As a girl boss, you are independent and fearless. But that does not mean that you are reckless. When you choose a destination, you will therefore think about your safety. But where are women respected? Where can you walk the streets in the evening without having to worry? And in which countries can you sit on a terrace with a laptop? We list the safest and most female-friendly destinations.
Although we don’t like to generalize, you will notice that Africa and Latin America are the big absentees on the list below. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a positive experience there. But prepare yourself well, network on the spot and choose the tourist destinations and big cities.
One of our main sources for this list is NomadList, a ranking of destinations for and by digital nomads. Use the filter ‘safe for women’ for the most current list.
Bali
After that prominent role in the book and the eponymous film Eat Pray Love, Bali is on many bucket lists. Between the rice fields, you will find the most beautiful hotels, yoga centres and coffee shops. Also, the co-working spaces and co-living complexes offer inspiring views.
For those who like to eat healthily, this Indonesian island is heaven on earth. There seem to be more vegetarian, vegan and raw food restaurants than ‘normal’ “warungs”. You can
stay in a luxury room in Bali and eat super healthy food for about a thousand euros a month, leaving you with more money to save or invest.
Las Palmas
The capital of the Canary Island of Gran Canaria has quickly become one of Europe’s digital nomad hotspots. And that’s no surprise, because Las Palmas offers many of the ingredients that digital nomads are looking for: coffee bars, beaches, coworking spaces, other nomads, nightlife and opportunities for outdoor fun. All this at costs that can be overlooked and are slightly lower than the price level in the Netherlands or Belgium. The climate also plays a role, of course, because throughout the year the temperature fluctuates between 20 and 30 degrees.
Lisbon
Lisbon is somewhat similar to Las Palmas. The city is bigger and trendier – AND cheaper. However, it is much colder in winter and you can forget about beach life. Where in Las Palmas you are sometimes looked at strangely when you don’t speak Spanish, Lisbon is a multicultural melting pot where English is spoken very well.
Here you will find the most beautiful coworking areas at pleasantly low prices. Portuguese are sociable and they are real gentlemen. Walking the streets alone in the evening is relatively safe here, but for a scratch you can take a cab or Uber.
Berlin
Since the beginning of the digital nomad movement, Berlin has been a hotspot. This party city is bursting with students, recent graduates and entrepreneurs. You’ll also have access to venture capital to fuel your project. It’s teeming with co-working offices with bloody serious Germans working hard on their projects. If you want to get a lot done a few months a year, there are few better places than Berlin.
Chiang Mai
Thailand’s second city is and remains the world’s undisputed digital nomad capital. It is a city full of ancient temples and coffee-gulping students. You’ll find Thailand’s best cuisine and it’s bursting with interesting, enterprising nomads.
For around 1,200 euros a month you’ll live like a queen. You rent a tasteful modern apartment, ride around on a scooter, eat outside three times a day and have a weekly massage. An absolute must, also for the high-roller!
George Town
There are many George Towns in the world, but in this case, we are talking about the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. This modern city has a historic colonial centre with beautiful cottages, trendy bars, cheap eateries and luxury restaurants. A perfect, cosmopolitan mix of Malaysia, English history, Indian and Chinese gastronomy in an atmospheric environment. Oh yes, it’s also bursting with nomads and co-working spaces!
Toronto
It’s not yet firmly established on the digital nomad map, but Toronto has many of the ingredients that itinerant entrepreneurs love so much. Thanks to the many cultures and nationalities that live here, Toronto has a calendar full of events and festivals. Virtually every cuisine is represented in the different neighbourhoods of this Canadian city.
With the exception of the areas around Parliament Street and Jarvis Street, you’ll feel particularly safe here. With magnificent coworking-offices like Northspace and Workhaus FiDi, your productivity is guaranteed. Of course, the coffees are there too. The best time to visit Toronto is in spring and autumn, avoiding the higher prices and crowds in summer. Don’t forget to take a trip to Niagara Falls!
Stockholm
The Swedish capital offers the ideal balance between work and pleasure. In Stockholm, many start-ups saw the light of day and you will find many enterprising people. The Swedes themselves are incredibly keen to travel and are curious about international visitors. Making a close friendship with a Swede is a lot harder, but that’s almost an advantage if you’re not planning on staying here for a long time.
The city itself is built on 14 islands, connected by many bridges. Public transport is punctual and you can also get around by bike. Choose from coworking spaces or work from the Swedish answer to Starbucks: Espresso House. Because of the changeable climate, the summer offers the best chance for nice weather.
This is also the season when the Swedes have plenty of outdoor activities: swimming, jogging, kayaking, stand-up paddle, jeu de boules, and so on. Keep in mind, however, it’s an expensive stay!
Prague
The Czech capital is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As a visitor, at least in the centre, you will always stumble over the groups of tourists. But Prague is more than guided tours chasing colored umbrellas. Prague also regularly appears in the top lists of destinations for digital nomads.
Wi-Fi is generally lightning fast in Prague and you can connect to the network in any bar. Even in the streetcars and subways, there is Wi-Fi. This means that you don’t just have to rely on the – ultramodern – co-working spaces, but you can safely open your laptop from almost anywhere. An additional advantage of Prague is the still low prices.
Budapest
Fast internet, great food, a vibrant nightlife, low prices: these are just some factors that attract digital nomads to Budapest. The fact that English is well-spoken also helps. In Budapest, you can get a decent Airbnb apartment for about
€700 per month, while a month in a coworking space costs from €60. It’s a great place for the summer months.
Sofia
A little unknown is the capital of the poorest EU country, Bulgaria. If you want to live cheaply, then you should
definitely choose Sofia. Safe, good food, a lot of IT business and developers. A beautiful hinterland, in the winter you can enjoy skiing in Bansko, or in summer you can be in Greece in just a few hours. Life costs nothing at all… and there is fast internet everywhere.
