More and more people want to work remotely. But when you make the decision to go on a workstation, you are faced with an important choice: will you go solo or together on an adventure? Both options have their own unique benefits and challenges. I’ll go through all the considerations to arrive at the right decision with you. In doing so, I’ll also take you through my own experiences.
Solo on workation: me, myself & my laptop
A solo workout offers the ultimate in freedom and flexibility. You have complete control over your schedule, activities and destination. It is a chance to work completely at your own pace without having to consider others. Delightful! Benefits include:
- Being focused at work: no distractions around you
- Unwind: really focusing on yourself for a while and enjoying rest
- Boosting your self-confidence: you can do this!
- Making your own decisions: not having to take others into account
Another benefit of going solo on a workation is the ability to dive fully into your own thoughts. The lack of distractions can provide a creative boost and allow you to think deeply about your work and goals. Sometimes then it’s just right to be alone for a while. For me, at least, that works very well. You have all the time and space you need to focus on your professional growth and development.
The downside of traveling alone is that it can also be lonely. The lack of home and lack of social contact can take its toll over time. Missing company and shared experiences can be hard on some people. Maybe you’re just looking for that peace of mind and it’s really nice, but be realistic about a workation in your uppie.
The great advantage of solo travel
Although I hereby indicate that loneliness is something to be reckoned with, I never experience it that way myself. This is different for everyone, but I think the advantage of traveling alone is that it forces you to open up and make contact with others. You are also much more likely to be spoken to if you are alone.
In case you find this exciting I assure you: making friends is nowhere as easy as traveling.
After all, everyone is in the same boat: on an adventure, in a new environment and likes to get to know people. My tip: go to a coliving. That’s a hostel for digital nomads. I recently went to Selina Berlin and Selina Athens, both really perfect accommodations for a workation. If you want to go on workation alone, this is my favorite way to travel. Here you can read more about the experiences of Danique, who went to many different colivings already.
Together on remote work adventure
If you choose to go on workation together, there are still plenty of options. Maybe you know someone in your area who also has the flexibility to work from a different location and you can go on workation together. Especially once you’ve decided you want this, you can keep your ears and eyes open to find the right partner in crime. If you choose to go together with you do have to compromise. You have to consider the needs and preferences of others, which can lead to challenges in planning activities and making choices about your workation. Personally, I’m not always great at making choices, so sometimes it’s just nice when you can do this with someone.
Herewith the different ways in a row:
- With your partner
- With a friend
- Someone from your network who can also work remotely
- Your colleague(s)
- Go to a coliving, with other digital nomads
- Join group workstation, with like-minded people
On group workstation with like-minded people
As I mentioned above, there are more and more group workouts being organized, where a group of like-minded people travel together. Often these people do not know each other beforehand. You embark on a remote work adventure together. In a casual setting and often in nice sunshine. Working Remotely also organizes these, check out the possibilities for group workations in 2024. A joint workation provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas. It can be a fertile environment for creative collaborations and generating new ideas and concepts. It is the place to work on your new business idea. By working with others, you can benefit from different perspectives and skills, which can lead to great new insights.
Workation with your colleagues as team building
A workation with your colleagues can be a great opportunity for team building. Going on an adventure together can strengthen bonds and have a positive impact on team dynamics. Sharing a new environment and experiences can provide a deeper connection between team members.
The ideal workation: a balance between solo and together
Perhaps the ideal solution for many is a mix of both. For example, start with a period of solo work to be fully focused and achieve your set goals. Then you can join a group of like-minded people for a shared experience and new inspiration. This alternation between self-reflection and social interaction can provide a great workation experience.
Avoid falling into this trap
Note: do not combine a workation with someone who will come to visit you at your destination, but will not work remotely. I know from my own experience and stories of others that this does not work. You are working, they are on vacation. When you go to work, it creates a distraction when the other person wants to go into town, have an extended lunch on the patio or lie in the sun before your eyes. Keep workation and vacation well separated.
Conclusion: the choice is yours
Whether you choose a solo or collaborative workation, both options have their own benefits and challenges. Nothing is right or wrong; it’s all about what you need. The most important thing is to consider your own needs and goals when making this decision. Choose a place and accommodation that fits them well. Do you want complete freedom and concentration, or are you looking for social interaction and teamwork? Regardless of your choice, a workation remains a unique opportunity to combine work and fun, discover new places and expand your professional horizons. So, are you ready to conquer the world solo or join others in an unforgettable adventure? The choice is yours!
Help with your choice
What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to be flexible and allow room for adjustments to your plan. Would you like to spar with someone who has a lot of experience with different forms of workations? Then Alieke is happy to help you. Check out Alieke’s personal consultation options here.
