What is a Workation?

With work taking up a large portion of our lives, it’s easy to feel fatigued and crave a change of scene. Sometimes a short vacation isn’t enough to recharge fully. Enter the “workation” — a refreshing blend of work and vacation that allows you to work remotely from a holiday destination. Here’s everything you need to know about workations, from types and destinations to practical tips.

Workations – What Are They?

Sometimes called a “woliday” or “workoliday,” a workation combines working with being on holiday. Instead of working from your usual space, you complete your tasks in a destination you’d normally visit for leisure. Picture this: finishing a day’s work from a seaside café in Portugal, or sending emails with a view of the Alps.

Once you’ve clocked out for the day, you’re free to enjoy the local sights and activities, making work feel more rewarding and life more balanced. Workations are simply a change of location, allowing you to take a break from routine without pausing your work responsibilities.

Workation vs. Digital Nomad: What’s the Difference?

While both workations and the digital nomad lifestyle involve remote work, there’s a key difference. Digital nomads are constantly on the move, often working as freelancers or self-employed, and frequently changing locations as they fund a travel-centered lifestyle. They don’t have a fixed base and often work from different places every few weeks.

In contrast, a workation is temporary, often lasting days, weeks, or a few months. It’s perfect for those who enjoy remote work but aren’t ready to fully commit to the digital nomad lifestyle. Workations provide a refreshing change of pace, allowing people to work remotely for a short stint and return to their usual office or home.

Top Workation Destinations for UK Travelers

Whether you’re looking for a local getaway or an international adventure, here are some popular workation spots:

• Local Workations: For a quick, low-cost option, stay within the UK! Work from the scenic Lake District, Cornwall’s coastal villages, or the Cotswolds. You can avoid long-haul travel and be back home in no time.
• Europe-Based Workations: A short flight from London or Manchester can land you in beautiful work-friendly cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. Each location offers a range of coworking spaces and accommodations that are ideal for longer stays.
• International Options: For a more immersive experience, cities like Dubai, Bali, and Lisbon are popular among remote workers worldwide. Many countries now offer digital nomad visas, enabling you to stay for longer and work legally. Most destinations have direct connections from major UK airports like Heathrow.

Types of Workations

Choose a workation type based on your goals and the level of commitment you prefer:

• Long-Term Workation: Perfect if you want a deep immersion, this option lasts a few months. Imagine temporarily relocating to a new city, such as Paris or Berlin, for an extended period. You’ll have time to settle in and fully experience the culture while maintaining your work routine.
• Medium-Term Workation: Typically lasting a few weeks, this option lets you enjoy a change of scene without fully relocating. Try a medium-term workation by heading to cities like Edinburgh or Birmingham from London, for a refreshing experience without a long-haul flight.
• Short-Term Workation: This quick break, lasting a few days to a week, is ideal for a change of scenery without extended time away. Consider renting a cozy B&B on the UK coast or countryside for a few days of remote work and relaxation. You’ll be back to the office in no time but feeling refreshed.

Why Workations Are Popular

Remote work has become mainstream, with many UK companies now embracing flexible or hybrid work arrangements. This shift has opened the door for workations, giving employees the option to work from various destinations. If your daily routine feels stale, a workation could provide the rejuvenation you need.

With easy access to global destinations from UK airports like Heathrow, Manchester, and Gatwick, proposing a workation to your employer might be simpler than you think. Many companies support workations as a benefit to boost productivity and morale.

Tips for a Successful Workation

Here are some practical tips to make your workation a smooth and productive experience:

• Choose the Right Location: Select a workation spot with strong internet connectivity, reliable workspaces, and accessible amenities. Sites like Airbnb offer listings with dedicated workspaces, and some hotels now cater specifically to remote workers.
• Bring Essential Equipment: Equip yourself with noise-canceling headphones, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, and UK-compatible power adapters for international destinations. These essentials ensure that your workation remains productive without disruptions.
• Balance Work and Leisure: Use productivity tools like time-blocking apps or “focus” modes on devices to manage work hours and leisure time effectively. This balance will help you stay on track while enjoying the perks of a new location.
• Communicate with Your Team: Clearly communicate availability and time zone differences with your employer and clients. Managing expectations ensures that everyone stays in sync, making your workation a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

A workation offers a perfect blend of productivity and relaxation, allowing you to break away from routine without sacrificing work hours. With options ranging from short-term getaways in the UK to long-term stays abroad, workations provide flexibility for every lifestyle. So, whether you’re looking to fly from Heathrow or take a quick trip within the UK, a workation could be the escape you need to feel refreshed and recharged.