Workation: Add a little fun to your work. Would you trust us if we told you that workations are the secret to achieving your professional goals? Well! According to a recent study by Passport Photo Online, 86% of workers concur that a workation increased their productivity and gave their daily lives a much-needed breath of fresh air. In fact, the same study shows that 67% of Americans took time off from work to "recharge their mental and emotional batteries," and 94% more people anticipate going on a workation in 2023.
Interesting right?
Let's understand what is a workation, the benefits and how to plan a workation!
What is a workation?
Workation is a relatively new concept that combines work and vacation into one experience. A workation is when you take a vacation and continue working remotely while you're away. This means you can enjoy the sights and sounds of a new location while still being productive and getting your work done.
Workations are becoming increasingly popular as more people can work remotely, and they offer an exciting way to break up the monotony of working from home or at the office.
Also read: How to travel and work as a digital nomad
The importance of a workation
- Variety and stimulation: Are you bored working from your home? Then it is high time you plan a workation. Workations offer a change of scenery and the opportunity to work from different locations, providing variety and stimulation that helps prevent monotony and increases motivation and engagement in work.
- Enhanced focus and productivity: Sometimes, working from the same place for an extended period can decrease focus and productivity. Through a workation, you can break away from the usual work setting. Workations allow you to reinvigorate your mindset and regain your focus, leading to increased productivity. Fascinating, isn't it? If you don't know how to plan a workation, then scroll down as we've got you some essential tips for productive workations.
- Work-life integration: Remote work offers the advantage of flexibility, but it can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life. Workations allow you to integrate work responsibilities with leisure activities, providing a better work-life balance and reducing burnout.
- Networking and professional growth: Workations often involve traveling to new locations and interacting with different communities. This presents opportunities to network with professionals from diverse backgrounds, attend conferences or workshops, and expand your professional network. Such interactions can foster professional growth and open doors to new opportunities.
- Inspiration and creativity: Exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and being exposed to new surroundings can spark inspiration and stimulate creativity. You can draw inspiration from your workation destinations and bring fresh ideas back to their remote work.
- Personal well-being: Workations can contribute to overall well-being by allowing you to combine work with relaxation and self-care. Being able to unwind in a new environment, engage in recreational activities, or take breaks to explore can positively affect mental health and reduce stress.
- Personal development and adaptability: Embracing workations requires adaptability and the ability to work effectively in various settings. Remote workers who actively seek workations can develop valuable skills such as adaptability, self-discipline, and time management, which can benefit their personal and professional growth.
Types of workation one can take
ã…¤ | Short-term workation | Medium-term workation | Long-term workation |
Time | Lasts only a few days. | Lasts for a few weeks. | Lasts for a few months. |
Place | You can take a long weekend trip to a spot nearby your home city to make the most of your time there. | You can choose how long you want to stay depending on the location you choose to visit. So if you want to stay long, choose a nearby place. | You can temporarily relocate to well-known tourist destinations or go lowkey to an unpopular yet soothing place. |
Ideal for | They are ideal for people who want a brief change of environment or a quick getaway while maintaining work responsibilities. | They are ideal for people who want to have a more extended period in a different location, providing a deeper immersion in the local culture and environment. | These workations are suitable for individuals or teams who desire a more significant change in lifestyle and a deeper exploration of a particular place. |
Benefits | Short-term workations can provide a-
• refreshing break,Â
• productivity boost, and
• taste of remote work combined with leisure activities. | Medium-term workations offer the flexibility to-
• explore the destination more thoroughly,Â
• establish a routine, andÂ
• engage in local activities while maintaining work commitments. | Long-term workations provide an opportunity to-
• fully integrate work and life in a new environment,Â
• experience local culture,Â
• build connections, andÂ
• potentially develop a sense of belonging in the community. |
The duration of a workation depends on various factors, including personal preferences, work requirements, and the feasibility of being away from one's home base. It's essential to consider the practical aspects, such as:
- visa requirements,
- accommodation options, and
- the availability of necessary resources like reliable internet access, when planning any workation.
Tips to help you plan a successful workation
Undoubtedly, the right workation can do more wonders than several days of worn-out foxed schedule. A good workation not only refreshes your mind, instead, it rejuvenates your spirit. So if you have no idea how to plan a workation, below are the tips to help you plan a successful workation!
1. Define the purpose of your workation
The first tip to help you plan a successful workation is to set your goal. Before setting off on your workation journey, it is essential to outline this trip's primary goals and objectives.
Are you hoping to recharge your creative batteries, solve problems more efficiently, increase productivity, or ultimately find a healthy balance in your daily life?
A clear understanding of what you want from your workation will help you decide where to go, how long to stay, and what activities to include.
2. Determine your destination
Choosing the perfect destination may seem like an overwhelming task at first. Consider cost, accessibility, time zone differences, language barriers, internet connectivity, coworking space availability, and local attractions. Remember that a quiet rural setting might be peaceful but could leave you feeling too isolated; similarly, urban areas are full of energy but can be distracting.
To get started with choosing a destination:
- Research potential destinations thoroughly.
- Consider attending established workation retreats.
- Look into opportunities available through your employer (such as remote working options).
- Consult friends or colleagues who have successfully taken their workations.
3. Create a budget
No one wants unpleasant financial surprises during their much-needed time away from the office (or home office). To avoid this, carefully plan your budget beforehand. Calculate the cost of travel, accommodation, meals, coworking space fees, local transportation, and recreational activities. Additionally, consider potential emergency expenses and allocate some funds for unexpected situations.
4. Find suitable accommodations
When choosing a place to stay on your workation, prioritize comfort, quietness, and a reliable internet connection. Many vacation rental websites offer filters to search for accommodations that have "laptop-friendly" workspaces. Some hotels may also cater to remote workers by providing coworking spaces or designated quiet areas.
Also read: The best coworking spaces of 2023
5. Plan your packing list
In addition to the essentials you usually pack for a vacation, remember your work-related items such as laptop chargers, device adapters suited for the destination country's electrical outlets, noise-cancelling headphones, portable power banks, and any other necessary equipment.
Make a detailed packing list well in advance to ensure nothing is forgotten. Many smartphones also have productivity tools like note-taking apps that can help you jot down these items as they come to mind.
6. Travel light
- Pack versatile, mixed, and matched clothing items to create different outfits. Stick to essentials and prioritize comfort, suitability for the destination's climate, and the work you'll be doing.
- Instead of carrying physical copies of documents, consider using digital alternatives. Store important files in the cloud, have digital versions of travel documents on your phone, and rely on electronic devices for reading materials instead of bringing physical books.
- Consider the availability of items like shampoo, soap, or sunscreen at your accommodation to avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
- If you're traveling with others, see if you can share items that will be used collectively. For example, you can divide the weight of a shared laptop charger, portable speakers, or other electronics.
7. Establish a workspace
One of the most essential tips for productive workation is establishing a dedicated yet minimal workspace.
- Consider natural light, noise levels, and ergonomic seating options to create a conducive work environment.
- Set up a desk or table that provides ample space for your work equipment, such as your laptop, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- Test the internet connection in your accommodations to ensure it is reliable.
- Use folders, trays, or digital tools to manage your documents, notes, and files.
Coworking spaces are an ideal solution for those seeking a dedicated workspace during their workation. These spaces have high-speed internet, ergonomic furnishings, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities.
Also read: Must have tools for digital nomads in 2023
8. Take regular breaks
Regular work breaks during your workation are crucial for maintaining productivity, managing stress, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Here are some tips to help you plan a successful workation:
- Set specific times for short breaks throughout the day, such as a quick stretch, a short walk, or a mindfulness session.
- Step away from your workspace, find a pleasant spot, and thoroughly enjoy your meal without distractions. This can help you recharge and come back to work with renewed focus.
- Use your breaks to connect with fellow travelers, locals, or other remote workers.
- Dedicate a portion of your break time to practicing mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or any relaxation techniques that help you reset and reduce stress.
- Utilize your workation location by exploring nearby attractions, nature trails, or local points of interest during your breaks. It provides a change of scenery, promotes relaxation, and allows you to experience the destination.
9. Stick to your daily schedule
One of the most important tips for productive workation is to stick to your schedule. A well-planned daily schedule can significantly impact your ability to balance work and leisure during your workation. Allocate specific hours for work and relaxation to maintain a routine and avoid burnout. Ensure your schedule incorporates adequate breaks and ample time to explore your surroundings.
10. Stay organized
Staying organized is essential when working remotely, especially during travel-intensive periods like workations. Utilize tools like project management software, digital calendars, and productivity apps to keep track of tasks, meetings, and deadlines efficiently.
11. Set boundaries
Juggling between work and vacation can be challenging; therefore, it's vital to establish boundaries. Communicate your availability and work hours with colleagues, friends, and family to balance personal and professional life. Also, ensure your accommodation is quiet and free from distractions.
What makes a place perfect for a workation?
1. Reliable internet connectivity
A crucial aspect of a workation is having a stable and fast internet connection. Ensure that your destination offers reliable Wi-Fi access, whether in accommodations, coworking spaces, or nearby cafes.
2. Amenities and infrastructure
Check for essential amenities such as comfortable accommodations, access to basic facilities (e.g., grocery stores, restaurants, gyms), and reliable transportation options. Having these amenities nearby can make your workation more convenient and comfortable.
3. Time zone compatibility
If you need to collaborate with colleagues or clients in specific time zones, consider a destination that aligns with their working hours. Time zone compatibility can facilitate smoother communication and real-time collaboration.
4. Safety and infrastructure
Prioritize your safety and well-being by researching the destination's safety situation and healthcare infrastructure. Ensure that the place has adequate healthcare facilities and follows necessary safety protocols.
5. Cost of living
Consider the cost of living in the destination. Some places may offer a more affordable lifestyle, allowing you to save money during your workation. On the other hand, you may choose a higher-cost destination if you value luxurious amenities and experiences.
6. Local support and ex-pat community
Look for destinations that have a welcoming and supportive community of remote workers or ex-pats. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide networking opportunities, social interactions, and a sense of community during your workation.
7. Visa requirements
Check the visa requirements for the destination, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. Ensure you have the necessary documentation or investigate options for remote work visas or digital nomad programs if applicable.
8. Personal preferences
Consider your personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Some people prefer bustling cities with vibrant social scenes, while others opt for serene nature retreats. Choose a destination that resonates with your interests, hobbies, and desired quality of life.
