. The city has a lot to offer, museums, castles, bars, restaurants, and "chiringuitos" (restaurants next to the beach with fish and seafood). It has good public transport from/to the airport and other locations (if you need a ride from an airport, that is almost half-price; let me know, and we'll arrange something great for you). The prices should be reasonable, and the internet is excellent so that you will be safe here. Close to the beaches and mountains at the same time. Delicious food, a lot of markets for cooking at home. Great place to stop, work and then relax.
Cons -
Some people complain there is no music scene with house or electronic music like in Germany or UK, but you can find more local music instead (flamenco, reggaeton Woop Woop Woop; all the songs are the same to me, but positive, lol). Only some people speak English so you'll have a chance to practise your Spanish, O',le.
Marbella, Spain
Marbella is a city and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, part of the Andalusia region. The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses. West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars.
Pros +
To start, it's worth saying that Marbella is the most luxurious and posh city in southern Spain, with expensive villas, cars and yachts (you name it). A Puerto Banus (port) has unique boats, Maseratis, Bentleys, and other high-end toys for the wealthy elite. The food is top-class, and you will find vibrant nightlife. Great place for English-speaking people as most of the people will speak English, different from the other parts of Spain. Movie with films in English (not Spanish, where you only understand a small thing; if you don't speak Spanish), nice beach, good internet.
Cons -
It's Marbella. Everything is 20-35% more expensive. For 3 hours of in-door, secure car parking, you might be paying around €27. Food and accommodation are a bit more expensive than in other parts of southern Spain. That's the only con, prices. After many times in Marbella, I didn't find anything way far beyond compared to the other beautiful places in Spain. They say it's a "rich man's playground", and you will see that there; aside from that, they have an Apple store (if you're a fan of that brand and need something).
Alicante, Spain
Alicante is a port city in Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca and the capital of the Alicante province. Its old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, has narrow streets, colourful houses and a nightlife scene.
Pros +
Medium size city with around 328000 people living there, great food with lovely places to eat, beautiful beach and surrounding. 5,5 hours by car and you're in Barcelona, 3 hours 40 mins and you're in Ibiza, 4 hours, and you're in Madrid.
Cons -
It's manageable for an extended stay but can get a bit boring for a longer stay.
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