Choosing your accommodation is one of the most important tasks as a digital nomad. You may reach your perfect destination, but staying in a hut without Wi-Fi at a beach or in a remote cabin in the mountains won’t be sustainable as a digital nomad. It’s vital to find an accommodation you can work from while also making memories that last a lifetime.

This quick checklist covers what to look for before booking, so you don’t have to learn the hard way. Ready? let's dive in!

Most Important Factors to Consider Before Booking an Accommodation

Work Needs

A reliable internet connection is essential for digital nomads. We are used to having access to Wi-Fi everywhere we go, and because of this, we tend to assume that a good internet connection is standard for all accommodations. This might lead us to neglect to check for Wi-Fi when browsing for our stay and end up in a vacation rental that has a breathtaking view but a spotty internet connection. We shouldn’t only check if the list of amenities includes an internet connection but also read the reviews or ask the host directly about the quality of the Wi-Fi.

Another important thing is workspace availability. It is essential to have a proper desk, a comfortable chair, and a quiet working environment. You should also check the proximity of the accommodation to coworking spaces and quiet cafes where you can work.

Location and Safety

Safety might be an obvious aspect of choosing a place to stay, but it can take quite a bit of research to make sure that the neighborhood we want to stay in is actually safe. You should take a deep dive into the location you will be staying in to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

The availability of public transportation is also key, as well as the proximity to local amenities you consider important for your day-to-day life. This could include grocery stores, bars, or a gym.

Utilities and Amenities

Although experiencing the local cuisine is a vital part of the digital nomad experience, it is not possible or cost-effective to always dine out. An accommodation that has a well-equipped kitchen is preferable, and you should take this into consideration when choosing a place to stay.

Another important amenity is having a washing machine or a laundry service available and air-conditioning, as well as heating.

Budget and Flexibility

You should always have a clear budget in mind and adhere to it when choosing an accommodation. This might require some sacrifices regarding some amenities, but you don’t want to miss out on wonderful experiences due to the high cost of your hotel or vacation rental. Also, it can be easy to fall for deceptive marketing strategies on booking sites or pay hidden fees that make you exceed your budget, so it’s important to stay alert and avoid these traps by learning how to spot better-value stays and understand what actually fits your travel style.

As a digital nomad, you might not have a strict itinerary and you might want to have the freedom of changing your planes if an exciting opportunity arises to take a spontaneous trip. For this reason, you should look for flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies, even if it costs a little more to book an accommodation that provides these options.

Researching and Comparing Accommodations

Choosing a Platform

The countless booking platforms available can feel overwhelming, and it can make the process of finding an accommodation time-consuming. Instead of spending hours browsing different websites, you should opt for a comprehensive accommodation comparator site like cozycozy.com, where it is possible to compare all the available accommodations from more than 100 booking sites.

Accommodation Types

There are numerous accommodation types you can choose from when booking your stay, but not all of them are suitable for digital nomads. The lack of workspace availability in hostels could be a deal breaker, even though it would be an ideal choice for those who want to save money on accommodation.

Vacation rentals and boutique hotels could be comfortable options for short-term stays with all the amenities that are essential for working as a digital nomad.

Evaluating Reviews

Reading reviews on booking sites can be very useful while trying to choose accommodation, especially on platforms like Airbnb where knowing how to assess photos, listings, and host communication can really improve your chances of finding a great place to stay. It is safe to assume that some of the glowing reviews could be biased, but the same goes for the really critical comments. You should balance the positive and negative feedback and look for issues that multiple people complain about.

You should also pay attention to the pictures and try to spot discrepancies between the pictures and what’s written in the description.

If you have questions or concerns after carefully evaluating the listing and the reviews, you should definitely contact the host for clarification before booking the accommodation.

This checklist will make your next trip more productive and stress-free so you can focus on experiencing everything your chosen destination has to offer. It will be easier to prioritize both work and your personal well-being during your stay as you don’t have to worry about your accommodation. So don’t forget to use this checklist for booking your stay to guarantee an unforgettable experience as a digital nomad!

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Petra Bartha

Articles by Petra Bartha

The Ultimate Checklist for Booking Short-Term Stays as a Digital Nomad