So, you’ve finally decided to embark on that much-needed workcation—where work meets vacation, and your Zoom calls might just have a beach in the background. It’s your first time, and you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and “Can I actually pull this off?” jitters. You’re eager to explore a new destination but also wondering if productivity will come along for the ride. Fear not! We’ve crafted the ultimate workcation checklist that’ll arm you with everything you need to know to make this journey as smooth as your morning latte. Ready to dive in? Let’s make this workcation the best of both worlds!
1. Choose the Right Location
The first item to consider on your workcation checklist is your destination. Your workcation actually starts with picking the right destination. It might seem tempting to go for a secluded island, but you’ll need to make sure your new “office” meets some important criteria.
Wi-Fi Strength: Nothing kills productivity faster than spotty Wi-Fi. Make sure the location offers a reliable internet connection so you won’t find yourself missing important calls or losing data mid-email. Most vacation rentals, hotels, and co-working spaces now advertise their Wi-Fi quality upfront — check reviews and ask hosts if necessary.
Time Zones: If you’re working with a team or clients in different time zones, choose a destination that won’t completely throw off your working hours. Being stuck on a conference call during your dinner or trying to collaborate during someone else’s midnight can put a damper on the vacation vibe.
Workspace Comfort: No one wants to spend hours hunched over a laptop on a couch. Make sure your destination offers ergonomic workspace options. Look for a rental or hotel that advertises a desk, or scout out nearby co-working spaces before booking.
Vibe Check: The atmosphere of your workcation spot matters. Can you focus, but still feel like you’re in vacation mode? Aim for a place where you can be productive without feeling too boxed into a “corporate” setting. Think light-filled rooms, relaxing views, or cosy coffee shops that can double as your office.
2. Pack the Essentials
Packing for a workcation is a bit trickier than packing for a traditional holiday. You’ll need both work and leisure essentials.
Work Gear: Don’t forget your laptop (kind of a big deal for a workcation), along with the necessary chargers and cables. Pack noise-cancelling earphones, especially if you’ll be working from cafes or shared spaces. If you’re travelling internationally, make sure you have an appropriate power adapter.
Backups: It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Bring a portable power bank in case you need a quick charge on the go. Also, pack extra cables or a USB drive for local file storage, and ensure your important files are frequently backed up on your USB drive and/or in the cloud.
Digital Tools: Make sure you have access to all the software you’ll need. Whether it’s project management apps, VPN for secure connections, or video conferencing tools like Zoom, ensure they’re up-to-date and accessible from your destination.
Comfort Items: Adding a little touch of your usual work setup can make a huge difference. Consider packing a travel-friendly keyboard, wireless mouse, a small USB fan (if you’re heading off somewhere scorching hot) and maybe even your favourite office mug for that homey feel.
Vacation Essentials: Remember to pack your GoPro to capture all of your workcation adventures, such as snorkelling, hiking, or any other activities you enjoy! Also, don’t forget your stylish sunglasses, a great book for some downtime, and all the other fun accessories.
3. Plan a Flexible Schedule
A key to workcation success is creating a balanced schedule, one that allows you to be productive without sacrificing the fun.
Work Blocks: Start by designating work hours. It could be a few hours in the morning before heading out for adventures, or afternoons in a co-working space after exploring. Block off these times for focused work and avoid distractions.
Break Time: This is still a vacation, after all! Schedule mini-breaks for yourself — whether it’s for a quick swim, a local coffee run, or an afternoon exploring a nearby park. These mini escapes will keep you refreshed and more productive during your work hours.
Set Boundaries: Let your coworkers or clients know when you’re available for work and when you’re off-duty. This ensures you won’t be dealing with emails or calls when you’re supposed to be unwinding.
Be Adaptable: While having a routine helps, don’t forget to leave room for spontaneous activities. Maybe your new local friends invite you on a last-minute adventure, or there’s an unexpected event in town. Flexibility is key to a successful workcation.
4. Stay Organised on the Go
Staying organised while travelling is vital for productivity. A few simple tools and habits can make all the difference.
To-Do Lists: Keep track of your tasks with a digital planner like Todoist, a spreadsheet or a good old-fashioned notebook. Set daily goals, so you know exactly what to focus on during your work blocks. Ideally, your work planning should be planned before you fly to your workcation, you can, of course, re-adjust your plan due to unexpected work issues, but the bulk of what needs to be accomplished during your workcation should be clearly defined before you go.
Emails & Communication: Keep your inbox clean by checking it regularly, but not obsessively. Schedule time in your day for email check-ins so you’re not distracted by constant notifications.
Time Management Tools: Apps like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar are lifesavers for keeping track of tasks and deadlines. Sync them up across your devices so you can stay organised even on the go.
Prioritise Wi-Fi Access Points: Know where the nearest reliable Wi-Fi is, whether it’s your accommodation, a nearby café, or a local co-working space. Having a list of backup spots for internet access can save you a lot of stress if the connection drops unexpectedly.
5. Don’t Forget Self-Care
In the rush to balance work and travel, self-care can fall by the wayside. Make sure to prioritise your well-being during your workcation.
Hydration & Snacks: Long work sessions and flights can be draining, so stay hydrated! Pack travel-friendly snacks to fuel your brain during work hours.
Exercise & Stretching: Incorporate some light stretching, yoga, or even a quick walk to keep the blood flowing. Many destinations also offer outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or cycling — perfect for mixing work and play.
Mindful Breaks: Download a meditation or mindfulness app to help you unwind during breaks. Even a few minutes of deep breathing can help recharge your mind, and doing them at a new refreshing location is even better!
Get Enough Sleep: It might be tempting to stay up late exploring, but maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is essential for staying sharp and productive.
6. Plan for Fun and Relaxation
Remember: you’re on a workcation, not a work marathon! Don’t forget to embrace the “vacation” part.
Local Exploration: Research local attractions ahead of time. Whether it’s a nearby beach, historical site, art expo, or a hidden gem of a café, be sure to pencil in time to explore the area.
Disconnect Time: Set clear boundaries for when you’re truly off-duty. Close the laptop, turn off the work notifications, and immerse yourself in the destination.
Personal Goals: Have you been wanting to start a new book? Try foreign cuisine? Test your foreign language skills? Make sure to include personal goals in your workcation checklist. It’s important to do things that make you happy beyond just ticking off work tasks.
Balancing work and leisure on a workcation is easy with a little bit of planning and the right mindset. By following this handy workcation checklist, you’ll set yourself up for both productivity and relaxation. So go ahead, create and check off the essentials on your own workcation checklist, pack your bags, and enjoy the perfect blend of work and play.
