Hundreds of professionals choose to become digital nomads every year. After all, it can be hard to ignore the travel bug once it bites you. But since you need to finance your trips, you have to stay employed or continue running your business as you hop from one place to another.
The most popular destination for both first-time and seasoned digital nomads is, of course, a tropical island. With a beautiful coastline at your doorstep, you can relax on the beach or engage in your favorite water sports anytime you want to.
Moreover, tropical islands have a variety of spectacular sights to see, places to visit, and things to do. As such, they are the ideal destination for anyone who wants the perfect balance between work and play.
The Caribbean as a Destination for Digital Nomads
Although the Caribbean has numerous gorgeous islands, this region is not as popular as the digital nomad hubs in Southeast Asia.
Bypassing the Caribbean, though, is a big mistake. With several islands to choose from, you will have the perfect setting for your remote work and experience many benefits when you stay in this part of the world.
Below are the five best countries in the Caribbean for both first-time and seasoned digital nomads:
Antigua and Barbuda
As the country of 365 beaches, Antigua and Barbuda is the perfect place for thalassophile digital nomads.
This Caribbean country is known for its picturesque beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports.
Some of its most popular beaches are Dickenson Bay, Darkwood Beach, Half-Moon Bay, Ffryes Beach, and Pigeon Point Beach.
Antigua and Barbuda is also one of the countries in the Caribbean with fast fiber-optic Internet connections. Additionally, it has a reliable, modern banking sector and an important freight hub in the region.
Antigua and Barbuda also has a multicultural population. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and the safest places in the Caribbean.
Moreover, the country recently launched a program under its Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program designed to benefit digital nomads.
The Antigua and Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa or NDR gives holders the right to reside in the country legally for two years. Foreigners will be able to travel into and out of the island anytime for 24 months but have to maintain accommodation in the country.
To qualify for the program, you have to be employed by a company registered and operating outside of Antigua and Barbuda or self-employed in a foreign country. You also need to earn at least $50,000 a year to live and work here.
Grenada
The Spice Isle of the Caribbean also has several attractions that make it a great place for digital nomads to explore and settle in for a few months or so.
Grenada’s world-famous beaches include Grand Anse, Paradise Beach, Levera Beach, and Sandy Island.
Its other well-known attractions are the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve, Levera National Park, Annandale Falls, Fort Frederick, Fort George, and the Underwater Sculpture Park.
Grenada has several accommodation options for digital nomads. Because of this, you won’t have any difficulty finding one that meets your needs and budget.
Moreover, Grenada is one of the Caribbean countries with many Internet service providers. With these different options, you can be sure you won’t encounter difficulties with your remote work and other online activities.
St. Kitts and Nevis
Although St. Kitts and Nevis is not that big, don’t let its size fool you. This country has plenty to offer tourists and digital nomads.
St. Kitts and Nevis is teeming with beautiful beaches, must-visit national parks, and fascinating educational museums.
Some of the best places to visit here are Cockleshell Beach, Lovers Beach, Pinney’s Beach, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Botanical Garden of Nevis, and the Nevis Heritage Trail.
The country’s most popular museums include the Museum of Nevis History, the Horatio Nelson Museum, and the Circus.
St. Kitts and Nevis also has several Internet service providers offering broadband and fiber connection. You, therefore, won’t have any problems going online to work or connect with your loved ones and friends from afar.
Moreover, nearly all hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars provide free Wi-Fi for their guests, so you can work in places with beautiful views of the ocean or be in the thick of the action.
Dominica
The Nature Isle of the Caribbean is one of the best eco-tourism spots in the region. The country has a variety of places which allow you to explore and get up close with nature.
Dominica’s national parks include the Cabrits National Park, Boiling Lake and Valley of Desolation Morne, Middleham Falls, and Trois Pitons National Park.
This Caribbean country also has its fair share of gorgeous beaches, such as Batibou Beach, Champagne Beach, Douglas Bay, Mero Beach, Pointe Baptiste, and Purple Turtle Beach.
Aside from the perfect mix of a laid-back lifestyle and nature adventures, Dominica’s main draw for digital nomads is its many accommodation options. Whether you want to stay at a hotel, beachside villa, or dormitory or opt for a homestay, you will be able to find an ideal one.
Internet connection is also never a problem in Dominica. There are plenty of providers that provide fast, quality Internet connection, which you can have access to at your hotel, homestay, or anywhere you are staying.
Barbados
Another Caribbean country that is slowly gaining popularity among digital nomads is Barbados.
Barbados is another country known for its picturesque beaches. Bayshore Beach, Brownes Beach, Bottom Bay Beach, Crane Beach, and Needham’s Point Beaches are among its most popular seaside attractions.
Barbados is also one of the best places for surfing in the Caribbean.
Other must-visit places here include Bridgetown, Garrison Savannah Area, Hunte’s Garden, Speightstown, and Queen’s Park.
Like Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados also has a special visa for digital nomads. The Barbados Welcome Stamp is a one-year visa issued to foreigners who want to stay here for several months or visit the country frequently as they work remotely.
Fiber optic Wi-Fi is available in Barbados and you will likely have access to it in your hotel or homestay accommodation. You can also work online in coffee shops and restaurants across the island.
By making these Caribbean islands your destination, you can stay productive and continue earning and always have the time to relax and have fun whenever you want to.
AUTHOR BIO:
Abire Mansoor is a Director and Licensed Agent at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship, residency and investment into the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. Based in her home country of Antigua & Barbuda, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide