Nomad visa ranking | Bilbao | Mapmelon tips | Issue #0041

Do you need a digital nomad visa? There are pros and cons, and you’ve all got individual situations that might or might not require one.

The latest formulated ranking of digital nomad visas is out though, and we’re sure several are from countries you might not have thought to even visit.

What else this week?

🚻 Coliving is not what a lot of you think it is
📆 The best summits and fests for the rest of the year
🇪🇸 Spain is not just Barcelona, Madrid or beaches
⛰️ Digital nomads are being courted by a famous mountain nation
🧅 Are you a crier? Or do you defy onion science?

NEWS
Does a digital nomad visa really matter to you?

If you’re a proper nomad, bouncing from place to place, then a digital nomad visa may not be a factor when you choose where to go. At some point, most of you might want a base, to settle, or just need a break from moving, so a digital nomad visa might be attractive.

Visa Guide World have listed their 2025 Digital Nomad Index, and some familiar - and unfamiliar - countries have made an appearance. Here’s the top ten:

As with any list, there are going to be some quizzical looks amongst you - we had some, for sure. At the same time, we got Googling some we didn’t really know about!

See the list and reasoning here.

WHAT ELSE…

💺 Don’t get up too quickly Fines are incoming for those of you trying to jump the gun when you land. Unbuckle before the light turns off and it’ll cost you!

🛌 New visa from an unlikely spot Nepal is planning to join the digital nomad visa game, with a 5-year visa for some extended mountain time!

👚 Be a weight-limit guru Those neck pillows are literally the most annoying travel accessories….unless you get one of these, of course.

🏆 Vietnam’s taking advantage  Ok, you’re not backpackers. We get it. BUT, there is correlation in terms of destinations. Vietnam is winning the SEA race.

GET CONNECTED
New destinations added this week

Find WhatsApp & FB groups in your current or next nomad destinations here:

If you are in a nomad hotspot then help another nomad out and share any communities you are in, run, or know of with this quick form.

COMMUNITY
The best way to genuinely meet people on the road

Sole and Ramon met on the road. In fact, this is the perfect example of making a business out of something you are passionate about where there is a gap in the market.

As the founders of Mapmelon - the biggest resource for coliving spaces - they live what they preach. When they are on the road, they stay in coliving spaces and even help them with their businesses. Primarily though, they run what has become a thriving community for colivers. Here’s how the journey began for Ramon:

Here are three quick tips for getting the most from a coliving experience from Ramon:

1. Stay for the community — it’s not just a bed, it’s the people you meet.

2. Choose a place with real work setups — good Wi-Fi and dedicated spaces matter.

3. Use coliving to get to know a destination like a local, not like a tourist.

Coliving is overlooked by a lot of nomads, but find the right one and you’ll have instant connections to people as soon as you land. Even booking a stay in one occasionally will be helpful if you find it a little lonely on the road at times.

Find authentic, community-focused colivings with the right setup for digital nomads at Mapmelon - and join their community to hear about the best ones from other colivers.

We love to feature nomads and what you do that can help the rest of us. Fill out this form and tell us about your thing!

POLL

SPONSOR THE DIGITAL NOMAD

We would love to hear from you if you have a product or service that would benefit digital nomads around the world. Get more eyes on your thing for as little as $50.

Fill in this form if you want to be seen by an engaged base of subscribers to the The Digital Nomad.

DESTINATIONS
A Spain alternative that isn’t forcing you out

With a raft of anti-tourism affecting the rep of Spain in the last twelve months, there’s a call for alternatives to the usual cities people usually head to. One of those is Bilbao, and we can see why.

Number one, we are foodies, and northern Spain and the Basque country is abundant with great food experiences. The city has a LOT going for it aside from the gastronomy.

It’s compact, close to mountains, the sea, and stunning countryside, has terrific art and culture running through its history, and is more affordable than a lot of Spain. Check out Punta’s overview of the city. If you’ve any time that isn’t booked out on your European itinerary this summer, definitely consider a trip!

GET COVERED

Nice to see Safety Wing sponsoring and supporting more and more digital nomad and coliving events this year. We spotted they partnered up to support a coliving popup in Japan last month.

More than just insurance, they’re obsessed with the digital nomad lifestyle.

BRAIN FOOD

Read - Want to know what makes calm people calm? Read this.

Skills - You should probably be learning more from dead people.

Lingo - Here’s some advice if you’re trying to learn a language.

Cooking - The deep science behind onion-tears.

If you have any recommendations we can share here, let us know.

MAKE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE EASIER
Resources that are actually helpful

Check out our new resources page for the longer list and a range of discounts across useful digital nomad products, services and events. Here are a few notable ones that get the most clicks!

• Get your free guide for Digital Nomad Insurance from Nomads.Insure.

• Solis 5G and Lite models have all been discounted by 15%. A great time to grab your portable WiFi kit.

• Onward Ticket is a nomad staple for getting into some countries. If you need proof of exit from your next destination, there is no better option.

• Global Nomad Pass - get deals around the world and support local businesses while you’re at it. 10% OFF with this link.

• Make.com is the go-to for automating processes in your business - or just your life!

• GetNomad is a global eSIM provider. Get 10% off clicking here.

• 73% off and free months when you sign up to NordVPN with this link.

• Blotato - social media AI, designed by one of AI’s big thinkers.

Check out resources page, which includes finding cafes to work from, VPN deals, nomad insurance and tools and services for your business.

THE LIST
Summits and fests for the rest of 2025

Bansko Nomadfest is nearly upon us, and you can still get €25 off with code TDNBANSKO here.

Here are the best get togethers around the world over the coming months:

• Bansko Nomadfest, Bulgaria; 22-29 June

• Athens Nomadfest, Greece; 12-21 September

• Nomadeire, Ireland; 13-20 September

• Nomadcruise 15; 12 October-9 November

• Nomad Summit 2026, Chiang Mai; 16-18 January 2026

All of these have their own focus, but all offer great networking, social events and learning and collaboration opportunities so get signing up now!

TRIVIA
Mission: Impossible?

What is apparently the last instalment of the Tom Cruise cash machine is out, but which edition of the franchise grossed the most (not counting the latest, obviously, as we don’t know yet!):

Mission: Impossible
Mission: Impossible 2
Mission: Impossible III
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Answer below

COFFEE BREAK

🎤 History - Perhaps Bob Marley’s finest album, Exodus, was released today in ‘77.

📚 Short reads - Here are some coffee-break-sized short stories.

📺 Fun watch - Real life Wallace & Gromit.

🍔 Expenses hack - How to claim your lunch 😂

WHAT DID YOU MISS?

If you are new to The Digital Nomad - or just want to go back and read a previous issue - then you can find them all here.

TRIVIA ANSWER

With inflation, world events, and release timing, these numbers are always a bit skewed, but these are the top 3 (source Wikipedia):

Mission: Impossible – Fallout ($220m)
Mission: Impossible 2 ($215m)
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol ($209m)