Cafes Archives - Pale Ale Travel

5 Laptop-Friendly Cafes & Workspaces in Osaka

September 1, 2023September 1, 2023Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Japan BigBody 2 Comments

In Japan, people typically go into a cafe or restaurant, accomplish what they came there to do, and then leave. Unlike other countries I’ve lived in, including the U.S., where political campaign telemarketers, Mary Kay salespeople, and Bluetooth guy (everyone knows Bluetooth guy) post up at cafes for hours on end (it’s accepted practice though), Japanese (for the most part) just aren’t simply sitting there nursing a single 99-cent iced coffee over 6 hours while furiously typing away at their groundbreaking (failed) avant-garde screenplays like the coffee shop “revolutionaries” of the West.

This meant that during my time in Osaka, I only found a handful of cafes or workspaces where it was accepted (or felt like it was accepted) to post up with a laptop, book, or Elizabeth Warren-constituent email list to cold call. However, the cafes (and workspace) that I did find and work from were absolute gems and important refuges for me on days when I mentally needed to get out of my apartment (and hotel room) and wanted to be surrounded by others on the same page.

Here are five of my favorite laptop-friendly cafes and workspaces in Osaka.

What My Perfect Day in Hong Kong Looks Like

January 2, 2023January 6, 2023Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

I was inspired to write this post after declaring ‘Big Body’s Sacred Day’ on July 5th, 2021. I’m not sure why that date in particular but everything lined up that day and I did almost everything I could have wanted (almost) in Hong Kong in just one day. I repeated this day again on July 5th, 2022, and plan to do some sort of variation of this in 2023 (and beyond).

The beauty of Hong Kong is that you are a stone’s throw away from a challenging hike with a view, a hop skip, and a jump from a serene and secluded beach, and always within eyeshot of a cold beer, strong coffee, or bite to eat. That’s why days like ‘Big Body’s Sacred Day’ are possible in Hong Kong. While there are countless other restaurants, hikes, and things that I love in this city, I tried to remain true to exactly what I’ve done on both sacred days.

Here’s what my perfect day in Hong Kong would look like (and has looked like) should I have my druthers. Keep in mind that I am combining two of my sacred days (July 5th, 2021, and July 5th, 2022) so everything may not be achievable in just one day. Or maybe it is.

The Best Rooftop Shisha Lounge in Hong Kong: Mono Lab

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Hong Kong BigBody Leave a Comment

I can’t lie. I’m a sucker for the occasional shisha (or as I grew up calling it, hookah). If my father is reading this, so be it. For someone who has significantly cut back on drinking, shisha has provided a fantastic sober, social alternative that is a semi-regular occasion (not THAT often though) with some of my best friends here in Hong Kong.

And, there is one place that I can thank that has been a major driver behind it – Mono Lab. In a city where rooftop bars, cafes, and shisha lounges are few and far between, Mono Lab reigns supreme. This is my go-to rooftop shisha lounge in Hong Kong.

11 Laptop-Friendly Cafes to Work From in Hong Kong

December 12, 2022January 7, 2024Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Hong Kong BigBody Leave a Comment

I wouldn’t call Hong Kong the most laptop-friendly or “digital nomad” friendly city that I’ve ever lived in – mainly due to coffee and food prices which can add up quickly over an extended stay. However, I would say that there is no shortage of options when it comes to posting up at a sound workspace, with strong coffee, and other like-minded individuals.

I would preface that if you are truly looking for a dedicated workspace that is the most economical of all options (and usually comes with free coffee), I would recommend exploring one of Hong Kong’s many coworking spaces. I’ve found that these are typically the best bang-for-your-buck laptop-friendly cafes and coffee shops to truly buckle down with work.

3 Must-Try Cafes & Coffee Shops in Split, Croatia

April 13, 2020October 10, 2020Coffee & Cafés, Croatia, Europe BigBody Leave a Comment

I originally moved to Croatia as it was one of the closest places I could enter for 3 months after my time in the Schengen Area had expired (90 days). I didn’t have any preconceptions before I first moved, and originally planned to spend my slotted three months in Zagreb. However, after taking a trip down to Split in the first week of December, 2019, I felt at home and shifted plans.

I ended up staying the next three months (just about), in Split, Croatia, and really made myself at home. The below three cafes were all a big part of my life and daily routine while there and absolutely worth checking out.

6 Best Cafes to Work From in Vienna

April 13, 2020December 1, 2022Austria, Coffee & Cafés, Europe BigBody Leave a Comment

Vienna won me over. I’m not sure if it was because of its rowdy gasthauses, old friends who I was able to reconnect with, or the palpable energy that is hard to ignore after stepping out your door. Vienna is an absolutely wonderful city that I recommend everyone check out.

I do know for sure that Vienna’s abundance of great cafes to work from is a major factor in why I am seriously considering settling there permanently. From busy college hangout cafes, to traditional Viennese coffee houses, all the way to chic, hipster hangout spots that double as an upcoming DJ’s stomping grounds – Vienna has a cafe (or two) perfect for whatever mood you are in.

Let’s get started! Below is a list of my personal favorite cafes to work from in Vienna, Austria.

Best Budapest Cafes For Digital Nomads & Freelancers

January 11, 2020October 10, 2020Coffee & Cafés, Europe, Hungary BigBody Leave a Comment

When I first arrived in Budapest, Hungary, I had some trouble locating good cafes to work out of. A good portion were coffee-bar cafes that really aren’t spots to sit down, open up your laptop, and get a full day’s worth of work in. But, as I began to explore the city more, I found that Budapest’s work-friendly cafe scene was actually more bustling than I thought. In fact, Budapest was filled with trendy, hip, and even cozy cafes to get your hours in at.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Budapest cafes for digital nomads and freelancers that I found during my month-plus stint in the Pearl of the Danube.

6 Cafes For Digital Nomads & Freelancers to Work From in Taipei, Taiwan

January 8, 2020April 22, 2024Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Taiwan BigBody Leave a Comment

Ranked as the best city in the world to live in for expats, there’s no surprise as to why digital nomads and freelancers are flocking to Taipei (and Taiwan in general) by the dozen (thousands? Tens of thousands?). And, with Taiwan’s introduction of their new ‘Entrepreneur Visa’ in 2018, I don’t foresee this mass migration to Taiwan stopping anytime soon. Aiding this push and solidification at the forefront of best cities to live in the world is Taipei’s bustling and diverse cafe culture.

Below are 6 of my favorite cafes and what I consider some of the best cafes for digital nomads and freelancers to work from in Taipei, Taiwan.

4 Laptop Friendly Cafes & Places For Digital Nomads in Bratislava

January 3, 2020November 1, 2020Coffee & Cafés, Europe, Slovakia BigBody 1 Comment

I’ve said this to everyone I’ve talked to about my current six-month stint in Europe – Bratislava, Slovakia is the most underrated destination of anywhere I have been. Initially, I viewed Bratislava as a one or two night stopping point on my way from Vienna to Budapest. But after my first day there, I decided to extend my Airbnb. And then, I decided to extend some more. Next thing you know, one month had passed and I could actually picture myself living there.

A large part of me posting up in Bratislava and starting to live a normal life here was due to the high quality of living and countless cafes and pivovars. Bratislava’s cafes have everything a digital nomad or freelancer needs – strong WiFi, affordable and quality food, plenty of outlets, a plethora of coffee options, and more.

Below, I’m going to take you through five laptop friendly cafes and places for digital nomads and freelancers in Bratislava, Slovakia!

Two Vegan Spots to Hit in Budapest, Hungary

January 1, 2020January 1, 2020Europe, Food, Hungary BigBody Leave a Comment

As you can probably guess from several of my posts on this blog, such as my review of El Gaucho Steakhouse or my favorite BBQ restaurants to frequent in Ho Chi Minh, I’m a big meat eater. But I have been trying to consume less meat over the years and mix in several days per week where I am cutting back on it, in favor of branching out and trying new vegetarian/vegan foods.

So, you can only imagine my sheer excitement when I got to Budapest (where I spent over a month) and found several restaurants and cafes that just absolutely nail it and made me not really miss meat that much.

I’m no expert on vegan food by any means, but I feel like this blog post can serve as a testament to other meat eaters that you could possibly have one of the best burgers of your life, without it having any meat.

3 Cafes to Check Out in Portsmouth, NH

December 17, 2019December 1, 2023Coffee & Cafés, New Hampshire, North America BigBody 2 Comments

I came back to my home state for the last three months (July 2019 to Oct 2019) to take a break from constant travel, work, and stress. It’s been a great feeling. There’s something comforting about working from a cafe in your home-state, knowing after a day of slogging it out online, you get to come home and drink a few beers with your mom or dad (or both).

Everytime I come back to New Hampshire, there’s always an assortment of new restaurants, breweries, bars, and cafes that have popped up, which makes for an exciting stay. This time was no different. Not only was this trip a great chance to explore several new cafes, restaurants, and breweries, but re-visit some institutions and OG spots which I missed dearly.

Below are three cafes I recommend checking out in Portsmouth, New Hampshire!

5 Best Cafes in Ho Chi Minh For Digital Nomads

December 6, 2019August 11, 2020Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’re a freelancer or digital nomad and looking for the best cafes in Ho Chi Minh (also known as Saigon), look no further! I’ve got you covered. Ho Chi Minh has no shortage of incredible cafes, and is the top city I’ve ever lived in for cafe options, coffee (Vietnamese coffee is the best), and affordable brunches and lunches.

In this article, I’m taking you through five of my favorite places to work from in Saigon. So, whether you’re looking for a happening cafe to meet like-minded professionals, or searching for a quiet corner to cozy up with your favorite book, you won’t be disappointed. Below are the five best cafes in Saigon for digital nomads and freelancers!

Let’s get started!