Jobs abroad specialists reveal everything you need to know about taking a workation.
In the last seven days, research from overseas jobs specialists at Anywork Anywhere reveals that Google searches for the term ‘workation’ have increased by 455% globally, suggesting more people are looking to work abroad.
As remote working becomes the new norm, a growing number of countries are opening their doors to workers offering a ‘digital nomad’ or ‘remote work’ visa.
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There are currently more than 30 countries offering a ‘digital nomad visa’, and as that list continues to grow, so do Google searches. Overseas job specialists at Anywork Anywhere also found that in the last 12 months, there’s been a 209% increase in global searches for this specific term.
The term ‘remote work visa’ has also increased by 122% globally in the last 12 months, while more specifically in the UK, searches for ‘digital nomad jobs’ have increased by 120% in the last 30 days.
A spokesperson from Anywork Anywhere commented: “It’s no surprise to see so many people searching for workations and remote work visas right now, as the importance of work-life balance continues to be amplified globally.
“While the term ‘workation’ is relatively new, these findings indicate that they could soon become the new norm, as more countries around the world offer remote work visas and popularity increases.”
What Is A Workation?
For those still unsure about what a workation actually is, as the term is so new, there’s not an official definition just yet. However, essentially a workation involves taking a long or short-term trip away from home, while still working remotely.
The destination can be overseas or in your country of residency and can last from a few days to a few months. Many companies now allow their employees to work remotely, from anywhere in the world, which is one reason why this concept is growing in popularity.
What Is A 'Digital Nomad Visa'?
A digital nomad visa is a document or program that gives someone the legal right to work remotely while living in another country. It’s often called a remote work visa, and by no means just applies to digital nomads.
As the demand for work-life balance continues to grow, these visas are a great option for those who want to earn while they travel as they allow remote workers to stay for longer than they could with an ordinary tourist visa, without the commitment of applying for permanent residency.
From Iceland to Costa Rica, currently there are over 30 countries offering these documents, each with different entry requirements and entry fees. Before choosing a destination it’s worth doing your research, ensuring you meet the requirements.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking A Workation?
Anywork Anywhere have also shared some top tips on taking a workation, as there are a number of things to consider before taking the leap
Unsurprisingly, there are a number of ways you could benefit from changing your work environment:
- Enhanced creativity:
Being in the same environment everyday can stifle creativity, and research shows that travel and exposure to various environments can change the brain's neural pathways, making you think more creatively.
- Increased productivity:
When taking a workation, you escape from your usual home commitments. There’s no daily commute and there are fewer chores waiting to be done. If you’re used to working in an office, you won’t be distracted by colleagues, and if you’re used to working from home, there will be no distractions from roommates, family, or pets.
- More time for self-care:
These short-term solutions can also benefit anyone who struggles to switch off from work. Being in a new environment means you’re less likely to respond to emails after hours, as you’ll be busy exploring your new destination. This can have a huge impact on your work-life balance, with the capability to improve your wellbeing.
What To Consider Before Making The Leap
While the idea of taking a working holiday is appealing, it’s not the right move for everyone. It can be daunting moving to a new destination, and a workation requires a lot of logistical planning.
Here are some top tips to consider:
- The logistics:
Each country that offers a remote work visa has different requirements. Make sure you fully understand the laws on working in that country before you apply. From how it will affect your tax to the entry fees you need to pay, planning well in advance and perhaps even speaking to a professional can really help.
- Choosing the correct environment:
Choosing to spend your workation in a bustling city could be a bad choice if you’re looking to promote relaxation and de-stress. Consider where you’ll be most productive and look for more rural locations if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.
- Consider Wi-Fi connections:
The idea of working by the beach is a dream, but do they have internet connection? If you’re still required to have weekly zoom calls with your boss, make sure you’ve researched the area you want to relocate thoroughly beforehand to make sure you have access to a good Wi-Fi network.
- Separate work time from vacation time:
While a workation essentially combines both work and pleasure, in order to have a successful experience, it’s important to separate the two. Set your working hours each day and stay committed to your tasks. When you’ve finished for the day, put your laptop away and enjoy your holiday. Whilst some people are great at creating schedules, not checking emails after hours and having days off, others begin to merge their home and work lives which can have a negative impact on health.
