Remote Year Shut Down
March 29, 2025
Remote Year, a popular program for digital nomads, abruptly shut down in December 2024, leaving members and the remote work community in shock. Here's what you need to know:
Key Takeaway: Remote Year’s closure highlights the risks of relying on structured travel programs, emphasizing the importance of financial planning, diversified travel arrangements, and self-reliant nomadic lifestyles.
Founded in 2014 by Greg Caplan and Sam Pessin, Remote Year aimed to combine remote work with international travel. The company charged participants between $2,000 and $3,000 monthly for structured travel experiences [3]. When it launched in December 2014, it generated significant interest - over 50,000 sign-ups, 3,000 inquiries within three days, and attention from 15 companies. The first group of 75 participants kicked off their journey in Prague, traveling through cities like Ljubljana, Istanbul, Penang, and Buenos Aires [3]. These early achievements set the stage for the challenges that would eventually lead to its closure.
Remote Year faced financial challenges and ownership changes that ultimately led to its shutdown. In 2020, Selina acquired the company, intending to expand its co-working and co-living services [2]. However, Selina's aggressive growth strategy and rising debt led to its insolvency in July 2024 [2].
After Selina's collapse, Collective Hospitality purchased Remote Year as part of Selina's distressed assets. Although CEO Gary Murray initially praised Remote Year as a "fabulous business", the new ownership's actions led to its closure [2]. Here's a timeline of the critical events leading to the shutdown.
| Timeline | Key Development |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Founded by Greg Caplan and Sam Pessin |
| Summer 2015 | First program launched with 75 participants |
| 2020 | Acquired by Selina |
| July 2024 | Selina declares insolvency |
| August 2024 | Collective Hospitality acquires Remote Year |
| December 2024 | Operations cease permanently |
Remote Year's sudden closure has left many members scrambling to adjust. Customers are dealing with unclear refund policies and challenges in using travel credits they had banked. For many, Remote Year's programs were the backbone of their work and travel lifestyle, so the fallout has been significant. Here’s a quick breakdown of the immediate effects:
| Impact Area | Immediate Consequences |
|---|---|
| Financial | Loss of deposits and unused travel credits |
| Housing | Canceled or disrupted accommodation plans |
| Work | Limited or no access to co-working spaces |
| Community | Canceled group events and activities |
This situation has also raised concerns about the reliability of such structured travel programs.
The closure has highlighted the risks tied to organized travel programs. Remote Year's journey - from independent operations to acquisitions by Selina and later Collective Hospitality - shows how corporate decisions can disrupt participants' lives. The challenges of scaling quickly in the travel and hospitality industry have become more apparent, leaving many to question the stability of these models.
In the wake of Remote Year's exit, other organizations have stepped up to support displaced travelers. Groups like Noma Collective and Pangea are offering discounts and travel credits to help ease the transition, valid through January 2025 [1]. Meanwhile, some former Remote Year employees have hinted at the possibility of reviving key aspects of the program independently. This could pave the way for new, creative nomadic travel services.
These shifts are encouraging digital nomads to rethink their dependency on structured programs, with many now leaning toward more independent and flexible travel options.
Take quick steps to secure your finances and travel plans. First, reach out to your bank or credit card company to dispute any recent charges for upcoming programs. Many financial institutions have specific procedures for handling travel-related disputes.
If you have travel insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. Be sure to keep a record of all communications with Remote Year and save any payment receipts. Here's a quick guide to help prioritize your actions:
| Priority | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| High | Contact your bank/credit card company | Within 24–48 hours |
| High | File a travel insurance claim | Within 7 days |
| Medium | Document communications | Ongoing |
| Medium | Join local nomad groups | Within 2 weeks |
| Low | Look into alternative housing options | Within 30 days |
Once you’ve handled these immediate concerns, shift your focus to creating a stable and independent nomad lifestyle.
Building a self-sufficient nomadic lifestyle takes intentional planning. Former Remote Year participants can benefit from transition support, with Noma Collective and Pangea offering assistance packages through January 2025 [1].
Here are a few key areas to focus on:
Planning ahead also means sharpening personal skills to navigate challenges with confidence.
Develop these essential skills to thrive as an independent traveler:
Independent travel requires both practical know-how and emotional strength. By mastering these skills and creating a solid routine, you can balance your work commitments with meaningful experiences in every destination.
With Remote Year shutting down, new travel programs are stepping in to fill the gap. These programs now focus on shorter, more flexible options to match modern work-life demands. For instance, NomadPro's "Basecamp Treks" provides flexible schedules, multiple location choices, and guaranteed coworking spaces [4]. Similarly, Noma Collective offers 2-4 week curated experiences that combine work-friendly infrastructure with opportunities for community and local cultural engagement [5].
Key highlights of these programs include:
The rise of these new travel models reflects broader trends in the digital nomad lifestyle. Despite Remote Year’s closure, the market for digital nomads continues to expand. In the U.S., the percentage of digital nomads has grown significantly, jumping from 7.3% to 17.3% [6].
| Market Driver | Current Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visas | Available in 60+ countries | Greater flexibility in choosing locations |
| Corporate Policies | Increased remote work options | Expanded opportunities for remote jobs |
| Infrastructure | More coliving spaces | Enhanced support for nomads |
| Global Competition | Countries actively recruiting | More destinations catering to nomads |
"Remote Year was a small but pioneering company, innovating on the edges over the years. Sad to see it come to an end." – Rafat Ali, Skift [2]
As the digital nomad market evolves, fresh solutions are being developed to address the changing needs of remote workers. The closure of Remote Year has prompted a wave of innovation. For example, a new collaboration between Noma Collective and Hacker Paradise demonstrates a shift toward more integrated support systems [5].
These solutions focus on:
The market remains active and ever-changing, with new entrants building on past experiences to better serve the remote work community.
Recent challenges have highlighted the need to rethink and strengthen your nomadic lifestyle. Here are key insights and strategies to help you navigate this evolving journey.
The shutdown underscored the risks of depending on a single travel provider. Prioritize these three areas:
| Focus Area | Key Consideration | Action Point |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Planning | Emergency Fund | Build savings to handle unexpected disruptions |
| Travel Arrangements | Diversification | Use multiple platforms for booking stays |
| Risk Management | Insurance Coverage | Get comprehensive travel insurance |
"We deeply believe in the transformative power of travel and connection and know this is not the end of the journey for our community." - Remote Year [2]
To thrive as a digital nomad, balance independence with community ties. After Remote Year's closure, successful nomads have found stability by blending self-reliance with local connections. For instance, many collaborate with others in their destination cities to secure better accommodation deals and share helpful local tips [1].
Here are some practices to create a more stable lifestyle:
Mastering skills like negotiating rental agreements and understanding visa requirements can help you stay adaptable. These steps ensure you're prepared for future disruptions while maintaining the flexibility that makes nomadic living so rewarding.
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