A Guest Post by Luuk Brown
There are many factors to take into account when deciding your next destination as a family. Not only do factors such as safety become even more crucial, but also different factors such as the variety of attractions will also become an increasing necessity. While each family may have different requirements, there are eight measurable factors that we can use to help narrow down which destinations may be most suitable. The following ranking comes from data by City Ranking. Here is a quick overview of the factors involved:
1. Safety
This index has been calculated from eight different factors (including homicide rates, burglary rate, etc.). While some nomads are more willing to explore cities that are less safe, priorities shift when we take children into account. This variable weeds out all the places with high crime rates. Popular nomad destinations such as Rio de Janeiro got removed with this metric.
2. Things to do
This factor measures the sheer number of things to do, along with the variety of attractions. Different family members will naturally have varying interests. Ideally, the location would include a variety of activities to keep all members pleased. This factor removes destinations that are known for only a few key attractions, such as Siem Reap.
3. Cost of living
Being a digital nomad isn’t cheap, and this is especially true with a family. They can’t experience the benefits of saving money through long-term living (such as lower rent fees), and therefore their cost of living is usually higher than expatriates. This factor has removed cities in the top bracket for the cost of living, such as the London’s and Hong Kong’s of the world.
4. Inclusiveness
As a family, being welcomed to the new destination becomes increasingly desirable. Especially for children, the ability to somewhat integrate into their new surroundings is crucial. Any resentment to foreigners, gender or race, is undesirable. This factor removes all cities which are known to be less tolerant based on the latest surveys. We won’t name names!
5. WIFI Speed
All digital nomads rely on a fast and stable internet connection to get work done. Therefore, the ranking excludes all developing locations with weak WIFI.
6. Number of coworking places
While some digital nomad families may not opt to use a coworking space, it is still a useful requirement for many. It can also be an excellent variable to measure how suitable the surrounding infrastructure is for digital nomads. This factor removes all places with very few coworking spaces.
7. English speaking
This factor removes all places that speak no English whatsoever. It still allows for destinations with weak English. While this is not crucial to many, this may be increasingly desirable for family travel.
8. Ease of requiring a visa for the family
This factor takes into account the availability of visa-free arrivals, along with the ease of getting a visa if you do have to get one. This variable removes places where the visa process is needlessly bureaucratic. Note: this data does not take into account the temporary fluctuations in visa policy due to COVID-19.
The Top 10 Destinations:
10) Warsaw
The capital of Poland was known as “The Paris of the East” before its decimation during World War 2. Its modern infrastructure is comparable to the wealthiest nations, while also providing an affordable option considering the availability of amenities available.
Quick stats
Safety score: 76.68/100
Things to do: 94.51/100
Cost of living: 39.81/100
Top attractions: Lazienki Palace, Zamek Krolewski w Warszawie Museum, and Cmentarz Wojskowy na Powazkach
9) Madrid
A cosmopolitan city with bustling streets. The city is rich in culture and will ensure that the family has plenty of exciting things to do. Summers get very hot, and the winters bring a breezy chill, so taking into account the time of year is essential.
Quick stats
Safety score: 75.41/100
Things to do: 97.95/100
Cost of living: 57.56/100
Top attractions: Palacio Real, Plazo Mayor, and Prado Museum
8) Chiang Mai
The city is considered by many to be the ultimate digital nomad hotspot. The slow-paced lifestyle in the north of Thailand provides a stark contrast to the bustling city of Bangkok in the South. This destination also has the benefit of being one of the lowest cost destinations, while providing all the comfortable amenities and attractions that you would want as a family.
Quick stats
Safety score: 67.20/100
Things to do: 86.99/100
Cost of living: 43.15/100
Top attractions: Elephant rescue park, Wat Phra Singh, and the Night Bazaar
7) Vilnius
This digital nomad destination is the underdog of this list. It has been flying under the radar in recent times but ticks all the boxes for an excellent digital nomad destination. The city’s booming tourist scene pays tribute to this. The gorgeous architecture and ever-present café culture make it an excellent option for digital nomad families looking for a new cultural experience.
Quick stats
Safety score: 76.46/100
Things to do: 81.24/100
Cost of living: 42.68
Top attractions: Vilnius Old Town, KGB Museum, and St. Anne’s Church
6) Lisbon
The gorgeous city is known for cobbled alleyways, ancient architecture, and excellent food. With its classic seven hills around the city, Lisbon is a perfect place for admiring the sheer beauty the city has to offer. It scores well in all metrics and justifies why so many nomads flock there every year.
Quick stats
Safety score: 83.38
Things to do: 96.85
Cost of living: 48.86
Top attractions: Oceanario de Lisboa, Alfama, and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
5) Bangkok
This buzzing city is known for modern skyscrapers, temples, markets, nightlife, and much more. There is no shortage of things to do here. The locals are friendly, and it is easy to get around. The exotic charm of the big city has led to many former digital nomads and expatriates eventually settling down here.
Quick stats
Safety score: 61.94/100
Things to do: 93.98/100
Cost of living: 52.35/100
Top attractions: Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Arun, and Chatuchak Market
4) Budapest
The gorgeous architecture of Budapest gives it a feel that is less known in this part of Europe. The excellent cuisine and the relative affordability of the place have led it to grow in status among digital nomads in recent years. From excellent nightlife to hot springs, Budapest has no shortage of excitement and intrigue.
Quick stats
Safety score: 69.93/100
Things to do: 96.30/100
Cost of living: 39.9/100
Top attractions: Hungarian Parliament Building, Halaszbastya, and St. Stephen’s Basilica
3) Prague
Undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Prague has recently developed into the bustling heart of central Europe. Its cobbled lanes and artistic culture are evident to see. It is a city built for aimless wanderers. Its excellent beer also deserves a worthy mention.
Quick stats
Safety score: 83.04/100
Things to do: 98.49/100
Cost of living: 43.68/100
Top attractions: Staromestske Namesti, Charle’s Bridge, and Prague Castle
2) Berlin
This modern and multicultural city has become known for its art and music trends throughout Europe. With a bustling nightlife, fascinating history and a raw excitement unknown to many cities, there will be something to do for all members of the family.
Quick stats
Safety score: 85.16/100
Things to do: 98.22/100
Cost of living: 62.37/100
Top attractions: Reichstag Building, Memorial of the Berlin Wall, and Brandenburg Gate
1) Barcelona
Known for its unique architecture, Barcelona leads the pack with the best overall profile for digital nomad families. The destination excels across all areas; the sunny seaside city combines excellent food, never-ending nightlife with an exceptional cultural heritage.
Quick stats
Safety score: 70.09/100
Things to do: 97.81/100
Cost of living: 56.81/100
Top attractions: Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Barri Gotic
