Workations are now becoming a popular trend among many professions. But do you exactly what is a workation? Workation is a portmanteau of the words “work” and “vacation.” It’s when you take your work with you on vacation or take a vacation to a place where you can work. You are able to take advantage of the benefits of traveling and being immersed in the culture, and meeting new people, all while not having to worry about your job.
Table of Contents
What is a Workation?
A workation is a blend of work and vacation. Workations are becoming increasingly popular, as more people are looking for ways to balance their work and personal lives. With this unprecedented rise of remote working, it’s easier than ever to take your work with you wherever you go.
The point of a workation is to get away from the distractions and monotony of your everyday life, so you can focus on your work and be more productive. It can also help you refresh and recharge so you come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated.
There are a few main things to consider before you decide if a workation is right for you. First, think about your current job situation. If you love your job and feel like you have a good work/life balance, a workation may not be necessary. However, if you’re feeling burnt out or like you need a break from the 9-5 grind, a workation could be a great way to recharge your batteries.
There are also some logistical considerations to take into account. For example, will your boss be okay with you working remotely for a week or two? And can you afford to take time off (remember, you’ll still be working while on your workation)?
Pros and Cons of a Workation
Assuming all of that checks out, there are definitely some pros to taking a workation. First of all, it’s a great way to see new places and experience different cultures. If you typically work in an office, you’ll also get to enjoy some much-needed time outdoors. And finally, it can help boost your creativity and productivity levels by getting you out of your usual routine.
Of course, there are also some downsides to consider. First of all, it can be tough to stay focused when there are so many distractions around (think: beautiful beaches and delicious food). You’ll also want to make sure that you set boundaries with your boss and co-workers so that they respect your time off. Lastly, don’t forget to set aside some time for yourself – after all, it is a vacation!
This infographic will give you a better idea about with pros and cons of workations.
Tips to Plan a Workation
Assuming you have remote work capabilities, there are a few key things to consider when planning a workation:
1. First and foremost, you’ll need to find a destination that suits your needs. Do you want to stay close to home or venture further away? Consider factors like climate, cost of living, and amenities when making your decision.
2. Once you’ve chosen a destination, it’s time to start planning your accommodation. If you’re traveling with a limited budget, consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb rather than a hotel. Make sure to find a place with good internet access and plenty of quiet places to focus on your work.
3. Inform your clients or boss that you’ll be out of the office for a few days/weeks. Knowing your location and time difference will also help them to choose an appropriate time to schedule calls and set up communications.
4. Make sure to factor in the cost of food and other essentials when budgeting for your workation. It’s important to have an accurate estimate of all your expenses so you can make sure you can afford the trip.
5. When you are on a workation, it is important to travel light. You should always take only the essentials with you and leave your bulky clothes at home. Your laptop and charger should be the most important items that you bring with you on a workation. Also, use a good bag that can hold all of your belongings without being too heavy or bulky.
6. Finally, don’t forget to account for leisure time in your plans! A workation should be about finding a balance between work and play. Make sure to schedule some time each day or week to explore your surroundings and relax.
What are the Best Destinations for a Workation?
- Bali, Indonesia
- Buenos Aires
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Budapest, Hungary
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Playa Del Carmen
Digital Nomad vs Workation
Digital nomadism and workation are very similar concepts. Both involve traveling while working. We generally use the word digital nomad to refer to a lifestyle and a long-term commitment to travel while working. But workations are more temporary in nature. Therefore, we usually use the term workation to refer to shorter trips.
Read more on getting a digital nomad visa.