The New Wave of Travelers: Meeting the Needs of Digital Nomad Housing

According to a recent study, the global digital nomad population is expected to reach 1 billion by 2035.  That’s a huge market for vacation property hosts to tap into!

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of catering to digital nomads for vacation property hosts. We’ll discuss digital nomad lifestyle and preferences, digital nomad housing needs, and offer tips on how to attract them to your property. We’ll also cover marketing strategies to reach this audience and ultimately grow your own vacation rental business further.

Understanding the Digital Nomad

As a vacation property host, it’s important to understand who your potential guests are. Digital nomads are remote workers who travel the world while working remotely from their laptops. They prioritize location independence, flexibility, and work-life balance. They use technology to work remotely and save money, which allows them to live a location-independent lifestyle.

Characteristics and Lifestyle of a Digital Nomad

They are typically tech-savvy individuals who are passionate about their work and value their freedom. Here are some common characteristics and lifestyle habits of a digital nomad:

• They work using laptops, smartphones, and other digital devices.
• They tend to work in creative or tech-related fields such as graphic design, web development, writing, and marketing.
• They value experiences over material possessions and are willing to invest in travel and adventure.
• They often have flexible work schedules, allowing them to work from anywhere and anytime.
• They are social and enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals, both professionally and personally.
• They often work in coworking spaces or cafes to network and collaborate with other remote workers.

Popular Digital Nomad Destinations

Digital nomads, of course, pick countries that offer a digital nomad visa. In 2023, about 42 countries offer a digital nomad visa, including Mexico, Barbados, Greece, and Indonesia. With the paperwork out of the way to secure their stay, travelers tend to flock to destinations that offer a good balance of remote work and play. Here are some of the top digital nomad destinations:

• Bali, Indonesia: Offers a beautiful natural environment, low cost of living, and excellent co-working spaces. Whether you prefer a beachfront villa or a cozy jungle bungalow, Bali offers a range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget.
• Lisbon, Portugal: A beautiful city with a high standard of living. The city has become a hub for digital nomads, attracting individuals from all over the world. This diverse community fosters a supportive environment for networking, collaboration, and socializing, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Medellin, Colombia: Nestled in the heart of the Andes Mountains, Medellin, Colombia, has emerged as a sought-after destination for digital nomads seeking beautiful weather, affordability, and a thriving startup scene.
• Berlin, Germany: Known for its vibrant startup scene and affordable cost of living, Berlin is a popular destination for digital nomads. The city has plenty of co-working spaces, cafes, and cultural attractions to explore.

These are some popular destinations, however, with the rise of remote work and flexible lifestyles, digital nomads can be found in almost every corner of the globe.

Digital Nomad Housing Options

Digital nomad housing requires solutions that are flexible, affordable, and can cater to their transient lifestyles. Even though there are some personal preferences, here are the most common digital nomad housing accommodation options:

Temporary Digital Housing Options

• Short-term Airbnb rentals: Many remote workers opt for Airbnb rentals as they are flexible and affordable, allowing them to stay in a place for a few days to a few months. With a wide range of options available, digital nomad housing can be easily found and fit the needs and budget.
• Hostels: Hostels are another popular digital nomad housing option for those looking to save money on short-term accommodation. They offer a great opportunity to meet other travelers and can be found in most major cities around the world.
• Couchsurfing: For those who are looking for a truly authentic experience, Couchsurfing is a great option. It allows travelers to stay with locals for free and get a firsthand experience of the local culture.

Although hostels and couchsurfing can be affordable options for digital nomad housing, they may not always be the best place to work remotely. Hostels can be noisy and lack privacy, while Couchsurfing can result in a lack of control over the living situation. With these downsides, it is no surprise that Airbnb rentals are often the preferred option for digital nomad accommodation.

Long-term Housing Options for Digital Nomads

• Renting an apartment: It is a popular option for digital nomads who prioritize privacy and a more permanent home base. However, it’s important to note that other digital nomads may prefer flexibility in their stay and may not be able to commit to a fixed contract. This means that offering a more flexible rental option, such as monthly rates or the ability to easily extend their stay, can be a major draw.
• Long-term Airbnb rentals: By offering your property on Airbnb with a monthly rate, you can tap into this market and attract more digital nomads as guests. The flexibility of Airbnb’s lease agreements allows digital nomads to easily extend their stay or relocate to a new area as needed, providing a level of mobility that may not be possible with traditional apartment rentals.

Digital Nomad Housing Needs

Digital nomad housing needs differ from traditional vacationers. Here are some important considerations:

Importance of Reliable Internet Connection

As previously mentioned, they rely heavily on access to the internet to work remotely. Having access to a reliable and fast internet connection is a must for any vacation property. Therefore a strong Wi-Fi signal that can handle multiple devices and large file uploads/downloads is a must for them.

Coworking Spaces and Communal Areas

Coworking spaces or communal areas are more often than not the go-to to connect with other professionals and break up the monotony of working from home. They like to work in a communal workspace, private room, or designated coworking areas.

Privacy and Quiet Workspaces

While some enjoy socializing and networking, others value privacy in private rooms and dedicated workspaces. Especially if they have several online meetings and calls, they value the working space to focus and not be interrupted.

Comfortable and Functional Furniture

Long hours of sitting and working make comfortable and functional furniture essential. Having a comfortable experience while working will guarantee higher satisfaction and positive feedback. They also need a fully equipped kitchen and a coliving space in their monthly rentals or long-term leases.

4 Tips for Vacation Property Hosts

According to digital nomad’s needs, let’s dive into some of these specific tips for vacation property hosts who want to cater to this market:

1. Upgrading Internet Speed and Reliability

Having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for many who rely on the internet for their work. According to a survey conducted by MBO Partners, 94% of digital nomads say that reliable Wi-Fi is important when choosing a place to stay. To ensure that your vacation property meets their needs you might consider:

• Upgrading your internet service plan and investing in a high-quality Wi-Fi router
• Installing a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure that every room in your property has strong WiFi speed.
• To make sure you provide a secure wi-fi system, give the ability to connect to the wi-fi by scanning a reliable and safe QR Code.

2. Creating Communal Spaces for Co-working and Networking

The digital nomad lifestyle means valuing community and networking opportunities. You can create communal spaces in your vacation property to provide opportunities for a new digital nomad to work together, network, and socialize.

You could set up a communal workspace with a large table and comfortable chairs, or even create a designated co-working space within your property.  If you have spare space, you might consider building designated quiet areas for a remote worker to work, such as a private home office.

3. Adding Functional Furniture and Workspace Essentials

Investing in the right furniture and workspace essentials can make all the difference. Here are some specific tips:

• Invest in ergonomic chairs: Providing comfortable, supportive chairs can help prevent back pain and discomfort from hours of sitting in front of computers.
• Provide ample lighting: Good lighting is essential for productivity and reducing eye strain. Consider investing in adjustable desk lamps or providing natural light sources.
• Ensure plenty of power outlets: They may need to charge multiple devices, so make sure your property has plenty of power outlets and charging stations.
• Provide storage solutions: Many digital nomads may need to store equipment or work materials. Consider providing storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, or lockers.

4. Offering Flexible Check-in and Check-out Times

Digital nomads may have unique schedules and require flexible check-in and check-out times. Here’s how you can accommodate their needs:

• Offer self-check-in options: Self-check-in options like keyless entry or lockboxes allow digital nomad to check in at their convenience, without relying on a host to be present.
• Allow for late check-ins: Remote workers may arrive in a new city late at night or early in the morning. Consider allowing for late check-ins or early check-outs to accommodate their schedules.
• Communicate clearly: Make sure your communication with guests is clear and concise. Provide detailed instructions for check-in and check-out procedures, as well as contact information in case of any issues.

Marketing to Digital the Nomad

To effectively market your vacation property to digital nomads, it’s important to understand where they spend their time and what they value. Here are some tips for marketing your vacation rentals to them:

Utilizing Social Media and Online Communities

Digital nomads often rely on social media and online communities to connect with each other, as well as general remote workers, and find new travel destinations. Consider joining groups and communities on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit that are dedicated to the topic and remote work.

You can also use social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to showcase your property and share updates about local events or attractions.

Highlighting Amenities and Features Important to remote workers

When creating your property listing, make sure to highlight amenities and features that are important to them. This could include fast and reliable internet, comfortable workspaces, or easy access to local resources like co-working spaces or cafes.

Use descriptive language and provide detailed photos to help them envision themselves working and living on your property.

Partnering with Local Businesses and Co-working Spaces

To attract digital nomad to your vacation property or new location, it’s important to build a network of local partners who can help promote your property and offer valuable resources and services to your guests.

Consider partnering with local co-working spaces, cafes, grocery stores, and other businesses that cater to digital nomads and remote workers. Offer to promote their services to your guests, and in exchange, ask them to promote your property to their own customers and on their social media channels.

By building a network of local partners, you’ll not only attract more digital nomads to your vacation property, but you’ll also be providing a valuable service by connecting them with the best resources and experiences in the area.

Offering Discounts for Longer Stays

One of the most effective ways to attract digital nomads to your vacation property is by offering discounts for longer stays. They may stay in one location for a few weeks or even months at a time, so offering discounts for extended stays at short-term rentals can be a great way to incentivize them to choose your property.

Consider offering a sliding scale of discounts based on the length of stay. For example, you might offer a 10% discount for stays of 4 weeks or more.

Make sure to clearly communicate other benefits of these discounts on your property listing and website, and emphasize the value of staying longer in terms of cost savings and the ability to fully experience the local culture.

By following these tips, vacation property hosts can create a comfortable and inviting space for digital nomads.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of digital nomads presents a unique opportunity for vacation property hosts to tap into a growing and lucrative market.

By understanding the unique needs and preferences of digital nomads and implementing the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can create a perfect digital nomad housing offer that appeals to this demographic and attracts a steady stream of bookings.

With these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a vacation rental property that is tailored to the unique needs and preferences of digital nomads and sets you apart from the competition.

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About the Author

Zuzana Hudecova is a marketing specialist for CloudTalk, helping to create compelling messaging in support of the next generation of cloud communication and call center softwares.