Balancing travel and remote work will always be one of the biggest challenges on the road. When you’re a digital nomad, it’s always a struggle to balance sightseeing and also get your work done in a nice, quiet environment. No one wants to spend hours searching for a coffee shop or be in one that is uncomfortable. It is something I’ve struggled with a lot in the past.
Working from the road used to mean hunching over a tiny hostel common room table or arguing with an Airbnb host who swore their internet was “super fast” (only to find out it couldn’t even load a basic email).
But, as remote work has expanded 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 dorm-style basic amenities). They are meant for those digital nomads who want a nice place to stay where they can not only get work done but also meet other travelers — as remote work can be isolating since you’re doing it alone.
The biggest and most popular platform for remote workers doing this is Outsite, which has a lot of beautiful locations around the world. In this post, I’ll 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, Outsite 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 house in Santa Cruz, California, aimed at people who wanted to surf and work. Today, they have over 5,000 members and 50 locations you can choose from.
Currently, anyone can book a stay at Outsite, but if you’re a member, you get access to more perks and better rates. You can pay a yearly membership of $199 or pay once for a lifetime membership at $499. Perks include access to members-only locations, one week free in new destinations, 50% off in flash sales, 40% off extended stays, new member mixers, a job and sublets board, and some lifestyle perks.
It’s easy to use, too. You just browse their website, filter by destination or the type of vibe you want (beach, city, mountains), and book your private room.
How Does Outsite Work?
Outsite operates like a boutique hotel meets a coworking space. When you book an Outsite, you are booking a private bedroom. Most rooms have their own private en-suite bathrooms, though some budget-friendly rooms share a bathroom with one other person.
Every location features massive, beautifully furnished communal areas. You get to enjoy fully-equipped chef’s kitchens that you could never afford in a solo Airbnb, plus spacious living rooms, outdoor patios, and often roof decks or pools depending on the location.
Every single location has a dedicated coworking space built right into the house — ergonomic chairs, plenty of outlets, monitors you can plug into, and blazing-fast, enterprise-grade Wi-Fi. You can wake up, make your coffee, and be at a proper desk in a state of deep focus within five minutes.
There’s also a strong social aspect to all Outsite locations. Every location has a dedicated Community Manager. Before you even arrive, you are added to a local WhatsApp group, and locations organize weekly events like family-style dinners, group weekend trips, Friday night tapas crawls, and morning yoga sessions.
The community manager is a great resource as well. During my stay at their Bordeaux location, they were available to share tips, suggest places to eat, and answer any questions I had.
What I Like About Outsite
First, the properties are really nice. Their place in Bordeaux had modern furniture, comfy chairs to work from, laundry facilities, and even a small gym. The rooms were great too — I had a private desk, a comfy bed, and a lovely bathroom with excellent shower pressure.
The shared kitchen was super clean (cleaners come daily) and the counter space was huge. It was the kind of kitchen I wish my house had. Coffee and tea are always provided for free.
The design is another highlight. The spaces are built around natural light, plants, and local art. It feels incredibly far removed from the sterile environment of a corporate hotel — more like staying at your very wealthy, very cool friend’s house.
For me, though, the main draw is the community aspect. Being a remote worker means you’re often working alone, whether in a hotel or a coffee shop. It’s hard to meet people who understand that lifestyle.
At Outsite, you are surrounded by fellow digital nomads who relate to your experience. They aren’t backpackers on a trip wondering why you’re sitting at your computer all day when you should be exploring. Because everyone is there to work and live, there’s a shared bond. Most people at the Bordeaux location were there for at least two weeks, and our community manager organized weekend events to help everyone get to know each other.
Things to Think About
First, Outsite is not a budget backpacker option. If you are used to spending $15 a night in a dorm room in Southeast Asia, Outsite is not for you. You are paying a premium for the private room, the guaranteed workspace, and the community curation. That said, when you factor in the cost of renting an Airbnb plus buying a monthly pass to a local coworking space, Outsite likely comes out cheaper overall.
Second, the popular locations book up fast. If you want to spend July in their Lisbon house or January in their Costa Rica location, 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 on staying for more than a few days, the $199 annual membership pays for itself almost immediately through discounted nightly rates.
Is there an age limit? There is no official age limit, but you must be at least 18 (and in some locations, 21) to book. The vast majority of guests are working professionals in their late 20s, 30s, and 40s. It skews a bit older and more professional than your average backpacker hostel.
Is there a minimum number of nights required? For most locations, the minimum stay is just 2 nights, making it easy to pop in for a weekend. However, some specific locations — especially in major cities with strict local housing laws like New York — may require a 30-day minimum stay.
Can I bring my pet? Generally, no. Because it is a shared living environment with communal kitchens and living spaces, most Outsite locations do not allow pets, in order to ensure the comfort of all guests and 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 desk chair, or seeing new cities and having a consistent group of friends.
Outsite is a great platform for people who want the perks and comforts of a private home, the productivity of an office, and the social life of a hostel. Sharing a home creates a sense of intimacy, and you will absolutely make some friends out of it. If you’re looking for a smarter way to work and travel at the same time, it’s well worth checking out on your next trip.
