Being a digital nomad these days is easier than it’s ever been before.
Want to work abroad?
Then you can take your pick from dozens of fantastic destinations all over the world.
But if you’re looking to escape the UK for a while to work overseas, and you want to stay away from crowded tourist hotspots packed with fellow Brits, where should you go?
Getting your destination right is so important as it will have such a major impact on your trip.
So the team at Bubblegum Search did what we did best – we dived into the data!
By analysing the search volume from SemRush, we’ve identified the most sought-after and least crowded locations so make your decision easier.
Interested to find out which destinations came out top?
Then read on as we take you through our process and provide you with the top picks.
Methodology
We started by focusing on keywords that:
- Mention a specific location, town, or city.
- Are combined with terms like “digital nomad” or “digital nomad visa.”
For example:
- Spain – “Barcelona digital nomad,” “Valencia digital nomad visa”
- Portugal – “Lisbon digital nomad,” “Porto digital nomad visa”
- Italy – “Rome digital nomad visa,” “Florence digital nomad”
To determine the popularity of each destination, we counted the number of times each keyword was used along with the monthly search volume.
This gave us a clear picture of the top spots UK digital nomads are most interested in relocating to.
The Data
After filtering out the keywords and aggregating the data, we compiled a list of the top destinations along with their search volumes:
- Spain: 2580 searches
- Portugal: 1610 searches
- Italy: 830 searches
- Thailand: 810 searches
- Greece: 580 searches
- Germany: 420 searches
- Croatia: 360 searches
- UAE: 350 searches
- France: 290 searches
- Canada: 280 searches
- Japan: 240 searches
- Indonesia: 230 searches
- Australia: 180 searches
- Argentina: 160 searches
- Philippines: 150 searches
- Costa Rica: 140 searches
- Malta: 140 searches
- Brazil: 140 searches
- Mexico: 120 searches
- Colombia: 100 searches
- Estonia: 90 searches
- New Zealand: 80 searches
You can also see these findings in the chart below:
Now The Fun Part – Analysing the Findings!
The Least Searched Destinations
Looking to get further away from all those other digital nomads from the UK?
Then you might want to head to the least searched locations instead. With fewer searches, these destinations are less popular with Brits, but are great options to consider.
- New Zealand: 80 searches
- Estonia: 90 searches
- Colombia: 100 searches
- Mexico: 120 searches
- Brazil: 140 searches
New Zealand: Discover Serenity and Adventure
New Zealand only has 80 searches, but it’s got a huge amount to offer digital nomads. If you’re prepared to travel to the other side of the world, you’ll find yourself in a country boasting dramatic landscapes, a good quality of life and beautiful cities like Auckland and Wellington.
Estonia: The Tech-Savvy Digital Innovator
Estonia is a hidden gem for digital nomads. It only had 90 searches, which is surprising with everything that it offers. Many people head to Tallinn, the capital, and the city is well known for its digital innovation. There’s also an e-residency programme, which makes Estonia even more popular.
Colombia: Rich Culture and Affordable Living
Columbia had 100 searches, and it’s definitely an underrated destination. With its tropical climate, stunning scenery, dramatic coastlines, vibrant culture and beautiful cities like Medellin and Bogota, it seems to have it all.
On top of that, living costs are affordable, and it’s even got a digital nomad visa you can apply for.
Mexico: A Vibrant and Colourful Escape
Mexico got 120 searches, and it’s a great choice for anyone looking for something different. Boasting diverse and dramatic landscapes, picture-perfect beaches and bustling cities like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, it’s a great choice for digital nomads.
Brazil: Excitement, Tranquility and Natural Beauty
Brazil is a vast country that has got a bit of everything, from rainforests to huge cities and, of course, spectacular beaches.
It’s an affordable destination with great weather, and with several cities to make your base, from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo and many more, it’s a top choice in South America.
We then took a closer look at the more popular destinations for UK digital nomads.
Spain: The Ultimate Destination for Digital Nomads
At 2,580 monthly searches, Spain tops the list, making it the most popular destination for digital nomads. But perhaps that’s not too much of a surprise – with its appealing climate, rich culture, and relatively affordable cost of living, it certainly has a lot going for it.
While the beaches are a big attraction, Spain also has lots of exciting cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. These modern cities boast all the benefits of city living, including a large choice of coworking spaces, making them popular destinations.
Portugal: The Emerging Haven
Spain’s nearest neighbour was the second most popular choice with 1,610 searches. It’s got a lot of the same attractive features as Spain, like the long coastline and warm weather, along with beautiful cities like Lisbon and Porto, which also have growing tech scenes.
Another reason Portugal is such a big draw is its digital nomad visa, which makes it easier for remote workers to get permission to stay longer.
Italy: Discover a Cultural Delight
Italy had 830 searches, putting it well below Spain and Portugal, but no one can argue with its popularity as a top destination for digital nomads.
Rich in history and culture, it’s long been a top tourist destination, and now digital nomads are also discovering its charms. These include incredible food, historic cities like Rome, Florence and Milan, and picturesque regions like Tuscany. And while the cost of living can vary, the lifestyle benefits are indisputable.
Thailand: Find Your Own Tropical Paradise
Venturing to the other side of the world, Thailand is the highest position on the list outside of Europe with 810 searches. With a tropical climate and pristine beaches, it’s a magnet for tourists.
Digital nomads often head to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui. Whether you choose to stay in a city or on the beach, the costs are low and there’s also a big expat community to welcome you.
Greece: Where Ancient History Meets Modern Convenience
Back to Europe, and we have Greece next with 580 searches. Like Italy, it boasts a unique blend of ancient history and modern amenities.
Many digital nomads enjoy staying in cities like Athens, but you could also head out to the islands of Santorini and Crete for top beaches, beautiful views and a more relaxed pace of life. Greece is another country that offers a digital nomad visa, which adds to the attraction.
Germany: For Those Looking for Modern Efficiency
While many digital nomads seek out sun and beaches, it seems that many prefer the charms of Germany, which is next on the list with 420 searches. The cities are the main attractions here, with Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt being top destinations.
If you like efficiency, great public transport and a good quality of living, Germany certainly has a lot to offer – even though it may cost a bit more than other destinations on the list.
Croatia: Discover Coastal Bliss
With 360 searches, Croatia is next on the list. The beautiful Adriatic coastline is one of the main attractions here, and relaxed coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split are popular destinations. Plus, the option to apply for a digital nomad visa makes longer stays easier.
UAE (Dubai): Luxurious Living and Tax-Free Benefits
Dubai has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, shown by its 350 searches. Travellers looking for some luxury and a high standard of living will find it in this buzzing city with a futuristic skyline. The tax-free living is also a big appeal, and you can even pick up a digital nomad visa.
France: Discover the Charms of Our Closest Neighbour
France may be further down the list with 290 searches, but it’s still got a big appeal for digital nomads. From Paris, with its iconic landmarks and cultural richness, to other beautiful cities like Lyon and Bordeaux, as well as the stunning southern coast, there are many fantastic opportunities for digital nomads here.
However, the cost of living can be higher than other popular destinations.
Canada: Vast Landscapes and Buzzing Cities
The top destination in the Americas is Canada with 280 searches. Canada boasts dramatic scenery and exciting cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, all of which are popular destinations for making a base. Consider applying for the digital nomad visa to make the move easier.
Conclusion
Spain, Portugal, and Italy top the list for digital nomads with their appealing climate, good cost of living and rich cultures. The fact that they are not far to travel from the UK makes them even more appealing.
But there are many other great destinations that are less popular if you want to get away from the crowds. From New Zealand to Colombia, there are some excellent options out there.
There’s something for every type of digital nomad, so take your pick and enjoy an adventure wherever you go.