Workcation Ideas for a Change of Scenery

Are you tired of the monotony that comes with working remotely? Sure, working from home can be cozy and convenient, but a change of scenery is always a good thing. Since you’re remote anyway, you might as well make the most of your situation and treat yourself to a workcation!

A workcation is exactly what it sounds like: a work vacation. Travel somewhere new and exciting so that you can do your remote work from a new, exciting location. Plus, you can rest, relax, and explore in your off time. Workcations also let you refresh, get a new perspective, and take a vacation — all without draining your PTO.

How often do you have the opportunity to take a vacation and make money while doing it? A workcation is a great way to expand your horizons, get a well-deserved change of scenery, and see new parts of the world. 

The hardest part is choosing where to go for your workcation. Thankfully, we’ve curated the perfect list of workcation ideas, so you don’t have to. Check out our favorite ideas and book your trip ASAP!

San Francisco, California

Looking for a west coast escape for the perfect mix of work and play? San Francisco is a workcation must! 

San Francisco is the gem of Northern California, and it’s earned this reputation for good reason. The views throughout the city are unmatched. Though you’ll be spending most of the day working, you’ll get to do it with an incredible backdrop. 

Book an Airbnb or a boutique hotel and enjoy a productive day of remote work while taking in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge or the beautiful Victorian houses that are throughout the city. 

In your off time, check out the cool museums, like the de Young Museum, or a more niche experience at the Asian Art Museum to enjoy the incredible pieces from the Eastern parts of the world. 

Take a hike on one of the beautiful trails around the city, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife at one of the many bars and restaurants. San Francisco is a great place to enjoy a new change of scenery while getting some work done. 

Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for a tropical change of scenery, book a flight and get ready to work remotely in Key West, Florida!

Key West is the ideal workcation destination if you want some well-deserved rest and relaxation in between your busy work schedule. You can stay productive during the day in the confines of your hotel and then head to the beach to lounge in the sun in your favorite La Blanca swimsuit after a hard day’s work. 

The sunsets in Key West are stunning and will make your tropical work escape well worth it. In fact, when you have some free time, take a sunset boat tour with some delicious drinks and amazing views. Studies show that getting fresh air can help boost productivity, and what better place to get fresh air than Florida?

Whether you’re at a luxury resort or a local hotel, your Key West workcation will leave you feeling refreshed!

Aspen, Colorado 

Looking for a wintery, mountain-filled getaway? Aspen is the perfect workcation destination for you. 

If you enjoy skiing, there are no better slopes than the trails you’ll find in Aspen. Or, if you want a stunning landscape for a freeing hike, check out one of the many trails in this beautiful area. 

Talk about a change of scenery! Aspen is chock-full of beautiful backdrops, mountains, and lovely foliage and trees (depending on the season). Whether you stop by in the middle of spring or dead of winter, you are sure to have a luxurious, stunning experience, all while getting some remote work done in the meantime! 

While you’re there, be sure to check out one of the countless craft breweries in Colorado.

Nashville, Tennessee 

Have you always wanted to explore the American South? Do you have a love for all things country music and soul food? Nashville is the spot for you.

Nashville is the perfect combination of rural and big city to satisfy all of your workcation needs. You can enjoy lovely scenic views of the south while you get some work done. After work, hit the city to experience the fun-filled nightlife that Nashville has to offer! 

You can be productive during the day while making the most of your free time in this lively city. Check out the fascinating museums, like the Johnny Cash Museum or the Country Music Hall of Fame. And, while you’re there, be sure to catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

The greenery in Nashville is stunning and makes for a lovely change of scenery during work hours. Don’t forget to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants in the area and check out some of the cool bars that feature up-and-coming live musicians! You’ll experience the perfect balance of work and fun when you plan a workcation in Nashville. 

Montreal, Canada 

Have you been dying to use your passport since the borders reopened? Treat yourself to a fun workcation in the beautiful city of Montreal, Canada, and enjoy a taste of what the north has to offer.

Montreal is a stunning city, with countless cultural spots to check out when you aren’t working. Be sure to check out the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and see some world-class art pieces. Also, walk around the stunning campus at McGuill and get a taste of the young city life. 

There are incredible restaurants all around the city with scrumptious, authentic French Canadian cuisine, as well as some delicious Chinese food and amazing bagels for breakfast. You’ll have plenty of delicious food to fuel your working hours. 

The city itself is gorgeous and fun-filled. The nightlife is fun regardless of your scene. Want a chill night at a bar? Want a lively party scene? Montreal has it all. You can have loads of fun in between getting your work done when you take a Canadian workcation in Montreal!

Portland, Maine 

If you’re looking for a relaxing and beautiful escape in the Northeast for your next workcation, head up north to Portland, Maine!

Portland is a stunning town in the south of Maine. Be sure to check out the historic lighthouse and enjoy the chilly breezes of the Atlantic during a sunny afternoon. If you head there in the warmer season, don’t forget to pack your favorite bathing suit, too — just in case. 

There are countless beautiful Airbnbs, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts to enjoy productive working hours. After work, be sure to hit the cute shops in the downtown area. 

If you’re a seafood fanatic, you’ll love Portland’s cuisine. With fresh Maine lobster, exquisite scallops, and delicious shrimp cocktails, this adorable New England city will fulfill all of your seafood needs. Portland is an underrated but incredible destination for your upcoming workcation, especially for those on the East Coast! 

Plan Your Trip!

You work hard and deserve some rest and relaxation. So why not enjoy a workcation where you can get a fun change of scenery while working remotely during the day? 

While taking a workcation, maybe you’ll want to implement some tips to maximize your productivity during the day so you can maximize your travels in the evening. Make detailed to-do lists, take frequent breaks, and avoid over-committing to tasks while traveling — that way, you can enjoy your trip and still be productive at work.

Workcations are the future of remote work. When you choose any of these destinations, you can enjoy a new city while still getting a day’s work in!

Sources:

Five Reasons To Plan A Workcation | PPAI

Work productivity improves after 30 minutes of fresh air outdoors, research shows | Study Finds

Getting More Done: Strategies to Increase Scholarly Productivity | PMC