With more and more people working remotely, there has been a huge increase in the number of people choosing to take a workcation.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a workcation is a short vacation where you are still working remotely during your regular working hours but then using your downtime to have a little vacation fun too.
A workcation is a great way to see the world without negatively impacting your career goals. It works particularly well for individuals that don’t have any vacation time left to travel.
The best workcation spots should be affordable, have a reliable internet connection and good broadband speed, and be close to plenty of easily accessible attractions.
According to a new report, these are the top 6 workcation destinations in Europe this year:
Madrid
Spain has a thriving ex-pat community, which makes this an attractive workcation destination if you’re looking for a collaborative workspace to utilize during your trip.
You’re likely to find like-minded English-speaking workcationers here.
The average broadband speeds are some of the best in Europe meaning that, from a working point of view, you’ll have everything you need in Madrid.
What’s more, Madrid is an incredibly affordable city. The average cost of a cappuccino is just over $2 and a beer will cost just $3.15.
Key attractions in Madrid include El Retiro Park, which is a huge green place to relax and unwind, and the Anton Martin Market, which is a gorgeous gastro market and a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The iconic Prado Museum boasts a huge collection of Renaissance art and does not close until 8 pm from Monday to Saturday, meaning it can be enjoyed after the working day is complete.
Barcelona
It is no surprise that two large Spanish cities top this list. Spain is well known for being incredibly welcoming to foreign travelers, particularly those spending extended periods of time in the country.
Like Madrid, coffee and beer is affordable in Barcelona, costing just a couple of cents more.
Broadband speeds are also fast here, and while they are slightly slower than in Barcelona, they are twice as fast as you would expect to find in London. This makes Barcelona incredibly attractive to those dependent on a reliable internet connection during their workcation.
Barcelona is a fun and vibrant city with so much to offer: Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia, whilst as yet unfinished, is one of the most visually stunning architectural feats in Europe.
Foodies will enjoy whiling away the evenings in the endless welcoming tapas bars.
Barcelona is a rare city that boasts its own beach, making it incredibly easy to enjoy those vacation vibes and feel the sand between your toes while enjoying all of the facilities the city offers.
Bucharest
Many people assume that Eastern Europe still offers the best value to budget travelers and workcationers in Europe.
While accommodation in Bucharest, the Capital of Romania, is incredibly affordable, you will actually spend slightly more on everyday essentials, such as eating out or stopping for a coffee.
Despite that, Bucharest is the city with the fastest broadband speed of any city on this list. And it remains a cheap, warm, and welcoming city for ex-pats.
When the working day is over, you’ll find much to see and do in Bucharest. Visit the bohemian city markets, many of which open late, or wander around the ‘Old Town’: one of the most modern old town areas in Europe.
If you can find the time in your working schedule, head out of the city to Bran Castle: a beautiful, gothic monolith that provided one of the filming locations for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Budapest
One of only two Eastern European cities on this list, Budapest is as fun as it is affordable. A beer here will cost less than $2.50 a glass, making it the perfect place to visit if you want to combine working days with party nights.
When you’re not working or partying, you can spend your time walking along the shores of the Danube or exploring the Jewish Quarter.
History fans will enjoy exploring the Buda Castle, whilst the architecture of St Stephens Basilica or Fisherman’s Bastion will appeal to everyone.
When you’re tired of exploring the sights, the food here is both plentiful and affordable. Visitors also enjoy soaking in the city’s incredible thermal spas: a great way to relax after a hard day at work.
Paris
Paris is one of the most famous and most visited cities in Europe. It is famed for being the city of love. But did you know it’s a great place to work too?
Broadband speeds are fast, it boasts the highest number of co-working spaces of any city on this list, and it is easy to find people to work collaboratively with.
At more than $7 for a half-liter glass, the beer here is expensive, and nightly accommodation is on the most costly side too, at an average of $170 per night.
But the price is worth paying because Paris is beautiful, and there’s always something to see and do here.
Aside from the obvious charms of the Eiffel Tower and cruising down the River Seine, Paris is also a great place to explore modern art, shop, and watch the world go by.
For an immersive, bohemian experience, head to the left bank. This is the home of Paris’ famous Latin Quarter, and for centuries, it has inspired writers, artists, and philosophers.
Berlin
Berlin is an incredibly lively and vibrant city with a youthful energy that is sure to invigorate, even if you’re working whilst enjoying your vacation.
The broadband speed here is as fast as the action, and there are over 150 coworking spaces that you can explore during your workcation.
When the working day is done, Berlin is a cultural hub with so much to offer both art fans and history buffs.
Take a carriage ride around the Brandenburg gate, visit the famous Checkpoint Charlie, or explore the history of World War 2 by visiting the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: a visually disturbing and thought-provoking display.
If you want to relax after a hard day of work then visit one of Berlin’s many techno clubs, drink a stein of beer or two, and enjoy some traditional carb-heavy German cuisine.
Source: Travel Off Path
