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Travel + Leisure
03-08-2025
- Travel + Leisure
10 Best Places to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe, According to Remote Workers and Expats
The global digital nomad community surpassed 40 million in 2025, according to the data company DemandSage—representing a 149 percent increase since 2019. Some 18.1 million of those people are from the U.S., but before you book your ticket to join them, there are a few things you need to know. "The digital nomad lifestyle is about designing a life that blends professional flexibility with personal exploration," Keith Spencer, a career expert at FlexJobs, shared with Travel + Leisure . "To strike the right balance, digital nomads are typically drawn to cities with reliable internet, affordable living costs, vibrant local culture, and a strong community of remote workers." As Spencer noted, anyone considering this lifestyle should look beyond the beautiful scenery of a destination and consider all the practical details. "Time zone compatibility with clients and colleagues, access to essential infrastructure, language barriers, and local tax implications can all play a major role in the overall experience," Spencer said. "Becoming a successful digital nomad requires thoughtful planning, financial stability, and a willingness to adapt to new environments. That might sound intimidating to some, but many find that the freedom and perspective this lifestyle offers are well worth the trade-offs." Ready to take the leap? Here are 10 of the best European destinations for digital nomads. People swimming in natural pools on the coast of Madeira. Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure Portugal has been a hot destination for digital nomads for years. I should know—I moved here four years ago as part of my PhD journey while also working remotely. Although I am on a different visa track than digital workers, I can attest to how friendly and open the nation is to those who want to call it home, even if only for a little while. However, the biggest advice I'd give to anyone who asks is to look outside the city centers of Porto and Lisbon, both of which are currently facing housing shortages for locals. Luckily, as our experts explained, the rest of the country is just as lovely as these hubs. 'One place to look into is Madeira, Portugal. It's not very expensive, the weather is pretty nice year-round, and it's not too touristy," Steve Schwab, the CEO of Casago, a vacation rental site, explained. "Beyond that, they actually have a 'Digital Nomad Village' in Ponta do Sol. It's a co-living, co-working area that is designed specifically for digital nomads, so it's a great way to meet other digital nomads." Rekha Magon, co-founder of Boundless Life, a website for digital nomads, agreed, noting that 'Sintra feels like a fairy-tale village nestled in the hills just outside of Lisbon. It's peaceful yet connected, with charming cafés, reliable Wi-Fi, and just 20 minutes from beautiful beaches. The castles are majestic, and the energy is both creative and grounding.' As for how you can move, look into Portugal's D7 visa, often a top choice for remote workers who can show proof of a steady income (around $890 a month, or equivalent savings). A clocktower in old town Kotor, Montenegro. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Montenegro may only be about 5,300 square miles, but don't let its diminutive size fool you. This nation packs a major punch for those looking to experience culture, nature, and history in between Zoom meetings. As for the perfect spot, Magon said digital nomads should head right to Kotor, a fortress town along the coast. "Kotor is a rare mix of medieval charm and coastal calm, ideal for digital nomads seeking inspiration," Magon said. "The stunning landscape views, endless hiking trails, and serene pace make it feel like a retreat that still gets work done." Montenegro doesn't offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, but remote workers can apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows them to stay for one year. Patio seating in Pistoia, Italy. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Italy is always a great idea, especially for longer stays. But like Portugal, it's key to look outside the major city centers for maximum enjoyment—and Magon has the perfect recommendation. 'Pistoia is Tuscany's hidden gem," Magon shared. "It's rich in history, full of local flavor, and home to some of the best gelato you'll ever have. A regional train connects you easily to nearby towns, making it a great base for both focus and exploration." Italy launched its digital nomad visa in 2024, designed for non-EU remote workers with 'high qualifications.' You'll need proof of remote employment, along with an annual income of at least $28,950 and private health insurance. Prague's cityscape. Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure "Prague is unique because it has a good mix of culture, infrastructure, and relatively low prices. It has a lot of history, nature, and lively nightlife," Heinz Klemann, a digital nomad who runs his company BeastBI from all over the globe, explained of one of his top spots for digital nomads. "A lot of people speak English, especially younger professionals." Plus, if you move here, you'll be in good company. According to Nomad List, Prague ranked as one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in 2022, coming in at No. 18. The Czech Republic offers a Zivno trade license for freelancers. It has some requirements, including proof of a local address, a trade license in specific professions, and at least $5,600 in savings. Bratislava castle in Slovakia. Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure Slovakia is one more nation that punches well above its weight when it comes to perks for digital nomads. 'Bratislava, Slovakia, is a small, laid-back city that is very cheap to live in," Klemann explained. "If you want to stay focused on work without a lot of distractions, this city is great." Slovakia does not currently have a formal digital nomad visa. However, remote workers can apply for temporary residence as freelancers. This permit comes with some financial requirements, along with proof of health insurance. Cyclists in downtown Ljubljana, Slovenia. Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure Hop over Austria or Hungary and find your next temporary home in Slovenia, which, like the others mentioned on this list, offers plenty of history, fantastic food, and welcoming communities. 'Ljubljana, Slovenia offers culture and things to do like Prague, but with a slightly more laid-back atmosphere," Klemann said. "It's clean, safe, and with lots of green space and nearby nature for weekend escapes, like Lake Bled." Slovenia also doesn't offer a dedicated nomad visa; however, it does allow foreigners to apply for long-term stay permits. Applicants need to register a sole proprietorship and meet the minimum income requirements. Visitors on a cliff coast line in Dubrovnik. Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure Looking for warm breezes and cool, turquoise waters? It's time to plot your nomadic stay in Croatia. 'Dubrovnik, with its ancient walls and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, is another great option for digital nomads," Simon Tian, a full-time digital nomad who runs his company Fonus from across the world, shared. "The city has a growing community of remote workers." Croatia's digital nomad visa allows people to stay for up to 18 months; applicants must show proof of income as well as proof of local accommodation and health insurance. Aerial view of Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, Albania. GOUPI CHRISTIAN/robertharding/Getty Images The Balkan nation is on the rise, making it a top contender for digital nomads. As Cepee Tabibian, founder and CEO at She Hit Refresh, a company that helps women relocate abroad, shared, it's also 'affordable, authentic, and welcoming." Specifically, she shouts out the nation's capital, Tirana, as a great option as it's "still under-the-radar for most." She added, "I think the best selling point is that U.S. citizens can live there visa-free for up to a year. No paperwork needed." Yes, that's right—U.S. citizens can stay in Albania for up to 365 days without a visa. For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a residence permit, which you can learn more about online. A busy public plaza in Athens, Greece. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Tabibian had one more nearby destination digital nomads need to add to their list: Greece. And once again, she thinks the nation's main city is the best place to go. 'Athens is a mix of ancient history and big-city energy," Tabibian said. "It's lively, affordable, has co-working spaces, and has a digital nomad visa that is relatively easy to qualify for." The digital nomad visa requires proof of remote work, a monthly income of at least $4,000, and health insurance. A rainy day in Tallin, Estonia. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Last—but most certainly not least—is one of the first European nations to invite digital nomads: Estonia. "One of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa back in 2020," Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, noted, "it allows remote workers to stay for up to one year." Estonia is often cited as a top spot for nomads, thanks to its excellent digital infrastructure, which provides high-speed internet almost everywhere. And in its capital city, Tallinn, nomads will find a rich mix of tech startups that will surely inspire their next professional move. Though Estonia isn't only great during working hours; the country is also filled with green spaces that are excellent for disconnecting, including six stunning national parks. Digital nomads must earn at least $4,100 per month and work for a non-Estonian company to be eligible to apply. See more information on their website.
USA Today
31-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Older employees say they're more dedicated to their work – and more likely to be let go
Older Americans say they're the most engaged employees at work, while younger generations are 'more likely to feel disengaged or overwhelmed' while on the job, according to a FlexJobs survey in June. Despite that dedication, older employees – those ages 50 and over – are more likely to be judged by their age than their abilities, other studies show. Though older workers say they're more dedicated to and emotionally invested in their work, they also say they're being 'systematically pushed out, overlooked, or subtly encouraged to retire earlier than planned,' says a new report from It's not a new concern. Roughly two-thirds of adults over 50 believe older workers face discrimination in the workplace, USA TODAY reported in 2024. 'We're seeing a significant disconnect between perception and reality," says Keith Spencer, Career Expert at FlexJobs. "Baby boomers are among the most engaged and dedicated employees in today's workforce." How generations differ in engagement at work Can't see our graphics? Click here to view them. The results suggest that work engagement 'tends to increase with age (or possibly experience) and may reflect generational differences in expectations, burnout, or job stability,' FlexJobs says. Respondents said the top factors that help keep them engaged at work are: What employees of all ages value Additional research by AARP indicates 64% of employees ages 50 and older have either personally seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. "Ageist assumptions and biases play a big role in this issue," Spencer says. "You have a generation that wants to stay engaged and contribute meaningfully, but a workplace culture that sometimes tells them that their time is up." METHODOLOGY SurveyMonkey online survey of 2,062 adults June 10-24, 2025, for FlexJobs SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research;
Fast Company
22-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
What to do if your boss is playing favorites—and you're not the favorite
If you feel like some of your colleagues are getting special treatment, you're not alone. According to a recent survey of 1,000 American workers conducted by Resume Now, 70% say they've seen leaders play favorites, while 43% say they've witnessed favoritism factor into promotions, raises, or recognition. Nearly a quarter also believe leadership is protecting a 'toxic top performer' at the expense of others. 'Our survey revealed that favoritism absolutely is happening and probably happening more frequently than a lot of companies would like to admit,' says Resume Now career expert Keith Spencer, though he notes that in most cases he believes managers aren't showing preferential treatment on purpose. 'I think the phrase 'assume mistake, not malice' applies,' he says. 'A lot of this could be happening because of unconscious bias; they don't realize they're playing favorites when they're giving more leeway or support to people that maybe remind them more of themselves.' Whether intentional or not, workplaces where staff members feel like they're treated worse than their colleagues are likely to run into serious problems. 'It should be concerning for companies to learn that their managers might be playing favorites, creating distrust and maybe some resentment,' Spencer says. 'All of that can negatively impact morale, engagement, and even retention, so there are far-ranging ripple effects from playing favorites, whether intentionally or not.' Those who find themselves in a workplace where others enjoy preferential treatment aren't helpless. Here's what the experts say you can do when your boss is picking favorites. Turn down the temperature Feeling like you're not getting the recognition you deserve can be frustrating, especially when praise is heaped on the less deserving, but in those moments it's important not to lose your cool. 'There's this swirl of emotions that people feel in that situation that can lead to behaviors that are more self-destructive than helpful,' says Dina Smith, an executive coach, strategic adviser, and author of Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work. 'My guidance to someone who feels as though they're not the boss's favorite is to really try to manage those emotions, reduce the intensity of them, and try not to take it personally.' Smith adds that while being overlooked or underappreciated can be frustrating, engaging in a heated confrontation won't solve anything. Lean in, not out Those who believe they're getting passed over for opportunities as others enjoy preferential treatment might feel like checking out mentally, but Smith advises taking the opposite approach. 'If they feel as though they're not the favorite, they become less proactive with their manager. But the important thing to do is to become more proactive, to ensure they have full visibility into all that you're doing, because typically they do not,' she says. Smith explains that managers often show preferential treatment to those they see putting in more of an effort but often miss the effort that's being made out of view. 'I've seen many very high-performing people shirk from owning their accomplishments, or falling into the trap of believing good work speaks for itself,' she says. 'That is magical thinking.' If you feel like you're not getting the recognition you deserve, it's important to consider whether it's the result of favoritism or a lack of visibility. Question your own assumptions While the Resume Now data suggests a significant proportion of workers are regularly confronting issues of favoritism, Justin Hale questions whether it's reality or just their perception. 'I don't think [workplace favoritism] is that high,' says the author and course designer at Crucial Learning. 'I've worked with thousands of people, and it absolutely happens sometimes, but I don't think it happens as often as people say.' Hale suggests it's easier to cry foul than to look internally, leading many to see favoritism where it doesn't exist. 'Sometimes you aren't the right fit, but most of us want to find some reasoning or justification outside of 'I just didn't do my best' or 'I wasn't qualified' or 'I wasn't the best choice,'' he says. 'We want to blame someone else; we want to point the finger elsewhere.' Before assuming the worst of your managers, Hale advises those who feel like they've been passed over to really consider whether they were deserving, whether favoritism really does play a role, and what they can do to leave no doubt they are the right choice next time. Have a difficult conversation If you've given your manager the benefit of the doubt, used perceived favoritism as motivation to up your game, and established objective measures to demonstrate your efforts yet you still feel like you're living in someone else's shadow, it's time to have a difficult conversation with your boss. Those conversations, Hale says, are vital to fostering a healthy workplace. 'If they don't have a conversation, they'll act out the conversation,' he explains. 'In the absence of having an honest, candid conversation with your boss about this concern you have, you'll hold it in, the resentment builds, and you may even spread it around to more people to feel justified in your resentment.' Difficult conversations need to be approached with a high degree of sensitivity. That's because when faced with an accusation, managers are likely to respond defensively. 'You don't want to be honest at the expense of the relationship,' Hale says. Instead, he suggests kicking things off by sharing the positive outcome you want to achieve through the conversation, such as ensuring everyone on the team feels valued. Follow that by clearly defining your objectives and presenting objective facts and examples to demonstrate your position. 'The next thing I advise is describing the concern you have by sharing your perspective or your opinion,' Hale says. 'Then you can ask the question, 'Here's how I'm seeing things, are you seeing it differently?' which can open up a dialogue.' During these conversations, Hale says it's important to avoid getting emotional or accusatory while maintaining emphasis on achieving a more positive future, not airing past grievances. 'When people start conversations, even really difficult ones, with [the structure of] fact, then story, then question,' he says, 'you decrease the likelihood of defensiveness on the receiver's part significantly.'
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Best Industries To Find a Remote Job With a Livable Wage
In spite of the massive 'return-to-office' initiatives, sparked by the U.S. government and large tech companies, remote work is thriving in many surprising fields. The Frontline Remote Work Trends 2025 Report from Resume Now and Talroo discovered 9% growth in remote job opportunities in well-paying fields. Explore More: Consider This: 'We have continued to see remote jobs increasing as a percentage of overall jobs,' said Keith Spencer, a certified professional resume writer and career expert. The report spotlighted the three best industries to find a remote job. The findings were interesting, as they are not necessarily the typical office work you would expect people to be able to do from home. Which fields are the best to find a remote job with a living wage, according to the survey? Remote healthcare jobs expanded by 70% year-over-year, according to the report, with more than 200,000 remote frontline positions added in 2025. The top growing healthcare roles include patient care technicians, physician assistants and medical billing and coding. Average hourly salaries include $24.14 for patient care, nearly $30 for physician assistants and more than $39 an hour for medical billing and coding professionals. For You: A continued rise in e-commerce has paved the way for more remote jobs in the retail sector. Since 2022, retail has seen a 75% increase in remote jobs, including roles like customer service and inventory management. Likewise, remote sales jobs have grown 15% year-over-year. Hourly pay in both of these fields range from an average of $16.68 up to more than $19. Finally, frontline jobs, in spite of the name, sometimes take place behind the scenes in warehouses and distribution centers. Remote warehousing and logistics job opportunities grew by 25% between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, the report said. Warehousing and logistics workers in remote roles earn average hourly wages ranging from $19.61 to $35.13. Whether you're looking to enter one of these growing fields or transition to a remote position in the industry, Spencer advised to look at your transferable skills and emphasize those on your resume. 'You want to be someone who can collaborate effectively with others, who is a strong communicator and can manage their time wisely,' he said. Also consider what digital skills will make you highly desirable in a specific field. For instance, retail sales positions would want to brush up on CRM (customer relationship management) tools, while a healthcare professional will want to understand how to use electronic health records and maintain industry compliance. Logistics professionals will want to brush up on the latest software and AI tools to show their industry knowledge. By showcasing both soft skills and digital knowledge or even industry certifications, Spencer said, you can attract the attention of hiring managers. 'Make sure to incorporate that into both your resume and your cover letter,' he said. More From GOBankingRates 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement This article originally appeared on 3 Best Industries To Find a Remote Job With a Livable Wage
CNET
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Don't Pull Your Retirement Savings From the Stock Market Without Reading This First
Never let a momentary market dip derail your investment strategy. LordHenriVoton/Getty Images Stock market drops can be scary, especially when your retirement savings are affected. Following last month's market plummet, many investors are understandably nervous about keeping their nest egg in something as volatile as stocks. But does that mean you should move your money into lower-risk assets like certificates of deposit? Not so fast, experts say. "Stocks and CDs play very different roles in a well-diversified investment portfolio. Neither is inherently good or bad," said Keith Spencer, CFP, founder and financial planner at Spencer Financial Planning, LLC. "CDs can feel like a safe haven in this kind of environment because they offer predictability, which is appealing when everything else feels shaky," says Taylor Kovar, certified financial planner and CEO of 11 Financial. But, he warns, "There are some trade-offs." Here's what you need to know before you upend your investment strategy. Read more: The Simple $1 Trick Helped Me Pay Off Debt and Retire on My Terms. Here's How It Works If you have decades before retirement, stick to the plan Stock market swings are stressful but a smart investing strategy factors in the dips. The S&P 500 has historically delivered about a 10% annual return for investors who keep their money there for decades. If you have many years before retirement, you can afford to ride out the waves and grow your money over the long term. "One of the biggest retirement risks is getting too conservative too soon," said Noah Damsky, CFA, principal of Marina Wealth Advisors. "Retirement can last for over 20 years, so get too conservative too soon, and you risk prematurely depleting your portfolio." Keeping some of your retirement savings in low-risk assets is wise, but the amount depends on a number of factors, including your age and risk tolerance. A financial adviser or robo-advisor can help you create the best strategy for you. If retirement is near, low-risk assets like CDs make more sense If you're close to retirement -- or are already retired -- you have less time to recover from stock market dips. So, your priority should be less on growing your nest egg and more on preserving it. In this case, allocating more of your savings to low-risk, fixed-income assets like CDs and bonds can be a smart move. "For retirees, it would be recommended to allocate a higher percentage of your portfolio to lower-risk CDs," said Faron Daugs, CFP, founder and CEO at Harrison Wallace Financial Group. "Think of it as a second tier of stability in your portfolio. Once your liquid investments -- such as money market accounts -- run out or become low, use a laddered CD approach. This allows CDs to mature and refill those buckets." You can learn more about CD ladders here. Again, a financial adviser can help you determine your best route. Note that you can buy a brokered CD through your brokerage account rather than taking money out of the stock market and putting it into a bank CD. However, there are pros and cons to consider. Don't let emotion derail your retirement plan Whatever your age and investment goals, don't let the economic headlines scare you into making any drastic changes to your retirement strategy. "For investors rattled by the recent dip, I'd say this: Don't make emotional decisions in response to short-term volatility. Step back, review your timeline, and make sure your investments match your goals and risk tolerance today, not what they were five years ago," said Kovar. "A well-balanced plan usually includes both stocks and CDs, one for growth, the other for peace of mind."
