Working remotely is the dream, right? Freedom, flexibility, the chance to open your laptop pretty much anywhere on the planet. But once you step outside your usual home office setup, things can get chaotic fast.
Cafés, coworking hubs, coliving spots, even campervans; the choices are endless. And not all of them are ideal when you’ve got deadlines to meet.
If you’re ready to swap the static desk life for something more mobile, this guide’s for you. We’re breaking down four solid workspace options that fit different personalities, budgets, and ways of working.
Whether you’re chasing social energy, peace and quiet, reliable Wi-Fi, or all three, there’s a setup here that’ll suit your style.
What smart nomads look for in a workspace
When your workspace changes with your location, a few non-negotiables can make or break your productivity.
- Fewer distractions, more flow. Loud background chatter, bad lighting, or constant interruptions? Hard pass.
- The right balance of people and peace. Some days you want to be social. Others, you just need to hide in a corner and get stuff done. Good workspaces let you do both.
- Wi-Fi that actually works. Dropping out mid-Zoom is a dealbreaker, especially when you’re managing a remote team that relies on your input. Speed matters, no matter how scenic the view is outside your window.
- Convenience. Being near where you sleep, eat, or grab a coffee counts. Bonus points if you can walk there or hop on a bus.
Also, don’t underestimate the impact of the vibe. Natural light, greenery, or just a spot that feels calm can boost your focus way more than you’d think.
Top workspace options for working on the go
Here are four go-to setups for getting work done, wherever you’re calling “home” this month.
1) Working from a van, RV, or car
There’s something undeniably cool about rolling out of bed, sliding open the door, and working with a lake view. It’s romantic in that scrappy, freedom-loving kind of way. But working from a vehicle is also… a lot.
The biggest perk? Total freedom. Park by the coast one day, head into the mountains the next. If you crave movement and inspiration, vanlife might be a creativity goldmine.
It’s not as pricey as you’d think, either — especially if you combine your transport, home, and office into one.
Want to try before you commit? Renting’s a great way to dip your toes in. If you’re exploring the U.S. Southwest, Indie Campers’ Las Vegas RV rentals are worth checking out. Their vans are decked out for both sleeping and working — no need to invest in a full rig.
Of course, it’s not all sunsets and laptop selfies. The Internet is your biggest headache. Mobile hotspots like Skyroam or local SIM setups help, but dead zones are real. And cramped setups can crush both your back and your productivity.
A few smart upgrades (like a fold-out desk, a decent chair, solar power, and blackout curtains) can go a long way. Apps like iOverlander, Campendium, and The Dyrt help you scout reliable, work-friendly stops (and shower access, which matters too).
2) Coworking Chains That Deliver
If you’re bouncing around bigger cities, coworking chains are kind of a no-brainer. You get stable Wi-Fi, solid coffee, and the kind of desk setup that won’t wreck your shoulders.
Places like WeWork, Regus, and Spaces offer drop-in options, monthly passes, or private office rentals. They’re predictable in a good way — you know what you’re getting, no matter the city.
Some chains even offer global access passes, so you can plug in in Berlin one week and Lisbon the next without skipping a beat. Some also have perks like locker storage, wellness rooms, or quiet zones for deep work. If you’re deciding between locations, peek at recent reviews or search for photos on social media. What looks clean and modern in one city might feel outdated in another.
Looking for something with a little more personality? Boutique coworking brands like The Wing or Mindspace put serious thought into design, community, and extras. Think velvet couches, curated art, and weekly workshops.
The catch? It’s not always cheap. And during busy hours, even the best spaces can get a little loud. Plus, if you prefer quirky charm over sleek minimalism, some of the bigger brands might feel too polished.
Still, if you’re leading a team or meeting clients, coworking chains offer a professional backdrop, complete with printers, call booths, monitors, and strong coffee. Lots of it.
3) Coliving Spaces That Double as Your Office
Coliving setups are basically all-inclusive for nomads. One fee covers your bed, your desk, your social life, and usually, your sanity.
Places like Outsite, Selina, and Sun and Co. are designed for remote workers, not backpackers. That means fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, quiet zones, and the occasional rooftop yoga session.
The vibe lands somewhere between an Airbnb and a creative coworking retreat. You’ll meet interesting people, but it’s less chaotic than a hostel and more comfortable than crashing in a stranger’s guest room.
They’re perfect if you’re tired of bouncing from café to café just to find decent internet. And the built-in community means you don’t have to work alone unless you want to.
Heads up, though: Privacy can be limited. And while they’re usually cost-effective compared to separate rent + coworking, they’re not always cheap. If you’re introverted or value personal space, this might not be your ideal setup.
Note: Different regions offer totally different coliving experiences. A beachside Selina in Costa Rica might have a chill surf crowd, while a Sun and Co. house in Spain could lean more toward startup founders and creatives. If community vibe matters to you, ask ahead or join their Slack/WhatsApp groups before booking.
4) Cheap (But Surprisingly Effective) Alternatives
Not everyone wants to pay for a coworking pass every day. And luckily, you don’t have to.
- Public libraries are an underrated gem. Quiet, comfortable, with free Wi-Fi and zero pressure to buy another latte. Some even offer bookable meeting rooms, which are gold when you need privacy. The downside? Limited hours. And yeah, sometimes the vibe leans a little too sterile.
- Cafés are the old faithful, but not all are created equal. Look for spots with plenty of plugs and a relaxed attitude toward people hanging out with laptops. Avoid loud pop playlists. Aim for instrumental, low-key tunes. Apps like Workfrom or even just filtering Google reviews with “Wi-Fi” or “quiet” can help you find laptop-friendly spots fast.
- And if you’re in transit, business lounges at airports or malls can be surprisingly useful. You won’t want to live there, but when you’re between flights or meetings, they’ve got strong Wi-Fi, outlets, and a peaceful vibe. Sometimes access is included with premium credit cards or loyalty programs, so it’s worth checking.
Different Workspaces for Different Work Styles
If you need structure, fewer distractions, and a steady environment, coworking spaces are your best friend. Especially if you’re juggling calls, managing teams, or doing deep project work. If you’re newer to this kind of lifestyle, having other digital nomads around you can also be a great motivator.
More of a solo operator? A cozy café or tucked-away library corner might be all you need to stay in flow. This setup is usually good for writing or inbox-clearing, not great for deep-focus days.
Collaborating across time zones? Look for spaces with private booths or quiet rooms so you’re not whispering through meetings in the back of a crowded café.
And don’t forget your actual work needs: developers might want dual monitors and super-quiet rooms. Designers might need great lighting and more space for gear. Match the space to your job, not the other way around.
You Don’t Have to Choose Between Freedom and Focus
Where you work shapes how you work. And when your “office” changes every week, your systems need to be flexible too.
That’s where Flowster comes in. Whether you’re flying solo or leading a distributed team, Flowster helps you streamline your processes, delegate tasks, and stay organized — wherever you are.
From van desks outside Vegas to coworking nooks in Lisbon, Flowster keeps your operations running smoothly so you can focus on the fun parts of remote life.
Being a digital nomad shouldn’t mean feeling disorganized 24/7. With the right tools, you can keep your freedom and still get things done.