More jobs are now going fully remote due to COVID-19. However, that doesn’t mean that you should get stay cooped up at home, glued to your chair, and stare at your desk while doing meetings and calls.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves with their feet buried under the sand while working? Or, imagine completing your tasks while surrounded by stunning architecture and scenic landscapes. This is all possible when you go for a workation.
Now that travel restrictions are finally being relaxed throughout the globe, we have a list of the best workation destinations to help you choose your next travels. Now, let’s get into it.
Top 12 Best Workation Destinations
| Workation Destination | Best For | Price |
| Rügen, Germany | Beautiful landscape and long sandy beaches | $$$$ |
| Reykjavik, Iceland | Tranquil night-life scenery | $$$$$ |
| Bali, Indonesia | Serene environment and culture | $$$ |
| Tenerife, Spain | Idyllic villages and night-life | $$$$ |
| Maldives | Magnificent underwater scenery | $$$$ |
| Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Pristine beaches and stunning marine life | $$$$$ |
| Queenstown, New Zealand | Thrilling adventures and beautiful views | $$$$ |
| Antigua, Guatemala | Comfortable climate and delicacies | $$$$ |
| Tulum, Mexico | Blend of ancient and modern aesthetic | $$$$ |
| Bangkok, Thailand | Streetlife and cultural places | $$$ |
| Istanbul, Turkey | Picturesque views | $$$$ |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Colorful buildings and friendly locals | $$$$ |
Rügen, Germany.
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Photo by Tim Fraedrich
Rügen is Germany’s biggest island that provides everything you need for a wonderful vacation near the Baltic Sea. They have pristine natural landscapes, beaches that stretch for miles, and opulent coastal resorts. If you’re seeking to get away from the city yet still want to be near nature, the island of Rügen is an ideal location.
This place is also home to several national parks, renowned chalk cliffs, peaceful fishing towns, and grand mansions. In the summer, rural coworking spaces would pop up all across Germany, which are excellent places to get some work done while also enjoying some time off. From Lake Ammersee to Schlei, more than a hundred coworking spaces are grouped under the CoWorkLand cooperative.
To make the most of your workation, you can visit the National park Jasmund for beautiful geological formations, the Kreidefelsen for a touch of history, Karl’s farm, or the Naturerbe Zentrum observatory.
Best for: beautiful landscape and long sandy beaches
Price: $$$$
Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Photo by Evelyn Paris
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the country’s most populous municipality. Coworking places abound in this city, making it an excellent starting point for day trips out of the country. At weekends, the nightlife would thrive, with tons of pubs and clubs to choose from.
The Secret Solstice Festival, which takes place in late June, and the Iceland Airwaves, which takes place in November, are two of the best music events in Reykjavik every year. Both events invite top local and international artists to perform during the festival, giving visitors a fun concert experience.
Located at the base of the Perlan Museum, you may also go to Öskjuhlíð Hill and check out the Northern Lights at night. This is the perfect way to wind down after a long, busy day.
Best for: tranquil night-life scenery
Price: $$$$$
Bali, Indonesia.
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Photo by Harry Kessell
There is a lot to see and do in Bali, from contemporary conveniences to breathtaking natural beauty. The place is also making a concerted effort to become the ultimate relaxation hub for digital nomads and visitors alike.
You can engage in restorative activities near the seaside, eating healthy foods, taking baths in holy water, and meditating at temples to ground yourself with some of their spiritual self-care practices.
You can also enjoy viewing marine life by visiting the Coral Triangle, which is the world’s greatest concentration of marine life. Engaging in many of the island’s ancient cultural practices and visiting events and festivals will help you appreciate the culture of the locals. For the ultimate Bali workation, make sure to experience its culture via its art form, music, and dance.
Best for: serene environment and culture
Price: $$$
Tenerife, Spain.
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Photo by Alex Whitworth
Tenerife is a volcanic island and is the biggest of Spain’s seven Canary Islands. It is a natural paradise filled with adventure with its magnificent black and gold sand beaches and rich biological diversity. Playa Jardín, which sits on the north side of the island at Puerto de la Cruz, is the best place to see black sand. On a clear day, you may even be able to see the volcano’s tips from one of the local pubs or restaurants.
You can also work while cruising around the Canary Islands in Tenerife. Sailing, whale-watching, and snorkeling are just a few activities you can do onboard. Enjoy a drink while admiring the island’s untamed landscapes or visit the souvenir store and café set on the mountainside.
Best for: idyllic villages and night-life
Price: $$$$
Maldives.
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Photo by Rayyu Maldives
Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most popular honeymoon and proposal locations because of its idyllic backdrop and romantic amenities. However, it’s also becoming a popular location for workations. Almost every luxury villa in the Maldives includes a workstation with all the required chargers, adapters, plus a magnificent view.
If you want to combine a relaxing vacation with some work time, you can have it in one of Bali’s resorts like Nautilus Maldives. The resort offers a new ‘Workation Package’ where you may stay in a house on a tiny coral island in Baa Atoll that comes complete with a personal assistant and limitless drinks.
Best for: magnificent underwater scenery
Price: $$$$
Bora Bora, French Polynesia.
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Photo by Thomas Stadler
Bora Bora is renowned for its crystal-clear seas, opulent overwater villas, and is also home to some of the ultimate honeymoon destinations. The hotels around the area give a peaceful seclusion with their elegant overwater bungalows and floating villas with direct access to the sea, and terraces that offer breathtaking sunset views.
The primary goal of a Bora Bora trip is to unwind, and the island’s many activities make this possible. While at work, you can relax on your own terrace or cool off in the crystal-clear lagoon. Also, during your break, visit Vaitape to get a feel for the people and culture of the area. If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, Mount Otemanu is the place to go.
Relaxing on the biggest public beach, the Matira Beach, is also a good way to spend your workation. The sand is soft and downy, and the water is crystal clear. A magnificent coral garden lies east of the main island and you shouldn’t miss seeing it while you’re there.
Best for: pristine beaches and stunning marine life
Price: $$$$$
Queenstown, New Zealand.
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Photo by Max Lawton
Queenstown is known for its breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-pumping activities. In the heart of the place, there have serene gardens that can be peaceful places to do work while enjoying the beautiful views.
Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest and third largest lake, is where you can enjoy strolling, cycling, and picnicking along the lake’s extended shoreline. Going up the Skyline Gondola or embarking on a self-guided journey is all that is required to reach its summit. You can rest assured that whichever path you choose, you’ll get a first-hand look at the stunning sceneries Queenstown is best known for.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy is one of the world’s earliest and most famous bungy jump locations. You can even skydive over the Southern Alps and nearby lakes, or if you want to stay on the ground, ride a quad bike through steep gorges and creek crossings. With so many activities Queenstown has to offer, you may want to finish work early every day to have more time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Best for: thrilling adventures and beautiful views
Price: $$$$
Antigua, Guatemala.
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Photo by Manuel Asturiass
Antigua is a beautiful city with lush tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. This ancient Mayan country has a lot to offer, especially for environmental enthusiasts, including unique vegetation and some of the world’s rarest animal species.
Antigua also has a modest number of coworking spaces, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back small-town ambiance, this is the place to go. There are many cafes, restaurants, hostels where you may work, and a few coworking facilities. One of the best spots for work is Bella Vista Coffee’s rooftop seating area, where you can have stunning views of the neighboring volcanoes.
Complete with mellow music, strong Wi-Fi, and a few power outlets, this place provides the perfect laid-back atmosphere for completing your tasks.
Best for: comfortable climate and delicacies
Price: $$$$
Tulum, Mexico.
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Photo by Viviana Ceballos
In recent years, Tulum has become a popular destination for yogis, artists, musicians, and digital nomads from around the world. It’s a relaxing place to visit, recover, and learn. Before the Spanish arrived, Tulum was a Mayan harbor, so perhaps its mystical aura is a legacy of its indigenous inhabitants’ beliefs and knowledge.
If you’re looking for locations to work remotely while vacationing in Tulum, tons of options are at your disposal. Several coworking spaces, cafés, and restaurants are fantastic workplaces because they all have free Wi-Fi access. To wind down after a busy day, you can choose from a selection of dining and lodging options that stretches across Sian Ka’an National Reserve to the shore.
In addition to its natural splendor, Tulum has strong arts, music, and wellness scene. You may also get a taste on some of their mouthwatering Mexican food. And if you’re vegetarian, many restaurants also offer a vegetarian menu. This place is an excellent choice if you’re searching for somewhere to rest and replenish your mind and body after work.
Best for: blend of ancient and modern aesthetic
Price: $$$$
Bangkok, Thailand.
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Photo by Florian Wehde
Bangkok is the number one city for workations because of its affordability, beautiful architecture, friendly locals, and rich culture. When it comes to cities, Bangkok is one that never gets old. Every time you visit, you’ll find something fresh and intriguing to see, do, or eat.
The demand for co-working spaces and café culture rising prompted in a large number of nomads to make Thailand their new home, both for short and long-term stays. It is due to the country’s mix of warm and cold weather, natural ecosystems, and metropolitan culture.
You can even explore the natural side of the country during your breaks. And for work, there are many establishments in Bangkok that provide low-cost coffee, various rental options, including studios, and free Wi-Fi.
Best for: streetlife and cultural places
Price: $$$
Istanbul, Turkey.
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Photo by Anna Berdnik
Turkey offers many different landscapes, from sandy beaches to dense woods and deserts. Thanks to its pleasant temperature and picturesque scenery, it has been an increasingly popular location for digital nomads in recent years.
Its unique blend of cultures is unmatched anywhere else in the West due to its strategic geographic location between two continents. Moreover, the megacity’s liveability, affordable pricing, and top-notch infrastructure make it a great location for a workation.
Co-working offices are also growing in Turkey. Strong WiFi is accessible all across the city, and SIM Cards can be purchased just about everywhere. Local food, lodging, and public transportation are much less expensive in Turkey than in many other nations in Europe and the Middle East.
You can find lots of activities to do in Istanbul, like walking around the city to explore its many attractions and excellent architecture. They also offer creative platforms and event spaces which make them more than just a place to work but also a place to meet new people.
Best for: picturesque views
Price: $$$$
Lisbon, Portugal.
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Photo by Paulo Evangelista
Lisbon is a stunning historical city perched on seven hills, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This sophisticated metropolis is home to some of the friendliest people you will ever encounter and boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure that makes it popular for tourists. Also, it has a year-round mild weather that makes the city a pleasure to visit. Even in the coldest month of the year, the average temperature is 15°C.
The fascinating St. George’s Castle rises above the city, imparting an air of antiquity to this rapidly globalizing metropolis. Village life endures despite the city’s gradual rise in building new elegant skyscrapers. Co-working spaces and coffee cafes in Lisbon use the city’s long, sunny days to their advantage.
In contrast to their more famous European counterparts, Lisbon is adept at lulling visitors into its laid-back appeal. Its passageways swirl through colorful, historical, centuries-old structures. Compared to the tourist meccas of Italy, Spain, and France, Lisbon is a far less crowded destination. Even in well-known tourist areas, you’ll have an easier time mingling with the locals.
Best for: colorful buildings and friendly locals
Price: $$$$
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Workation Destinations.
What is a workation?
A workation means taking a vacation while working. It is an opportunity for people to take a break from their regular routines and see new places while still getting work done. When on a workation, people can work from anywhere, as long as they have access to the internet.
Who can go on a workation?
People who can go on a workation are those who have jobs that can be completed effectively and efficiently from home. Some of these include data analysts, marketers, content writers, managers, graphic designers, and virtual assistants. Unfortunately, jobs that involve direct contact with customers can’t go on a workation.
What is a digital nomad?
Digital nomads are persons who work remotely yet aren’t tied down to a certain area since they rely on technology to do it. These include remote workers who choose to work from home rather than in a company’s HQ or office. With a WiFi-enabled laptop or smartphone from any location around the globe, they can work at any coffee shop, on co-working spaces, or hotels.
Final Thoughts.
Enjoying a vacation while working is one way to reward yourself. A change of scenery will also do wonders for your mental well-being.
We have provided you with the best workation destinations with insights into what it’s like to stay in each location. You can even find a home base in one of these destinations since they all have something special to offer. Now, it’s time to pack your stuff, grab your passport, prepare your laptop and data, and give yourself a well-deserved workation.
