These tips and tricks will help you plan a perfect workation so you can enjoy the best balance of work and leisure as you see new places.
Going on a workation? Read this first!
Are you feeling burned out from your job? Are you struggling to stay productive? If so, it might be time for a workation.
Workations are short breaks that you take from your job in order to refresh your mind and improve your productivity. By combining both work and a vacation, the workation can be a great way to explore new places while still getting things done.
They can also be a great way to get the most out of your career. If you can be location independent when it comes to your job, why be stuck in a city when you can work from a beachside resort? Why commute to an office when you can work remotely from an exotic country on the other side of the world?
Related: How to plan a travel budget
Planning a Productive Workation
The workation trend has picked up since Covid 19, and looks set to continue. Who knows – it might be the first step to becoming a fully fledged digital nomad!
As a travel blogger, most trips I take could be defined as a workation. For example, in the summer of 2022, I traveled around the Dodecanese islands of Greece for 3.5 months working and sightseeing at the same time. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!
If you've never been on a workation before, here's a few tips on how to plan one.
Pick a workation destination
The first step is to pick a destination for your workation. There are many great places to choose from, so pick one that best suits your needs.
If you are not restricted by geography (some companies will not allow remote working in other countries for example), the world is literally your oyster! I highly recommend Greece of course – but living here, perhaps I am biased!
In cases where you are only able to do remote work from your own country, why not see what areas you've always wanted to see and visit?
Once you've chosen a destination you'd like to do your workation work from, it's time to start planning the logistics.
Logistics of a workation
The logistics of a workation can be tricky, but with careful planning, it can be a breeze.
Here are a few things to consider when planning your workation:
-Where will you stay?
Quite often, the accommodation you choose can make or break your first workation outing. You want to make sure you have a comfortable and productive space to work from, so take the time to research your options carefully.
Whether you use AirBnB or Booking to search for where to stay, choose something suitable for your needs.
Of course, you may choose not to work from your accommodation. Still, you'll want it to be close by a designated workspace or co working center if you plan to be in a different environment during your work hours. Talking of which…
-Where will you work?
This is a crucial question to ask yourself when planning your workation. You need to make sure you have a space that is comfortable and conducive to productivity.
When working remotely, you may want to find a co working center or designated workspace in your chosen destination. This can be a great way to meet other remote workers and get out of the house.
Another option is to work from your accommodation. This can be a great way to save money, but make sure you have a comfortable and quiet space so you have a suitable working environment.
Personally, I get more work done from a hotel room or accommodation than I do from a coffee shop, but each to their own. The laptop lifestyle means different things to different people!
-What is your Workation budget?
Budget is always an important consideration when planning any trip, and so the workation cost is something you might like to think about.
Of course, the cost of a workation can vary greatly depending on your chosen destination and accommodation. A workation in a big city will be more expensive than one in a smaller town, for example.
Still, there are ways to keep costs down, such as choosing lower-cost accommodation options or working from free co working spaces.
-How will you get there?
Again, this is something that can be easily overlooked but is essential to consider. You need to think about how you are going to get to your workation destination..
For example, if you are flying to your destination, you will need to consider the cost of flights and airport transfers. When driving, you will need to factor in the cost of petrol or diesel.
Related: Can you take a powerbank on a plane?
-What's the best way to get around?
Getting to your destination is one thing, how you will get around when there is another. You need to consider the best way to get around so you can make the most of your time.
For example, if you are in a big city, you may want to use public transport or taxis. In a smaller town or village, you may be able to walk or cycle everywhere.
Thinking about renting a vehicle, read these car rental tips.
-How will you stay connected to the internet?
For most remote workers, the internet is essential, and the most important thing they think about before setting off to new surroundings. Be sure to check with your accommodation provider that they have good internet speeds, or if you're working from a coworking space, that they have reliable wifi.
Many people like to have redundancy options when it comes to internet access. For example, extra data in a SIM card so they can tether, they'll also know where the best coffee shop is with good wifi just in case!
Here in Greece for example, I always make sure to have plenty of data on my phone as back up, especially when traveling around the Greek islands.
-What's the time difference between your workation destination and home?
When working with clients or colleagues back home, remember to take the time difference into account. No one wants to be getting calls at 3am!
Syncing your working hours with those at home can be tricky, but there are many ways to make it work. If you're struggling, consider hiring a Virtual Assistant to help with the time management.
Related: Why do people like to travel?
-Do you need any special equipment for your workation?
Depending on your job, you might need to bring along some extra equipment. For example, if you're a photographer, you might need your camera and lenses. If you're a web developer, you might need your laptop and an external portable monitor.
Pack everything you need ahead of time, and importantly make sure it all works, so you don't have to worry about it when you're on your workation.
-How will you stay in touch with your boss and colleagues?
Email, phone and video conferencing are all great ways to stay in touch with your boss and colleagues. If you're working remotely, it's best to have a solid plan in place for how you'll stay in touch and communicate with your team.
-Is your workation destination pet-friendly?
If you're planning on bringing your furry friend along on your workation, ensure to check that your accommodation is pet-friendly. Many hotels and Airbnbs have restrictions on pets, so it's best to check ahead of time.
-Do you need a visa to work in your workation destination?
When traveling to a different country for your workation, always double check if you need a visa. Many countries require a work visa, so it's best to check ahead of time to avoid any issues.
-What to do in your spare time?
Work life balance is the whole point of a workation, so you'll want to plan some fun activities for your spare time. While it's important to make sure you have some down time scheduled into your workation, you'll also want to make the most of your chosen destination.
Research the area and find out what there is to see and do. Make sure you allow yourself time to explore and have some fun!
If you're in a new country, make the most of the opportunity and try some new food, visit some tourist attractions and learn about the culture. After all, if you don't make use of the vacation part of the trip, what's the point?
With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to planning a productive workation! Just remember to enjoy yourself and take some time to explore your workation destination when you're not working.
Tips for working remotely on your workation
If you've never tried remote work before, you might find it very different from turning up to your normal job. One thing that people find difficult is that you are in some sense your own boss, which means it can be easy to procrastinate or get sidetracked.
Here are some tips for working remotely:
-Set a daily routine and stick to it
Some people may find that the times slots they work online are largely determined by their clients. Others may have to make their own schedules.
This can be difficult for some people, as they can get caught up in the world around them and struggle to stick to a set schedule.
The key is to be flexible and realistic with your expectations. It's also important to make sure you have some down time scheduled into your workation. Just because you're on a workation doesn't mean you have to work all the time!
-Create a dedicated workspace
As tempting as it might be to work from your bed for a few hours, or the couch, let's face it, it's not conducive to a productive work day. Instead, try to create a dedicated workspace. This can be anywhere in your accommodation that has a desk or table.
Not everyone likes this type or work style though, so…
-Find out where co working spaces are
If you're struggling to find a dedicated workspace, consider working from a coffee shop or coworking space. Not only may you find the working environment to be better, but you'll also meet like minded people who are also working remotely.
-Invest in noise cancelling headphones
If you're working from a busy coffee shop or coworking space, noise cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver. They'll help you focus on your work and tune out the distractions around you.
-Take regular breaks
When you're working remotely, it's important to take regular breaks. Even if you don't feel like it at the time, it will help you to avoid burnout and stay productive.
Make sure you step away from your screen every few hours. Either take a rest, or take a walk outside if possible.
It's worth noting that methods like the Pomodoro Technique can be very effective for remote workers. This involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break.
-Stay connected with your colleagues, family and friends
If you're working remotely, you might find yourself feeling isolated from your colleagues, and even family and friends. This is why it's important to make an effort to stay connected with them.
There are a few ways you can do this, such as Zoom calls or messaging apps, or even just picking up the phone and giving them a call.
It's important to remain connected to your social and support networks when you spend longer periods of time working remotely.
With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to have a productive and enjoyable workation!
Related: How to support yourself while traveling
FAQ About Planning A Successful Workation
If you're thinking of working remotely to combine work and vacation time, these frequently asked questions will give you the information and inspiration you need to get started.
Is Workation a good idea?
Some people find that workations help them to be more productive, as they can focus better in a new environment. Others find that it's difficult to stay motivated when they're not in their usual routine. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether a workation is right for you.
How do I plan a Workation?
There are a few things to consider when planning a workation. First, you'll need to choose a destination that suits your needs. You'll also need to make sure that you have a good internet connection and that you're aware of any time zone differences. Finally, you'll need to plan how you'll stay productive while you're away from your usual routine.
What are the benefits of a Workation?
Workations can offer many benefits, such as increased productivity, a change of scenery, and the opportunity to meet new people.
How long is a Workation?
A workation can be any length of time, from a few days to several weeks. It's up to you to decide how long you want to stay.
What is a workation?
A workation is basically a working vacation. You might choose to work from a different location for a few days or week. It can be a great first step towards becoming a digital nomad!
Workations can be a great way to refresh your mind and improve your productivity. They can also offer many benefits, such as increased productivity, a change of scenery, and the opportunity to meet new people. Workations can be any length of time, from a few days to several weeks. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how long you want to stay. With a little planning, you can have a successful and fun workation you'll fully enjoy!