Workation: What is it and is it for you?

The explosion of remote jobs and rapid technological advancement has changed the way people work. Now more and more people want to work flexibly and spend less time in the office, which has made workation a growing trend.

Although workation is not a new concept among digital nomads, you may have heard the term for the first time. If that is the case, this article will tell you all you need to know about it!

Workation

Workation, also often referred to as a "workoliday", is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of the two terms ‘work’ and ‘vacation.’

It means meeting your work-related goals while on vacation. In other words, it is about taking a break from your office to work remotely while relaxing on a beach, in the mountains, or anywhere else in the world that you choose fit for you. 

Thanks to the growth of the internet, remote jobs, communication platforms, and the latest digital tools, working while on vacation has become possible and easy for all than ever before.

Workation types

A digital nomad or an employee can have two kinds of workations: 

Solo workation: You go for a workation alone and plan it according to your individual needs. It usually lasts from weeks to years.

Group workation: It is about going on a workation with your teammates or a group of employees. It is usually one week long and arranged in a nearby area. It is costlier than the solo workation.

Workation can be divided into three other types depending on its duration. These types are:

Short-term workation – lasts only for a few days

Medium-term workation – lasts for 1 to 4 weeks

Long-term workation – lasts for a few months to years

How to plan a workation? (5 proven and effective tips)

Whether you are going for a solo or a group workation, you should follow these tips to have the best workation of your life.

Choose the perfect location: The place you choose will have a great impact on your productivity and performance, so you must be careful while selecting it. Write down the pros and cons of your chosen locations, and then pick the one that best suits your schedule/needs.

Consider the following elements when selecting a location.

• Time zone
• Distance
• Weather condition

Make sure the accommodation is work-friendly: Since you are away from your workspace/home, your hotel/Airbnb (or wherever you are staying) should have all you need to meet your work-related goals; otherwise, you may not be able to generate required results before the deadline.

Ensure the place you choose has the following characteristics.

• 24/7 availability of internet and electricity
• Quiet ambiance
• Three meals arrangement
• Affordable

Keep your workspace organized: Create and organize your dedicated workspace to avoid distractions and stay focused. It can be in the corner of your room, near a window, or any other place you like.

Have a flexible schedule: You should make a smart and flexible schedule that helps you meet your goals without stressing out. Spend only 40% to 50% of your time doing work and have work-free weekends.

Keep your packing list minimal: Carrying multiple bags while traveling can be very frustrating and exhausting. You should try to pack only the essential items and discard the ones that can be avoided.

Enlisted below are the must-have items for a digital nomad planning a workation.

• Important documents (ID card, driver’s license, and passport)
• Electronics (laptop, mobile phone, power bank charger, external hardware, and noise-cancellation earphones)
• Travel-sized bottles
• Hygienic products (wet wipes and hand sanitizers)
• A first-aid kit
• A foldable laptop table

Why should you take a workation?

According to the people doing remote jobs, workation is beneficial because it:

• Increases productivity and creativity
• Reduces the risk of burnout
• Improves mental and physical health
• Makes you tolerant towards different people and cultures
• Helps a digital nomad grow personally and professionally
• Allows you to challenge your comfort zone
• Strengthens the bond between team members

Summing it up

People doing remote jobs should consider taking a workation to get a break from their hectic routine, boost their productivity, and improve their overall well-being.

The trend of workation is growing exponentially due to its incredible benefits. If you are planning to work remotely while enjoying a vacation, make sure you plan things ahead to have a smooth workation experience.