Balancing travel and remote working will always be one of the biggest challenges on the road. When you are a digital nomad, it is always difficult to balance sightseeing and working in a pleasant and calm environment. No one wants to spend hours looking for a coffee shop or find themselves in an uncomfortable coffee shop. This is something I’ve struggled with a lot in the past.
Working from the road used to mean leaning over a small communal table in a hostel or arguing with an Airbnb host who swore their internet was “blazing fast” (only to find out they couldn’t even load a basic email).
But, as remote work has grown post-pandemic, a ton of coliving spaces have popped up that combine the benefits of a coworking space with the social atmosphere of a hostel (but without the basic dorm-style amenities). They are aimed at digital nomads who are looking for a nice place to stay where they can not only work but also meet other travelers (because working remotely can be isolating since you’re doing it alone)!
The largest and most popular platform for remote workers doing this is Offsitewhich has many beautiful places around the world.
And, in this article, I will go over everything you need to know about them and my experience staying with them on a recent trip to Bordeaux.
What is Outsite? Founded in 2015, Offsite is a global network of coliving and coworking spaces designed specifically for remote workers, location-independent entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.
They started with a single-family home in Santa Cruz, California, aimed at people who wanted to surf and work. Today, they have over 5,000 members and 50 locations for you to choose from.
Currently, anyone can book a stay with Outsite, but if you’re a member you have access to more perks and better rates. You can pay an annual subscription of $199 or pay once for a lifetime subscription of $499. Benefits include access to members-only locations, 1 week free in new destinations, 50% off flash sales, 40% off extended stays, new member mixers, a job and sublet board and some lifestyle benefits.
It is also easy to use. Simply browse their website, filter by destination or type of ambiance you want (beach, city, mountain) and book your private room.
How does the exterior work?
Offsite functions like a boutique hotel meets coworking space. When you book an Outsite, you are booking a private room. Most rooms have their own private bathroom, although some economy rooms share a bathroom with another person.
Each location has massive, beautifully furnished common areas. You get fully equipped chef’s kitchens that you could never afford in a solo Airbnb. Additionally, you benefit from spacious lounges, outdoor terraces and often roof terraces or swimming pools (depending on location).
Each location has a dedicated coworking space built right into the house. I’m talking ergonomic chairs, plenty of outlets, monitors you can plug into, and super-fast, professional-grade Wi-Fi. You can wake up, make your coffee, and find yourself at an appropriate desk in a state of deep concentration within five minutes.
Additionally, there is a social aspect to all outdoor locations. Each location has a dedicated Community Manager. Before you even arrive, you’re added to a local WhatsApp group and venues host weekly events such as family dinners, weekend group trips, Friday night tapas crawls and morning yoga sessions. You really have a lot of chances to meet people.
And the community manager is an excellent resource. During my stay at their Bordeaux locationthey were available to share tips, suggest places to eat, and just be there to answer any questions I had. It was really helpful.
What I like about Outsite Firstly, the properties are really nice. Their accommodation in Bordeaux had modern furniture, comfortable chairs for working, laundry facilities and even a small gym. The rooms were really nice too. I had a private office, a comfortable bed, and a very nice bathroom (the water had excellent pressure in the shower!).
The shared kitchen was super clean (cleaners come every day) and the counter was huge. It was the kind of kitchen I wish I had in my house. You could cook some really good meals here. (Coffee and tea are always provided free of charge!)
Plus, I love the design. Spaces are designed with natural light, plants and local art. It feels incredibly far from the sterile environment of a corporate hotel. It’s like you’re staying at your very rich and very cool friend’s house.
However, for me the main appeal of using Outsite is the community aspect. Being a remote worker means you often work alone. Whether it’s a hotel or a cafe, it’s just you and your community. It’s difficult to meet people.
At Outsite, you are surrounded by your fellow digital nomads who can relate to your life experience. These aren’t backpackers on a trip wondering why you’re sitting in front of your computer all day when you should be exploring. Because everyone is there to work And live, there is a shared link. You are here to work And have fun. Most of the people on the Bordeaux site stayed there for at least two weeks. Our community manager organized many weekend events to help people get to know each other as well.
Things to think about
First, Outsite is not an option for backpackers on a budget. If you’re used to spending $15 a night on a dorm in Southeast Asia, Outsite isn’t for you. You pay a premium for the private room, guaranteed workspace, and community curation. That said, if we take into account the cost of renting an Airbnb more By purchasing a monthly subscription to a local coworking space, Outsite is likely cheaper.
Second, popular locations book fast. If you want to spend July at their house in Lisbon or January at their house in Costa Rica, you need to book months in advance. You can’t always be spontaneous with their most sought-after properties.
Frequently asked questions about Outsite Do I have to be a member to book a stay? No! Anyone can book a stay at Outsite. However, if you plan to stay more than a few days, the $199 annual membership pays for itself almost immediately with discounted nightly rates.
Is there an age limit? There is no official age limit, but you must be at least 18 (and in some areas, 21) to book. The vast majority of guests are professionals in their twenties, thirties or forties. It’s definitely a bit older and more professional than your average hostel.
Is there a minimum number of nights required? For most places, the minimum stay is just 2 nights, making it easy to arrive on a weekend. However, some specific locations (especially in larger cities with strict local housing laws like New York) may require a 30-day minimum stay.
Can I bring my pet? In general, no. Since this is a shared living environment with common kitchens and living areas, most outdoor locations do not allow pets to ensure the comfort of all guests (and to prevent allergy issues).
***** Living the digital nomad life shouldn’t mean sacrificing your career progression, your comfort, or your social life. You shouldn’t have to choose between traveling the world and having a comfortable office chair, or visiting new cities and having a cohesive group of friends. I met some nice people while I stayed with them at Bordeaux.
Offsite is a great platform for people who seek the benefits and comfort of a private home, the productivity of an office and the social life of a hostel. I think sharing a house creates a feeling of intimacy and you will definitely make friends.
Don’t forget to check them out on your next trip and go looking for your tribe!
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Book your trip: logistical tips and tricks Book your flight
Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the world so you always know nothing is left to chance.
Book your accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Reservation.com because it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
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Need help finding activities for your trip?
Get your guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and much more.
Ready to book your trip?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list all the ones I use when I travel. These are best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
