Have you already used up all your 2024 vacation days? If so, you must be extremely bummed that you can’t get away because your days off are up. But you don’t have to be! Because there is a way to be able to travel without using up your vacation days. Or enjoy another destination for a while and not fall right back into the rut. The solution is: a workation! A work vacation where you take your laptop with you when you travel and work from a different place for a while. I’ll tell you exactly how in this blog.
What is a workation anyway?
A workation combines work and vacation, performing your normal duties from a location other than your usual office. It can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on your preferences and work commitments. It offers the opportunity to explore new places while still doing your normal work.
Not enough vacation days
Many salaried people report having too few vacation days. When I was still working for a boss myself, I felt the same way. On average in the Netherlands we will have 25 days off in 2024. Most days off go to the summer vacations. Many people choose to go away for 3 weeks during that period. Then you really get away from work and it’s time to enjoy yourself. Finally have some time for your family, go on a long trip or simply relax. But that leaves you with few days off for the rest of the year.
Not being able to take a long time off
Another challenge is that sometimes you can only be missed for a maximum of 2 weeks. For both salaried and freelancers, this is a problem. Maybe you have big responsibilities at work that don’t allow you to go away for a long time or there are no colleagues to take over. Or you run your own business and the work is otherwise on hold for too long. There can be numerous reasons why you can’t get away for long. On the other hand, there are also creative solutions to this problem. Looking for inspiration for a cool location? Then check out the 10 inspiring workation destinations here.
A creative solution: a workation
Are you running out of vacation days? Or you can no longer take time off due to busyness or responsibilities? Then a work station is the solution! Consider attaching a week of remote work to your vacation, for example. The benefits:
- Quiet income
- Enjoying your beautiful place longer
- Have more time to unwind and recharge
- You leave a smaller ecological footprint because you’re there anyway (better for the planet)
You won’t tell me this is not an option. We’ve worked completely online for 2 years, that week of remote work is really possible. With just a little bit of flexibility from employers and clients, you can make a lot of people very happy!
Tips for a successful working vacation
- Work environment: Provide a comfortable workspace with a good Internet connection. Coworking spaces are often a good option if you don’t have access to an office or prefer a professional environment.
- Planning: Make a schedule that includes both your work obligations and your vacation activities. This way you will avoid stress and be able to combine both.
- Communication: Keep your colleagues and work associates informed of your work schedule and availability. Clear communication is essential to ensure that everything runs smoothly while you are away.
Benefits of a workation
A workation not only offers the opportunity to travel without using vacation days, but it can also increase your productivity and boost your creativity through a new environment. You get the chance to experience new cultures, meet people and expand your horizons, all while still remaining professionally active.
Would you like to work remotely like this, but have no idea where to start? Check out the Remote Ready online course, in which I take you step by step in preparing for a remote working adventure. You’ll learn all about the skills needed to work remotely, cool destinations, tips for working productively remotely and the legal ground rules. Conclusion
A workation is a great way to enjoy travel and new experiences, even if you run out of vacation days or can’t take time off. With a little planning and flexibility in your work hours, you can plan a workation that is both relaxing and productive. So what are you waiting for? Choose your destination, pack your laptop and get ready for a unique work experience!
