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.

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The benefits of slow traveling:

1. It allows you to build productive habits and routines

When you travel too fast, it’s difficult to establish a regular routine. You might find yourself constantly packing and unpacking, trying to find your way around a new city, or dealing with travel delays. Slow travel allows you to settle into a routine that works for you, giving you the structure you need to focus on your work while still enjoying your travels. By creating a schedule that balances work and leisure time, you can achieve a healthy work-life balance and make the most of your travels.

2. You get an in-depth experience of the destination

One of the main advantages of slow travel is that it enables you to get to know a destination in incredible detail. Instead of hitting all the tourist spots in a few days, you can take your time, explore off-the-beaten-path places, and truly experience the local culture. Slow travel allows you to build relationships with locals, attend events, and participate in activities that you wouldn’t have time for if you were only staying for a few days. By slowing down, you’ll get a more authentic travel experience that you’ll never forget.

3. You can play tourist and network at the same time

Slow travel allows you to have the best of both worlds. You can play tourist, visit the tourist spots, and take as many photos as you like, but you can also network, attend events, and get a feel for what life is like for the locals. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, slow travel makes it possible to balance both elements without feeling like you’re missing out on something.

4. You save money!

Traveling too fast can be expensive. Moving from one destination to another frequently means you’ve to pay for transportation, accommodations, and food more often. On the other hand, slow travel allows you to rent apartments or houses, cook your meals, and save money while immersing yourself in a new culture. Traveling slowly also often means that you can enjoy the low season and get better deals on tourist activities.

5. Quality over quantity

The most significant advantage of slow travel is that it enables you to prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of trying to cram as much sightseeing as possible, you can take your time and truly enjoy everything a destination has to offer. By slowing down, you’ll have more time to connect with people and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Finding the right balance between work and travel is crucial if you want to make the most of both. By taking a slow travel approach, you can build habits and routines, get a more in-depth experience of the destination, play tourist, network, save money and prioritize quality over quantity. Regardless of your travel style or work arrangements, slow travel can be an excellent option for anyone looking to balance work and travel. So, next time you plan your trip, take your time and slow down to enjoy your adventure fully.

6. Meaningful travels

In a fast-paced world of quick trips and superficial experiences, slow travel offers a remarkable opportunity to truly enrich your journeys. By immersing yourself in a destination for a longer period of time, you not only get to fully experience its essence but also have the chance to make a positive impact. Through platforms like Worldpackers, you can participate in volunteer work and contribute to local community projects during your travels.

7. Reduced Environmental Impact

Slow travel is also about choosing greener transportation options where possible, like trains or buses, instead of carbon-intensive flights. By taking it easy and not covering too much ground in one trip, you can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint. And here’s the bonus: you’ll also be supporting local businesses, helping to keep the community you’re visiting thriving. So, if you want to travel in a way that’s better for the planet and supports the local economy, slow travel is the way to go.

Embracing the Slow Travel Mindset

When it comes to slow travel, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But there are a few key ideas that can guide you from the start of your trip to the end. The whole point of slow travel is to really dive into your experiences and let them transform you. So take your time, soak it all in, and let the unknown lead the way. Here’s a good tip: balance is key! By creating a loose plan for sightseeing and leaving room for spontaneity, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

Embrace the freedom to shape your own journey and let authentic experiences find you along the way. Say goodbye to scripted tours and hello to unexpected encounters that will leave you amazed.

Become a slow traveler and let the magic unfold in your journey.

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 and Upwork’s findings predict 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025 (87% percent increase from pre-pandemic levels). 

Thinking of switching to remote work? Or perhaps you’re eager to boost your productivity while you work remotely on a workcation? Either way – you’ve landed at the right place. Check out these 10 key tips for working remotely.

Invest in reliable technology  

Reliable tech is bread and butter for remote workers. Yes – this means investing in a reliable laptop and finding a reliable internet connection to match. These are essential foundations of your remote working career. Internet connection can be a little tricky for remote workers, especially if you are in a foreign country. And accidents can happen in life (top tip: keep that coffee away from your laptop). I learned that lesson the hard way.

Here are 3 key tips:

• Bring a spare laptop in case your primary laptop needs repair or maintenance
• Backup and save your data in case your internet suddenly cuts out (so work is never lost)
• Invest in a VPN (a virtual private network) to keep your connection secure. Better safe than sorry

Find an inspiring workspace

The place you work can make or break your productivity. Make sure your workspace is comfortable, well-lit, and free of distractions. Some remote workers prefer to work in coffee shops for normal work but prefer libraries when they really need to focus. It’s up to you. If you feel like you need to get out of the house to be productive, there are now many coworking spaces available around the world. These shared office spaces provide Wi-Fi, a desk, a chair, (and extras like coffee) for a monthly fee. You can sometimes test them out for a day or two (sometimes for a small daily fee) before committing to a membership.

Remote work-from-home tips:

If you’re going to be working from home for a while, it’s worth investing in some good-quality home office equipment. A good-quality chair, a second monitor, and a noise-canceling headset can all make your work life a stress-free joy, rather than a chore. Above all, if you’re working from home, you want a happy space that inspires you and keeps you motivated.

Love your morning routine 

Your morning sets the tone. It can be the difference between feeling like a lazy student and an ambitious, model professional. That’s why creating and sticking to your morning routines is so crucial for remote workers and keeps you on track toward your goals. 7-8 hours of sleep (while still waking up at a reasonable time), good nutrition, and a little time to ourselves are awesome ways to embrace the day.

Everyone is different. So think about what works for you. For me: a healthy breakfast, a tall glass of water, and a 25 minutes walk refreshes and unlocks my mind for the day.

Manage your time (and find ways to switch off)

Working remotely can supercharge your productivity, but it can also present distractions. And this is where time management comes in.  As a remote worker, creating your own structure of working hours and sticking to them is as crucial as brushing your teeth in the morning.

Trust us; switching off at the end of the day is equally important. As drawing a solid line between work and relaxed ‘you’ time is fundamental to our mental health and productivity. A top tip is to look at your to-do list and review how much you have done in the day and make a new one for the next day; logging out of your work devices, switching notifications off, and changing into different clothes if that helps you.  

Remember to be social

“We human beings are social beings… most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationships with others” (Dalai Lama)

Remote work allows you to create your own schedule; and as digital nomads know – work from anywhere, at any time.  But this life can be isolating and lonely without making a conscious effort to connect with others. Remember that even introverts need social interaction. So make sure you create time for socialising. Arrange calls (or meetups if possible) with family and friends. And even video calls with colleagues/clients can give you that energising boost that comes from socialising. 

Coworking spaces offer opportunities to meet people and form connections. You can also join networking groups or meetups related to your industry –  allowing you to connect with collaborators or even find potential clients. It’s important to contribute to work messaging platforms like Slack. 

Just remember: human beings are naturally social animals.

Communicate and collaborate like a pro 

There are many great tools available to help remote workers communicate and collaborate effectively. Email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management software can all help you stay connected with your team and get your work done. However, it’s important to find tools that work for you and the team. 

A smart move is to try and test a few of them and stick to the ones that help you be productive. Once you’ve found what helps you communicate and work well with colleagues,  embrace them to the full. Need some inspiration? Some of our favourites include Slack, Trello, Asana, Zoom, Podio, and Flock.

Track your time 

For your own productivity… and especially if you bill your clients by the hour – it’s crucial to track how long you’re spending on each task. Often remote workers forget to track their time accurately as they work outside an office environment. There are many effective time-tracking tools out there, both online and as apps for your phone or computer (some of which even integrate with project management software). Tracking your time helps you see where you’re spending most of your time – and allows you to adjust your work plans and your billing accordingly.

Clockify, Timely, and Toggl are popular options to consider.

Remove those distractions 

Distractions live everywhere at home. The proximity of family, friends, and housemates, the temptation of the TV, social media, or surfing the internet are everywhere. How many times has a 10-minute social media break turned into an hour lost on a tangent? It happens. 

It’s now time to remove these distractions so you can focus and be the best remote worker you can be. But how? 

We recommend setting up a dedicated work area in your home; your own little oasis free from distractions, where you can be your most concentrated, creative, and productive. 

It’s a good idea to establish clear boundaries with the people you live with. Let them know when you’re working and when you’re available, so they can help you stay focused by avoiding distractions during your work time.

If social media is keeping you distracted, try deactivating your account while you’re working or install a tool like Freedom that blocks access to certain websites while you’re trying to focus.

The same philosophy applies if you work in a coworking space. It’s important to find a spot where you can sit and give your uninterrupted, focused attention. This sometimes requires using noise-canceling headphones if you thrive in quiet environments. It’s also a good idea to work in short bursts with dedicated breaks in between to give yourself time to relax and reset. The Pomodoro Technique is one popular way to do this and there are various apps that can help you with adopting it.   Like Pomofocus and Pomodoro-Tracker.

Set goals to motivate you 

When you’re working remotely it can be easy to lose motivation, especially if you’re not used to it. One way to stay motivated is to set clear goals and deadlines for each task. This will help you see your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task. A tool like Todoist can help you with this by easily letting you create task lists and setting deadlines.

It’s important to give yourself positive affirmations, tick off to-do lists and celebrate small wins as a remote worker. And remember that social interaction (from chats with friends to video call check-ins with colleagues and clients) gives you a bump of energy and motivation that can kick-start a work session.  Organising regular check-ins with your team is also a good way to stay on track and motivated since you’ll be accountable for the work you need to do.

Venture away from your desk

Take it from us: venturing away from your desk during your working days is fundamental to your remote working success. And the best part is… if you’re a digital nomad or remote working expat – your work breaks are extra special. There’s nothing like exploring a new country and culture to refresh and energise your mind!

Put simply:  sitting still for long periods is bad for us. So make sure you stand up, stretch and go for a short walk. Research shows even 5 minutes of walking can boost your mood and reduce stress. Especially if outdoors in nature,  fresh air, and natural light. Need to close all tabs and click refresh on your mind? Time to get outside. 

There are also some good apps that prompt you to take a break that can remind you to get up and move around every hour. And remember to drink plenty of water. 

It’s okay to ask for help

It’s okay to acknowledge that you need support – and ask for it. In fact: it shows great courage, communication, and professionalism. Rather than being stuck in your tracks and letting anxiety and tension bubble under the surface, sometimes even a quick chat with a colleague can open a door to new progress for you.

Reach out to your manager, colleagues, or peers for help. They’ll likely be more than happy to provide guidance and support. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes to help you solve a problem and move forward

Thriving as a remote worker doesn’t happen overnight. But with these handy tips in your back pocket – you’re well on the way to success and can skip around the common pitfalls of working from home.

Feel free to try and embrace the remote working tips that work for you. (everyone is different). The key is to stay composed and positive, especially if you’re new to this. And once you’ve immersed yourself in this new way of work – it is wonderful.

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