After using all your vacation days, you have decided to book a workation. Congrats! While a workation may sound similar to a vacation, you are still expected to perform all your work responsibilities and respond to any inquiries or requests.
Even if you work entirely remotely and can boast about your relatively flexible schedule, can a trip be enjoyable if you cannot fully relax and need to work? A workation can be highly beneficial for your mental health if you no longer have the option to take days off. However, it is also great to have a regular tradition to expand your horizons beyond traditional vacation!
Should you go for a vacation or a workation?
When possible, vacation is always the best as you can disconnect from your job! However, a workation is the next best option, allowing you to travel locally or explore the world whenever you want.
For many, frequent travel means they choose remote jobs that don’t require in-office work. If possible, people also work independently, providing greater flexibility to travel the world. Lastly, people also take on additional activities, such as freelancing or using one of the best money-earning apps.
Then, they can consider taking unpaid days off during their travel to fully experience the destination. After all, you can find clients on Upwork or perform tasks on JumpTask anywhere you want. The latter get-paid-to service also pays you for various activities that you can perform at home or by the pool in Barcelona.
Decide on a schedule and working hours
Before booking a workation, consult your manager about working-hour flexibility, after all, that might significantly impact your destinations (so the time difference won’t be too hard for you). Besides that, here are some other points to consider and negotiate (if possible):
- Try adjusting your working hours later so you can explore your destination and go to sleep later.
- Choose a hotel or accommodation that offers reliable Wi-Fi. Then, you won’t have any issue joining meetings on time and being responsive when your colleagues need you.
- Follow a discipline, but don’t overwork or expect yourself to do too much.
Plan your outings during lunch/morning
Don’t wait for your working hours to end to plan for your evening outing. Then, you can avoid wasting time on trying to come up with plans and getting ready. Additionally, it is automatically something to look forward to, making the day simply fly by.
AI-powered travel planning can also greatly assist when you want to learn about new sightseeing options quickly. You can even set the time you want to leave, based on how much time you generally have for exploring. It will also advise on commuting options and whether it is within walking distance.
Pack light and don’t change location too often
First-time workation goers should dip their toes into the pool by picking one or two locations and packing lightly. After this first taste, you can embrace more of the digital nomad lifestyle, booking workations for a few months and traveling to one or multiple countries.
Workation might be the key to productivity and joy
Generally, people might not realize how amazing workations can be:
- They are immediate mood boosters that, in turn, affect your productivity and overall satisfaction with your life.
- A workation is a total escape from your typical routine and the mundane chores.
- You can travel even after using up all your vacation days!
However, remember to consider the following aspects:
- Double- or triple-check that your accommodations offer fast, stable Wi-Fi. If needed, consider backups via other internet options (such as eSims).
- Working is implied in workation. So, don’t treat it the same as an ordinary vacation.
- Don’t substitute vacation with workation. Take your true holidays when you can to fully step away from your job.
- Be sure you will have no issues working in your destination, and that you can handle any required formalities or documentation.
Conclusion
All in all, workation might be the cure to seasonal depression or just a general feeling of sluggishness. It brings joy, happiness, and freedom to achieve much more during your working day! However, one thing to note is the increase in utilities and other expenses. After all, you will need to maintain your house or apartment (or a pet) while you are away.
