I’m starting to settle on the fact that ‘slowmad’ might be the way for me.
Basically, stay in a city for at LEAST 3 months but possibly up to 6.
My thinking is that I land, then spend the first week focused on finding an apartment.
They I buy a TV, desk, office chair, and a bunch of smaller things like towels.
It would be WAY cheaper than a hotel and a much nicer experience.
Then when you leave, you just sell the stuff or hire someone to do it for you.
Curious if anyone takes this approach and if they have any suggestions.
Right now I’m in BKK … and thinking of going down this route.
I work remotely and I spend 2-3 months in one location and use it as a base for weekend trips (I work Mon-Fri). I had a mixed experience with AirBNB and hotels were too expensive for a long stay (although sometimes I negotiate price with smaller hotels run by locals).
I prefer coliving spaces, especially those targeting digital nomads. You mentioned BKK, if you plan to go to Chiang Mai, this one for example has some rooms equipped with standing desk, office chair and 4k display (and even basic tv): https://www.thesocialclub.asia/
I’ve stayed there in the low season and I got a pretty good discount for my 3 months stay (2 month tourist visa + 1 month extension, the downside - I had to pay upfront). Unfortunately, in the high season, they get fully booked and don’t give discounts for longer than 1 month stays.
I have 3-5 “home bases” in a year, at like 1-4 months each place. I just use airbnb, except in places I have local real estate contacts.
Either monthly airbnb or Facebook groups. I don’t rent unfurnished apartements, if you value your time its a huge unnecessarily hassle, I can’t imagine ever buying a tv while nomading.
Ill sometimes buy a used office chair and some cookware.
I will typically Airbnb for the first 2-4 weeks, and then use that time to talk with people and find something better/cheaper.
A lot of times you can even rent the same place directly from the owner outside Airbnb for cash for a lot less.
Did that for 3.5yrs…and it rocked :)
Got the best flats through local contacts/friends. At least on Canary Islands there was always some surfer dude who had a friend who had a friend who was looking for a tenant. Crazy cheap deals that way.
Best deal wast a 2 bedroom flat with a rooftop terrace right next to one of the best waves on Lanzarote, all utility and internet (fibre) bills included as well as a (small) car with insurance included…for EUR650/mo.
FB groups can work too depending on location. Don’t get scammed, take photos of passports ;)