When your job revolves around your laptop, orchestrating a true getaway can be tricky. It’s great to recharge your batteries in a remote paradise, but let’s be real: you’ll inevitably want to check your email once or twice while you’re there. (And if we’re being really honest with ourselves, it’s not the worst thing in the world to have internet connection to post an Instagram or two.)
The trick is finding a destination that has an off-the-grid feel but still features the wi-fi you need to check in with your inbox. Here’s where to start.
Koh Lanta, Thailand
Koh Lanta is a blissful paradise that offers all the perks of a tropical getaway, but without the crowds that many of Thailand’s more tourist-centered islands attract. You’ll find blue skies, stunning mountains and beaches, and rave-worthy Thai food. Koh Lanta doesn’t have the wild nightlife many Thai islands are known for - instead, it’s a place to go when you want to drop off the map for a few days and experience some peace and quiet. The island is frequented by digital nomads, so you know you’ll always be able to find wi-fi when you need it most.
Kerala, India
Kerala’s beaches can take your breath away in one fell swoop. Here, you’ll wake up to the sounds of ocean waves and be able to set up shop on your laptop with your feet in the sand. It’s a great alternative for travelers who love nearby Goa but who are looking for fewer crowds. Oh, and did we mention that Kerala’s sunsets are the stuff dreams are made of?
Namib Desert, Namibia
The Namiban desert is one of the most surreal experiences on earth. When you walk (or sandboard) among more than 30,000 square miles of desert, you’ll probably start asking yourself some pretty wild questions about the vastness of the world and our place in it. (Or, if nothing else, you’ll snap some phenomenal photos.)
Dotted along the desert, you’ll find charming towns and luxurious lodges that add even more character to your adventure. Plenty of places offer wi-fi, but not all do, so it’s key to research before you book. It is the open desert, after all! One well-connected option is Wolwedans, a desert getaway set among the red dunes of the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. In between taking in the scenery, you can enjoy game drives, hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, and spa treatments. Yes, please.
Syros, Greece
This Greek island has all the charm of a Mediterranean postcard. You’ll find interesting architecture, dreamy beaches, and a relaxed energy that’s tough to replicate anywhere else. You can wake up with the sun, enjoy fresh some fresh seafood, dip into the water for a swim, and then log into your email. All in a day’s work!
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is the go-to place for travelers who want to experience a different side of Hawaii - one with sparse crowds and rugged natural beauty. Maui’s peaceful farms, black sand beaches, scenic mountain roads, and rainforest greenery can inspire even the most weary soul. Oh, and did we mention the waterfalls? The waterfalls are absolutely ridiculous. Communities like Lahaina, Kahului, and Hana provide a small town island feel with the wi-fi you’ll need to stay connected.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park’s famous red cliffs and valleys more than live up to their hype. Zion is truly a sight to behold, and fortunately, it has some of the best proximity to wi-fi of all the US National Parks. Just don’t forget to pause to breathe in all that fresh air between emailing colleagues.
