Getting Started in Mauritius

I must admit that growing up in Mauritius has given me the advantage of knowing the island very well and understanding how to kick-start a workcation. Having spent half of my life there, it wasn’t difficult to adjust to a workcation.

Settling Down in Moka

I had to decide where to stay in Mauritius. Despite Mauritius being famous for its beaches I chose to stay in the lush greenery of Moka, which is in the centre of the island. Moka is also known as the ‘Coeur de L’ile’ by the locals, literally meaning the ‘heart of the island’ and it’s a very special place with lush greenery, majestic mountains (like Le Pouce), rivers and a lot of colonial history which can be seen in the many ancient houses, such as the famous ‘Eureka – La Maison Creole’.

I chose to stay in Moka firstly because it’s the place where I used to run in the fields with my hand-made kite as a child. It was also a good opportunity to reconnect with the people of Moka but also to finish a flat I started building years ago but never had the chance to complete. So while workcationing I made it a side project to finish the flat and I ended up living in the unfinished flat until it was completed.

So I didn’t have to rent a place, but if you are interested in workcationing in Mauritius there are plenty of places to rent in the centre, near the beaches, especially on the north (e.g. Grand-Baie) and west coast of the island (Flic en Flac). You can easily find self-catering accommodations on Booking.com, Airbnb and other platforms, from one-bedroom apartments to 5-star hotels and everything in between. It all depends on your preference, the type of accommodation and your budget!

Finding a Reliable Internet Connection

For my daily work in SEO and digital marketing, I needed fast and reliable internet. Luckily there are several good internet service providers on the island. For example Emtel’s Prepaid Airbox Packs offer unlimited internet access through a simple plug-and-play device. This is very convenient as it doesn’t require any technical intervention from the supplier. You simply prepay for your internet, plug in your device and you’re ready to go. These packages start from Rs1,050/month which is approximately £17, 20 euros or 22 US dollars per month. I chose Emtel but there are other good providers to meet your internet needs, such as My.T and Chili Box.

Getting Around the Island

Public transport in Mauritius is not the best. Buses are not very dependable and although a new tram line was recently introduced it only connects a few stations in the main cities. And no Uber! So you have to rely on local taxis, especially at night. But I recommend renting a car, it will make life much easier. There are plenty of options from small cars to 4×4 vehicles. I was driving a Nissan Micra and it was perfect for the size of the island and very economical. Trust me having your own mode of transport is essential in Mauritius.

My Usual Workcation Day

One of the best perks of working from Mauritius is the small time difference from the UK. In the summer it’s 3 hours and in the winter it’s 4. With most of my projects in Europe, scheduling Zoom meetings at convenient times was easy. I usually start my day at 9 am, so I have 3 hours of solid, productive work before anyone in the UK has even started. By the time they check their emails, they are greeted with a bunch of completed tasks and updated project statuses, setting a very positive tone for the day. At lunchtime I like to take a stroll in Moka which is full of green spaces, walking paths and fields. I particularly like to wander around the Minissy area for its calm and refreshing atmosphere. I always return to my desk feeling rejuvenated for the rest of the afternoon.

My workday usually ends around 4:30 pm. After that, I head out for a run in the fields or go hiking around ‘Le Pouce’ mountain which by the way has the shape of a thumbs up! And that’s how it got its name! Sometimes I drive to Flic en Flac Beach to catch the sunset. It’s only a 30-minute drive and one of my favourite places to unwind. I take a quick dip in the turquoise lagoon and then chill with a cold beer on the golden beach. Speaking of beer, if you are a beer lover you have to try Phoenix Beer, the most popular brew in Mauritius and winner of several beer competitions around the world! Recently new brands like Flying Dodo, Thirsty Fox and Manawa have become popular. My favourite is the Manawa Golden – it’s an absolute beauty of a beer, perfect for that tropical vibe!

Coworking in Mauritius

I found working from home in Mauritius very convenient as it saved me time in the mornings and I didn’t have to deal with traffic. But I sometimes liked to go to coworking spaces for a change of scenery. These spaces had great amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms and good coffee.

In Moka, there were many options for coworking spaces. One of my favourites was Workshop 17 which also had multiple locations on the island including one at Vivéa Business Centre. This particular location was built on the site of a former sugar factory (Mont Desert Alma) surrounded by century-old trees which was very inspiring. I also liked the food at Zakadi and MokaZ which had a nice mix of European and traditional Mauritian food.

From time to time, I spent my working days at cafes near the beach for a change of pace and to be able to take a quick dip in the turquoise lagoon during lunchtime or after work. Kuumba Coffee and Vanilla Cafe in Tamarin on the west coast of the island were among the best I found. In the north of the island, The Hive was another great coworking space in Grand Baie, right in the middle of one of the most beautiful tourist places in Mauritius.

Weekend Fun!

The island has plenty of activities to suit every taste, from beach sports to hiking, trails, sailing, paragliding, parasailing and more. Personally, I like snorkelling, body-board surfing and paddle boarding.

On Saturday mornings I like to snorkel in Blue Bay, home of the National Marine Park, one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The water there is incredibly clear and blue, allowing you to observe colourful fish and coral. It’s a paradise for divers.

Or I paddle board at Le Morne Beach, near one of the most iconic mountains on the island. The lagoon and the history make it the perfect spot for paddle boarding and a great place to recharge and connect with nature.

Sometimes I just relax on the beach with a good book. Flic en Flac is one of my favourites, with a long golden beach and plenty of street food stalls serving traditional Mauritian food. An absolute must-try is the ‘rotis’ from Aka Vinoda, a very popular spot. Flic en Flac also has great opportunities for scuba diving, kayaking and even horse riding on the beach, like Sea-Horse Adventure, a unique experience.

Hanging Out

I love live music and as a guitarist myself I prefer bars with live music over clubs, especially in the north of the island around Grand Baie. N-Joy is one of the best on the island, with live music 4 days a week with different music styles. They have an amazing bar and restaurant serving local and international food. The tropical vibe and beachside location at La Cuvette make it a great spot for lunch or dinner. As a music connoisseur, I am very picky with live sound and in my opinion, N-Joy has one of the best live music sounds on the island. It’s the perfect spot for a Saturday night and the crowd is very cool! Banana Beach Club is another cool bar with a similar vibe but if you prefer nightclubs there are many options around like OMG or Imsonia.

On the West Coast Big Willy’s in Tamarin is also a great spot to hang out. Live music and a DJ at the end of the night, a cool beer garden and tasty local and international food. Enso Bar in ‘La Gaulette’ has a surf-style vibe whereas Nomad is famous for one of the best coffee and burgers on the island!

A few activities to enjoy while on Workcation in Mauritius

1. Dive in Blue Bay Marine Park or on the West Coast

Snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of Blue Bay Marine Park or head to the West Coast for the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots. The coral reef and marine life will take your breath away.

2. Hike ‘Le Morne’ or ‘Le Pouce’

Easy and rewarded trails for a great view and some exercise by hiking up Le Morne or Le Pouce, the latter being one of the easiest climb on the island. The view of the Moka range of mountains and the view over Port Louis (the capital) from the top is worth the effort.

3. Just chill on the beach with a book

Spend the day on one of Mauritius’ many sandy beaches. Flic en Flac and Mont Choisy are perfect for a relaxing read and sunbathing. There’s something very soothing about it.

4. Try beach sports

For the adventurous try your hand at wind-surfing, kite-surfing or kayaking. The gentle waves and warm water make it perfect for water sports. The best spots are around Le Morne where the wind is ideal.

5. Try Mauritian food and drinks

Don’t miss out on the local food! Try Gateau Piment, Dholl Puri, Samosa, Boulette and Napolitaine and our famous local rhums. Each bite is a taste of Mauritian culture which is a mix of all its origins.

6. Visit Black River Gorges National Park

Explore the scenery and wildlife of the Black River Gorges National Park. Scenic trails and great views, a must for nature lovers. You might even see some very cool monkeys there…

7. Visit the Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses

Take a walk in the botanical garden in Pamplemousses, home to many tropical plants and beautiful lotus ponds. A very peaceful escape.

8. ‘Ile aux Cerfs’ for beaches and views

Take a trip to ‘Ile aux Cerfs’ and enjoy its pristine beaches and picturesque scenery. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll love the island’s world-class golf course.

9. Dolphin and Whale watching

Go dolphin and whale watching for an experience of a lifetime. Seeing them in their natural habitat is the highlight of the trip.

10. Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth

Make sure to visit the Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth, a geological park with seven distinct colors of sand. It’s a unique and mesmerising sight that you won’t want to miss. Also, be sure to try Chamarel Coffee while you’re there – it’s a unique aromatic experience!

Here are some tips to plan a workcation in Mauritius:

1. Get Ready for Your Workcation: Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary equipment, including reliable technology like a good laptop, chargers etc.
2. Research and choose the right location: Make sure the location fits your work needs and has a peaceful environment to relax, e.g. beach or mountains. Also consider your workspace (home, co-working, coffee shops, etc.) and proximity to services. Being close to supermarkets like Super U, Intermart or Winners is very convenient.
3. Research your internet requirement: Fast and reliable internet is key to your workcation, so ensure you are well connected.
4. Plan your work schedule: Align your work schedule to the local time to be productive and have a good work-life balance. If you have Zoom meetings at odd hours, ensure you are in a place where you won’t be disturbed. E.g. Mauritius has many dogs and their night activities can be noisy sometimes.
5. Take time to explore: Take advantage of the flexibility of remote working to visit beaches, nature reserves and cultural landmarks during off-hours or weekends. Find your way to get around, e.g. rent a car, scooter, bike, etc.
6. Take care of your health and well-being: Include physical activities like morning walks, afternoon runs or yoga in your daily routine to stay energised.
7. Connect with new people: Meet the locals and connect with other remote workers to find the best places to visit, eat, work and relax. Connecting with fascinating locals or other workcationers can be very inspiring. 
8. Budget Smart: Look for affordable accommodation and local eateries to enjoy Mauritius without burning a hole in your pocket. The food range is very wide, from gastronomic food in 5-star hotels to typical local food in restaurants and tasty street food. You’ll be sure to find something that you like and fits your budget.

So there you go: I had a fantastic workcation in Mauritius and can’t wait for the next one! I hope this inspires you too!

The post Escape to Paradise – A Long Workcation in Mauritius appeared first on .

How does relaxing on a beach with a cocktail in hand while doing your numbers or project proposal sound? This is the new workcation where ‘out of office’ actually means something!

While workcations combine work and leisure, we need to separate them from actual vacations. An actual vacation means you disconnect from work completely and fully immerse yourself in a new place, and recharge without work pressures.

Workcation Meaning (noun): A holiday that includes work. It’s an alternative break from the office that allows you to be productive and relaxed at the same time. This is the new era of remote work.

What’s the big deal about Workcations?

People are no longer confined to their cubicles for work. The remote working lifestyle has given rise to this trend where people travel and work at the same time. Increasing flexibility of remote work and location independence is making this option more and more appealing each day. Remote workers in various sectors like software development and marketing are given the chance to get away from the 9-to-5 work schedule which is not only desirable but is now easily achievable. Smart workcationers now combine their career duties with travel adventures while working remotely from anywhere in the world. The Why? To rejuvenate one’s mind and spirit while checking off their professional to-do list in style. A workcation might be just what you need to achieve that work-life balance you’ve been struggling with!

The rise of workcation trend

The early days of workcation can be traced back to the early 2010s. Our digital nomadic forefathers took advantage of fast internet connections, unlimited Wi-Fi and affordable flights to create a lifestyle that was unthinkable just a decade ago. A stable and high-speed internet connection was one of the main factors that encouraged workcations. Fast forward to now, the recent pandemic made remote working and workcations go from a whisper in the desert to the top of the office.

***Statistic Alert:* Nearly 40% of Europeans, Americans and Canadians would prefer to work from a hammock. Why settle for the usual when you can combine profession and paradise?*

Workcation Breakdown

The Sprint – Short-term workcation:

• Duration: A quick one-week break
• Best for small team getaways
• Pro Tip: Reconnect or disconnect from the daily grind with this short getaway

The Marathon – Long term workcation:

• Duration: One to three months of semi-nomadic lifestyle
• Work, play and soak in culture
• Digital Nomad’s Joy: Co-rent homes in foreign countries encourage creative collisions

The Life Change – Permanent workcation:

• Life Change: A significant shift, relocating and establishing in a new environment
• Those who wish to work remotely as a way to reconstruct their working life from scratch

Benefits of Workcations

A workcation offers numerous benefits for employees, companies, and freelancers alike. For businesses, it can lead to enhanced productivity as employees work in more relaxed and inspiring environments. Individuals, whether in traditional roles or freelancing, gain the advantage of a better work-life balance, allowing them to recharge while staying on top of their tasks. This flexibility not only boosts creativity and motivation but also reduces burnout, fostering overall well-being and long-term job satisfaction. In essence, workcations provide a win-win for both professional and personal growth.

Main Reasons to Take Workcations

1. Try new working environments and rituals while achieving your work goals
2. Increase job satisfaction through alternative work arrangements.
3. Form lasting relationships with colleagues in unusual locations.
4. Combine work and play to increase work-life balance and recharge your batteries.
5. Network, network, network! Opportunities you never knew existed.
6. Boost your inspiration and creativity by working in a new location.
7. Save money by matching work or business needs with your travel lust.
8. Take advantage of any slow periods at work without using your precious vacation days.
9. Come back to work recharged and with a new perspective.
10. Design a work-life balance that fits your unique needs.

Reasons Employers Should Allow Workcations!

1. More productivity: Employees who are trusted and motivated perform better.
2. More morale: The ability to combine work and play creates a culture of respect.
3. More retention: By offering alternative work arrangements, employers can retain valuable talents that could otherwise leave.

Workcations can help save money while increasing employee mental well-being, productivity and retention.  It is a win-win for employee satisfaction. It’s however important to set the right guidelines so workcationing employees don’t get too distracted. It’s a way to create a work culture that rewards free time, trust and innovation.

The Workcation-Vacation Dichotomy: Striking a Work-Life Balance

Note that a workcation is not meant to be a replacement for a full-blown vacation. Vacations allow you to use your precious vacation days to completely disconnect and recharge. Switching off completely helps you recharge as a whole person. You want to prevent burnout not invite it. So in essence, workcations are just one key on a keyboard, each contributor plays its part in the perfect work composition, workcation enthusiasts can bank those well-deserved vacation days instead of using them on a working holiday.

Taking a mental health week is important for overall well-being and workcations can help with mental health by changing the scenery and reducing stress.

On the other hand, Bleisure travel can help you get the most out of a business trip while experiencing something new in a business destination.

Workcation FAQs

Q1: Where do I go for my workcation?

Things to consider when choosing a workcation destination:

• Time Zone: Does your work schedule align with your team or clients?
• Weather: Beaches, cities or mountains? Where do you like to unwind or explore and where can you work with minimal interruptions
• Local Attractions: What do you want to do in your free time?
• Cost: Budget is key! Knowing the basic costs of going to a potential destination and other related costs e.g. experiences and activities.

Q2: Will my internet be ok?

You need reliable internet as a remote worker. That’s a given!

• Reviews: If possible check reviews from other remote workers about Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes and coworking spaces.
• Speed Test Apps: Apps like ‘Speedtest’ can give you a real-time idea of internet speeds in your destination.
• Coworking Spaces: These usually have fast internet and are designed for remote workers.

Q3: Do I need any special gear?

Staying connected and charged is key. Here’s what you might need:

• Phone Plans: Check if your current plan has international roaming. If not, get a local SIM or an international plan.
• Electrical Adapters: Research the plug type in your destination country and bring the right adapters before travelling, because you might need to be operational right from day one.
• Portable Chargers: Keep your devices charged on the go with a portable charger. Some countries have ‘load shedding’ which is a power cut that can last for hours. E.g. Cape Town, South Africa. Better be prepared
• Work Equipment: Don’t forget your chargers, adapters and any other work gear you may need.

Q4: How will I get around in my workcation destination?

Getting around comfortably is key to a smooth workcation.

• Public Transport: In many cities, public transport like buses, trams and trains are easy and cheap.
• Rental Cars: Good for getting out of the city. Don’t forget to budget for fuel and insurance. In some countries like Bali, scooters are more practical.
• Bicycles: Eco-friendly and good for short distances. Many cities have bike share schemes and bike lanes.
• Walking: If you’re in a walkable city this could be your main mode of transport. It’s also a great way to explore while also keeping yourself fit.

Workcation Ideas

There are many different types of workcations, so you’ll never run out of ideas. Whether you’re looking to escape urban life and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, snorkelling, horseback riding or simply relaxing in nature, there’s something for everyone. On the flip side, those who typically work in rural settings might enjoy the thrill of spending a week or two in a bustling city for a change of pace.

A particularly popular approach is combining a workcation with an event you want to attend. This could be a professional conference, a networking event, or even something more personal, like an art exhibition or a concert by one of your favourite musicians. The possibilities to blend work and leisure are truly endless.

For example:

• Take a workcation in Lisbon while attending Web Summit, the world’s premier tech conference.
• Enjoy a workcation in Brighton during BrightonSEO, the world’s largest search marketing conference.
• Always wanted to see Van Gogh’s masterpieces up close? Go on a workcation in Amsterdam and visit the Van Gogh Museum.
• Fascinated by the Angkor Wat temples? Why not work from Cambodia for a couple of weeks and take your time exploring this breathtaking site without rushing?

With a bit of creativity, the workcation ideas are limitless.

Some of the Popular Workcation Destinations to Explore

Workcation in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has a vibrant coworking community that’s growing along with the city’s remote culture. Often called Europe’s Silicon Valley, Lisbon has become one of the fastest growing tech ecosystems and a top location for tech start-ups worldwide.

Coworking in Lisbon

You’ll find coworking spaces all over the city, from popular neighbourhoods to quieter suburbs and everything in between. Solo entrepreneur or growing team, there’s a space for you.

Lisbon Culture

Lisbon is not just about work. It’s a city full of nightlife, historic architecture and seafood. Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, catch a Fado performance or head to Time Out Market (also known as Mercado da Ribeira) to indulge in the freshest seafood. Fun fact – one of the coolest coworking spaces, Second Home, is located right on top!

Lisbon Getaways

One of the best things about Lisbon is its proximity to nature. Imagine leaving your office and hitting the waters in less than 20 minutes. The beaches are just a short ride away and perfect for a post-work day escape. If history is your thing don’t miss out on visiting São Jorge Castle, one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a must-see and only a short ride up the city’s famous hills. In short, Lisbon has the perfect work-life balance.

Workcation in Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an enchanting paradise with a harmonious mix of verdant landscapes, idyllic sandy shores, captivating traditions, and a thriving community of remote workers. Bali isn’t just a wonderful place to visit, it’s a hub for exploration!

Coworking in Bali

Bali’s coworking spaces are as innovative and creative as you’d expect. Think sound-proof Zoom rooms, poolside desktops, daily seminars and power-nap nooks. They all have robust Wi-Fi, of course. You’ll find other flip-flopped remote workers living the dream, alongside great coffee and island food to keep your creative juices flowing. Some of the favourite co-working space are:

Tropical Nomad is famous for its peaceful work environment, indoor palms and a balcony overlooking rice fields.

Zin@Work Cafe is an open-air space over 4 floors, blending traditional with modern and Bali vibes! And the best part? It’s a free coworking space… Yes, you read that right!

Bali Culture

The lifestyle in Bali is a perfect balance of work and island life. Remote workers in Bali do yoga, surfing and cultural exploration, they live a full life. And the local food, nightlife and wellness retreats are just the cherry on top. This is not just about flexible work but about a holistic approach to life, focusing on self-care and work-life balance.

Bali Getaways

Nowhere else on earth has the combination of surfing, spirituality and sun-kissed pleasure like Bali. With its cultural treasures like Uluwatu Temple and Tirta Empul pools or fine sand beaches like Kelingking Beach. Bali is a place that screams self-indulgence and bliss. If you’re thinking of a workcation adventure Bali might just be the place for you.

Workcation in Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand

Ko Pha Ngan is a remote worker’s dream. With its beaches and green landscapes it’s no wonder this island is a top workcation destination. Famous for its Full Moon Party where thousands gather to dance the night away on the beach, Ko Pha Ngan offers work, relaxation and celebration! Imagine a day that starts with productive work hours, followed by beach relaxation in the afternoon and ends with dancing under the full moon. Ko Pha Ngan makes that possible.

Coworking in Ko Pha Ngan

The island has many coworking spaces. From a local café to a premium coworking spot with beachfront views, beach bars and swimming pools, Ko Pha Ngan has something for everyone. One of our favourite is Sabaii Bay on Ban Tai Beach for its location but Koh Pa Ngan has coworking spaces to suit all tastes and budgets.

Ko Pha Ngan Culture

Ko Pha Ngan is more than a place to work—it’s a community with culture, spirituality and social life. Remote workers have endless opportunities to get out and about and stay active. Beyond the parties, you can hike, trek to waterfalls, nature trails. Yoga retreats are plenty and for the more adventurous, Muay Thai gyms to try Thai boxing and sweat out your work frustrations!

Ko Pha Ngan Getaways

Ko Pha Ngan has so many activities to choose from. Take a private tour of Anthong National Park, snorkel in Koh Nangyuan, go off-road around the island or visit the peaceful Kuan Yin Temple. Whatever your interest there’s something for everyone.

Workcation in Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria has diverse landscapes, from sand dunes to green mountains, perfect for hiking, water sports and beach relaxation. One of the best things about Gran Canaria is the weather, it’s always great, never too cold and the sun always shines. This is a big plus for European remote workers who want to stay close to home but have amazing workcations.

Coworking in Gran Canaria

Coworking spaces are more than just places to work, they aren’t your typical coworking setups, they are vibrant and creative, providing thriving remote working communities. These spaces offer sociable spots and fast internet, making them ideal for remote work. Hashtag Workspace in Las Palmas and The House are two popular coworking spaces. They are, apparently, known to have the fastest internet in the Canary Islands, and that is always good to know!

Coworking spaces are more than just places to work, they aren’t your typical coworking setups, they are alive and creative, with thriving remote working communities. These spaces have sociable areas and fast internet, perfect for remote work. ‘Hashtag Workspace‘ in Las Palmas and ‘The House‘ are two of the most popular coworking spaces. They have apparently the fastest internet in the Canary Islands, and that’s always good to know!

Gran Canaria Culture

Gran Canaria’s climate allows for daytime and nighttime activities, it’s the perfect place for remote workers to combine work and play. The island has many leisure activities to choose from, dolphin and whale safaris, day boat cruises, rainforest tours, buggy off-road expeditions. The local Gran Canarian food is simple with an exotic touch, but the cuisine of the Canary Islands is quite unique.

Gran Canaria Getaways

Throughout the year Gran Canaria has carnivals, music festivals and sporting events, for residents and visitors. Whether it’s the ‘FiestoRon’ pop-rock festival, ‘Ristos del Mundo’ electronic music festival or the International Classical Music Festival, there’s always something happening on or around the islands.

Workcation in Istanbul, Turkey

The city where East meets West. Famous for its landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul has Bosphorus views and a mix of cultures, cuisines and traditions. This busy, lively city combines the old with the new, perfect for remote workers.

Istanbul Culture

Istanbul, a city that’s half European and half Asian, has many places to clear your head and recharge as a remote worker. Rich in history the historic peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with landmarks dating back to Roman times. The food in Istanbul is a delicious mix of Greek, Armenian and Anatolian cuisine, due to its colourful history and diverse population. And if you’re a cat lover, you’ll be happy to know that Istanbul is also called ‘Catstanbul’. Cats have been roaming the streets for thousands of years so be prepared to meet some furry friends while you explore the city!

Coworking in Istanbul

Istanbul’s remote working scene has blown up in the last few years with many coworking spaces opening in Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Üskudar and Kadiköy. Countless coffee shops also have nice spots to work and meet other remote workers. The low costs, high quality services and good coworking infrastructure make Istanbul one of the top cities for workcations.

Istanbul Getaways

There’s so much to see and do. If you can finish your work a bit early you can easily spend your afternoons exploring the city’s historic and beautiful landmarks. For example; visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque and see the light show, experience the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaa, tour the majestic Dolmabahce Palace or Topkapi Palace for its famous Harem.

For a lazy afternoon spend time by the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy the different shades of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Furthermore, with an Istanbul Tourist Pass you can visit more than 40 attractions in the city for one price, so it’s easy to plan your Istanbul adventures!

Taking a local workcation

You don’t always have to travel far to enjoy the benefits of a workcation. By working away from your usual location but staying within your own country, you can still reap the rewards. For example, working remotely at a serene chalet in the mountains for a week can leave you feeling refreshed when you return to the office. You can also work remotely in a place you’ve always wanted to visit but never had the chance to plan for.

A local workcation has the added bonus of not dealing with any time differences, especially if you have to attend web calls. It can also be considerably cheaper since you don’t have to book flight tickets. For example, a popular destination in the UK is Cornwall. You can enjoy the peaceful coastal vibes in St Ives or try some fun beach sports in Newquay, and still complete your to-do list and meet your deadlines.

—

Remember, whether you’re writing emails with sand between your toes, on your usual Zoom calls with a tropical view or brainstorming a big project in a peaceful spot by the beach, workcations are about creating moments for you and your team. Workcations are not a trend, nor are they a travel movement; they are the flexibility in the future of work.

So hop on board, get your workcation checklist ready and get out of your office!

The post Workcation: Revolutionising the Way We Balance Work and Play appeared first on .

What exactly is work-life balance?

Simply put, work-life balance is the ability to maintain a healthy relationship between our work and our outside-of-work lives. It means having enough time for both, and not letting one take over the other. The meaning of work-life balance can vary from person to person, for some, work-life balance might mean taking a few days off each week to spend time with family or friends. For others, it might mean working fewer hours each day so that they have more time for themselves. And for others still, it might mean working from home a few days a week to avoid the commute. Regardless of your stage in the working world, it’s crucial that you find a way to balance between your unique professional and personal lives.

The importance of work-life balance

The answer is a resounding yes! There are plenty of reasons for having a good work-life balance.

When we’re able to find time for both work and the things we enjoy outside of work, we’re happier and more fulfilled. We’re also less likely to experience burnout, which can happen when we’re overworked and feel like we’re never able to take a break.

Benefits of work-life balance

When we achieve work-life balance, we’re happier and less stressed, and our personal relationships are healthier. It can actually make us better at our jobs because when we have time for ourselves outside of work, we come back feeling refreshed and recharged. We’re able to put more effort into our work and be more productive when we’re there. All of this leads to a better quality of life overall.

How to balance work and life?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to balance work and life will vary from person to person. However, there are some general tips that can help everyone achieve a better work-life balance. That sounds great in theory, but how can we actually achieve it?

How to achieve work-life balance:

1. Make time for yourself: One of the most important things you can do for your work-life balance is to make time for yourself. This might mean taking an hour each day to read, going for a walk, picking up that musical instrument you always thought you should learn, or taking a yoga class once a week. Whatever it is that you enjoy doing, make sure to schedule some time for it into your working week.
2. Set boundaries with work: It can be easy for work to take over our lives if we’re not careful. To avoid this, it’s important to set boundaries with work. This might mean only checking work emails inside of work hours, or only taking work calls during certain times of the day. Whatever it is, setting these boundaries will help you to avoid getting too caught up in work and will help you to achieve a better balance.
3. Learn to say “no”: One of the hardest things to do is say “no”, especially when it comes to working. But if you’re already stretched thin, then you need to learn to say “no” in order to maintain your work-life balance. This doesn’t mean saying “no” to everything, but it does mean learning to prioritize and only taking on what you can handle.
4. Prioritize your health: In order to have a good work-life balance, it’s important to prioritize your health. This means eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. When we’re healthy, we’re able to function at our best both at work and in our personal lives. Tracking your daily activities, exercises, and even your sleep using smart devices can be a good way to really be on top of your health
5. Take a vacation: If you can take a vacation, then it’s important to unplug from work as much as possible. This means no checking work emails, taking work calls, or anything else that will take away from your vacation time. If you can’t completely unplug, try to set some strict boundaries for yourself, such as only checking your work email once a day.
6. Take a workcation: If you can’t take a full vacation, then the second best option is to take a workcation. A workcation is basically a vacation where you work from a different location, usually one that is more relaxing. This way, you can still get work done, but you’re not in a high-pressure work environment.
7. Look for flexible work arrangements: This might mean working from home one day a week or having a flexible schedule. If you can, try to negotiate these arrangements with your boss. Flexible work arrangements are becoming more and more common, so don’t be afraid to ask for them.
8. Take a step back to reflect on yourself: It can be helpful to take a step back every once in a while to reflect on your life. Are you happy with the way your work is going? Your relationships? Your life goals? Are you happy with where you’re at in life? By taking the time to reflect, you can make sure that you know where you are and how to move forward. Then reprioritize and take action where necessary.
9. Don’t work through your lunch!: Use your lunch break to take a walk, eat healthily, or catch up with a friend. This is time for you to recharge so that you can be productive for the rest of the day. This might mean taking half an hour each day to read, or going for a walk on your lunch break.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re struggling to balance work and life on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your boss about your workload, or other things that are stressing you out. If you are stressed at home, hiring a babysitter could help give you some time for yourself. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s actually a sign of strength. It shows that you’re willing to do what it takes to achieve a better work-life balance.

We should always remember that our overall happiness depends a lot on how much time we have for the things that are important to us, like our family, friends, hobbies, interests, and health. Achieving a good work-life balance means making time for the things we enjoy doing while taking care of ourselves mentally and physically. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

The post Blissfully Easy Ways to Boost Your Work-Life Balance appeared first on .