Workation Wonders: 6 Cities to Boost Your Productivity
As the festive season approaches and the warmth of holiday spirit fills the air, the call of sunshine beckons. If you're fortunate enough to embrace remote work or study with flexibility in your hours and location, you're likely no stranger to the concept of a 'workation.' In this festive feature, we unveil six enchanting destinations for your next workation.
- Discovering your ideal workation involves thoughtful consideration of various factors.
- Envision a destination where reliable infrastructure meets your professional requirements and seamlessly blends with leisure.
- Ensure lifestyle preferences align with daily routines, creating a harmonious work-life balance.
- From time zone convenience to financial prudence, every aspect should resonate with your vision for the perfect workation experience.
This blog is a summary of an article written by Juliette ERATH, Tech Writer and originally published by Finance4Learning's partner IronHack on 22 March 2023. Here's the link to the article.
As the festive season approaches and the warmth of holiday spirit fills the air, the call of sunshine beckons. If you're fortunate enough to embrace remote work or study with flexibility in your hours and location, you're likely no stranger to the concept of a 'workation.' For the uninitiated, a workation seamlessly blends work and vacation, allowing you to travel while staying productive. Intrigued? Of course! In this festive feature, we unveil six enchanting destinations for your next workation, catering to all preferences. Before we delve into the list, let's unravel what sets a workation apart from regular vacations, staycations, or the life of a digital nomad. Let the exploration begin!
What is a Workation?
Broadly defined, a workation involves seamlessly blending leisure and work responsibilities in a new setting while maintaining your regular professional tasks. However, the beauty of a workation lies in its versatility – it can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you envision a brief escape lasting a few days or an extended adventure spanning several months, the choice is entirely yours. Transform your next workation into precisely what you desire for a fulfilling and productive experience.
How can you plan a workation?
While the excitement of planning your workation may be irresistible, it's crucial to consult with your supervisor or HR department before diving in headfirst. Even in the realm of remote work, your company might impose certain restrictions on your chosen workation destination and duration. For instance, while you may have the flexibility to work from any location within the European Union, extended stays beyond three weeks may necessitate prior approval. Similarly, you might be permitted to work from a U.S. island but require permission for a workation in Mexico. Prioritise a smooth planning process by first understanding and adhering to your company's specific guidelines and regulations.
How can I choose the right workation?
Selecting the ideal workation destination isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. To determine the best location, consider your individual preferences and prioritise what holds the most significance for you. Are you yearning to close your laptop at 5 pm and unwind on the beach, or does exploring museums and cultural centers during your free time sound more appealing? Before reaching a final decision, take a moment to reflect on your desires and ensure your choice aligns with what you truly want from your workation experience.
Is Your Work Environment Ready for the Job?
Consider whether the WiFi infrastructure at your chosen workation spot is robust enough to meet the demands of your job, especially if you rely on a stable connection for essential meetings and collaborative work.
Team Integration:
Initiate a discussion with your employer regarding the potential challenges of working in a different time zone. Assess whether you are willing and prepared to accommodate early morning or late-night work, particularly if your job requires synchronous collaboration with your team.
Financial Feasibility Check:
Before finalising your workation destination, thoroughly examine the cost of living in that area. Ensure that your current salary aligns with the expected expenses, covering not only basic living costs but also additional considerations such as health insurance and medication expenses.
Legal Compliance Double-Check:
Investigate the legal requirements in your chosen workation country, particularly concerning the duration of stay for foreigners without a visa. Confirm your company's policy on international remote work for tax purposes, and take steps to adhere to local laws to avoid potential legal complications during your workation.
6 Cities for your Next Workation
Now that we've delved into the considerations for choosing your workation destination, let's shift our focus to some of the top options available.
Split, Croatia
Have you thought about the advantages of choosing Split for your next workation? Nestled in the heart of the country, Split boasts picturesque beaches, delectable cuisine, and a warm and welcoming local community. This vibrant city is not only affordable but also provides excellent connectivity to nearby islands and European cities. Additionally, Split offers convenient co-working spaces, an English-speaking population, and the option of a digital nomad visa for those looking to extend their stay.
Lisbon, Portugal
Have you considered Lisbon as a top-tier destination for your workation? Renowned as one of the world's most sought-after workation spots, Lisbon stands out with its mild weather, sun-kissed beaches, and reasonable cost of living. What sets this European gem apart is its harmonious blend of coastal serenity and urban vibrancy, providing the perfect balance between leisurely beach days and rich cultural experiences encompassing history, museums, and more. Lisbon caters to remote workers with numerous co-working spaces, ensuring that WiFi is readily available throughout the city.
Sicily, Italy
Who wouldn't be enticed by the idea of enjoying pizza and pasta under the warm Italian sun? The not-so-surprising choice for a workation destination is Sicily, celebrated for its delightful weather, delectable cuisine, and easy access to other Italian and European cities. Picture yourself working from a charming café on a cobblestone street, living out your Italian fantasy in this captivating Mediterranean setting.
Bangkok, Thailand
Have you considered the allure of Bangkok as a prime workation destination? This bustling and affordable city provides a plethora of options for both visitors and residents. With a monthly cost of living and a variety of activities that rank it among the world's best workation cities, Bangkok caters to remote workers with its abundance of co-working spaces and WiFi zones. Moreover, English is widely spoken in this vibrant Thai metropolis, creating an inclusive environment where you'll find yourself surrounded by both expats and locals.
Brisbane, Australia
For those seeking pleasant weather, abundant activities, and affordability in a workation destination, heading down under to Brisbane is an enticing option. Picture signing off work to embark on numerous adventures within easy reach. What makes Brisbane even more appealing is its vibrant digital nomad community, numerous co-working spaces, and the opportunity to explore the rest of Australia.
Aruba
Is your ideal workation characterized by extended beach sessions and immediate relaxation post-work? Aruba emerges as an excellent choice, especially for professionals operating on Eastern Standard Time. This Caribbean paradise not only provides coworking spaces and reliable WiFi but also ensures year-round sunny weather, creating an ideal setting for digital nomads seeking a perfect blend of work and leisure.
Have you found the best workation for you?
Navigating the sea of possibilities, your ideal workation awaits thoughtful consideration. Picture a destination that seamlessly integrates work and leisure—where reliable infrastructure meets your professional needs, lifestyle preferences align with daily routines, and the allure of the locale enhances both productivity and relaxation. From time zone convenience to financial prudence, ensure every aspect resonates with your vision for the perfect work-life blend.