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5 perfect global workation destinations
Wanting to escape the autumn/winter blues? And be far far away from the grey European winter?
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When the winter chill has you dreaming of warmer horizons but your vacation days are limited, workations might be your answer. This harmonious blend of work and vacation enables you to temporarily set up your office in sun-soaked destinations, providing not only relief from the cold temperatures but also a unique opportunity to explore faraway lands, dive into new cultures, learn anew language, and immerse yourself in the daily life of a distant country.
Here are our handpicked workation destinations outside Europe, carefully chosen for their warm weather, affordability, beachy vibes, and high quality of life:
Let's dive into the top 5 workation destinations overseas:
โColombia ๐จ๐ด
Colombia has it all, and there's something for every traveler. From the buzzing techno parties in Bogota to the serene beaches in Palomino.
Look for flexible workspaces in popular cities like Medellin or Bogota. These often provide a conducive environment for work and networking. Take advantage of weekends or short breaks to explore Colombia's diverse landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean beaches.
๐ ๐๐ผ๐ด๐ผ๐๐ฎ: If you're a techno music enthusiast like Anneke, Bogota is the place to be. The city's nightlife is on fire with some of the best techno parties that'll keep you grooving all night long. Don't miss out on this electrifying experience!
๐๏ธ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถฬn: Medellin is not just about the city; it's also about the breathtaking nature nearby. Head to El Peรฑรณn de Guatapรฉ for stunning views and a climb you won't forget. Getting there by bus from Medellin is easy, and the journey is as scenic as the destination.
๐๏ธ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฎ: This city is a work of art itself. Every corner is a splash of color, and the city tours will take you through its vibrant history. If you're into art and colors, Cartagena is a must-visit destination.
๐ด ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ: This city offers a unique co-living experience at Belafonte.With a co-working space, reliable internet, air conditioning, and even rooftop pool access, you can balance work and relaxation. Plus, the opportunity for yoga and dance classes! Don't miss visiting Santa Marta and exploring the nearby Minca for hiking adventures.
๐๏ธ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐น๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ผ: A gem close to the Tayrona national park, Palomino boasts a beautiful beach.The tubing tour on the Rio de Palomino is a must-try adventure. You can even sleep in tiny cottages right on the beach, with breathtaking sunsets as your backdrop.
While Colombia has made great strides in improving safety, it's essential to stay vigilant. Stick to well-traveled areas and be cautious with belongings.
More questions around working in Colombia? Don't hesitate and write Anneke van Krevel via LinkedIn.

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Mexico๐ฒ๐ฝ
With its amazing beaches, Mexican cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, picturesque cities, and fantastic opportunities for road trips and hikes, Mexico is a great workation destination - also to refreshen your Spanish skills - or our ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ ๐ง๐ถ๐ฝ: Learn some basic Spanish skills to get in touch with the locals and culture as well as to pay local prices. Your efforts will earn smiles from the ever-friendly locals!
Mexico is one of the most popular digital nomad destinations, therefore co-working spaces are also becoming popular in major cities! Also, ensure a stable internet connection by checking reviews or asking locals for the best Wi-Fi spots to guarantee stress-free working!

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Especially Playa del Carmen is recommended by our BDR and Workation Pro Christina Graf, who began to work remotely due to her love for Mexico. Playa del Carmen won her heart as it is the home of ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ด๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐ป๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ (thus, perfect internet connection), but it also has great ๐ ๐ฒ๐
๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐. Whether you're sipping coconut water by the shore or cold-calling from a terrace with a view, Playa del Carmen seamlessly merges work and play. ๐๐ด
Here are Christina's ๐๐ผ๐ฝ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ for making the most out of your Workation in Playa del Carmen:
๐คซ ๐๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ผ๐ป ๐ค๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฎ: It is loud, busy, expensive and not good to work from. Seeking a quieter workspace? Swap the buzz of Quinta Avenida for the serenity behind 15.Avenida.
๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฌ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฎฬ๐ป: See the upside of the time zone differences and embrace your new schedule to uncover more of Mexico's treasures. Dive into journeys from Holbox to Bacalar, discover the secrets of cristal-clear cenotes, stand amazed at Chichen Itza, and dive into the cultural tapestry of Valladolid and Merida.
โ ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒฬ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐: Yearning for fresh inspiration? Playa's got your back. Swing by ChouxChoux Cafe, Peace and Bowl, Basic Foodie, Marley Coffee, and Fresco Habito for a taste of local vibes and a dash of productivity.
๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐ ๐ฒ๐
๐ถ๐ฐ๐ผ: Tough work calls for delightful bites! From local wonders to global flavors, Playa del Carmen has your taste journey sorted. Christina's favorite places are Ay Taco, Peace & Bowl, Falafel Nessya, Don Mario Les Amis, and El Doctorcito
Mexico's kitchen is one of the only kitchens protected by the UNESCO. Don't be afraid to eat local food from the street stalls. Embrace the local culture by trying traditional dishes, learning basic Spanish phrases, and participating in local events or festivals! This way your workation allows you to really get away from your routine in the home-office.

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Other great cities to visit and work from in Mexico are:
- Puerto Escondido
- Mexico City
- Oaxaca
- La Paz in Baja California
- Monterrey
You are afraid of the time difference?
It can actually be used greatly to your advantage! Start early, so that you basically have the whole day off to explore Mexico's wonders during your off-hours, whether it's visiting ancient ruins, exploring cenotes, or enjoying vibrant street markets.
If you have more questions on that, don't hesitate to reach out to Christina Graf who regularly works from Mexico.
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โThailand ๐น๐ญ
Thailand, with its friendly locals, dreamy beaches, paradise islands and bustling cities has long been a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads. The cheap flights, excellent street food and first class hotels and restaurants make it the ideal spot for a workation.

The climate is warm all year round, and the dry season is especially popular to escape winter in the Northern hemisphere. But Thailand is more than parties, beaches and boat tours. It also offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich culture.

Particularly Bangkok stands as a magnet for travellers of all types. One of the biggest airports in Southeast Asia makes it a hub for business and leisure, with as much as 22 Million visitors per year. It offers various advantages for digital nomads:
- High-speed internet and Wi-Fi in almost all public spaces
- Big digital nomad and expat community
- Fast public transport (AirTrain and Metro) to avoid the crazy traffic
- A never-ending number of attractions to explore
- Co-working spaces
When in Bangkok, make sure to check out these locations:
- Grand Palace: Immerse yourself in Thai history and culture at this iconic landmark
- Wat Arun: Experience the stunning beauty of the Temple of Dawn, especially during sunset
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: Shop for unique finds and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world's largest markets
- Chao Phraya River: Take a boat ride to witness Bangkok's skyline and discover riverside attractions
- Lumpini Park: Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a stroll in this green oasis
- Khao San Road: Enjoy the lively atmosphere, street performances, and diverse nightlife options
- Take a tuk-tuk ride: Dive into the local experience with this iconic mode of transportation
- MBK Center: Explore one of the many malls and enjoy the atmosphere of luxury
- Octave rooftop: See Bangkok from above like nowhere else at this elegant rooftop bar
- Floating Market: Visit one of these unique markets where local goods are sold on boats
Thailand perfectly blends tradition and progress and offers many reasons to place it on top of your travel list.
More questions around Thailand? Reach out to our BDR Nathalie Eder

And last but not least: Indonesia - Bali ๐ฎ๐ฉโ
Bali, the perfect blend of nature, culture, and a vibrant digital nomad community, offers an ideal backdrop for work and relaxation. From Uluwatu's pristine beauty to Canggu's energetic vibe and Ubud's spiritual atmosphere, Bali caters to diverse preferences.

Enjoy seamless work-life integration with co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and a lively expat community. Bali isn't just a destination; it's a hub for self-discovery, offering workshops in breath work, Kundalini, dance, and yoga. For a break, explore Bali's renowned surf spots or unwind on picturesque beaches with breathtaking sunsets. Immerse yourself in Balinese traditions, attend local ceremonies, and savor authentic delicacies.
Beyond work, Bali's landscape invites adventures, from volcanoes and rice fields to temples and nearby islands like Gili and Nusa Penida. Bali captivates with its harmonious blend of work and leisure, making it an irresistible destination.
Our Growth Marketing Manager Anna Dung has worked several months from Bali. Here she has summarized her learnings:
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โBest places to stay & work:
- Ubud is known for its art and cultural heritage with the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Seminyak is a trendy area known for its upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Canggu, the haven for digital nomads
- Lovina, on Bali's north coast, is known for its black sand beaches and dolphin-watching tours. It offers a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere
Our Must Visitโs:
โ- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: These UNESCO-listed rice terraces in central Bali provide stunning panoramic views. It's a peaceful area to explore and learn about traditional Balinese agriculture.
- Tanah Lot: A sea temple perched on a rock formation, providing spectacular sunset views. The temple is a significant cultural and pilgrimage site.
- Nusa Penida is known for its pristine beaches, unique landscapes, and popular sites like Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Broken Beach.
- Uluwatu Temple offers stunning views of theIndian Ocean. It's famous for its traditional Kecak dance performances at sunset.
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๐กLogistics of Bali Living:
Accommodation: Rooms with pool, aircon, and breakfast range from โฌ25-35 per night. Monthly stays can cost around โฌ450.
Coworking Space: Daily rates of โฌ10-15, with cheaper monthly passes.
Scooter Rental: โฌ3-5 per day, more cost-effective for long-term rentals.
Private Driver: A day's service costs around โฌ45 for up to 6 people.
Street Food: Nasi Champur or Mie Goreng can cost โฌ2-4.
!Attention! ๐ง๏ธ Rainy season starts in November and ends in Feburary/March. During the rainy season it can rain a lot - and sometimes it doesnโt only rain for 1 hour. Starting inMay/June the island gets more crowded & prices rise. More and moreAustralians are escaping the winter. InAnna Dungโs and Anna Scheckโs opinion: March-May and September-November are the best times to work remotely from Bali.
More questions around Bali? Reach out to our Bali Experts Anna Scheck or Anna Dung via LinkedIn
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South Africa ๐ฟ๐ฆ
South Africa, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become a sought-after destination for workations. Here are some reasons why South Africa should be at the top of your travel list:
Most importantly for work, South Africa has well-established infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity, co-working spaces, and amenities conducive to remote work.
And the other big plus compared to other overseas destinations: The Time Zone advantage. If your team is normally working in European time, you would have a maximum of 2 hour difference.
Also, for the free time South Africa offers a variety. The country provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including wildlife safaris, hiking trails, and water sports, allowing workationers to balance work with recreational adventures. For not so outdoorsy persons, South Africa offers also a unique blend of cultures, languages, and traditions, providing a culturally enriching experience for workationers due to ist rich history. For that, make sure to engage with locals to gain insights into South Africa's rich history and diverse cultures. Attend cultural events or visit museums during your downtime
If in Cape Town, explore the unique neighborhoods, indulge in the local cuisine, and take the cable car to TableMountain for breathtaking views. Plan weekend getaways to nearby destinations like the Winelands or the Garden Route for a refreshing break from work.
Pro Tip for Accommodations:
Ensure your accommodation has a generator or solar panels. Cape Town experiences frequent power outages, sometimes lasting for several hours. Having a reliable power source is crucial for uninterrupted work.
Airbnb offers several beautiful houses with solar panels and private pools for a relaxing midday break. Neighbourgood has been recommended as a co-living option.
What to see in and near Capetown in your freetime:
๐ Bo-Kaap: Capture stunning photos of the colorful houses
๐ Clifton Beach: Enjoy the white sandy beach with mountains as a backdrop
โฐ Hiking: Tackle Table Mountain, Lions Head, and Signal Hill at sunsetโ
๐ฟ Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden: Relax in this beautiful botanical gardenโ
๐ Chapman's Peak Drive: Drive along this scenic route
๐ Cape of Good Hope: Witness the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceansโ
๐ง Boulders Beach: Encounter penguins in their natural habitat
๐ท Stellenbosch: Try wine tasting in this charming town
๐ Garden Route: Explore this picturesque coastal drive โ
๐ฆ Safari: Embark on a safari adventure for a unique wildlife experience
From stunning beaches to majestic mountains and vibrant cities,South Africa boasts diverse landscapes that provide an inspiring backdrop for work. The country provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including wildlife safaris, hiking trails, and water sports, allowing workationers to balance work with recreational adventures.
More questions around South Africa? Don't hesitate and write Anna Dung and Anneke van Krevel via LinkedIn.

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Remember, the key to a successful workation is finding the right balance between work and leisure, allowing you to not only meet your professional commitments but also create lasting memories in these incredible destinations. Happy workationing! ๐ดโจ
But don't forget to check with your employer beforehand to make sure to have an A1 certificate and valid travel health insurance when going on workation. Safe travels!
The time-difference is holding you back? We also have great recommendations for European Destinations, in which you can escape the cold! โ
Now you know where to go? Check out our workation tips to make the most of your workation!
ยท How to organize a workation - Insights from a serial workationer
ยท The ultimate 5 Step Guide to your Workation
ยท 7 Mistakes to avoid on your Workation!
With the right balance, you can turn your workation into a memorable experience, leaving the winter chill far behind. Cheers to new adventures and the freedom to work from wherever the sun shines brightest! ๐โ๏ธ
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