Workcations: Remote Working Holidays for Rejuvenation

What about that pernicious myth that says you can’t work and have fun at the same time?

Well, turns out you can. I’ve done it many times, and there are digital nomads and other workcationers who turn it into a productive lifestyle. And travel marketers and travel writers spend a fair amount of time working while they visit interesting and comforting locations.

If you’re exhausted and need professional rejuvenation, a workcation really is a solution.

What is a Workcation?

“A workcation is more than just remote work in a beautiful location—it’s a reset for the soul. It’s a chance to step away from the daily grind, reconnect with your passion, and rediscover the balance between ambition and well-being. By immersing yourself in new surroundings, you gain fresh perspectives, creative inspiration, and the clarity to refine your goals. Whether it’s a quiet morning by the ocean or a mountain retreat that sparks your next big idea, a workcation isn’t just about working remotely—it’s about working for you and launching a better life.”

Beautiful Surroundings, Invigorating Climates

Picture waking up with a view of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains, a golden Southern California beach, a quiet Mexican village with local shops, musicians, and bone-warming sunshine, or watching a warm sunset in rural Italy overlooking vineyards. Or for some, waking up in San Francisco, Austin TX, or Miami Fl is more interesting.  Whatever floats your boat!

Might that get you excited again and rev up your productivity?  Millions of active workcationers know it does do that, and it’s a segment of travel experiences that travel agencies should be focusing on.

More Efficiency is Not the Answer — Quality is the Issue

Efficiency experts responded to worker producivity losses with office perks, new ergonomic chairs, job redesign, and work-at-home privileges. Corporate management have long held the belief that in office is the only way to go and that long hours are the route to maximum productivity.

Modern work whether from home or the commute to in-office work, has left us all stressed out, cooped up and burned out. This has a serious effect on your country’s GDP and income levels. Just ask yourself why people are productive. It’s because they’re not working and living ideally. Fix both and you might see some nice gains for your own company.

But what if your job and career aren’t the issue? And what if the company and your salary are actually okay? It’s just something else that’s missing.

Companies have seen superstar talent leave due to fatigue, burnout, or simply a lack of enjoyment in a career they previously loved. And when the efficiency techniques were implemented, it didn’t matter as workers were simply ground down sufficiently that they couldn’t adopt those changes successfully.  You can’t teach or motivate a tired, fatigued mind, in a person who feels little joy.  You have to put the joy back in them. It’s their investment in you showing they believe in you.

The Thrill is Gone

What if it’s the human heart and mind’s craving for novelty, experiences, and emotional rewards can’t be suppressed for long? What if the real source of low productivity is the worker’s lack of joy de vivre?

I remember my first workcation to a nice sunny, Oceanside locale.  It was my perfect vacation too. I’m active and athletic so running and walking on the beach, riding my mountain bike, visiting zoos and other tourist attractions, floating around the pool, soaking in a beautiful hot tub watching the night’s starry sky, sitting around sipping some wine on a balcony while watching palm trees sway in the wind, with the white noise of ocean waves crashing on the beach was all I was asking for.

Sure enough, after searching on Google and VRBO, I found a place so ideal, it was hard to believe. You never know until you search. That one-month trip gave me a significant lift, and I came back refreshed, almost a new person.

The buzz and uplift from that short vacation lasted 6 months (about what researchers found in a vacation study).  It’s so important for a consultant freelancer, because clients and client prospects see our mood and state of mind in our work. If our work isn’t stellar, they might not understand why or care what the issue is.  They’re just looking for pros who are continuously on top of it and who like the grind.

Your next workcation is a vital investment in you. When I booked that one-month journey, I knew it was an investment in myself. And I did it with no encouragement or support from anyone. It was expensive too. It’s just something you know is right — Being True to Thyself.

Such a simple solution to power up my spirit and energy and vastly improve my work performance.  Just one more example of the joy of travel.

Reach Your New Baseline Confidently

Because when you achieve a new level of performance, you begin to see that as your new baseline – how you view yourself. People always define themselves and the quality of their lives relative to their peak life experiences. It’s nature.  It’s your mind’s way of telling you need to go to that level and stay there!

The heart and mind are so smart when they work together. And when the mind is burnt out, the heart steps in to save you. As nature intended.

The Thrill is Back on Baby!

Your ideal workation could be on a tropical beach in Thailand, a charming village in Portugal, or a mountaintop retreat in Banff Canada. I’m sure you know what your idyllic vacation situation looks like.  Don’t doubt it. In fact, dream more because it’s leading you to what you need.  Your subconscious is very wise. Respect it.   Just start looking for the best vacation places that match your vision. Go to VRBO or Airbnb, or do a hotel/villa search on Google or Bing. Dive in and absorb images and find interesting places that give you the peace or excitement you need. Find an affordable one that fits the bill.

Of course, you’ll need a desk and some connectivity but most places have high-speed internet now and even a desk included. It’s wise to choose the key amenities you need to rejuvenate such as:

• Beautiful beaches
• Quiet, peaceful location
• Villa/hotel room with stunning views
• Hot tub and swimming pool
• Local massage and physical therapy
• Hiking trails, exercise room
• Village town where you can stroll and get a coffee
• Local museums, zoos, restaurants
• Local transit or rental car

Enjoy your Investigation of the Best Workcation Spots on the Planet

It’s time to start exploring and begin feeding your workcation imagination. Find some great destinations and follow your natural curiosity. Don’t use ChatGPT because this is about you.  Follow your natural curiosity and instincts, build your anticipation, and enjoy the pre-travel journey. It’s an essential part of you discovering what you want to feel, and what travel vibes are most important to you.

Here are 35 of the Best Workcation Locations on the Planet

🌴 Best Mexico & The Caribbean

• Tulum, Mexico – 💲💲
  • 🌊 Boho beach town with eco-friendly coworking spaces, boutique hotels, and ancient Mayan ruins.
    Why go? Work with ocean views, swim in cenotes, and unwind with beachfront yoga.
• Playa del Carmen, Mexico – 💲
  • 🏖️ Digital nomad favorite with strong WiFi, coworking hubs, and a social expat scene.
    Why go? Balance work and leisure with rooftop cafés, vibrant nightlife, and easy beach access.
• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – 💲💲
  • 🎨 A charming colonial town with a thriving arts scene, boutique coworking spots, and colorful architecture.
    Why go? Enjoy cobblestone streets, rich history, and creative inspiration.
• Nassau, Bahamas – 💲💲💲
  • 🏝️ Luxury island life with high-end resorts, beachside coworking, and quick flights from the U.S.
    Why go? Blend remote work with island relaxation and water adventures.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico – 💲💲
  • 🌆S. territory with no visa hassle, beachfront coworking, and a lively cultural scene.
    Why go? Easy travel, rich history, and a perfect balance of city and beach life.
• Montego Bay, Jamaica – 💲💲
  • 🌴 Resort-friendly city with coworking spaces, reggae-infused vibes, and stunning beaches.
    Why go? Work from paradise and recharge with waterfalls, snorkeling, and vibrant music.
• Havana, Cuba – 💲
  • 🚗 Vintage charm, colorful streets, and a unique digital detox with limited WiFi (but strong inspiration).
    Why go? Soak in old-world charm, local hospitality, and affordable living.
• Tamarindo, Costa Rica – 💲💲
  • 🌿 Surf town with eco-conscious coworking spaces, nature retreats, and strong digital nomad appeal.
    Why go? Work with ocean views, then surf or explore jungle waterfalls.
• La Fortuna, Costa Rica – 💲💲
  • 🌋 Volcano-side escape with hot springs, adventure tourism, and peaceful remote work settings.
    Why go? Recharge with an exciting Volcano tour, or relax in lush biodiverse nature, quiet cafés, and wellness retreats.

🌎 Best Workcations in North America

• Vancouver, Canada – 💲💲💲
  • 🏔️ Vancouver BC is a stunning coastal city with high-quality coworking spaces, nature escapes, and a strong coffee scene.
    Why go? Hike in the morning at Stanley Park, work with a waterfront view, and explore city life by night.
• Toronto, Canada – 💲💲💲
  • 🌆 CToronto is Canada’s biggest city with world-class coworking hubs, thriving tech scene, major league sports teams, world class zoo, aquarium, and museums, great networking opportunities, and diverse food culture.
    Why go? Experience urban energy, global cuisine, and a dynamic work-life balance.
• Montréal, Canada – 💲💲
  • 🎭 A creative hub with historic streets, French culture, affordable rent, and artsy coworking spaces.
    Why go? Indulge in a European vibe without leaving North America.
• Banff, Canada – 💲💲💲
  • ⛰️ Banff, in the Canadian Rockies with breathtaking scenery, clean mountain air, cozy cafés, charming mountain town ambiance, and endless outdoor adventures.
    Why go? Live among stunning landscapes with easy access to hiking and wildlife.
• Kelowna, BC, Canada – 💲💲
  • 🍇 A modern, thriving small lakeside city in BC’s wine country with scenic coworking spots, outdoor adventures, and a relaxed vibe. Book a hotel or VRBO/Airbnb mountainside side suite with unbelievable views of blue-green Lake Okanagan.
    Why go? Work beside stunning Okanagan Lake, endless sunshine, and enjoy world-class wineries after hours.
• Maui, Hawaii (USA) – 💲💲💲
  • 🌺 A tropical work haven with beachfront WiFi, wellness retreats, and incredible sunsets.
    Why go? Relax and enjoy the Aloha Spirit in a paradise that blends work, nature, and luxury.
• Oahu, Hawaii (USA) – 💲💲💲
  • 🌴 A mix of city and island life with coworking options, world-class surfing, and vibrant culture.
    Why go? Experience the Aloha Spirit with ocean views and experience an endless summer.
• Austin, Texas (USA) – 💲💲
  • 🎸 Music capital with a booming tech scene, quirky coworking spaces, and amazing food trucks.
    Why go? Creative energy, affordable living, and a strong entrepreneurial culture.
• Charleston, South Carolina (USA) – 💲💲
  • 🌿 Southern charm with cobblestone streets, waterfront cafés, and relaxed work vibes.
    Why go? Enjoy slow living, rich history, and coastal beauty.
• Breckenridge, Colorado, USA – 💲💲💲
  • 🏔️ A stunning mountain town with world-class skiing, cozy cafés, and vibrant coworking spaces.
    Why go? Work with crisp alpine air, then hit the slopes or explore historic gold-mining streets.
• San Diego, California, USA – 💲💲💲
  • 🌊 A laid-back coastal city with year-round sunshine, great coffee shops, and strong remote work culture.
    Why go? Work in paradise with beaches, breweries, and endless outdoor activities.

🌍 Best European Workcations

• Lisbon, Portugal – 💲💲
  • 🌞 Europe’s digital nomad capital with affordable rent, beach access, and stunning coworking spaces.
    Why go? Sunshine, surf-friendly beaches, and a strong expat community.
• Porto, Portugal – 💲
  • 🍷 A picturesque riverside city with amazing wine, laid-back coworking spots, and historic charm.
    Why go? Affordable, walkable, and culturally rich.
• Barcelona, Spain – 💲💲💲
  • 🏖️ Mediterranean city with fast WiFi, vibrant nightlife, and endless cultural attractions.
    Why go? Work by the sea, eat tapas, and explore Gaudí’s masterpieces.
• Valencia, Spain – 💲
  • 🌅 A hidden gem with beachside coworking, affordable living, and relaxed Spanish vibes.
    Why go? Fewer tourists, lower prices, and a work-life balance dream.
• Madrid, Spain – 💲💲
  • 🎨 Spain’s capital with top-tier networking, amazing art, and a dynamic business scene.
    Why go? Big city perks with old-world charm.
• Florence, Italy – 💲💲
  • 🏛️ Renaissance beauty with inspiring architecture, cozy cafés, and relaxed work culture.
    Why go? Surround yourself with art, history, and world-class pasta.
• Rome, Italy – 💲💲💲
  • 🍕 Work near ancient ruins, bustling piazzas, and some of the best food in the world.
    Why go? Every corner has history and gelato.
• Lake Como, Italy – 💲💲💲
  • 🏞️ Luxurious lakefront escape with peaceful coworking options and breathtaking scenery.
    Why go? Work like a movie star in this elite destination.
• Zermatt, Switzerland – 💲💲💲
  • 🏔️ A breathtaking Swiss village at the foot of the Matterhorn with top-tier skiing and luxury chalets.
    Why go? Experience the ultimate workcation with fresh mountain air and a picture-perfect alpine backdrop.

❄️ Best Nordic & Adventure Destination Workcations

• Reykjavik, Iceland – 💲💲💲
  • 🔥 Work with geothermal pools, Northern Lights, and an eco-friendly digital nomad culture.
    Why go? Adventure meets relaxation in one of the safest places on earth.
• Bergen, Norway – 💲💲💲
  • 🌄 A fjord-side city with colorful houses, fresh seafood, and excellent remote work culture.
    Why go? Stunning nature, strong WiFi, and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Tromsø, Norway – 💲💲💲
• 🌌 A remote Arctic town with cozy cafés, mountain hikes, and Northern Lights views.
  Why go? A workcation like no other, especially in winter.

🌏 Asia Workations (Low Cost & High Quality of Life)

• Kyoto, Japan – 💲💲
  • 🌸 Tranquil temples, cherry blossoms, and peaceful coworking retreats.
    Why go? A stress-free, Zen-inspired work environment.
• Tokyo, Japan – 💲💲💲
  • 🌆 A hyper-efficient city with top-tier coworking spaces, endless food options, and a vibrant culture.
    Why go? High-speed everything—WiFi, trains, and excitement.
• Bali, Indonesia – 💲
  • 🌿 A digital nomad hotspot with budget-friendly coworking retreats, lush jungles, and stunning beaches.
    Why go? Work in paradise, explore ancient temples, and unwind with yoga and tropical sunsets.

That’s 30 of the best travel destinations on the planet for workcationers.

Don’t forget to obtain a travel credit card, affordable travel insurance, and the help of a good local travel agent.  Never forget the power of travel to enliven your spirit and bring your weary self back to life. If you own a travel agency, contact me regarding powerful travel marketing services that will deliver a massive flow of traveler leads. Let’s build the company you dreamed about when you started, together.