What is a Working Vacation: Ultimate Guide
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If you’re a remote worker and you’ve started feeling overwhelmed and burnt out at work,
Have you ever considered taking a working vacation?
You know you need a mental break and you have points to use but want to save the rest of your PTO for the holidays.
A working vacation is a vacation where you get to experience a new location as you would on a vacation while also working remotely.
Picture this: you, with your laptop, nestled in a cozy mountain cabin in the Smokies, all while taking in the breathtaking views from the window and immersing yourself in a new environment.
Working vacations tailored by you, give you the freedom to break away from your usual routine without sacrificing your professional responsibilities.
Why Should You Take a Working Vacation?
Working vacations offer the perfect balance between productivity and getting the refresh you need to survive overwhelm and avoid burnout.
I had taken several trips home to stay with family members while working remotely but my first true working vacation was to North Carolina when I booked a month long stay at a cabin in Bryson City.
The trip was in the month of November, so I had at this point used up all my PTO for the year.
I was going through a busy season at work and significant changes in my personal relationships.
It felt like there was a spotlight on everything I did and not in a positive way. It was affecting my focus at work.
I needed separation from the situation at home and the ability to only focus on work in an environment that would feel like a refresh and spark my creativity.
This trip was just what I needed: to disconnect, explore a new place, and have the space to put the focus I needed into my work.
As a working woman, I know your career is important to you, but so is your passion for travel and new experiences.
Working vacations let you strike the perfect balance between productivity and rejuvenation.
By experiencing a new location, you not only refresh your mind but also drive your creativity, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to your work.
It’s the best of both worlds—building your career while satisfying your travel cravings.
Tip
While working vacations are great for a change of scenery I do think it’s important to mention that working vacations should not replace actually using your PTO. We all need a break and time to truly step away and unplug.
How to Plan a Working Vacation?
Planning a working vacation requires thoughtful consideration to have the most productive and fulfilling experience.
1. Choose the Right Destination
When choosing the destination for your working vacation, you’ll want to consider what will fit your travel and work needs.
A few obvious things to look for are a place with reliable internet and a dedicated workspace.
To ensure you have a backup plan if your internet goes out, look for a destination that has nearby co-working spaces, coffee shops, libraries, etc.
2. Choose Your Accommodations
I recommend choosing accommodations that offer everything you need to work remotely.
Seek hotels or rentals with dedicated workspaces, good lighting, comfortable seating, etc.
You can look for a place with a co-working space nearby however these can get expensive.
I prefer booking on VRBO or Airbnb which usually has a stay on their website that has everything I need for a successful working vacation.
The trip won’t be as enjoyable if you have to worry about finding good internet and a comfortable place to work every day.
Airbnb and VRBO also offer various discounted rates for monthly stays usually making them significantly cheaper than hotels.
3. Check Internet Reliability
This is a non-negotiable aspect of a successful working vacation.
Before booking your accommodation, check the internet speed and reliability to avoid any disruptions at work.
I recommend reaching out to the host or hotel to ask them to run an internet speed test and send you the results.
Always have a backup option like local cafes or mobile hotspots, so you have a contingency plan in case the internet goes out or isn’t fast enough.
4. Create a Realistic Work Schedule
Think about your work routine in advance.
Remember to take into account any time zone differences if you’re traveling to the other side of the country or abroad.
Outline a routine you can stick to before you leave for your trip that will help you manage your tasks during work hours and ensure you have plenty of time to see the destination you’re in when you’re off work.
6. Balance Work and Leisure Time
While on a working vacation, it can be easy to forget that you are there for work.
Making sure you show up during work hours and not letting the new destination affect your work is vital.
A routine here will be important. Perhaps you get up and go to the local cafe to start your morning and go exploring when you clock out at 5 p.m.
On the flip side, it’s easy to work longer hours when you no longer have the transition of commuting.
Make sure to only work the hours you are paid to work and get out and explore when you’re not!
Pros of a Working Vacation
1. Travel to a New Place
This is the obvious one!
Going on a working vacation gives you the opportunity to travel to a new place, and truly immerse yourself in a new town or country while focusing on your work.
Working vacations can encourage great personal growth and the opportunity to experience a place as a local would.
2. Increase Your Productivity
A workcation can work wonders for your productivity and creativity.
According to booking.com‘s 2023 Travel Predictions, “59% believe exploring somewhere new will inspire them to be more productive at work.”
You can find fresh ideas and perspectives when you step away from the day-in and day-out routine.
This new perspective can translate into improved work performance.
3. Longer Time on Vacation:
One of the best perks of a working vacation is the extended vacation time.
Instead of squeezing your travels into just a week or less, a workcation allows you to explore your chosen destination for longer.
I like to stay in a place for 3 weeks or more because you can usually get monthly discounts for extended stays.
Longer stays also make up for the time you’re working, allowing for equal time exploring!
Cons of a Working Vacation
1. Dealing with Internet Issues
This may be the biggest stressor of going on a working vacation.
As with any work setup, internet connectivity can occasionally be unreliable. It’s important to have a backup plan if the internet goes out.
As I said above, I recommend reaching out to your Airbnb host or hotel to ask them to run a speed test.
Compare it to your internet at home so you know what will work for your work needs.
2. Loneliness
Being away from your usual work environment, co-workers if they are local, friends, and family for extended periods of time, can lead to feeling lonely.
You don’t have to travel alone!
You can actively seek out connections with other travelers or locals on social media such as Facebook Groups in that area.
If you have a friend or partner who works remotely, consider booking the trip together.
3. Potential Distractions
While the allure of exploring a new destination is very exciting, it can also be distracting during work hours.
It’s easy to be in a new place and want to venture out to explore.
Stay disciplined and focused on your work tasks, setting clear boundaries to prevent these distractions from interfering with your productivity.
Create a routine that allows for plenty of time for work tasks and plenty of time for exploring.
4. It’s Not Just a Vacation
Despite all the perks of a working vacation, it’s important to remember that you are still there to work and show up for your job as you would when you’re home.
While you’ll enjoy the benefits of being in a new location, your work tasks will still be there.
Striking a balance between work and travel is essential to make the most of your workcation.
Again, take a few PTO days while you are on your working vacation to truly unplug.
Tips for a Successful Working Vacation
1. Ensure Internet Reliability
I know at this point I may sound like a broken record on this one but it could make or break the workcation.
Before booking your accommodation, thoroughly research the internet options available in the area or consider getting a hotspot.
Opt for accommodations with a stable and high-speed internet connection even if it’s a bit more expensive.
It’ll be more expensive if you have to cut your trip short because the internet doesn’t work.
2. Choose a Conducive Work Environment:
When choosing your destination, look for nearby co-working spaces, cafes, or remote-friendly accommodations with comfortable workspaces. A comfortable work environment significantly impacts your productivity. Think about your setup at home and how you can replicate it in a new space.
3. Set Clear Goals
Outline your work tasks and goals for the period of time you’ll be gone before heading out on your working vacation. Having a clear plan will help you stay focused and productive while in a new place.
4. Make Time for Exploration and Experiences
A working vacation isn’t just about work, it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the chosen destination as a local would. Make a list of things you want to do during your free time. Whether it’s hiking, trying local foods, or going to events happening when you’re there, embrace living like a temporary local.
5. Embrace the Remote Lifestyle Community
I promise you aren’t the only one who wants to take a working vacation! You are part of a growing community of like-minded individuals. I’ve started a Facebook group to easily connect ladies together who may be in the same destination as you. We share experiences, tips, and recommendations that can help your workcation be successful and find new friendships in the space.
6. Prioritize Down Time:
While on your working vacation, it’s easy to feel like if you aren’t working then you need to be out exploring, and if you aren’t exploring then you need to be working. If you’ve booked an extended stay, that’s the beauty of a working vacation – you have time. There’s no rush to go out and see all the things. Make sure to set aside time to relax, stay in some nights, or have a spa day.
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Wrapping Up
Working vacations provide an extraordinary opportunity to change our working environment and mix up our routines.
They not only provide us with the needed break from day-to-day stress, but they can also rejuvenate our productivity and creativity at work.
While the cons, such as potential distractions and loneliness, are valid concerns, they can be mitigated with planning and proactive steps before you head out on your trip.
So, whether you’re struggling with work burnout or simply craving a change of scenery, a working vacation could be the perfect solution.
Finally, it’s important to remember that while a working vacation is a great idea to refresh and rejuvenate, it should not completely replace traditional PTO or the necessary unplugging from work.
We all need a break from time to time, and these different forms of vacations provide different kinds of relief.
What to read next: Write a Resume Tailored to Finding Remote Work and Finding the Perfect Vacation: Letting Flight Search Engines Do the Work for You
