Life wasn’t falling apart. If anything, it was fine, great even! Business was growing, nothing was on fire, and from the outside, things looked solid. But as always happens when you lose control of the reins, the flip side meant days were bleeding into nights, work happened in bed, in the bath, mid-walks. I was always reachable, always plugged in. 

My motto was that ‘luck will find you, but it has to find you working’. But that’s what I realised, I’d swapped long-term for lucky. Winds of fortune had carried the business forward, but I’d never really steered the ship. Because steering meant taking ownership. And taking ownership meant taking risks… like setting a mission and possibly not hitting it.

But here’s what changed: I defined the mission. I’ve always been interested in the odd ways we treat inheritance in western societies, and I wanted to do something a little different and bust a few myths: Hand my daughter £3m, ideally long before I die. I’d made a solid start, but I knew the rest wouldn’t happen by blind luck, no matter how hard I worked it. It needed me to take hold of the rudder. It needed discipline. A serious reset.

So, I booked a solo workation to Marbella, not to escape, but to reclaim control.

When Only a Workation Can Do the Work

This wasn’t about sipping cocktails and answering Slack messages in the sun. It was about emptiness. Space. Stillness. And delineation of what I do when – every hour, intent-driven, not just head down working.

Turns out, the word vacation comes from the Latin vacāre, meaning “to be empty” or “to be free.” And that’s exactly what I needed: freedom from pressure that kept me stuck in cycles I never chose.

If I’d tried to “reset” at home, I’d have been doing laundry on day two and checking my inbox before breakfast.. Opening my laptop. Doing bits of work just to get them out of my mind. A workation permitted me to pause properly.

And something as simple as coming back to a reset room every day, away from associations, was fundamental to stopping things creeping back in. It may feel like a small thing, but when everything around you is clean and calm, it becomes a lot easier to clean and calm your mind.

The Mission: Full Control, Full Value

This wasn’t a vacation. It wasn’t an escape. It was a return to the driver’s seat.

The goal was simple: Cut the noise. Rebuild the rhythm. Live with purpose.

Someone once said that happiness is driven by perceived control and perceived progress. I wasn’t chasing perfection. I didn’t think I could control everything. I mean, I can’t even control when I fall asleep sometimes. But I could design my days with purpose. Fence in the things that flow easily. Create space for the things that don’t.

And that became the mantra:

• “You need & want to do this.”
  
• “Just persevere and remove self-destruction.”
  
• “Create routine and actions you are proud of.”
  

The Structure: Reclaiming Time, Hour by Hour

I split my day into six distinct phases. Each had a clear intention. No blurry lines. No wasted space.

a. Set It Up (7:00 – 10:30 AM)
Discipline and momentum.
Hydrate → Stretch → Bible → Pray
Gym session, swim, high-quality breakfast
Set the tone. Set the standard.

b. Upload (10:30 – 1:30 PM)
Inspiration in, distractions out.
Long walk in the sun. Podcasts. Audiobooks.
Let the mind learn, not scroll.

c. Reward (1:30 – 3:30 PM)
Joy and freedom.
Hop on the moped, explore. Get lost (on purpose).
Silence, sunlight, scenery. Play = Power.

d. Express (3:30 – 5:30 PM)
Creative output.
Sit. Think. Write. Reflect.
Don’t consume—create.

e. Reinforce (5:30 – 7:00 PM)
Strengthen the foundations.
Kettlebell workouts. Recovery swims.
Discipline, again. Bookend the day strong.

f. Chill (7:00 – 10:30 PM)
Wind down, fully.
Box breathing on the beach. Dinner. Green tea.
Music. Journaling. Sleep by 11.

Marbella: More Than a Backdrop

Marbella wasn’t just a pretty setting. It was a catalyst!

The absence of triggers. The long walks and longer silences. The permission to sit and read. Cool pool resets after hot workouts. The environment mirrored the intention; it was clean, clear, and uncluttered. Minimal wardrobe. Maximum intent.

Takeaways: What 10 Days of Intentional Living Taught Me

• Control isn’t restrictive, it’s expansive.
  When I structured my days, I didn’t feel boxed in. I felt freed up.
  
• Structure creates space.
  You want time to relax? Design it in. Protect it. Then really relax.
  
• Fun, focus, and freedom can coexist.
  You don’t have to choose. You just have to plan for all three.
  
• Parenting, purpose, and personal growth aren’t in conflict.
  They’re part of the same engine. And when one thrives, the others do too.
  

Final Thought: You Can Do This Too

You don’t need Marbella. You need intention. You need a pause button. A new plan. And the guts to say, “I want more control. I want more value. I want to feel like this life is mine.”

Don’t wait for burnout. Don’t wait for the wheels to fall off. You don’t need a breakdown to earn a breakthrough. 

You’ve got one life.
Full control. Full value. That’s the real flex.

Author: David Thomas is the Founder of Everywhere Brand, a global strategy studio helping ambitious leaders build brands that move culture. With a sharp eye for clarity and a deep love of storytelling, he crafts bold narratives that make brands unforgettable.

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But here’s the catch: your cybersecurity probably didn’t book a seat on that flight.

Workcations may feel like a dream, but they come with a whole new set of cybersecurity risks that most people don’t see coming. From shady Wi-Fi to stolen devices, let’s break down the biggest threats—and how to stay safe while working remotely, even if you’re poolside.

The Cyber Threats You Didn’t Pack For

1. That Free Wi-Fi? It’s Not Your Friend

When you’re on a workcation, you’re likely hopping between hotels, airports, Airbnbs, and local cafés—and connecting to public Wi-Fi in all of them. Most of these networks are wide open for hackers to snoop on what you’re doing.

Even worse, some attackers set up “Evil Twin” hotspots that look just like the real thing (e.g., “Hotel_WiFi_Free”), tricking you into logging in. Once you do? Your passwords and sensitive company data could be up for grabs.

INTERPOL reports that nearly half of public Wi-Fi breaches come from these fake hotspots.

2. International Internet = International Problems

When you’re logging into work systems across borders, you’re also entering different digital territories—and not all countries treat your data the same way.

Some places have weaker cybersecurity laws, and your data might be at higher risk of being intercepted just because it passed through certain networks. A recent study found that cross-border data had 58% higher chances of interception compared to local connections.

3. Your Devices Might Be Too Chill

Here’s a fun (read: scary) stat—62% of workcationers use personal devices that lack strong security. Many of these laptops or phones aren’t updated, don’t have enterprise-level protection, or are shared with family (hello, malware risk).

And since you’re on the move, the chances of losing a device—or having someone steal or snoop on it—go way up. In fact, 1 in 5 workcation workers reported someone physically tampering with their device while it was left unattended.

4. Password Fatigue Is Real—and Dangerous

Travel messes with your schedule and energy. So it’s no surprise that people start using the same password for everything—or make them super short just to remember them.

The result? 43% of workcation-related data breaches involved weak or reused passwords. Add in jet lag and time zones, and you’re also more likely to fall for phishing attacks—especially ones that look like hotel confirmations or flight updates.

5. Even MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) Has Its Flaws

MFA is great—until it’s not. Hackers are now using clever tricks to intercept those “verify this login” codes, especially when you’re using SMS-based methods overseas. Some attackers use adversary-in-the-middle tactics to steal your one-time codes in real-time.

Plus, if you’re in another country, sometimes those codes don’t even show up on time, or at all.

6. Shadow IT: The Sneaky Data Leak You Didn’t Notice

Let’s say your company app is acting up while you’re abroad. Instead of calling IT, you might just upload files to your personal Google Drive or send them via your private email. That’s called Shadow IT, and it makes corporate data security teams break into a cold sweat.

This kind of off-the-grid data storage increases breach risk by 63%, and it’s totally unintentional most of the time.

7. Shoulder Surfers & Screen Sneaks

You’re sipping espresso at a cute café and working on a big report. You don’t notice the person at the next table watching your screen, but it happens more often than you think. About 1 in 3 mobile workers have experienced visual eavesdropping, especially in crowded co-working spaces.

Remote Work Security Best Practices

So, now that we’ve totally stressed you out, here’s the good news: you can still take that dream workcation and keep your data safe. It just takes a few smart moves from both you and your employer.

How to Workcation Safely (and Still Enjoy It)

1. Go Beyond the VPN: Use Zero Trust

While VPNs offer a solid layer of protection by securing connections to internal networks, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) takes security a step further by continuously verifying user identity, device posture, and context before granting access, ensuring tighter control and reduced risk.

Examples: Cloudflare Zero Trust, Microsoft Entra Private Access, Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

2. Lock Down Devices Automatically

Companies should use Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools that enforce security settings based on where you are and what network you’re on.

Examples: Microsoft Intune, Google Endpoint Management, Cisco Meraki Systems Manager

3. Upgrade Your Login Game

Skip the SMS codes and move to biometric logins (like Face ID) or physical FIDO2 security keys. These are much harder to spoof, even for clever hackers.

FIDO2 Security Examples: TrustKey G-Series, Google Titan Security Key, YubiKey Series

4. Protect Your Screen in Public

Use privacy filters or screen blockers, and don’t leave your laptop unattended. If you can’t keep an eye on it, lock it or take it with you.

Examples: 3M, SightPro, Kensington

5. Get 24/7 Support

For companies with global teams, having a round-the-clock security response team is crucial. It ensures help is available even if someone’s halfway across the world.

6. Make Training Real

Forget boring slide decks—use simulated phishing attacks and real-world scenarios to train employees. These hands-on experiences help people spot threats 47% more accurately.

Final Thought: Work Hard. Travel Smarter!

Workcations are here to stay, and that’s a win for flexibility, work-life balance, and wanderlust. But while you’re planning your next remote adventure, don’t forget to plan for cybersecurity too!

Think of it like packing sunscreen; you might not notice it at first, but it can save you from a lot of pain later.

So go ahead, book that trip. Just make sure your data doesn’t go off on its own vacation.

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Choosing the Right Tools

Not all video conferencing apps perform the same in different locations. If you’re on an island with sketchy WiFi, Zoom’s low-bandwidth mode might save you. Google Meet is great for browser-based calls, and Teams integrates well with Office tools. Always have a backup plan—just in case your go-to platform lets you down.

Optimising Video & Audio

• Turn off HD video if your connection is unstable.
• Use noise suppression settings (Zoom & Teams have built-in options!).
• Use a virtual background if your real one is…less than ideal (we see you, messy hotel room!).

Managing Time Zones

Nothing says “rookie remote worker” like scheduling a meeting at 3 AM your time. Use tools like World Time Buddy or Google Calendar’s built-in time zone feature to avoid those painful mishaps.

The Ultimate Workcation Video Call Setup

Best Portable Gear

• Noise-cancelling headphones – Drown out chatty coffee shop neighbours.
• A good mic – Your AirPods mic works, but a travel-sized lapel mic is a chef’s kiss.
• Ring light – Avoid looking like a silhouette in your beach bungalow.

Ideal Locations for Calls

• Co-working spaces – Reliable WiFi and minimal distractions.
• Hotels – More stable internet, but check speeds beforehand.
• Coffee shops – A gamble, but if it works, you get coffee + work vibes.

Background & Lighting Hacks

• Face the light – No one wants to talk to a shadowy figure.
• Use a blurred background – That way, nobody knows you’re actually poolside.
• Avoid movement in the background – A passing parrot is cool, but also distracting.

Internet Troubles? Here’s How to Stay Connected

Best Travel-Friendly WiFi Solutions

• Mobile hotspots – Skyroam, GlocalMe, or a local SIM card.
• Tethering from your phone – Works in a pinch but drains battery fast.
• Check your hotel’s WiFi before booking – Don’t assume it’s good!

Testing Your Connection

Before a big meeting, do a speed test (Speedtest.net) and check for lag. If all else fails, turn off video to save bandwidth.

Quick Fixes for Laggy Video

• Move closer to the router.
• Kick others off the network (sorry, Netflix-streaming roommate!).
• Switch to audio-only mode.

Staying Professional While Calling In From Paradise

What to Wear on Zoom

• Above the waist: Business casual.
• Below the waist: No one needs to know (but be careful if you stand up!).

Managing Distractions

• Hotel noise? Use noise-canceling apps like Krisp.
• Beach waves too loud? Move inside (sad, but necessary).
• Unexpected interruptions? Roll with it—people love a good “exotic location” moment.

Handling a Call Cut-Off

If your call drops mid-meeting, don’t panic. Rejoin ASAP and have a backup way to message the team (Slack, WhatsApp, email).

Meeting Etiquette While Traveling: Don’t Be That Person

Mute/Unmute Wisely

Nobody wants to hear “Can you hear me now?” every 5 minutes. Mute when not talking, but don’t forget to unmute when it’s your turn.

Be Mindful of Backgrounds

• No messy hotel beds.
• No random strangers walking behind you.
• No distracting motion (yes, we’re talking about those palm trees swaying beautifully).

Time Zone Awareness

Respect your global team. Avoid scheduling calls at crazy hours for others!

Balancing Work and Leisure on a Workcation

Set Meeting Boundaries

Just because you’re in paradise doesn’t mean you’re always on call. Block out your work hours and stick to them.

Communicate Availability

Let your team know when you’re online. A simple “I’m available from X to Y” message works wonders.

Say No to Unnecessary Meetings

If it can be an email, make it an email. Protect your workcation time!

Must-Have Apps for Smooth Remote Meetings

• Krisp – Blocks background noise.
• Otter.ai – Live meeting transcription.
• VPN – Keeps your work data secure while using public WiFi. (e.g. NordVPN) 

Emergency Protocol: What to Do When Your Video Call Fails

Backup Plans

• Have a dial-in number ready.
• Switch to a different app (if Zoom fails, try Google Meet!).
• Use mobile data if WiFi goes out.

Recovering From a Tech Fail

If something crashes, own it. A simple “Sorry, my connection dropped!” keeps things professional.

Setting Expectations

Before travelling, let your team know your situation. Transparency goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

Workcations are the best of both worlds—if you do them right. With a solid setup, good etiquette, and backup plans, you can Zoom from anywhere without a hitch. Now, go enjoy that sunset… after your last meeting, of course!

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