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Workations

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What is a workation?

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Workation is a novel form of tourism that combines work with leisure. It's popular with entrepreneurs, remote workers, and freelancers who can work from anywhere as long as there's a stable internet connection. It can be a short- or long-term trip that allows one to escape the chaos of the city and head to the scenic surroundings of the mountains or immerse themselves in charming small-town life.

Workations often lead travelers to budget destinations where it's easy to find cheap accommodations, food, and recreational activities. They can also be places that offer easy connectivity for day trips and short weekend getaways. Since a major part of a workation is spent doing remote work, a stable and fast internet connection is the top priority. With the rise in the popularity of workations, destinations have started to offer attractive workation packages that make it possible to travel with the family as well.

Workations can help relieve stress, increase productivity, and be a motivating factor for employees. They also allow workers to experience a new destination without having to apply for annual leaves.

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The rising popularity of workations

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Workations or working remotely while traveling was unheard of earlier, but it has witnessed widespread popularity post-COVID-19. Companies were forced to digitize their workflow during the pandemic, making it possible for employees to easily log in from home. Many companies have either turned completely digital or now follow a hybrid work model.

The fact that it was possible to work from home and meet professional goals led to the rise of the digital nomads. During pre-pandemic times, these nomads usually relied on travel writing and photography to sustain their travels; however, now it's possible to work remotely in a variety of fields, such as IT and finance. Many destinations that were reliant on tourism, such as Bali and Koh Pha Ngan, began to market themselves as ideal workation destinations to help inject money into the local economy using the new trend.

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Who are digital nomads?

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A digital nomad is a remote worker who has the freedom to lead a nomadic lifestyle. They're usually younger and have no long-term permanent address. Digital nomads differ from people who work from home since they do not stay in one location for more than a few months. They may work from any location, such as coffee shops, beaches, mountainside eateries, and co-working spaces, as long as there's internet access. Their view while working might be the streets of Hanoi for one month and the rice terraces of Sapa the next!

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How can you become a digital nomad?

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• Find a remote job

Before you become a digital nomad, make sure you have a job to sustain your lifestyle. If your current job does not allow remote working, then find one that does. Freelance writers, data analysts, content creators, and digital marketers will have an easy time finding a remote job. Remote jobs are also available for finance executives and graphic designers.

• Ensure you have enough savings

A digital nomad should ensure that they have enough savings to last them a few months in case of any unforeseen emergencies. If you're working as a freelancer, this will also help if you ever face a month of lower-than-average income.

• Consider a passive income

In addition to their main source of income, digital nomads can also have an additional passive source of income. This could be optimizing a hobby such as cooking or photography and using the medium of social media to further monetize it. You can also look out for investing opportunities.

• Travel with minimal baggage

As a digital nomad, you never know how long you'll be staying at your latest destination, so it's best to travel with minimum luggage. You can keep your mementos and personal belongings that you cannot part with at a storage facility. When renting accommodation, try to find one that comes fully furnished to minimize the cost of setting up a house.

• Have up-to-date and reliable digital devices with you

Your life and work are dependent on your laptop, phone, and router. Always ensure that you have the best available gadgets in your budget since these will be the source of your income as you live your life as a digital nomad.

• Choose locations/accommodations with good internet connectivity

You could have chosen the most scenic location and booked a rental within your budget, but if the internet is patchy then it will not be worth it. Your priority when booking accommodation should be fast and reliable internet connectivity. Moreover, you should always have a backup 4G connection that you can use as a hotspot in case of an emergency.

Internet connectivity relies on electricity, so make sure that your building has power backup in place. It might be good to learn about how stable the electricity is from the neighbors before you make the final payment.

• Network and connect

Popular workation destinations regularly host meet-ups that are a great way to build a community and create your own network. These connections may help you professionally in the future or come to your aid in case of any emergency.

• Be adaptable and flexible

Any kind of traveler should keep some level of flexibility concerning their itineraries and be quick to adapt to changing circumstances. This applies to digital nomads as well. It's always ideal if everything goes according to plan, but if not, do not be afraid to change your course.

Digital nomads also need to consider time differences when planning work and family calls. You may need to give up on that extra hour of sleep to attend a virtual meeting. If you find additional work with a local company, you should be willing to adapt to their work culture, which could be drastically different from what you're used to.

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Ideal places to have a workation

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It's hard to believe how quickly remote working and the concept of digital nomads have taken off. Ideally, it's possible to work from anywhere as long as fast and stable internet connectivity is available. Here are some amazing places that could be your workplace if you're thinking of trying the digital nomad lifestyle.

• Islands

Islands are some of the top places for a workation and help one work peacefully and destress at the same time. Mornings can start with a walk on the beach or a swim in the ocean before you sit down to work. This could also be an opportunity to finally complete your scuba certification or learn to surf. If the island is a popular tourist destination, then it could be possible to pick up additional income as a translator if you know additional languages.

• Beaches

If you're not going to the islands, a beach on the mainland is the next best thing. You can work from a beach shack during the week and hone your sailing and diving skills during the weekend. It's easy to pick up a passive source of income such as bartending or digital marketing for tourism-related companies when on a popular beach.

• Mountains

While islands and beaches are busy throughout the year, mountains are relatively quiet. It's easy to book a secluded rental to complete your next bestseller, or you can pick a small mountain town where you can have an active social life. Free time in the mountains can be used for scenic hikes in the woods and finding new spots for your next Insta post.

• Forests

Escape from the city noises and retreat to a secluded cabin in the woods, tucked amidst lush greenery. Digital nomads can work indoors or head to the cabin's deck to work while admiring nature. This can easily beat any view from a high rise in the city.

• Deserts

A desert might not be the most popular destination for a workation, because people immediately relate deserts to heat, sand, and scarce amenities. However, some stunning cold deserts, such as those in Patagonia and Greenland, are popular workation destinations. Outdoorsy nomads will love hopping between Chile and Argentina to experience the many attractions in Patagonia. On the other hand, Greenland boasts a rich culture that nomads can immerse themselves in by planning a staycation. Deserts are also some of the top spots for stargazing.

• Countryside

Sometimes visiting a new destination does not have to mean traveling to a new country; it could simply mean moving to the countryside. The slow pace of life, combined with outdoor activities, is just what one needs after a week of work. A countryside workation will also let you feast on farm fresh products and stay healthy.

• Lakeside retreats

If fishing and boating are some of your favorite pastimes, and summers by the lake are among your favorite memories, then a lakeside workation is ideal. Lakeside retreats offer nomads the peace and serenity they need to work well. You can also enjoy lovely water views while working remotely.

• Historically or culturally significant locations

These places allow travelers and digital nomads to learn about the history and immerse themselves in the local culture. A long-term stay at a historical location can help you understand and discover all aspects of the destination. Cusco is a wonderful choice for a workation if you wish to unravel the mysteries of the Incan empire in your free time.

• Urban hideouts

Workations are not always exotic locales with countless outdoor activities to turn into hobbies during your downtime. Sometimes a workation can mean a stay in Brisbane or Kathmandu. Here, digital nomads can work from their modern rentals or take their work to a co-working space in the city. Postwork leisure time and weekends can be used to explore the food and culture of the city and make new friends.

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Benefits of workations

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• Mixing work with pleasure

Instead of all work and no play, digital nomads enjoy the ultimate combination of work and pleasure. A workation offers individuals the option of having a continuous source of income, along with the convenience of taking off to a new destination without having to request time off from work.

• Flexibility

A workation can be both short or long term and you're free to choose a destination according to your liking. You may work with fellow digital nomads in a coworking space or head to a remote island to work alone. You'll also enjoy flexibility when it comes to accommodations. Instead of a hotel or a hostel, which would not offer a private kitchen, you can stay in an Airbnb or an independent rental with good internet connectivity. These might not always be in the city center but provide a closer look at the way locals live.

• Effective stress management

Instead of working reluctantly until the next time you can afford to take time off, a workation will allow you to explore new destinations all the while earning money on your own terms. Experiencing a new city, its culture, and its cuisine is an effective way to de-stress.

• Attractive incentives

Depending on the destination you pick for your next workation, your post-work routine can be quite exciting. It could be a walk by the lake, a swim in the ocean, or truffle hunting in the forest. These definitely act as things to look forward to and attractive incentives to get your tasks done quickly.

• Increased productivity and creativity

Living a monotonous life where you spend hours commuting to work and sitting in a cubicle can get a bit depressing. A workation, on the other hand, is an exciting opportunity to mix work and pleasure. Plus, you have the bonus of discovering a new destination, which helps boost your morale and productivity. You would want to complete your tasks quickly and efficiently and use the extra time to explore new activities. A change of location can also help increase creativity as the scenic new surroundings bring inspiration.

• Opportunity to make new connections

A workation can also be an opportunity to expand your network. This can help to further boost your career. Top destinations for digital nomads usually host networking events in addition to expat events in the city. These news connections often turn into friendships and partnerships.

• Live like a local in a new destination

While a workation can be short- or long-term, they're primarily longer stays that allow digital nomads to live like a local and experience the destination at a leisurely pace. Since there's no longer a need to fit the maximum number of destinations in a few days, nomads can explore off-beat attractions that are located away from the core tourist hubs. You can also learn skills such as cooking meals from the local cuisine, speaking the local language, and more.

• Better work-life balance

Since workations are usually spent in exotic destinations, you can shut down your laptop at the end of the day, completely switch off from the daily grind, and leisurely explore the offerings of the place. This can mean taking a walk to a night market in Chiang Mai or making new friends at a jazz bar in Budapest. A workation allows individuals to divide their time between work and recreational activities effectively. Since you're no longer chained to a desk throughout the day, you'll also avoid burnout.

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Top workation destinations around the world

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• Salt Lake City, USA

If you wish to take your work to the mountains, then Salt Lake City is one of the best options in the US. The downtown area includes a special ‘free fare zone’, which offers residents and visitors complimentary transportation options. Moreover, fast internet connectivity and a safe environment make the city an appealing choice for digital nomads with families looking to relocate. However, there are also plenty of things to do alone, making Salt Lake City attractive for solo digital nomads as well.

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• Nassau, Bahamas

The beaches of Nassau on Paradise Island are tempting enough to make you want to relocate to The Bahamas. And, the country makes it easy for digital nomads with several of its features, including a simplified visa application process, modern healthcare facilities, and of course, gorgeous weather. The Bahamas is also one of the best destinations in the Caribbean boasting great progress in the educational, economic, and healthcare sectors. The country offers fast internet access for your work day and countless activities for your recreation.

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• Prague, Czech Republic

Digital nomads will see a spike in their creativity when they're surrounded by the stunning and inspiring architecture of Prague. Digital nomads will be surrounded by history and culture and can explore the historic Old Town at their own pace. A longer stay in the city will also offer enough time to participate in some famous festivals in Prague and explore the many beautiful gardens and parks.

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• Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is one of the top three happiest countries in the world and provides an excellent work-life balance. The majority of the population resides in the capital, Reykjavik, which includes several coworking spaces that also host networking events. Reykjavik is one of the top walkable cities in Europe and visitors can easily navigate around the city without a car. Additionally, public transport is a cheap and efficient way to get around the city and visit its non-touristy attractions. Digital nomads can also head out of the city during the weekend to kayak, fish, or explore the Icelandic wilderness.

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• Barcelona, Spain

Located on the Iberian peninsula, Barcelona is a major commercial and financial hub in Spain. The city is part of the historic region of Catalonia and is heavily promoted as a workation destination by the local government. There are plenty of co-working spaces and shared offices that can be used by digital nomads. Barcelona also encourages digital nomads to embrace its healthy work culture and make the most of their free time.

Nomads can pick from several safe neighborhoods in Barcelona, from which they can visit the city’s famous landmarks and go on road trips during the weekend. The city might be more expensive than Lisbon or Tallinn but is still relatively cheaper than London and Paris.

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• Budapest, Hungary

The Central European city of Budapest is much cheaper than its Western counterparts and just as beautiful. Budapest is a safe city where visitors can commute using the city’s affordable and extensive public transport. Additionally, fast internet connectivity makes Budapest an attractive workation option in Europe.

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• Tallinn, Estonia

This is an attractive option in Northern Europe where workers can apply for a digital nomad or e-residency visa. While a digital nomad visa allows individuals to work remotely in Estonia, an e-residency visa lets people run their remote or online businesses in Estonia from any part of the world. The capital Tallinn is a charming city with a well-preserved Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can lose themselves in the beauty and architecture of the narrow lanes and discover something new with every visit. Moreover, Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in Europe, where even rural areas boast excellent connectivity.

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• Lisbon, Portugal

Thousands of digital nomads are attracted to Lisbon for its sunny climate, fast Wi-Fi, and cheaper prices when compared to capitals in neighboring countries. After work, you can learn to surf and try out various popular local dishes such as Carne de Porco à Alentejana. If you're bored of working from your rental, you can head to one of the many laptop-friendly cafes and restaurants. Additionally, Lisbon offers lovely co-working spaces that can not only be productive environments but also help boost creativity.

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• Ubud, Indonesia

While the island of Bali has always been a popular choice for budget travelers, most spend the majority of their time on the beaches. The B211a Business Visa allows digital nomads to work remotely in Indonesia for up to 60 days and can be further extended twice up to a maximum of six months. That's more than enough time to visit some excellent spas, take cycling tours, and explore some unforgettable places. It's also possible to take day trips from Ubud.

Ubud offers a stress-free environment, is rich in culture and surrounded by rainforests and mountains.

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• Chiang Mai, Thailand

This is another cool Asian city that's gaining popularity as a workation destination. Chiang Mai might be one of the largest cities in Thailand, but it simultaneously manages to offer a small-town feel. The cooler temperature in the city, when compared to Bangkok, makes it possible to walk and cycle around. The city is dotted with hundreds of temples that you can explore during your stay, some of them dating back hundreds of years.

It's easy to book long-term rentals in the Old Town or the more hip Nimmanhaeim neighborhood. Chiang Mai has also upgraded its infrastructure to offer high-speed internet access and has co-working spaces cropping up around the city.

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• Brisbane, Australia

Located on Australia’s east coast, between Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, Brisbane is a bright and sunny workation destination. During the weekends, you can plan day trips to several destinations from Brisbane. The one-time Working Holiday visa, which allows workers to stay and work in the country for a year, is the best option for remote workers. The visa also allows individuals to pick a local job as a secondary source of income.

Brisbane is also one of the fastest-growing Australian cities with top-notch public transport and excellent connectivity to the rest of the country. Moreover, it's an inclusive city and one of the safest places to stay in Australia.

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Factors to consider for a successful workation

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• Cost of living

This is a major factor as you want your earnings to be sufficient and match the cost of living at the workation location. That's one of the main reasons why the top workation destinations are in Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America, where prices are comparatively reasonable. Many destinations also offer unique workation packages that help workers with their budget.

• Reliable internet connection

Since you're working remotely, you need a strong and stable internet connection, preferably high-speed. You should also have a backup connection on your phone that could be used as a hotspot in case of any technical issues with the main connection.

• Remote work tools

To work efficiently while away from a traditional office setting, you need to ensure that you have continuous electricity as well as internet connectivity. In case you're at a location that faces intermittent power outages, ensure a backup power supply is installed. Remote work tools also include essentials such as a laptop, a Smartphone, noise-canceling headphones, and chargers. Additionally, digital nomads need to have communication apps installed on their laptops that can help them stay connected with their work teams.

• Work-friendly atmosphere

Make sure to find a calm and comfortable work environment that offers little to no distractions. This could be your cozy Airbnb rental, a secluded beach, or a peaceful co-working space.

• Climate and weather conditions

Before heading to a new destination, digital nomads should check the climate and weather conditions of the destination, as well as other nearby places that they plan to visit during their stay. It's best to pack accordingly to ensure comfort and safety.

• Basic amenities

While exotic and off-beat locations can be tempting, make sure your destination is safe and has a low crime rate. Your rental should also be in a safe locality and follow safety protocols. Ideally, your accommodation should include a kitchen and a private bathroom, among other basic amenities. You can also go for one with a washing machine or one that's close to a laundromat. While a workspace in your rental is ideal, you can also look out for co-working spaces or coffee shops nearby that you can visit.

• Working arrangements with the employer

While remote workers enjoy a lot of freedom and flexibility, they do need to provide timely updates on their assigned tasks or show up for virtual meetings. In case there are no fixed work hours, differences in time zones need to be discussed and taken into consideration when planning meetings.

• Healthy work-life balance

A workation might lead you to a new destination, but it's not a full-time holiday. Therefore, you need to fix daily work hours and set attainable goals for the day. The time that you would otherwise spend commuting, can be used to explore your new neighborhood and experience the city like a local. Moreover, you should always take some time to simply rest and recharge for the next day.

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Work and travel at your own pace

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Workations are fast becoming a top work trend that allows digital nomads to travel while maintaining a constant source of revenue. Since workations are usually long-term, they also allow individuals to experience the authentic local flavors of a destination. Most importantly, a workation helps to boost productivity and creativity as you take a break from the monotonous routine of life, all the while allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Workation tips and destinations