The video Remote Workers - Cascais, launched in 2022, had everything to be a success: David, a digital nomad, lives a parallel reality in which he works from wherever he wants. Being that this “wherever” is what makes all the difference. In Cascais, everything is sunnier, lighter, easier and happier. And all that happiness didn't come just for him: the production has been honoured worldwide with dozens of awards. Last Wednesday, 22nd November, the awards kept on coming at the 35th edition of the World Tourism Film Awards in Valencia, Spain. Remote Workers - Cascais was one of the winners of the best tourism films of the year, at a global level. They scored 2nd place in the ranking for the Best Videos for Tourist Destination Cities, with 1st place going to the Polish film Bielsko-Biała - A city always for people.
The video had already won a Golden Dolphin in Cannes. But the praise doesn't stop there: the ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival, in Portugal, awarded it the 1st place in the International Tourism Destinations - Cities Award, as well as 2nd place in the National Tourism Destinations - Cities Award. In the United States, the recognition has multiplied fivefold: in the Monthly Future of Film Awards, it won in the Super Short Films category, in November 2022; in the Art Film Awards, as December’s 2022 Super Short Film; in TOP Shorts in the Best Microfilm category; at the Indie X Film Festival, it was the April 2023 winner, in the Best Microfilm category; and at the Nashville Independent Filmmakers Festival, it won in the Best Microshort category for Spring 2023.
Countries such as Japan (Best Microfilm at the International Film Festival and May’s Best Microfilms at the Tokyo International Short Film Festival), Bulgaria (Sofia Art Film Awards, December winner in the Super Short Film category) and Germany (Berlin Short Awards, January winner in the Best Micro Short category and honourable mention at the New Wave Short Film Festival) also distinguished the video that went around the world —only to come back and be happy once again in Cascais.
Nomad life in Cascais, by Helena Bradbury
David's story is fiction, but Helena's is not. Like many digital nomad stories, we have to go back to 2020 when the pandemic hit and redefined our priorities and ways of living. Even before that, however, Helena Bradbury had “dreamt of living the digital nomad lifestyle for years, but was unsure how to get started”. Locked down in Melbourne for six months with an expired visa and the need to return to the UK, she realised that finding work would be more difficult, which prompted her to start her own business, one that offers more location flexibility.
Not all digital nomads can do it full-time, but Helena not only does it as a freelancer but also manages two of her own businesses. When she decided to start her own business, before the restrictions were lifted she considered the “business aspect, finances, accommodation, travel costs and challenges” that she could face. And then she went for it.
Helena admits the digital nomad life may not be for everyone, but in her case it’s better than staying in the same place all the time: "I have a lifestyle that allows me to live in so many different places and experience so much of the world. I have the flexibility to walk on the beach in the morning, work from a cafe in the afternoon, meet new and likeminded people in the evenings, travel around new areas on the weekends and experience destinations, cultures and people on a deeper level than I would on a vacation” she adds.
The digital nomad is aware the cost of living can be high, depending on the cities chosen, but she says that in her case it has been worthwhile because the cost of living in the UK is so high. Nevertheless, she uses strategies to maintain a regulated life, such as staying for longer periods to get better accommodation prices and preparing meals at home. None of which stop her from balancing work and leisure. Her routine includes a four-day workweek to let her make the most of wherever she is. For three days and two afternoons, she works in cafes or other places that allow her to absorb the vibe and coffee culture.
When choosing a place to stay for a season she looks for “destinations which are welcoming to digital nomads”. And she provides some examples: “Perhaps there is already an established community there, maybe the country offers a digital nomad visa or temporary residence permit, or in the case of Cascais, there is an active campaign that is welcoming and open to digital nomads.”
After visiting the town in 2013, the digital nomad had the opportunity to return to Cascais. A quick search showed her she would find everything she needed “established community, welcoming to nomads, well-connected, great infrastructure and proximity to the sea with plenty of activities!”
Helena prefers “slow travel”, both for economic reasons and to avoid the stress of constant movement. Her stay in Cascais included long walks on the beach, visits to museums in the morning, working in the afternoon and seeking out events or meetups with friends in the evening. In fact, this is the advice she never tires of repeating: take time to explore.
Helena stayed at Luna House Coworking, an accommodation and co-working space. But she also tried out other places, like the House of Wonders and Kafeine Cascais in the Marina. For those considering choosing the town, she offers a lot of advice: “exploring the beautiful historic quarter, visiting the unique museums and trying local restaurants is a must! But also don’t miss the beaches, cycling routes, hiking trails and day trips to Sintra.” She was able to be surprised, even after all the research: “One thing I really didn’t expect from Cascais is how much of a paradise it is for outdoor lovers. I’m a very active person and like to keep fit, cycle and hike regularly and I loved how much there was to do for active, outdoor and adventure lovers.”
One last tip? The best place to relax: “The beach! Cascais has so many beaches to choose from and they’re always thriving in the late afternoon. Whether you’re there to swim, enjoy the sun, watch a game of footvolley or just enjoy the vibe with a drink or two – it’s a great way to chill out after a work day.”
While currently travelling to other places, Cascais truly captured Helena’s heart: the digital nomad and her partner decided “on the first day” that they would return, and the plans are to come back “as early as 2024.”
We’re waiting for you, Helena.