Popular Caribbean destinations such as Curaçao, Aruba, and Jamaica are known for their beautiful beaches, but these tropical islands also offer the best value for money for so-called US digital nomads looking for a place to work and play at the same time.
At least that’s what Zenefits says, a staff software company that ranks 50 tropical islands based on seven factors: population, average temperature, Wi-Fi speed, cost of living, average daily budget, ease of travel to the island from the US, and local attractions.
The Caribbean island of Curaçao, a former colony of the Netherlands, ranks first in the top 10, with a pleasant average temperature and Wi-Fi speeds that are better than the US average. After work, you can stroll along the virgin beaches located in the bays and through the national park, where tourists come to watch the turtles lay their eggs.
Koh Phangan in Thailand is another ideal place to work remotely if cost is the main factor. The average budget traveler spends only $17 a day there, not including lodging. The top 3 are completed by the Brazilian archipelago Fernando de Noronha, consisting of 21 islands and islets.
The rating reflects the new trend of remote work, which has been strengthened by the pandemic. As work from home remains the “new normal” and companies offer more flexibility, many employees around the world are looking for a change of scenery abroad. In response, some countries have taken various measures to attract these digital nomads: Indonesia is considering introducing a special visa for remote workers, and Thailand is offering tax breaks for people with long-term visas.