Workation: Everything about working with a vacation feeling

With the laptop on the beach. The next video call from the pool. The end of the day in the middle of the mountains. Working and vacation are no longer opposites. The fixed desk in the office is increasingly giving way to location-independent working. The so-called workation is more and more in trend.

So that you know exactly what it is, whether the concept might also come into question for you and where you can combine work with vacation, we have the workation definition, the necessary requirements and, of course, the best travel destinations ready for you.

Workation Definition - What is it anyway?

Workation is a puzzle word. It is made up of the English term "work" and the end syllables of "vacation" - i.e. work and vacation. And means something like working vacation or better: working with a vacation feeling.

A Workation day could look like this: you take a walk on the beach in the morning, then work on your laptop until 12 o'clock, spend your lunch break swimming in the pool, then fill more productive hours with calls and submissions, and finally ring in your evening with an exploration tour or get to know the culinary delights of your travel destination over dinner.

A workation is the perfect mix of vacation and work, where you can get the best out of both - as long as you plan properly and the conditions are right.

Workation - What are the prerequisites?

Until a few years ago, it was mainly digital nomads and solo self-employed people who lived the concept of workation. They could decide for themselves from where they wanted to work. However, since many companies introduced "remote work" during the pandemic and digitalization allows us to work increasingly location-independently, workation also offers itself to many employees.

Of course, this is especially true for "office jobs." A bakery salesperson employed in a bakery in Hamburg cannot sell his rolls from Bali. A doctor who has her patients in the hospital in Munich cannot suddenly treat them in Lisbon.

So who is a Workation suitable for?

In principle, all those who are not required to be physically present at a fixed workplace can take a workation. Nevertheless, a Workation remains something absolutely individual, which employees must coordinate with their superiors. Approvals are needed. Work processes within the team may have to be rethought. And then there are the legal framework conditions that must be observed. For example, in terms of tax law, it is not permitted to work abroad for more than 183 days a year (source: Die Techniker), and with regard to social security within the EU, an A1 certificate must be carried.

What other requirements are there for a workation?

Infrastructure: Find out in advance whether you will have a good Internet connection, sufficient quiet and electricity at your new "workplace". You might also look around for a co-working space, so that you can be sure that the infrastructure is right.
Time zone: If you're working in a team, it's also important that you're available. See if you will be in a different time zone and how you can coordinate appointments together.
International insurance: Check in advance whether you have health insurance abroad. If not, it is better to take out additional insurance.

Workation - What are the advantages?

Of course, "working with a vacation feeling" sounds tempting at first. But is everything at a Workation really as relaxing as we usually know it from the "real vacation"? Can we enjoy the sunrise on the beach when we know that the first digital team meeting is waiting for us afterwards?

In one study, more than 80% of respondents said that a workation made them better able to deal with burnout. So the answer is: yes, a Workation is more relaxing than the daily routine in the traditional office. What other benefits are there?

You can travel more than your vacation days would actually allow.
You increase your productivity.(This was also a result of the study).
You activate your creativity.
You recharge your mental and emotional batteries and ensure a good work-life balance
You come home inspired.

However, don't forget that a workation is no substitute for a real vacation. If you want to really switch off, go on a retreat vacation or retreat to a tiny house in the countryside.

The 5 best destinations for your workation

Do you meet all the requirements or want to get inspired before you go to your superiors? The HomeToGo Workation Index 2023 lists the best destinations for combining vacation and work.

The ranking is based on criteria such as coworking spaces per capita, internet speed, tourist attractions, hours of daylight and prices for vacation rentals. Here are the top 5:

#1 Lisbon

We especially like the first place because Lisbon is also one of the most sustainable cities in Europe. The Portuguese capital leads the "Workation Index" because you'll find the most community offices here. Want to work surrounded by thousands of plants? The Second Home is Europe's greenest co-working space and even has a B-Corp certification, because people think absolutely sustainably here.

#2 Porto

Only 320 kilometers away from Lisbon lies Porto. The "secret capital" of the country is located directly on the coast. So your workation day can start here on the surfboard. At sunrise you surf on the water, afterwards you work on the internet and in the evening you go out for a while, explore the surroundings and finally enjoy yourself at Aconchego de Quintal. The restaurant brings organically grown food from its own garden to the plate. "Owner Francisca Feiteira, who is considered the new voice of Portugal's food scene, calls it "farm to table".

#3 Barcelona

Barcelona scores particularly well when it comes to Internet speed. But we also love the Spanish city for being an absolute pioneer of the "car-free city". The mayor's goal is to cut CO2 emissions. Is that also in your interest? Then you should stay at Yök Casa + Cultura. Every apartment has been designed with sustainability in mind, down to the last centimeter. The focus is on renewable energy, CO2 compensation, organic care products, natural materials and recycling.

#4 Amsterdam

Of course, you can also save CO2 in Amsterdam. After all, the city is known for the fact that almost everyone here rides a bike. What could make your workation here so special? Lunch breaks at the School of Life. This inspiring place is all about how you can live a more conscious, happier life that optimizes your work-life balance. Talks at lunchtime, workshops and courses in the evening.

#5 Dublin

A co-working space that generates its own energy? There is one in Dublin. At The Edge, you can charge your laptop with the sun's rays and never get cold feet thanks to the solar cells on the roof. A great side effect is that there are lots of like-minded people here with whom you can exchange ideas about sustainability. Finally, to continue talking after work, you can go to "BuJo Burger." The restaurant is one of the most environmentally friendly food spots in the city.

Workation - the conclusion

We now know the Workation definition, are aware of the advantages and have read about Franzi's "workation under palm trees" experiences. For us, one thing is clear: "Working with a vacation feeling" is a great alternative to everyday life in the office. But that's just it: the alternative. Nothing replaces a really relaxing vacation, where you can really switch off for once. So ask yourself: Is a workation really what I need? Or would I rather go for soft tourism?