How to Get the Most Out of a Working Vacation

If you have a remote job, why not take advantage of being able to work anywhere to set off for a dream destination? As a writer and translator, I’ve taken workations to spend time with my far-flung family and pursue various interests. The upshot? A revamped work-life balance and a fulfilling, productive lifestyle. I’ve embraced the concept in the past few years and done some of my best work while having peak life experiences, such as skiing volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, surfing in Portugal, or spending time with family in central Pennsylvania.

In the last blog post, I covered the hardware and other gear needed for a working vacation (portable screen, lumbar pillow, etc.). This one has tips related to soft skills—namely, strategies and mindsets to get the most out of your trip while excelling at work.

Stay longer.

Using a remote job to turn a weekend trip into a three- or four-day excursion can be rewarding, especially for destinations closer to home. But my most meaningful working vacations have been much longer stays, usually two to three weeks. Above all, extra time allows you to more thoroughly experience the new place despite also working. Extended vacations let you get into a solid routine and build momentum in both work and play. If you find something in the exotic locale that really speaks to you—a charming café with contagious energy, a flowing bike trail, or a stunning beach—you’ll be able to go back again and again. Another major bonus is that you can often book longer short-term rentals at lower rates.

Tell your employer about your plans.

Even if you never set foot in an office for your job, be sure your employer knows your plans. Tell your supervisors and coworkers about the trip, and be sure you have the green light to work elsewhere. Of course, you’ll do your utmost to fulfill your work responsibilities, but you’ll want to have a margin for error. It’s wise to let everyone know what you’re doing in case there are any hiccups (internet issues, travel delays, illness, etc.). Plus, you don’t want to cause the IT department any unnecessary hassle and alarm when you log in from an unusual location. And let the relevant people know if time zone differences will affect communications (if unable to adapt your work schedule to the home office time zone).

Share your work schedule with travel companions.

To avoid the stress of having disappointed travel companions, clearly communicate your work commitments. Be sure everyone is on board with the plan. This strategy has two components:

1. Before the trip, I discuss my work obligations with anyone traveling with me. This approach lets them know what to expect and prevents any frustration.
2. During the trip, I also keep them abreast of my upcoming day-to-day schedule (which is highly variable). That way, they can pursue what interests them without waiting for me and then include me when I’m free.

Trim your workload.

To make the most of your workation, pare down your workload if possible. Can you delegate any tasks? Can you leave some until you return?

Also consider taking a few days off during your trip. This allows adjusting your work-life balance so you have time to appreciate your destination more fully. During my trip to Portugal, streamlining work and taking time off allowed me to go on long hikes along the Algarve coast, take a half-day surf class, and visit Évora’s museums and historic sites. With a full work schedule, I would have missed out on some of these experiences. You should enjoy the vacation part of a workation, not just work from a new location.

Set the tone in the morning.

Before starting the workday, I often tap into what the vacation spot has to offer. This sets the tone for the rest of the day. Something like a morning surf session or a walk in a favorite neighborhood does the trick. You satisfy the urge to explore, and the good vibes keep reverberating long after you’ve sat down at the computer. This leads to deeper focus and enhanced creativity. Think about how your chosen destination could kickstart your day on the job.

 

With the right approach, a workation creates a symbiotic relation between work and play. In other words, each part of that portmanteau (work and vacation) should enrich the other. Your vacation activities will get you into a positive workflow. Conversely, working during your trip allows you to stay longer and more fully immerse yourself in the destination. It’s a chance go beyond being a tourist and bring your day-to-day somewhere new. Happy travels!