Are you looking to combine work and travel in one blissful experience? A workation might just be what you need. A workation, a portmanteau of “work” and “vacation”, is the act of working remotely while traveling. It’s a dream that has become a reality for many remote workers, and it offers the opportunity to enjoy new experiences while still earning a paycheck. However, choosing the right accommodation for remote work and travel can make or mar the experience of workation. In this post, we’ll explore the top factors you should consider when looking for workation accommodations.
Location
The location is arguably the most crucial factor to consider when planning a workation. The right location sets the mood for the entire trip, making it easier to relax and concentrate on work. When considering a location for a workation, the first thing to think about is access to reliable internet, as remote work depends on it. Secondly, consider the time zone difference with your home base, will it affect your work schedule? After this, consider proximity to major attractions that you want to visit, a good social scene including restaurants, bars, and cafes to complete the leisure part of the trip. For example, if you’re looking for a serene destination with breathtaking natural scenery, you could consider Montana, USA or Bali, Indonesia.
The type of accommodation to choose should also be dependent on location choice. If you’re traveling to a busy metropolis like New York or Tokyo, high rise hotels may be the better choice for a more immersive, “city vibe” experience. In contrast, for relaxed destinations like Hawaii or Thailand, villas, or condos by the beach will likely give a better feeling.
Workspace
Creating an effective workspace is crucial for remote workers, productivity and seamless work experience, creating it on a workation boils down to two necessary features – desk and comfortable seats. When choosing a workation accommodation, paying attention to creating a workspace is important. Opt for accommodations that provide a comfortable, ergonomic chair, an adequately-sized table (preferably a desk), and access to electrical outlets. Also, consider lighting, the room’s ambiance, and the availability of natural light. The workspace setup should be conducive enough, as though working at home.
Another tip is to create a homey feeling by setting up and customizing your workspace to your preference. This could include adding a touch of home with plants, framed photographs or placing a comfortable rug underneath the desk.
Interested what gadgets you could need to complete your remote workspace? Have a look at our Top 10 recommendations for remote work gadgets.
Amenities
The amenities in a workation accommodation should cater to both work and play, as this is what makes the workation experience unique. When looking for a workation accommodation, always watch for must-have amenities to aid work rage from uninterrupted power supply to reliable, high-speed internet access.
However, work-related factors should not be the only amenities to consider. It’s important to take breaks and enjoy leisure activities during your trip, so look for accommodation that offers amenities like a pool, an on-site gym, a spa or maid services. In addition, some accommodations may have additional amenities such as barbecues, a hot tub or even a private cinema. The key is to strike a balance by not going overboard with too many extras, leading to a loss of focus on work, but having enough to help unwind after work.
Cost
Cost is a vital factor to consider when choosing a workation accommodation. A workation experience should be enjoyed without breaking the bank, this means finding the accommodation that offers the best value for your money. Start by determining your budget and bear in mind the location, amenities, and accessibility when choosing. For example, if the workation location is more expensive than where you reside, consider accommodations that are slightly outside the primary tourist areas.
Another great saving tip is to book the workation accommodations during off-peak seasons or during weekdays when the cost is lower than weekends. Also, there are workation accommodation providers who offer long-stay discounts, exclusive rates, and deals for remote workers that could be taken advantage of.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a crucial factor to consider, especially for remote workers with disabilities. It’s essential to look for accommodations that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you require it. The accommodations should provide access to all rooms and amenities, and every obstacle blocking easy movement be eliminated.
If you have to choose between many locations based on accessibility, consider asking other remote workers who have disabilities for recommendations on their experiences with certain workation accommodations.
Finally, take into account how to advocate for accessibility in the hospitality industry by leaving a review of the accommodations for future visitors. Elements like accessibility have improved because people spoke up and let the industry know their needs.
Security
The safety and security of workation accommodations should not be neglected since it impacts the safety of your work equipment, devices, work materials, and most importantly, you the remote worker. Before choosing an accommodation, look out for safety features such as cameras, safety boxes, or concierge services.
It is also essential to take preventive measures by not being too visible, locking up important documents and devices, and being vigilant about suspicious activity around the workation accommodation. In addition, ensure to stay alert when using public Wi-Fi and ensure your devices have strong passwords to deter hackers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right workation accommodation is crucial to having an enjoyable and productive workation experience. The factors discussed, such as location, workspace, amenities, cost, accessibility, and security, are essential in selecting the right workation accommodation that meets your needs and preference.
It’s clear that having a productive workation that allows travel and leisure, yet aids cementing productivity, is a dream-comes-true for any remote worker. We urge you to take the leap and plan that workation, immerse yourself in a new environment, and “when work meets vacation, we often get the best of both worlds.”
Have you been on a workation before? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments. And to those planning to embark on one soon, we hope these tips have been helpful. Happy workation!