What are the requirements of a good workation accommodation?

In an era when remote working is becoming more common, the popularity of workations (a conflation of “work” and “vacation”) is rising sharply. More and more people are looking for ways to combine the useful with the pleasant. Workplaces abroad or in inspiring locations are favorites. But what makes a good workation accommodation? And what should you look for before booking something? Here are some key requirements that make an accommodation ideal for a productive and enjoyable workation.

1. Fast and reliable wifi

The first thing everyone should think about is good wifi. Without good Internet, your workation is doomed to fail. A stable and fast Internet connection is the backbone of any workation. Without a reliable wifi connection, online meetings, deadlines and everyday work can be severely hampered. The ideal accommodation provides an Internet connection that is not only fast, but also stable enough to support video meetings without hiccups.

Will you be working remotely with your whole team? Then you definitely need enough mbps so you can all be working at the same time. So a good group accommodation is really a consideration for your workation if you are going with several people.

2. Comfortable workspaces

Although it’s tempting to work from a hammock, having a somewhat ergonomic workspace is important for long-term productivity. Images of someone comfortably working in a hammock with a laptop on their lap are something you only see on Instagram—not in real life. That posture will ruin your neck and back in no time. A good workation accommodation features a workspace with a comfortable office chair, a spacious desk or table, plenty of outlets, a comfortable temperature, and good lighting.

I always use a second screen when I travel, which is something many remote workers appreciate. If a place to stay has an extra monitor, it makes your workation a lot more enjoyable. I personally use the lightweight portable monitor from Remodius; this Dutch supplier offers good quality and service.

A quiet environment without distractions also contributes to a productive workday. If you are going with several people, carefully consider where you will all be working. It is far from ideal if there is just one big kitchen table where you all have to sit. Then if someone has an online meeting, or wants to discuss something with a colleague, everyone will be affected.

Going to a warm destination? Then consider the right temperature for your workstation. If you’re sweating in front of your laptop, it’s not exactly nice. Especially not if you have to appear in an online meeting and the drops of sweat are on your forehead. You often have difficulty concentrating in an environment that is too hot. Also keep in mind that sometimes it’s nice to work outside, but in the shade under a canopy and with a good Wi-Fi signal.

3. A quiet workspace with privacy

For concentrated work, quietness is a must. It is important that the accommodation offers enough privacy and a quiet environment so that you can work undisturbed. This may mean that the accommodation is in a quiet neighborhood or has well-insulated rooms. Things like blackout curtains and soundproof walls can also contribute to a better work experience. Be critical of this and contact the location before your workation so you can check if it is suitable for remote work.

At a group accommodation you will often find meeting rooms or a nice lobby or community space where you can work together. But be careful what you book, because by no means all group accommodations have these. And if you book a location with a meeting room included, think about the desired layout of the room and whether it will fit your group. After all, if you want to put a lot of tables and chairs in a room, you will need quite a spacious room.

4. Remote working in an inspiring environment

One of the biggest benefits of a workation is the opportunity to work in a new, inspiring environment. This can greatly boost creativity and motivation. Consider accommodations overlooking nature, the sea or in a vibrant city with plenty to do. Your new environment should provide opportunities to relax and recharge after work hours.

We at Working Remotely have been traveling the world with our laptops for years and have worked from the most amazing places. We would love to share those experiences with you. If you are looking for the perfect place to work, alone, with your partner, friends or colleagues, check out the possibilities of perfect work accommodation here.

5. Flexibility and facilities

A good workation accommodation offers not only a good workspace but also some flexibility. This includes arrival and departure times, as well as the option to purchase additional services, such as a printer, meeting rooms, or even catering. It all depends on what you need. Think about this in advance and then carefully assess whether your needs can be met. It’s also helpful to have facilities like a gym, so you can easily work out before or after your workday. Having a pool or spa is, of course, the best—to maintain a good balance between work and relaxation, it’s wonderful to be able to take a dip during the day or after your workday.

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If you own a property or manage a location, please list it on our website under ” Workation Accommodations.”

6. Good food and drinks

Tasty food and drinks are important to many people, which I totally get. For a good workation, it is important to have easy access to food and drinks. This can be in the form of a well-equipped kitchen in the accommodation, or in nearby restaurants and cafes where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some workation accommodations even offer meals or room service, so you don’t have to leave to eat well. Consider carefully in advance what your budget is for your remote work adventure. After all, certainly the cost of food and drinks takes a big bite out of that.

7. Good connections and transportation options

Although you may spend a lot of time in the accommodation during a workation, it is still important to have good connections and transportation options. This makes it easier to go explore your surroundings during your workation. This may mean that the accommodation is near public transportation, an airport or you can rent a car. In the latter case, I would always do that in advance, with a reliable rental company. And don’t forget your credit card, otherwise you won’t get the car.

8. With your company on workation

Want to take your team on workation and looking for a suitable location? We would love to help you! With our years of experience in the travel industry and our large network, we know how to find the nicest places. Something that exactly suits your needs! And it’s fully insured too, so you won’t have any hassle in case of calamities. We can also arrange airline tickets, rental cars and fun group activities for the best rates. Feel free to send us a message for free advice!

Time for your workation

A workation is an excellent way to combine work and leisure, but its success depends greatly on the choice of accommodation. By choosing a stay that meets these requirements, you can ensure a productive work period while enjoying an unique and inspiring environment. The perfect workation accommodation provides the ideal balance between work and leisure, allowing you to make the most of both worlds.