Balancing travel and remote work continues to be one of the biggest challenges faced on the road. When you are a digital nomad, finding a peaceful environment to work while exploring is always a struggle. No one wants to spend hours searching for a coffee shop or sitting in an uncomfortable place. This was a situation I also struggled with in the past.

Working on the road used to mean hunching over a small shared space table or arguing with an Airbnb host who claimed their internet was "very fast" (only to find out they couldn't even load a basic email).

However, as remote work has expanded after the pandemic, many co-living spaces have emerged that combine the benefits of a workspace with a hostel atmosphere (but without the hostel-style basic amenities). This was designed for those looking for a nice place to stay, as working alone can be isolating for digital nomads!

The largest and most popular platform for remote workers is Outsite, which has many beautiful locations worldwide.

In this article, I will share everything you need to know about Outsite and my experience during my recent trip to Bordeaux.

What is Outsite?

Founded in 2015, Outsite is a global network of co-living and co-working spaces specifically designed for remote workers, location-independent entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.

They started with a single house in Santa Cruz, California, for those wanting to surf and work. Today, they have over 5,000 members and more than 50 locations to choose from.

Currently, anyone can book accommodation at Outsite, but if you are a member, you gain access to more benefits and better prices. You can pay an annual membership fee of $199 or a one-time fee of $499 for a lifetime membership. Benefits include access to members-only locations, one week of free accommodation in new destinations, 50% off flash sales, 40% off long-term stays, new member meetups, job and sublet listings, and some lifestyle perks.

It is also quite easy to use. You can simply browse their website, filter by your desired destination or type of atmosphere (beach, city, mountains), and reserve your private room.

How Does Outsite Work?


Outsite works like a combination of a boutique hotel and a workspace. When you make an Outsite reservation, you are booking a private bedroom. Most rooms have their own private bathroom, but some budget-friendly rooms share a bathroom with another person.

Each location features large, beautifully furnished common areas. You can enjoy fully equipped chef kitchens that you could never find in a regular Airbnb. Additionally, there are spacious living rooms, outdoor terraces, and often rooftops or pools (depending on the location).

Each location has a dedicated workspace integrated into the home. It is equipped with ergonomic chairs, plenty of outlets, monitors you can connect to, and fast, corporate-quality Wi-Fi. You can wake up, make your coffee, and be at a suitable table in a deep focus state within five minutes.

Moreover, Outsite locations have a social aspect as well. Each location has a dedicated Community Manager. Before your arrival, you are added to a local WhatsApp group, and locations host weekly events such as family-style dinners, group weekend trips, Friday night tapas tours, and morning yoga sessions. You really have plenty of opportunities to meet people.

The Community Manager is a fantastic resource. During my stay in Bordeaux, they were there to provide recommendations, suggest dining options, and answer any questions I had. This was really helpful.

What I Liked About Outsite

First of all, the properties are really beautiful. The location in Bordeaux had modern furniture, comfortable chairs for working, laundry facilities, and even a small gym. The rooms were really nice too. There was a private desk, a comfortable bed, and a really nice bathroom (the water had excellent shower pressure!).

The shared kitchen was very clean (the cleaners come every day) and the counter space was quite large. I wish I had such a kitchen at home. You can really make great meals here. (Coffee and tea are always provided for free!)

Also, I love the design. The spaces are designed with natural light, plants, and local art. It gives an incredibly distant feeling from the sterile environment of a corporate hotel. You feel like you are staying at a very wealthy, very cool friend's house.

However, the biggest appeal of using Outsite for me is the community aspect. Being someone who works remotely often means working alone. Whether you are in a hotel or a coffee shop, it’s just you and your community. It’s hard to meet people.

At Outsite, you are surrounded by other digital nomads who have similar life experiences. Not like backpackers, but those who wonder why they are not exploring while sitting at their computers. Because everyone is there to both work and have fun, there is a common bond. Most people at the location in Bordeaux were staying for at least two weeks. Our community manager organized many weekend events to help people get to know each other.

Points to Consider


First of all, 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 pay a premium fee for a private room, guaranteed workspace, and community arrangements. However, when you factor in the cost of an Airbnb rental plus a monthly pass to a local coworking space, Outsite probably comes out cheaper.

Secondly, popular locations fill up quickly. 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 make last-minute decisions with their most sought-after properties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outsite

Do I need to be a member to book accommodation? No! Anyone can book accommodation at Outsite. However, if you plan to stay more than a few days, the annual $199 Membership practically pays for itself.

Is there an age limit? There is no official age limit, but you must be at least 18 years old to make a reservation (and 21 at some locations). The vast majority of guests are working professionals in their late 20s, 30s, and 40s. There is definitely an older and more professional crowd than your average hostel guests.

Is there a minimum number of nights? The minimum stay for most locations is only 2 nights, which means you can easily drop by for a weekend. However, some specific locations (especially in large cities like New York where local housing laws are strict) may require a 30-day minimum stay.

Can I bring my pet? Generally, no. Since it is a shared living environment with communal kitchens and living areas, most Outsite locations do not allow pets to ensure the comfort of all guests (and to prevent allergy issues).

*****

Living as a digital nomad should not mean compromising on your career advancement, comfort, or 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. During my time in Bordeaux, I met some amazing people.

Outsite is a fantastic platform for those who want the advantages and comforts of a private home, the efficiency of an office, and the social life of a hostel. I believe that sharing a home creates a sense of intimacy, and you will definitely make some friends along the way.

Don’t forget to check out Outsite on your next trip and find your own community!