Top 5 workation tips that will help you spend it effectively

Workation can now become a perfect way to recuperate and recharge your batteries when you can’t afford a “traditional” vacation. However, the combination of work and vacation can end in spectacular failure if you forget to plan them well. Here are 5 key workation tips to make sure you spend them effectively. 

Top 5 workation tips to keep in mind before you leave

Before you book a ticket and pack your suitcase, there are some important tasks ahead, like checking the best workation tips. So that you don’t have to search the Internet for a long time, we have prepared for you a list of the 5 most important workation tips.

1. Make sure that you have the right tools

Working remotely from home is not the same as working remotely from the other side of the world. In the former case, you can always call or even come to the office if the situation calls for it. During workation, it can be more difficult to contact the company, so make sure you have the right tools. A key tip here is to make sure you have access to all the materials you need to do your job. Confirm with your IT department whether you will have access to any software you work on a daily basis. If your company doesn’t have a high-tech communications platform with an extensive knowledge base, download any necessary documents to your laptop or shared disc that you have access to at all times – a more secure solution than sending them via email later. 

2. Make sure your destination is workation-friendly

What does it mean? Know exactly what conditions you will be living in during the workation. Note that you will be performing tasks that require focus, but at the same time enjoy all the benefits that a vacation brings. So check first and foremost: 

Location – distance from the beach, town, stores, entertainment, etc. 

Working conditions – does the equipment include a desk, comfortable chair, and access to high-speed WiFi? 

Accommodation – a secluded or noisy place? Besides, in tropical places, it is worth having air conditioning and a balcony or terrace. The number of rooms is also important if you plan to go with a family. 

3. Close demanding projects before departure

If at all possible, for the duration of the workation, do not take on new, demanding projects and tasks, and preferably shut down all those that spend your sleep. We know that this advice is difficult to implement, but workation also includes an element of vacation. If possible, complete only current, basic tasks. They usually don’t require too much effort, which means you’ll have a “free head” and time for rest, sightseeing, or other entertainment. 

4. Take care of the communication

First, even before you leave, make a list of people who need to know about your plans. Inform them that for a certain period of time you will only be available online, and set up rules for information flow and communication. The main principle of workation is that you can work from different places in the world, and that means different time zones. Before you leave, check exactly at what times your working hours will coincide with those of your colleagues and contractors, which will allow you to set up communication at strictly defined times. 

5. Plan work and rest carefully

Before you leave, set your priorities and goals for your time away, exactly as if you were planning an important project.  If necessary, confirm them with your supervisor. This will allow you to properly divide your time between work and rest, even if you can afford some flexibility. Consider how you will spend your free time. If you want to sightsee, check the distance, the means of transportation you will use, and the cost and time of the tour. Remember that you are not on a “real” vacation and still have commitments.  

Workation is a great way to combine work and leisure, but only if you approach it responsibly and rationally. That’s why it’s important to prepare well for the trip. We hope our workation tips will help you with this.