A workstation is a refreshing mix of work and vacation, where you get to keep up with your job from a beautiful, often far-flung location. Imagine swapping your office for a beach, a mountain cabin, or a vibrant city halfway across the world. You stick to your work routine—checking emails, attending meetings—but in a setting that feels like a holiday. It’s a great way to break out of the usual grind without actually taking time off work.

Types of Workations:

• Short-Term Workation: Think of this as a quick escape for a few days to a week, not too far from home. It’s ideal for a brief change of scenery.
• Medium-Term Workation: This one’s a bit longer, lasting a few weeks to a month. It gives you more time to settle into a new place and enjoy it while staying productive.
• Long-Term Workation: Lasting several months, often in another country, this type of workation might require visas. It’s perfect for those who want to truly immerse themselves in a new culture while working.

This blog focuses on long-term workations, where you can set up a temporary home in different country, experience a new way of life, and still keep up with your job.

1. Portugal:

Why It’s Ideal: Portugal is a gem for remote workers, blending sunny weather, stunning coastlines, and rich history. Lisbon and Porto, in particular, have vibrant communities of digital nomads, with a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences. The affordable cost of living and relaxed pace of life make Portugal an inviting choice for a long stay.

What to Expect: In Portugal, you might find yourself working from a terrace in Lisbon with views over the Tagus River, or perhaps a café in Porto’s historic Ribeira district. The weekends could be spent exploring beautiful beaches along the Algarve or venturing into the countryside to discover charming villages. Portugal’s blend of history, culture, and modern amenities makes it a delightful and inspiring place to live and work.

Fun Fact: Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest countries, with its borders largely unchanged since the 12th century!

2. Estonia

Why It’s Ideal:  Estonia, a pioneer in digital innovation, was one of the first countries to offer a Digital Nomad Visa. Tallinn, the capital, perfectly mixes medieval charm with a forward-thinking, tech-savvy approach to life. The low cost of living, combined with a strong digital infrastructure, makes it a smart choice for a long-term workation.

What to Expect: Working in Tallinn feels like stepping back in time—cobblestone streets and medieval buildings surround you, but the city is fully modernized. Estonia’s efficient e-services and high-speed internet make remote work easy and hassle-free. In your downtime, explore Estonia’s forests, lakes, and coastline, or dive into Tallinn’s rich cultural scene. The peaceful atmosphere and clean environment offer a perfect backdrop for productivity.

Fun Fact: Estonia has more startups per capita than any other European country, making it a hotbed of innovation.

3. Thailand

Why It’s Ideal: Thailand offers an unbeatable mix of affordability, cultural richness, and stunning landscapes. Whether you choose the bustling streets of Bangkok or the laid-back vibes of Chiang Mai, Thailand has something for everyone. The country’s extensive network of coworking spaces and a strong community of remote workers make it a top choice for long-term stays.

What to Expect: Picture starting your day in a sleek coworking space in Bangkok, then taking a break to enjoy some street food or visit a local temple. Chiang Mai offers a more serene environment, with its quaint cafes and quiet corners ideal for getting work done. Thailand’s cost of living allows you to live comfortably while enjoying all the country has to offer, from vibrant markets to tropical beaches.

Fun Fact: Thailand is home to over 35,000 temples, each with its own unique history and architecture.

4. Indonesia

Why It’s Ideal: Bali, Indonesia, is a dream for those seeking a blend of work, relaxation, and adventure. Known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Bali has become a hotspot for digital nomads. The island’s coworking spaces are not only designed for productivity but are also set in some of the most inspiring locations you can imagine.

What to Expect: In Bali, your workday could be spent in a coworking space surrounded by rice paddies, followed by a quick surf session or a visit to a local temple. Bali’s diverse culture, with its traditional dance performances and vibrant arts scene, provides a rich backdrop to your everyday life. The island’s focus on wellness, with yoga retreats and spa treatments, helps you maintain a healthy balance between work and relaxation.

Fun Fact: Bali’s unique subak irrigation system, used in its rice paddies, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Spain

Why It’s Ideal: Spain’s lively cities, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a fantastic choice for a long-term workation. Barcelona’s creative energy and Madrid’s cultural depth offer vibrant settings for work, while regions like Andalusia provide a slower pace of life with plenty of sunshine.

What to Expect: In Spain, your days might start in a coworking space in Barcelona, with its stunning architecture and bustling streets. You could spend your weekends exploring Spain’s many historic sites, relaxing on a Mediterranean beach, or enjoying a leisurely meal of tapas and local wine. Spain’s mild climate and outdoor lifestyle are perfect for those who love a mix of work and play.

Fun Fact: Spain is the second most visited country in the world, attracting over 80 million tourists each year.

6. Georgia

Why It’s Ideal: Georgia is quickly becoming a favorite among digital nomads, especially in its capital, Tbilisi. The city’s blend of ancient history and modern comforts, combined with low living costs and easy visa policies, makes it an attractive destination for long-term workations.

What to Expect: Tbilisi is a city of contrasts, where you can work from a trendy café in the shadow of an ancient fortress. Georgia’s diverse landscapes, from the Caucasus Mountains to the vineyards of Kakheti, offer endless opportunities for weekend adventures. The local cuisine, with its hearty stews and delicious wines, is just one of the many pleasures of living in Georgia. Plus, the country’s warm hospitality makes it easy to feel at home.

Fun Fact: Georgia is one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions, with wine production dating back over 8,000 years.

7. Germany

Why It’s Ideal: Germany, particularly Berlin, is known for its dynamic cultural scene, rich history, and thriving startup ecosystem. Berlin’s blend of old-world charm and modern innovation makes it an exciting place for remote work. The city’s efficient infrastructure and high quality of life add to its appeal for long-term stays.

What to Expect: Berlin offers a creative and stimulating environment, with plenty of coworking spaces and cultural events. You could start your day with a walk along the Berlin Wall, then work from a trendy café or coworking space in the heart of the city. After work, explore Berlin’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe, or enjoy the city’s legendary nightlife. Germany’s excellent public transport system and robust social services make it easy to live comfortably.

Fun Fact: Berlin is home to the world’s largest department store, Kaufhaus des Westens, or KaDeWe, covering over 60,000 square meters.

8. Vietnam

Why It’s Ideal: Vietnam’s mix of dynamic cities, rich history, and stunning natural beauty makes it a fascinating destination for remote workers. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are particularly appealing due to their affordability, vibrant street life, and strong internet infrastructure. Vietnam’s friendly locals and delicious food add to the country’s charm.

What to Expect: In Vietnam, you could work from a bustling café in Ho Chi Minh City, with the hum of the city around you, or from a quiet corner in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Vietnam’s low cost of living allows you to enjoy a high standard of life while exploring everything the country has to offer, from the terraced fields of Sapa to the beaches of Da Nang. The local culture is rich and varied, with a long history that’s evident in the country’s many temples, pagodas, and colonial buildings.

Fun Fact: Vietnam has 54 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions and customs.

9. Greece

Why It’s Ideal: Greece, with its ancient ruins, stunning islands, and rich cultural heritage, offers an inspiring environment for a long-term workation. Athens provides a vibrant base with modern amenities and historic charm, while the Greek islands offer a more relaxed pace with breathtaking views.

What to Expect: In Greece, you might start your day with a view of the Acropolis from your apartment in Athens, then work from a café surrounded by history. On weekends, explore the islands, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy fresh seafood by the sea. Greece’s mild climate, friendly locals, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine make everyday life a joy. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply enjoying the good life, Greece has something for everyone.

Fun Fact: Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, but only about 200 of them are inhabited.

10. Croatia

Why It’s Ideal: Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, medieval towns, and vibrant culture make it an excellent choice for a long-term workation. Dubrovnik, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, and Zagreb, with its lively arts scene, offer a mix of old and new. Croatia has a Digital Nomad Visa that make it easier for remote workers to settle in for an extended stay. 

What to Expect: In Croatia, you can work from a historic stone house in Dubrovnik with views of the Adriatic Sea, or from a modern apartment in Zagreb’s bustling city center. The country’s stunning coastline offers countless opportunities for beach days and water sports, while its inland regions are perfect for exploring vineyards and national parks. Croatia’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its growing community of digital nomads, makes it an inviting and dynamic place to work.

Fun Fact: Croatia is home to the world’s smallest town, Hum, with a population of just around 30 people!