While the digital nomad culture seems to have grown as somewhat of niche movement among those brave enough to take the leap and break out of the so-called rat-race, now more than ever being able to work remotely in this way has come under the spotlight. In some or other way, the effects of the global health pandemic are forcing all of us to channel our inner digital nomad and summon the strength and discipline to work remotely, which in turn brings into focus some interesting questions to explore.

You probably have no problem adjusting to having to turn your home study or home office into a professional workplace environment, but what about those for whom this lifestyle is how they make their bread and butter? They obviously have to apply some next-level discipline in order to make it work, especially considering all the disruptive dynamics around being constantly on the move.

A specific question to tackle as a matter of interest is that of what the best accommodation for digital nomads is. Is it a matter of personal preference, which is probably the most logic consideration point, but then again what about those digital nomads who simply have to find something like a co-working space in order to have any hope of being productive?

So the answer resides in two considerations, which are personal preference as well as the nomad’s remote working style. There are some digital nomads who appear to be able to block out any and all ambient noise for some razor-sharp focus on what they’re doing and what they’re doing only, in which case they have no problem slumming it out in backpackers and hostels.

Of course, some other factors would come into play, such as whether or not there’s a place to sit a little more comfortably than on a notoriously hard bunk-bed mattress, how stable the free Wi-Fi available in the room rate is, etc. The list of considerations goes on and on, with the likes of security coming into play as well.

Otherwise, hostels continue to be a favourite accommodation option for digital nomads from all corners of the world, partly because in most cases a backpackers’ hostel usually has private rooms available as some kind upgrade as well. If things get a bit too much, slipping into a private room is an option that can often be negotiated on, regarding the price.

Here’s the thing though… Hostels are usually only really good for short-term stays. Pretty soon things really get to you and you long for that type of living space that falls under the category of family accommodation. This is why digital nomads end up making lifelong friends in roommates they first meet at hostels and then go on to rent something like an entire house together, or a luxury serviced apartment in a place like Clifton, in Bristol, UK.

At the end of the day, there’s some work to be done and you need to be able to knuckle down and get cracking with it.