Remote work has been one of the biggest game changers in recent years, transforming not only how we work but also where we work. This shift has opened up opportunities for people to blend their professional lives with their love for travel, creating two growing trends: workcations and digital nomadism. In 2024, the idea of working from a beachside resort or a quaint European café is no longer a dream for a lucky few—it’s a reality for millions. Let’s take a closer look at how these trends are changing the travel industry and what destinations and businesses are doing to adapt.
1. What Exactly is a Workcation?
Imagine this: you wake up, check emails while sipping coffee with a stunning mountain view, handle a few Zoom calls before noon, and then spend the rest of the day exploring a new city or lounging by the pool. That’s the idea behind a workcation—it’s where work and vacation meet. Instead of taking time off and fully disconnecting from the office, you bring your job along for the ride, setting up shop in a vacation destination.
A 2024 survey by bookings, found that 67% of remote workers plan to take at least one workcation this year. The freedom to work from anywhere is one of the biggest perks of remote work, and more people are embracing the chance to combine work with leisure. It’s a win-win: you stay productive while enjoying the perks of a getaway, even if you’re not technically “off the clock.”
2. Digital Nomadism: Living a Life on the Move
While a workcation might last a week or two, digital nomads are in it for the long haul. These folks have ditched the traditional office entirely, choosing instead to work remotely from different destinations year-round. What was once a niche lifestyle has now become mainstream, with more professionals trading their office desks for laptop-friendly cafés in cities around the world.
The 2024 MBO Partners report estimates that there are now over 45 million digital nomads globally—a number that has steadily increased over the last few years. The rise of high-speed internet, flexible work policies, and platforms offering remote work opportunities has made it easier than ever to adopt this lifestyle. From Bali to Barcelona, digital nomads are setting up camp wherever Wi-Fi and inspiration are strong.
3. Top Workcation Destinations: Where Remote Workers are Heading
Remote work has expanded the possibilities for travel in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. Now, when people think about where to take a workcation, they’re looking for places that offer not only beauty but also the infrastructure needed to stay connected and productive. In 2024, several destinations have become hotspots for workcations and digital nomads:
- Bali, Indonesia: Known for its affordable living and vibrant coworking scene, Bali has long been a favorite among digital nomads. Hotels and resorts here have adapted by offering workcation packages that include high-speed internet and access to coworking spaces.
- Lisbon, Portugal: With its warm climate, rich culture, and growing tech scene, Lisbon is one of Europe’s top destinations for remote workers. Plus, the city is home to a variety of coworking spaces and affordable long-term accommodations.
- Mexico City, Mexico: A mix of affordable living, great food, and rich history makes Mexico City a prime spot for digital nomads. Many hotels and cafés are adapting to the demand by offering work-friendly spaces and amenities.
- Tulum, Mexico: Once known solely for its beaches, Tulum is now also catering to the remote work crowd with beachside coworking spaces and long-stay packages tailored to professionals who want to work in paradise.
According to Statista, 52% of travelers in 2024 are choosing destinations based on their suitability for remote work. That means strong Wi-Fi, ample coworking spaces, and a balance of leisure and productivity have become top priorities for workcationers.
4. Hotels are Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Remote Workers
To keep up with the rising demand for remote work-friendly accommodations, hotels and resorts are rethinking their offerings. Standard vacation packages aren’t cutting it anymore—remote workers need places that can double as both an office and a retreat. In response, many hotels are offering new amenities designed specifically for people working on the go.
This includes everything from high-speed internet (a must-have) to ergonomic workspaces, private meeting rooms, and even access to business services like printers and scanners. Marriott International and Hilton Hotels are just two big names that have jumped on this trend, rolling out work-from-hotel packages in cities across the globe.
In 2024, a Booking.com report found that 39%of travelers are specifically searching for accommodations that cater to remote work. This means hotels that provide work-friendly environments are not just meeting a new need—they’re tapping into a massive growth market.
5. Co-living and Coworking Spaces: A Home and Office Away from Home
For digital nomads who are on the move long-term, finding the right balance between work and living arrangements is key. That’s where co-living and coworking spaces come in. These spaces are popping up in cities all over the world, offering both a place to live and a productive environment to work. For many nomads, it’s an ideal way to stay focused on work while building a community with other like-minded professionals.
Take Selina, for example. This global hospitality brand caters specifically to digital nomads, offering flexible co-living and coworking spaces in over 100 destinations. Their properties blend workspaces with travel experiences, complete with high-speed Wi-Fi, wellness activities, and community events.
According to a Coworker.com report from 2024, demand for coworking spaces in popular tourist destinations grew by 24% over the last year. These spaces aren’t just about getting work done—they’re about creating connections with other nomads and finding a sense of community while on the road.
6. Work-Life Balance: How Workcations Improve Well-Being
One of the biggest reasons workcations and digital nomadism are taking off is because they offer a better balance between work and life. Instead of burning out in front of a home office desk, people are choosing to work in places that inspire them. The flexibility to mix work with travel gives remote workers a sense of freedom that simply wasn’t possible before.
A 2024 survey by Owl Labs revealed that 70% of remote workers say the ability to work from anywhere has significantly improved their quality of life. It’s not hard to see why: they’re able to maintain their careers while exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
Of course, there are challenges too. It can be tough to set boundaries when work and vacation blend together. Many people find themselves working longer hours because it’s hard to “switch off” when there’s no clear divide between work and leisure. That’s why setting a schedule and sticking to designated work hours is crucial for workcationers and digital nomads alike.
7. Digital Nomad Visas: Making It Easier to Live and Work Abroad
Recognizing the growing number of people embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, many countries are introducing digital nomad visas to attract long-term remote workers. In 2024, countries like Portugal, Croatia, Estonia, and Barbados are offering special visas that allow remote workers to live and work for extended periods without the hassles of tourist visas or traditional work permits.
A Nomad List survey found that 68% of digital nomads now prefer countries that offer digital nomad visas, as these visas provide legal peace of mind and make it easier to settle down for months at a time. These policies are turning previously seasonal tourist spots into year-round digital nomad hubs.
8. Economic Impact: How Digital Nomads Are Boosting Local Economies
The influx of digital nomads and workcationers isn’t just transforming travel—it’s giving local economies a boost. Unlike traditional tourists who stay for a week or two, digital nomads often settle in one place for months at a time. They contribute more to local economies by renting apartments, shopping at local markets, dining out regularly, and engaging in local activities.
In 2024, economic impact studies estimate that digital nomads are contributing over $1 billion annually to local economies worldwide. Countries like Mexico, Indonesia, and Portugal are seeing the greatest benefits, as they’ve actively embraced these long-term travelers.
In summary, The way people travel is changing, and the rise of workcations and digital nomadism is at the heart of this transformation. In 2024, remote work is no longer confined to home offices—it’s being done from tropical beaches, bustling cities, and serene mountain retreats. As this trend continues to grow, it’s reshaping the travel industry, pushing destinations, hotels, and coworking spaces to adapt.
For remote workers, this new flexibility is unlocking a world of possibilities, allowing them to balance their careers with their passion for exploring the globe. Whether it’s for a week or a year, the future of travel is all about blending work and play in ways we’ve never seen before.