Europe is every digital nomad’s destination for getting bits of culture and having the opportunity to travel from country to country for a short period of time.

A well-connected continent, home to states that are smaller than the average US state, it’s easy and convenient to explore, thanks to the Schengen Area, a passport-free zone that includes 27 (soon 29) European countries.

Schengen has eliminated routine passport checks in most of Europe, making travel across borders completely hassle-free.

On the other hand, non-EU travelers can only be present in the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period, meaning that each calendar day spent in each participating country is one day less in another.

Schengen has eased travel restrictions, but has severely limited a nomad’s options for long-term stays on the Old Continent, especially now that two more countries are joining.

So where can nomads go to extend their time in Europe? Fortunately, one of the continent’s most wonderful regions is entirely outside the Schengen Area, and all countries are welcoming medium- and long-term residents with open arms.

The Western Balkans is located in Southeastern Europe, surrounded by EU (European Union) and Schengen signatory states, such as Croatia and Greece, but which have not yet been admitted to either.

They are considered the least developed region of Europe, mainly because of their previous history of communism and that their EU membership process has been delayed for decades, but this does not mean that they are not safe and do not lack cultural terms.

The Western Balkans (WB) consists of:

Albania

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Montenegro

North Macedonia

Serbia.

Why will the Western Balkans become the future nomadic refuge of Europe?

First of all, seeing that the Western Balkans is not in Schengen, they can stay for 90 days in each of the countries, and in the case of Albania, especially American citizens are given a one-year visa-free stay.

Then there’s the fact that all six destinations are extremely cheap to live in: they’re not in the Eurozone, their national currencies are typically weaker than the US dollar, and food prices and the general cost of living are much lower compared to European countries.

Albania-Amazing coastline and ancient history

According to Nomad List, it costs just under $2,000 to live in Albania, where an expensive three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you as little as $15, perhaps, and month-long leases can sign up for $300.

Albania is basically low-budget Greece, with a similar culture and nature, except Airbnb rates aren’t high and the cobbled medieval towns and Adriatic beaches aren’t as crowded with foreign tourists, writes Travel off Path.

The two main nomadic destinations in Albania are Tirana, a modern capital city famous for its high number of cafes, and Ksamili, a quiet coastal town within walking distance of white sandy beaches.

Americans can stay an entire year as tourists in Albania, a privilege not granted to European citizens themselves, so you should keep this in mind when planning a long-term move across area.