In today’s evolving work landscape, the concept of a “workation” has gained tremendous popularity, blending work and leisure in a unique way. A workation allows individuals to work remotely while immersing themselves in new environments—be it by the beach, in a bustling city, or amidst nature. Unlike traditional vacations, a workation doesn’t require disconnecting entirely from work. Instead, it offers a balanced approach to productivity and relaxation, providing a fresh perspective and often improving work-life balance.
Balancing these elements can enhance creativity, reduce burnout, and keep you productive while you explore the world. But a successful workation requires the right mindset, planning, and tools. This guide will cover everything you need to know, from understanding what a workation is to choosing the best destinations, overcoming potential challenges, and even integrating workations into company culture.
What Is a Workation?
A workation is a blend of work and vacation, where individuals temporarily relocate to a different place to continue working while enjoying the sights, culture, and relaxation associated with a getaway. It’s a hybrid approach that combines the productivity of a remote workspace with the rejuvenation of a holiday.
Workations provide the flexibility to explore new locations without sacrificing work commitments, making them an appealing choice for freelancers, remote employees, and digital nomads. This type of arrangement allows for short-term or long-term stays and has become especially popular with advancements in remote work technology, enabling people to stay connected and productive no matter where they are in the world.
Benefits of a Workation
Higher Productivity
A change of scenery can significantly boost productivity. Moving away from a traditional office or home setup reduces routine monotony and provides a fresh environment, which can increase focus and drive. Many people find that working from a comfortable, inspiring location allows them to stay engaged longer, fostering efficiency and creativity. Additionally, with fewer office-based distractions, workationers can often find it easier to concentrate and manage their tasks.
Improved Work-Life Balance
Workations are a great way to blend work with relaxation, helping individuals achieve a more balanced lifestyle. Unlike traditional office setups, where strict schedules and a lack of flexibility can cause stress, workations allow people to adjust their routines. This balance allows for the best of both worlds—work hours dedicated to career responsibilities and time set aside to explore, relax, or recharge. By merging work with travel, a workation provides a refreshing approach to achieving work-life harmony.
Coping with Burnout
Taking a workation can be an effective strategy for combating burnout, which has become a prevalent issue in modern workplaces. When individuals feel overwhelmed by daily routines or the demands of a heavy workload, a workation can provide a much-needed break without halting productivity. The shift in environment allows for new experiences and a slower pace, helping individuals relax mentally and physically. This, in turn, fosters greater resilience and motivation upon returning to regular work settings.
Enhanced Creativity
One of the remarkable benefits of a workation is the impact it has on creativity. Exploring a new place often exposes individuals to different cultures, cuisines, landscapes, and activities, which can fuel creative inspiration. For those in creative or problem-solving roles, this exposure can lead to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. The change in routine also provides the mental space necessary to think more broadly, making workations a perfect opportunity to recharge creative energy.
More Flexibility
Workations offer the kind of flexibility that standard office environments can’t match. With a flexible schedule, people can adapt their work hours to maximize both productivity and enjoyment of their destination. For example, one might work early mornings and late afternoons, leaving midday open for activities or exploration. This flexibility also means individuals can manage their time in a way that best suits their energy levels, optimizing both work output and relaxation time.
In short, workations offer a unique blend of benefits that enhance personal well-being and professional productivity. They make it possible to achieve meaningful work while still enjoying the sights, culture, and experiences of different locations.
How to Plan Your Workation and Enjoy It
Choose the Right Destination
Selecting the perfect destination is key to a successful workation. The location should offer a conducive environment for both work and relaxation. Consider factors such as reliable internet connectivity, cost of living, and time zone compatibility with your team or clients. For instance, places like Lisbon, Portugal, and Taipei, Taiwan, are popular for their coworking spaces, comfortable amenities, and cultural attractions. Aim for a destination that aligns with your preferences and provides a balance between peaceful work environments and leisure activities.
Set Goals for Your Workation
Setting clear goals before your workation helps define what you want to achieve. Decide if the main purpose is to complete a specific project, refresh your perspective, or simply maintain your usual productivity level while enjoying a new place. These goals will guide your workation approach, allowing you to prioritize work tasks and allocate sufficient time for rest and exploration. Establishing measurable goals, such as finishing certain tasks by the end of each day, also keeps you accountable and motivated.
Create a Work Schedule
To stay productive on a workation, creating a realistic work schedule is essential. Decide on dedicated work hours, breaks, and time for exploration, keeping in mind any obligations or meetings that align with your usual work hours. Many workationers find success by starting their day early, leaving afternoons or evenings open for leisure. Maintaining a regular schedule helps ensure you remain focused on work tasks while still having plenty of time to enjoy the destination.
Use the Right Tools
Remote work tools are crucial for staying connected and organized during a workation. Ensure you have access to essential tools, such as a reliable video conferencing app, cloud storage, and a project management platform. Communication tools like Corexta are also helpful for staying in touch with colleagues or clients. Additionally, consider portable work gear, such as noise-canceling headphones or a travel-sized laptop stand, to create a comfortable and functional workspace wherever you are.
Remember to Disconnect
While it’s tempting to stay connected constantly, taking time to disconnect is vital for truly enjoying a workation. Set boundaries between work and personal time, and make sure to engage in activities that help you unwind and recharge. This might mean turning off notifications, exploring local landmarks, or enjoying a quiet beach day. A balanced workation allows you to experience the best of both worlds, blending productivity with relaxation in a way that leaves you refreshed and inspired.
Planning a workation takes thoughtful preparation, but by following these steps, you can create an experience that enhances both your work and your well-being.
Best Destinations for Workations
Barcelona, Spain (The Leading Workation Destination of 2023)
Barcelona has become one of the top destinations for workations, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere, strong digital infrastructure, and abundant coworking spaces. With a mix of rich history, stunning beaches, and a lively cultural scene, it offers both relaxation and stimulation. Barcelona’s connectivity and extensive network of coworking spots make it an ideal choice for remote professionals looking to balance work and leisure.
Toronto, Canada
Known for its welcoming, multicultural vibe, Toronto is a fantastic choice for workationers seeking a mix of professional opportunity and vibrant city life. The city boasts numerous coworking spaces, dependable internet, and a variety of cafes ideal for working. Beyond work hours, Toronto offers plenty to explore, from its impressive waterfront to diverse dining options and cultural attractions, like the Distillery District and the Royal Ontario Museum.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a popular workation destination for those drawn to affordability, exotic landscapes, and an energetic urban environment. The city has a well-developed infrastructure for digital nomads, with coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of networking opportunities. Bangkok offers an intriguing blend of historic temples and modern skyscrapers, along with bustling markets and street food scenes, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to unwind.
Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane is a great destination for professionals looking for a relaxed atmosphere and warm climate. Known for its green spaces, riverfront cafes, and coworking spots, Brisbane offers a conducive work environment. After work, you can explore the nearby Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, enjoy a river cruise, or visit the local markets. The friendly Australian culture and Brisbane’s laid-back vibe make it a welcoming spot for workationers.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has quickly emerged as a top choice for remote workers, thanks to its affordability, beautiful scenery, and welcoming culture. Known for its pastel-colored buildings, historic sites, and proximity to stunning beaches, Lisbon provides a unique workation experience. The city’s thriving coworking community and reliable internet make it easy to stay connected. Plus, Lisbon’s vibrant neighborhoods and delicious cuisine create a memorable experience for any visitor.
Taipei, Taiwan
For professionals who appreciate modern infrastructure mixed with traditional charm, Taipei is an excellent choice. The city offers reliable Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and a vast array of cafes, all complemented by the efficiency of Taiwan’s public transit system. Taipei also has plenty to explore in terms of night markets, temples, and nature trails like those in Elephant Mountain. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a unique cultural experience while working remotely.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a wonderful city for workationers who enjoy art, culture, and history. Known for its impressive architecture, parks, and café culture, Vienna provides a peaceful yet stimulating work environment. The city offers several coworking spaces, and its reliable public transport makes it easy to explore. Vienna’s quality of life and rich cultural scene make it a fantastic destination for both work and relaxation.
São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is an exciting workation destination for those drawn to the energy of a bustling metropolis. Known as the economic heart of Brazil, it provides excellent coworking options and a dynamic environment ideal for networking. Outside of work, São Paulo has a vibrant nightlife, diverse cultural attractions, and numerous parks. It’s a great spot for those who want a workation filled with variety and cultural immersion.
Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
Ko Pha Ngan is a tropical paradise that attracts workationers seeking a laid-back lifestyle. Known for its beaches and scenic landscapes, it’s a popular destination for remote workers looking to recharge. The island has many coworking spaces, along with a thriving digital nomad community. After work, you can enjoy yoga sessions, beach sunsets, or join the island’s famous Full Moon parties, making it a refreshing option for relaxation and work-life balance.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is an increasingly popular workation destination in Europe, known for its affordability, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife. The city provides plenty of coworking spaces and a good internet infrastructure, making it ideal for remote work. After hours, visitors can explore the city’s famous thermal baths, riverside promenades, and historic sites. Budapest’s dynamic cultural scene and charm make it a fantastic workation option.
Each of these destinations offers a unique blend of productivity and relaxation, making them ideal for anyone seeking the perfect workation experience.
Challenges of Workations and How to Overcome Them
Managing Distractions
While workations offer beautiful surroundings, they can also introduce more distractions than a traditional work environment. Scenic views, new cultures, and various activities can make it difficult to concentrate. To stay focused, set clear boundaries for work and leisure. Try establishing a designated workspace or choosing quiet spots like coworking spaces or libraries for maximum focus. Noise-canceling headphones and productivity tools like website blockers can help minimize distractions during work hours, allowing you to stay on task while still enjoying your surroundings after hours.
Time Zone Differences
Working across time zones can disrupt communication with team members or clients, especially if the destination has a significant time difference. To overcome this, schedule important meetings or check-ins in advance, preferably during overlapping hours. Tools like World Time Buddy can help you plan effectively and avoid scheduling conflicts. Adjust your work schedule to align with the most critical times for communication, ensuring that you’re available when your team needs you most.
Balancing Work with Leisure
It can be tempting to focus solely on either work or leisure during a workation, but striking the right balance is essential for a fulfilling experience. Try creating a daily schedule that prioritizes essential tasks during high-focus hours and dedicates leisure time afterward. This way, you can work productively without feeling rushed or guilty when it’s time to explore. Setting boundaries and managing your workload will allow you to experience the destination fully without compromising productivity.
Staying Organized
With constant movement and a blend of work and relaxation, staying organized can be challenging. Remote work tools such as Corexta can help you manage tasks, collaborate with team members, and track progress. Additionally, organizing your devices and files before you travel will ensure that you have everything you need readily accessible. Using digital organizers and setting daily reminders can also keep you on top of both work and travel plans, helping you maintain structure during your workation.
Travel Planning
A successful workation requires meticulous travel planning, from arranging accommodations to securing reliable internet access. Start by researching accommodations that cater to remote workers, like those offering coworking spaces or fast internet. Keep an eye on visa requirements, health guidelines, and any necessary travel documentation to avoid unexpected disruptions. Planning your itinerary in advance, but with some flexibility, will help reduce stress and ensure you have all logistics handled so that you can focus on work and relaxation.
How to Integrate Workation Into Your Company Culture
Establish a Flexible Remote Work Policy
Integrating workation opportunities into company culture begins with a flexible remote work policy. This policy should outline eligibility criteria, work expectations, and guidelines for workation days, providing employees with clarity on how and when they can work remotely from different locations. A flexible policy enables employees to manage their workload effectively while enjoying the benefits of a new environment. Transparency and clear guidelines will encourage employees to take workations without sacrificing productivity.
Encourage Goal-Setting
Encouraging employees to set clear, achievable goals is crucial for a successful workation experience. By establishing specific targets, employees can maintain focus and productivity even in an unfamiliar setting. Encourage team members to identify work milestones for their workation, aligning these goals with broader team or project objectives. Goal-setting not only helps employees stay motivated but also ensures accountability, making it easier for them to balance work tasks with relaxation.
Provide Essential Remote Work Tools
Equipping employees with the right tools is essential for productive workations. Provide access to tools like VPNs, cloud storage, video conferencing apps, and collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Portable equipment, such as laptop stands, noise-canceling headphones, or mobile hotspots, can also enhance their experience by creating a functional workspace, regardless of location. With the proper tools, employees can work effectively, stay connected, and maintain seamless communication with their team.
Create a Communication Protocol
Clear communication is key to integrating workations into company culture. Establish a communication protocol that defines expectations for check-ins, response times, and updates while employees are on workations. For example, regular weekly check-ins or status updates can ensure alignment on projects without disrupting employees’ work-life balance. A well-defined communication plan keeps the team connected and fosters a sense of accountability, helping everyone stay on track.
Gather Feedback and Optimize the Process
After employees complete a workation, gathering feedback is essential to refining the workation process. Ask for insights on what worked well, the challenges they encountered, and any improvements they suggest. This feedback helps identify areas for enhancement, such as adjusting policies, adding resources, or revisiting communication strategies. Regularly optimizing the workation process will make it a valuable, sustainable part of your company culture, supporting productivity and job satisfaction.
Integrating workations into your company culture can enhance employee engagement, productivity, and well-being, fostering a flexible, modern work environment that meets the needs of today’s workforce.
Final Thoughts
Embracing a workation can be a transformative way to blend productivity with relaxation, offering a fresh perspective on work-life balance. By choosing an inspiring location, setting clear goals, and maintaining a structured routine, professionals can enjoy the benefits of a new environment without sacrificing productivity. Workations help combat burnout, foster creativity, and enhance flexibility, making them an appealing option for modern professionals and forward-thinking companies alike.
However, it’s essential to address potential challenges, like managing distractions and coordinating time zones, to make the most of this experience. With thoughtful planning and a supportive company culture, workations can become a valuable tool for both personal growth and professional success. Embrace the journey, balance work with exploration, and discover how a change in scenery can reinvigorate your approach to productivity and relaxation.
