Workation: Your Guide to Working Remotely from Dream Destinations
The concept of "workation," a blend of work and vacation, has gained immense popularity in recent years. With the rise of remote work and the increasing flexibility offered by employers, professionals are discovering the benefits of combining work responsibilities with leisure activities in picturesque locations. Here's a closer look at why workations are becoming the go-to choice for many and how you can make the most of this trend.
What is workation?
I thought a workcation was a commonly known phenomenon in the career world. But it turns out, it’s something that few know about (and that my boss and I may or may not have made up).
Here we were, each spending a week working remotely from different places. We still clicked away on our laptops for approximately eight hours a day. We still answered emails, were still available on our company chat system, and still attended meetings via video hangouts.
We just did it from a patio in the Dominican Republic and a cool cafe in Washington, DC instead of our office in New York.
Now, let me answer the next question I always get when talking about what I was doing: “Why not just take an actual vacation?”
I understand the question (and the incredulous tone that usually comes with it), but let’s be clear—I’m not advocating workcations in lieu of actual vacations. Rather, I’m advocating them in addition to your real time off. Taking a workcation gives you a chance to get a change of scenery without using your precious vacation days. You still get to enjoy a fun new place or spend time with far-off loved ones during your nights and weekends (and lunches), but you don’t have to deal with the stress of preparing for, missing, and recovering from a week off of work.
Alright, I hear you: “Sounds great, but how can I really make this happen?” If you’re ready to live your workcation dreams, read on to learn how to get it okayed by your boss, how to set yourself up for success, and how to really enjoy your time away from the office.
Choose Your ’Cation
Choosing the perfect place for a workcation is a little different than choosing one for an actual vacation. Ideally, you want to go somewhere where you won’t be upset that you don’t have your days to explore. In other words, avoid places where there’s a ton you want to do or where the main attractions happen during the day.
Better options for workcations? Cities where you used to live (you won’t want to tour around too much, but will have plenty of time to visit with family or friends in your off hours), relaxing destinations with Wi-Fi all around (think resorts where you could feasibly sit by the pool and work), or destinations where you don’t care too much about sightseeing but just want to get a feel for the place. I recently did this in London, and was able to get my few top attractions in on the weekend, and then just enjoy eating out and hanging out in pubs during the week after work.
Bob W Akadimia
We had an awesome stay in a large and quiet apartment . The room was extremely clean, and they treated us very very well with all our questions. The room was recently reformed and everything felt purposefully placed and with good taste. Combined that we loved Athens, we'll come back here, hopefully sooner than later ❤️
$ 148 /day
In other words, save the African safari or the trip around Southeast Asia for your actual vacation, and go somewhere a little more low-key for this trip.
Get prepared
As your workcation gets closer, it’s time to come up with a plan for how the week will play out. Here are a few things to consider and discuss with your boss:
1. Clarify Your Work Hours: Be very clear about when you will be working—and when you won’t be—so your boss and team know exactly what to expect.
2. Plan Time Off: If you want a day or an afternoon off during your time away, try to work that out as early as possible.
3. Communication: Discuss how you can be reached while you are away. Will you be available over chat? How often will you be checking email? If people have an urgent request, how should they contact you? If something happens and you can’t be reached, who should have decision power instead?
4. Meeting Attendance: Decide which meetings you’ll be able or expected to attend while you’re away, and plan for how you’ll join in on them.
5. Delegate Tasks: If there’s any work you’ll need to pass off for any reason, make a plan for that.
By addressing these points, you can ensure that your workcation is productive and that your team knows what to expect.
Bob W Ticinese
This modernised property in between central Milan and the Ticinese neighbourhood was freshly renovated in 2019. Apartments are located on the ground, first, second and third floors and are accessible by lift. There is no front desk at this property, but our super-responsive online support team is here for you day and night.
$ 228 /day
