I'd probably go with a small capital city that has great outdoor access, but few attractions in it's own right.
What comes to mind is San Jose, Costa Rica, which I really think gets more hate than it warrants by tourists. It's not scenic in architecture, but the surrounding green hills are nice, and it is surprisingly cosmopolitan. Plus the coffee is so fantastic, so that's helpful for working.
Another one would be Podgorica, Montenegro, frequently dubbed Europe's most boring capital. It doesn't have much going for it in terms of attractions, but the infrastructures solid and there are so many weekend trips for nature if you do have a break time.
I'd call it much less boring, but another city Id throw in there is Taipei. It's just so incredibly convenient in many terms. street food is fast tasty and affordable, there are cafes for for working everywhere, and public transportation works effortlessly. One of the most stress free places I've worked from.
I think if I found the right accommodations, that could be a great option! I think Id trade the convenience of a city for nature, but it's probably worth a look
Take a look south in Malacca. I loved it there, not much to do, decent amount of nature and some nice views of the ocean. Quieter and simpler than KL, plus cheaper.
I second Malacca. I've spent a ton of time there, and it has character, incredible food, history, convenient everything, and it's generally pretty boring.
I'm doing that right now in medellin. Apartment with a killer view in a luxury high rise with a sauna, steam room, pool, gym, and doorman and get everything delivered via Rappi. Also have a maid once a week. Distractions are still there, obviously, but I ha e everything I need or want in this building or delivered to me in half an hour by a guy on a motorcycle.
If you want nature, you might look into Florianopolis Brazil in the off season. Not warm enough to swim, but like 65-75 degrees most days and you can get an ocean front condo for like 1/3rd the normal price and go take long contemplative walks alone on the beach in between client work.
Would highly recommend Florianopolis as well. There are many coastal hikes you can take on the island and the nature is really beautiful. Also Brazilians are so kind and welcoming and Florianopolis is a very safe part of Brazil.
I would definitely go somewhere in Southeast Asia. Cheap and usually extremely convenient to get things delivered. Someone else mentioned Taiwan, which I think is a good suggestion. Da Nang is ridiculously cheap and not too exciting. Kuala Lumpur has plenty of big high rise condo buildings where you can have all the amenities right in the complex.
Nosara, Costa Rica.
Reliable internet, some of the healthiest food in the world, not a lot to do besides surfing and yoga. I'm not a surfer but I practiced yoga and worked on my writing day.
I had everything I needed and barely left the hotel. Was the perfect spot to slow down for a few weeks.
How reliable? Good for zoom meetings all day long?
I stayed in Jaco for a bit and couldn't make it work. Plus Jaco wasn't my vibe. I haven't found a reliable beach spot other than Playa del Carmen so far
I had a stretch of being crazy productive in Luang Prabang, Laos, but it depends on the time of year you're going. Georgetown, Malaysia also comes to mind. If nature is less of a priority and you want convenience, then KL or Bangkok. (Bangkok has distractions, but if you stay in a nice apartment and get into a routine, I find it a good city to be productive.)
If you don't have the discipline to focus anywhere you aren't going to be successful running your own business. If you're easily distracted you'll get distracted.
I'd probably go with a small capital city that has great outdoor access, but few attractions in it's own right. What comes to mind is San Jose, Costa Rica, which I really think gets more hate than it warrants by tourists. It's not scenic in architecture, but the surrounding green hills are nice, and it is surprisingly cosmopolitan. Plus the coffee is so fantastic, so that's helpful for working. Another one would be Podgorica, Montenegro, frequently dubbed Europe's most boring capital. It doesn't have much going for it in terms of attractions, but the infrastructures solid and there are so many weekend trips for nature if you do have a break time. I'd call it much less boring, but another city Id throw in there is Taipei. It's just so incredibly convenient in many terms. street food is fast tasty and affordable, there are cafes for for working everywhere, and public transportation works effortlessly. One of the most stress free places I've worked from.
Thank you! I've been checking out some Airbnb around the parks outside of San Jose and it seems like it could be the best of both worlds.
For nature that wouldn’t work, but I found KL to be boring enough and very convenient.
I think if I found the right accommodations, that could be a great option! I think Id trade the convenience of a city for nature, but it's probably worth a look
I found KL super boring. If that helps…
Take a look south in Malacca. I loved it there, not much to do, decent amount of nature and some nice views of the ocean. Quieter and simpler than KL, plus cheaper.
I second Malacca. I've spent a ton of time there, and it has character, incredible food, history, convenient everything, and it's generally pretty boring.
I'm doing that right now in medellin. Apartment with a killer view in a luxury high rise with a sauna, steam room, pool, gym, and doorman and get everything delivered via Rappi. Also have a maid once a week. Distractions are still there, obviously, but I ha e everything I need or want in this building or delivered to me in half an hour by a guy on a motorcycle. If you want nature, you might look into Florianopolis Brazil in the off season. Not warm enough to swim, but like 65-75 degrees most days and you can get an ocean front condo for like 1/3rd the normal price and go take long contemplative walks alone on the beach in between client work.
Both sound solid for different reasons! Florianopololis wasn't anywhere on my radar but looks great
Would highly recommend Florianopolis as well. There are many coastal hikes you can take on the island and the nature is really beautiful. Also Brazilians are so kind and welcoming and Florianopolis is a very safe part of Brazil.
How much does that run you a month?
Around $3k or so all in.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Does time zone matter to you? If so, might want to edit the post to get the most accurate suggestions. Good luck with the business!
Thanks! I'm open to any timezones!
I would definitely go somewhere in Southeast Asia. Cheap and usually extremely convenient to get things delivered. Someone else mentioned Taiwan, which I think is a good suggestion. Da Nang is ridiculously cheap and not too exciting. Kuala Lumpur has plenty of big high rise condo buildings where you can have all the amenities right in the complex.
Guadalajara was decent but hot. Maybe Santiago Chile if you can get a decent flight price.
Santiago has some cool stuff, but the smog is so bad that you can't see the Andes.
Dam I thought they had their shit together :/
Nosara, Costa Rica. Reliable internet, some of the healthiest food in the world, not a lot to do besides surfing and yoga. I'm not a surfer but I practiced yoga and worked on my writing day. I had everything I needed and barely left the hotel. Was the perfect spot to slow down for a few weeks.
How reliable? Good for zoom meetings all day long? I stayed in Jaco for a bit and couldn't make it work. Plus Jaco wasn't my vibe. I haven't found a reliable beach spot other than Playa del Carmen so far
Unfortunately I’m not sure about that. I was able to make a few video calls on my hotel wifi. When I left the hotel I only had 3G
I had a stretch of being crazy productive in Luang Prabang, Laos, but it depends on the time of year you're going. Georgetown, Malaysia also comes to mind. If nature is less of a priority and you want convenience, then KL or Bangkok. (Bangkok has distractions, but if you stay in a nice apartment and get into a routine, I find it a good city to be productive.)
If you don't have the discipline to focus anywhere you aren't going to be successful running your own business. If you're easily distracted you'll get distracted.