Bali is beautiful. But let’s be honest: it’s crowded, expensive, and the traffic is a nightmare. If you are looking for the “old school” nomad vibe—affordable, authentic, and welcoming—you need to get off the beaten path.
Here are 5 cities that are about to blow up. Go now before everyone else does.
1. Arequipa, Peru
Everyone goes to Cusco or Lima. But Arequipa, the “White City,” is the real gem.
- Vibe: Stunning colonial architecture made of white volcanic stone, surrounded by volcanoes.
- Cost: $900/month.
- Why: Incredible food scene (picanterías), 300 days of sun, and a growing cafe culture.
2. Bansko, Bulgaria
Okay, this one is a bit of an open secret, but it’s still underrated compared to Lisbon.
- Vibe: Sleepy mountain town turned nomad capital.
- Cost: $800/month.
- Why: You can go skiing in the morning and work in a world-class coworking space in the afternoon. The community here is tight-knit.
3. Kuching, Malaysia
While everyone is in Kuala Lumpur or Penang, Kuching is quietly being amazing on Borneo.
- Vibe: Relaxed riverside city with easy access to rainforests and orangutans.
- Cost: $1,000/month.
- Why: It’s the “City of Cats.” Need I say more? Also, the food (Laksa Sarawak) is legendary.
4. Tirana, Albania
Albania is having a moment. Tirana is chaotic, colorful, and incredibly friendly.
- Vibe: Post-communist chic meets Mediterranean cafe culture.
- Cost: $1,100/month.
- Why: It’s safe, the coffee is Italian-quality for $1, and you are an hour from the beach.
5. Oaxaca City, Mexico
Forget Tulum. Oaxaca is the soul of Mexico.
- Vibe: Artistic, colorful, and deeply traditional.
- Cost: $1,300/month.
- Why: The best food in Mexico (Mole!). It’s a place that inspires creativity.
The Takeaway: The world is huge. Don’t just follow the Instagram crowd. The best experiences are often found in the places you can’t pronounce.
