What is a Workation?

Many of us find ourselves spending a significant portion of our lives at work, often to the point where it feels like our workday is all-consuming. This relentless routine can lead to burnout and a yearning for a change of scenery. Traditional vacations might not always be enough to fully recharge or satisfy our wanderlust. Enter the concept of a workation. This emerging trend combines work and travel, aiming to strike a perfect balance between professional responsibilities and personal exploration. In this blog, we’ll delve into what a workation truly means and how it has gained popularity as a solution for those seeking both productivity and adventure.

Workations — what are they?

Also known as a “woliday” or “workoliday,” a workation is exactly what it sounds like: a blend of work and vacation. Instead of being confined to your usual workspace, you perform your professional duties while enjoying a holiday destination. In essence, you get to work from a location that would typically be your vacation spot.

The idea is simple but appealing: work in a new, refreshing environment and, once your workday is done, immerse yourself in the local attractions and experiences. This setup allows you to unwind and relax in a different setting while still fulfilling your job responsibilities. Imagine meeting deadlines while lounging on the beach or catching up on emails by the pool—this is the essence of a workation.

How is a workation different from a digital nomad?

While both workations and digital nomad lifestyles involve blending work with travel, they have distinct differences. A digital nomad is constantly on the move, working from various locations without a fixed office. This lifestyle typically involves self-employment and a continuous journey around the globe, using remote work as a means to support their travels.

In contrast, a workation is more temporary and structured. It’s designed as a short-term escape from the usual office environment, offering a refreshing change without the commitment to a full-time nomadic lifestyle. A workation allows you to enjoy the benefits of remote work while still maintaining a degree of stability and returning to your regular routine when the workation ends. It’s a flexible option for those who want to break away from the monotony of office life without fully embracing the digital nomad lifestyle.

Types of workation

There are a number of different types of workations out there. So, if you’re thinking about it, here are some of the ways you can do it.

• Long-term — if you really want to give this lifestyle a go, this is the option for you. You’ll usually be gone for a few months. And, it’s more like flying off to Paris and relocating your office there for a while.
• Medium-term — usually this option lasts for a few weeks or a month. This way you can enjoy a change of scene, say you head off to Lamezia Terme Airport, it’s then a change of scene without having to commit if you don’t actually like it.
• Short-term — usually three days to a week, this is a very quick interlude in your day-to-day life. You will still be very much immersed in work, but able to have a change of scenery and some different activities to wind down with in the evening or weekend before returning refreshed.

Why workations are popular

Remote work has surged in popularity over recent years, largely driven by the pandemic’s impact on workplace norms. As businesses and employees have adapted to the new realities of remote and hybrid work models, the idea of workations has naturally emerged as a popular trend.

With many companies now embracing flexible working arrangements, the concept of combining work with a vacation has become increasingly viable. If you’re feeling burnt out or stuck in a routine, suggesting a workation to your employer could be a great way to refresh your work-life balance. Nowadays, it’s more feasible than ever to make this a reality, offering benefits for both employees and employers alike.