With the ability to work remotely, many people are heading out on the road and taking to the skies to take advantage of the opportunity to combine work and play. After all, why work from home when you could be working at the beach, in a Parisian cafe, or surrounded by the Alps? Referred to as a “workation,” all you’ll need is an internet connection and the ability to figure out a schedule that ensures you get those projects done, while still being able to take advantage of what your destination has to offer. You’ll also want to consider the time difference between where you are and where your boss and colleagues, or clients are located. Get as much done beforehand as you can, with the goal to incorporate some work into your vacation instead of the other way around.
Once you’ve got all of that figured out, it’s time to pack and go, with these spots particularly ideal for a workation.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities and draws visitors with everything from sandy beaches, rich history, and magnificent architecture to a diverse arts scene and delicious local fare. A wide variety of accommodation is available for just about every budget with hostels, B&Bs, and shared hotel rooms along with vacation rentals and high-end hotels. There are coworking spaces near the coast, while Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the city and is typically more than sufficient for the vast majority of remote work.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles often winds up on lists of the best places for a workation in the U.S. thanks to its abundant sunshine, over 100 coworking space options, outstanding remote connectivity, and the opportunity to hit the beach whenever it’s time to take a break. Of course, there’s much more than that. You might bump into a celebrity while shopping at The Grove and on any given night take advantage of the endless array of live music venues hosting big-name concerts. Plus, an increasing number of luxury hotels here have been offering special workation packages, although you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, including more affordable vacation rentals.
Thailand
Cities in Thailand are often found on lists of the best places for workation. Bangkok is particularly notable for its affordable cost of living and its wide range of attractions and amenities. The speed and availability of Wi-Fi connections, cheap prices for tasty food and drink, convenient transport, and a high number of coworking spaces don’t hurt either. Those who want to be by the beach often choose Phuket with its sun-soaked sands and lavish spas for those times you need to melt any work-related stress.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
If you want a vacation where you can chill on the beach, surf, and enjoy after-work margaritas, Puerto Escondido is an ideal spot. It’s not a super touristy area but it is a surfers’ paradise. Delve into authentic Mexican culture and enjoy the bustling outdoor food market. The Wi-Fi is good at the accommodations lining the beachfront which means you can enjoy stunning ocean views while you work. The east side of the bay is known for its inexpensive hostels and delicious cheap eats.
Canguu, Bali
Bali draws many digital nomads from across the globe and it makes the perfect workation destination too. While there are many great places to stay, one of the biggest perks of Canguu is that it’s easy to meet others who are doing the same thing as you. Your money will go a long way here with cheap accommodation, tasty eats, a ton of activities. The resort village sits along the south coast and is surrounded by terraced rice paddies and home to sandy beaches too.
Brisbane, Australia
Some say Brisbane, Australia has the best conditions for virtual work in the world. Located along the Brisbane River, the average temperature here is in the low 70s which has been found in studies to be the perfect temperature for more productive work. It also scores high when it comes to a lower cost of living and offers plenty of things to do. In between working, enjoy kayaking, surfing, diving, sailing, river cruises, whale-watching trips, snorkeling tours, and more. There’s a koala sanctuary, a great farmer’s market, and many eateries that focus on organic fare.
Iceland
Iceland isn’t the cheapest destination to travel to, but it’s one of the world’s most breathtaking countries and there are ways to make it more affordable. How about working while traveling in a campervan? Picture yourself tackling that online project and checking emails with a view of one of the country’s countless magnificent waterfalls, a black sand beach, a steaming volcanic lake, geysers, or even the northern lights. Campervans are all the rage here and they all come with the option to add internet. Some have a portable Wi-Fi dongle, while others offer a tablet that can be used as a hotspot.
The Azores
The gorgeous nine volcanic islands strewn across the mid-Atlantic known as The Azores may be remote, but they’re easily accessible and good internet is readily available. Even if you have to work all day long, wherever you are you’ll find plenty to do close by. Perhaps take a walk through lush nature, as there are plenty of short treks along the coast and even leading to crater lakes. You’ll find underground caves to explore, hot springs to soak in, lots of waterfalls to marvel at, and black sand beaches for strolling too. Sao Miguel is the most developed for those who want a good mix of both city amenities and spectacular landscapes.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires is an ideal place for remote workers who are looking for lots of cultural experiences, mouthwatering cuisine, and cheap accommodation. Here, the monthly average for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is just over $300. You’ll have plenty of cash left over to experience the booming performing arts scene which includes over 280 theaters, learn to dance the tango, and enjoy plenty of gourmet meals. The city has influences from Italian, German, British, Spanish, Arabic, and native cultures, and it’s reflected in the cuisine.
Bermuda
It’s hard to resist the chance to work and play near stunning pink-tinted sand beaches and turquoise water, but why should you? This exotic nation makes it easy. If you can afford it, you don’t have to limit yourself to a short period as there are options for those who want to stay as long as a year through the new 12-month residency program. It’s open to those who are 18 and over, have a steady income and health insurance. The downside is that there are no cheap hostels or hotels here, but you may be able to find a reasonable vacation rental or B&B.
Costa Rica
Looking for a big dose of happiness along with abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes? Costa Rica is regularly ranked as not only the safest nation in Central America, but one of the happiest in the world. It’s known for its motto, pura vida, which translates to pure life. There are thousands of acres of rainforest reserves, volcanoes to hike, two coastlines, outstanding surfing, and all sorts of animals to watch from sloths and monkeys to whales. The coffee is some of the highest quality you’ll find anywhere, perfect for fueling those long workdays and active pursuits. Plus, you can easily find cheap accommodation. The capital of San Jose is a good base but if you want easier access to the beach, head to Liberia in the Guanacaste province which has a fabulous old town too.
Barbados
Barbados is an island paradise with endless postcard-perfect beaches with calm brilliant blue waters for swimming, while other stretches of coastline have excellent surfing. You can enjoy a short or long stay here as the country is offering the 12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp program. It’s available for those who want to stay a full year, whose work is location independent, and can meet the visa requirements. Keep in mind that while the resort areas are pricey, it’s possible to find cheaper extended-stay Airbnbs on the east coast.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a top destination for digital nomads in Europe, with the group of seven volcanic islands boasting excellent international transport links, amazing beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene. Tenerife offers the most cosmopolitan lifestyle of them all, ideal for digital nomads and those enjoying a workation. There are plenty of world-class facilities just a stone’s throw from the sands and you’ll find hideaways nestled in the mountains if you want to spend your breaks hiking before heading to the ocean for a refreshing dip. Plus it’s affordable here with the average hotel room less than $100 and some as low as $30 a night.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The fairytale-like city of Ljubljana has a river running through, a hilltop castle, a coffee culture that’s second-to-none, and lots of green space. Just a short drive away are spectacular mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and even beaches along the Slovenian Riviera which edges the Adriatic. Internet is outstanding, there are lots of tasty cheap eats, including incredible street foods, and affordable accommodation too.
