As the digital age continues to take over the world, there is a simultaneous rise in organisations utilising the values of a remote workforce. Allowing workers to create a routine in a new environment can not only boost productivity but also create a more self-reliant and fulfilled workforce. Make use of the benefits of remote working and save up annual leave by combining the thrill of seeing a new culture with the benefits of keeping a work routine and still getting paid.
Escape the winter blues at home and embrace the beauty of the season in either a culture that’s been a favourite for years or even discover somewhere new. Here is our guide to the perfect workation destinations.
Lisbon, Portugal
Flee the winter chills and embrace a mild and temperate climate in the Portuguese capital. Though the city does get cooler than in the summer months, the Mediterranean influence on the climate means it rarely drops low enough to be uncomfortable. Get back to morning walks beneath sunlit skies and marvel at the colourful architecture lining the hillside cobblestone streets. Compared to many other Western capitals, Lisbon is known for a lower cost of living so you can enjoy an array of evening dining options and accommodations, from private rentals to boutique hotels. Explore the rich art heritage showcased throughout an array of museums, galleries, and historic sites.
The city is becoming more and more abundant with co-working spaces. From numerous interiors specifically for remote workers, to a wealth of wifi-friendly and comfortable cafe environments that allow digital nomads to work from. Sit at the window edge of locally run coffee shops and watch the Portuguese way of daily life unfolding within the bustling streets. For creative industries especially, having new sights has been proven to be the catalyst for bringing new creative ideas to life. Pick out your favourite site for productive days to unfold.
Corfu, Greece
Known for being a year-round destination for sunny days and warm climates, a Greek venture is the blissful place to combine working with a holiday. Though daylight hours are shorter, you’re highly likely to see fewer tourists than in the peak summer months, and accommodation costs are guaranteed to be lower. Enjoy a greater pick of coffee shops and co-working spaces with availability for you to set up for the full day and allow constant coffee flow to fuel productive days. Explore the Old Town, including Liston Promenade, where you can enjoy lunchtime strolls along the seafront, and marvel at historic whitewashed buildings and UNESCO World Heritage sites on the island.
Create the perfect home-from-home stay in one of the luxury villas in Greece to rent and enjoy working in the bright contemporary interiors of traditional Greek accommodation. Embrace a more relaxed-paced winter season and fulfil the holiday temptation while still getting paid!
Reykjavik, Iceland
Perhaps it’s not the winter chills that are the issue, but simply that you want to swap chaotic home life for the laid-back pace of traditional Scandinavia. Though classified as an Arctic region, the temperature can be more manageable than other regions. Ensure to wrap up still, but it’s likely you can still enjoy comfortable ambles. The short daylight hours are well worth it for the chance to experience the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights overhead. Feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale as you marvel up at the green hues melting into the night stars.
Uncover the array of options when it comes to where to stay in Reykjavik, from more budget-friendly to luxury neighbourhoods and accommodation properties. The city has a cosy cafe scene perfect to warm up days in and plenty of coworking spaces to pick from. As winter is considered the off-season for tourism in the area, expect tranquil environments full of locals picking up their morning coffees and bakery goods.
Puglia, Italy
Perhaps one of the world’s loved holiday destinations, Italy is a no-brainer to consider for a workation too. In the southeast, Puglia expands across picturesque rolling hills and charming local towns. The typical Mediterranean influence on the climate makes for pleasant temperatures and the region is generally more affordable to live in than the well-known Italian favourites. It’s less developed than the bustling metropolitan districts so enjoy the serene local feel as you spend productive days in one of the co-working spots. Ensure these have fast enough wifi but equally go with the security of having one of the luxury villas in Puglia booked. Work amid indulgent indoor-outdoor living settings and awe at the ocean view from your workation home. Wander through local scenic coastal towns on lunch breaks and spend idyllic weekends relaxing in local parks.
Sydney, Australia
If the more enticing option is to completely miss out on winter, go experience summer on the other side of the world. On the East Coast of Australia, Sydney is highly developed and abundant with facilities for digital nomads to be well equipped. Visit the array of coworking spaces and the synonymous Australian coffee scene across the metropolitan area. You’ve even got the option of working outside beachside cafes to really make you appreciate remote working life. The city’s high development status means it hosts an extensive transport network to allow visitors to easily uncover an array of neighbourhoods and even head out to other nearby cities. Explore a vibrant night culture, beautiful beaches and the great work-life balance often associated with this side of the world. Likely, you won’t want to return home to the office!
Summary
Embrace the benefits of remote work with a workation. Evenings and weekends of fun make the 9-to-5 far more tolerable and chances are you’ll return home feeling no less rejuvenated than after any other holiday. Get creative and embrace a new routine to discover what else is out there and just how much is possible thanks to remote working life.
Published by: Khy Talara
