Australian Digital Nomads pick New Zealand and Japan as preferred destinations

A new YouGov Survey has found that almost one in three (29%) Australians have previously worked as a digital nomad, and of those who hadn’t worked this way previously, 41% indicated that they would consider this lifestyle.

For this poll a ‘Digital Nomad’ was defined as someone who travels freely for an extended period (at least one week), while working remotely using technology and the internet.

41% of Australian digital nomads and those who would consider working as a digital nomad, would choose Japan as a destination of choice.

The top destination among digital nomads and considerers, was New Zealand as indicated by 50%. Singapore was also a popular choice, desired by 34%.

Australians working in IT & Computer related fields (i.e. coding, web design, software development) were most likely to say they have worked as digital nomads. Almost a third (30%) of Australian digital nomads said they had done IT & Computing related work.

The next most common fields were creative roles (21%), such as script writing and film making, followed by financial services (18%) rounding out the top three.

Vlogging and social media influencing were roles only held by 11% of digital nomads.

Of those who had been a digital nomad, 95% claimed that there were notable benefits to the lifestyle. This included the ability to work flexibly (45%) and enjoy the benefits of travelling without taking time off work (44%).

Comparatively, those who have not previously worked under this arrangement agreed with the digital nomads as to what they saw to be the benefits for this lifestyle. 62% cited flexible working arrangements, as well as enjoying the benefits of travel without taking time off work.

However, to all these benefits, 87% of digital nomads admitted that this lifestyle brought its challenges. 37% found that it was difficult to be away from friends and family for an extended period, and 34% found challenge in organising travel logistics like accommodation and visas.

Non-digital nomads believed that the hardest aspect to this lifestyle would be staying away from family and friends for extended periods of time (58%), and communication issues with colleagues (51%).

Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online between 6 and 10 June 2024, with a national sample of 830 Australians, using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, gender, and location to be representative of all working and/or retired adults in Australia (18 years or older) as per the latest population estimates provided by the ABS. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Serviced.