Why Working Vacations Are Here to Stay (And Why All Remote Workers Should Take One!)
Working Vacations are Here to Stay
Many in-office workers began working remotely at home at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic in March 2020. Now, many of those workers are still working from home. If you’ve switched to working from home, you’re likely taking advantage of the many benefits of remote work. Wearing pajamas, doing laundry between meetings, and having your pets nearby are just a few of the amazing perks.
But being at home all the time can wear on even the most enthusiastic remote worker. Which is why “working vacations” are becoming increasingly popular.
What is a Working Vacation?
Before we jump into the hows and whys of working vacations, let’s define what a “working vacation” is. It seems like an oxymoron at first. After all, isn’t the whole point of vacation to leave work behind? Well, yes! But also, no.
Ideally, you’ll have a few vacations each year that allow you to leave work 100% behind. This is important and necessary because everybody needs periods of complete relaxation. But the idea of a working vacation is that, as a remote worker, you can travel more frequently. During a working vacation, you set aside time during your typical work days to work. But once you’re done with work each day, vacation begins! This is a great way to shake up your day-to-day routine.
6 Benefits of Changing Up Your Remote Work Environment
Working vacations are just plain good for you! Here are some compelling reasons why.
1. Working remotely, and traveling in general, is great for your personal growth and development. New environments expose you to new experiences and perspectives.
2. Working vacations always have the potential to become professional networking opportunities. Remember to stay open to the possibility of meeting new people as you explore your vacation town and surrounding areas, whether you’re at a ski resort or touring a local art gallery. At the very least, you can make some new friends in a different corner of the world.
3. If you want to improve your overall mood, changing your surroundings can work wonders for morale. Treating yourself to a comfortable vacation home in an interesting location is a great way to escape your home. (Chances are, if you have been working from home for years, you’re ready for a change of scenery!)
4. Luckily, working vacations are easier on the wallet than traditional vacations. Since you’re still earning an income while you’re away, it’s typically easier to find room in your budget for an extra getaway.
5. Do you want to improve your health? According to Forbes, vacations can improve your heart health and help you sleep better at night.
6. Working vacations help you step away from the stress of daily chores. It’s only natural to have a running checklist of things to do around the house, especially when you’re working in your home daily. But the visual reminder of things to fix, clean, or reorganize can be stressful. Why not step away for a week or two?
The benefits never end! Now find out why you need to come to Michigan.
Why West Michigan is the Ideal Remote Work Destination
You can take working vacations almost anywhere (given you have access to internet service, of course). And there are many reasons to consider adding West Michigan to your itinerary.
1. West Michigan is bursting with natural beauty all year round. The clean lakes and beaches are perfect for relaxing in warm weather. Healing woods with trails are perfect for hiking in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
And when it snows, there’s no shortage of opportunities to snowboard, snowshoe, ski, and sled.
If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, there’s something for you in Michigan.
2. Enjoy the best of both worlds: embrace small town living while still having easy access to larger cities. Quiet towns dot the west coast of Michigan, providing plenty of secluded vacation spots along the lake. However, these towns are just a short drive from the thriving metropolis of Grand Rapids. And you can even take a day trip to Chicago via Amtrak!
3. There are plenty of things to see and do! Once you clock out for the day, you can explore the amazing shops, museums, art galleries, and varied attractions in each town. Not to mention eat at the exceptional local eateries and breweries.
4. We have amazing vacation rental homes and cottages to choose from. Perhaps you want a home with a hot tub. Or maybe a Lake Michigan view is your main priority. Whatever floats your boat, BVW Unsalted Vacations has a wide range of available rentals to accommodate groups of all sizes and budgets.
How to Get the Most of Your Remote Working Vacations
It’s wise to mindfully plan ahead so that you can get the most out of your working vacation. As you plan your getaway, make sure to keep the following points in mind.
1. Choose a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Because they tend to be more comfortable and homey, short term vacation rentals may be a more comfortable option than a hotel. Plus, pet-friendly vacation home rentals mean you can bring your four legged friend along with you!
2. Schedule your “work time” and your “vacation time.” This is an especially important tip for anyone who struggles with overworking themselves! Try to get your work done at the same time each day, if possible. As best you can, create a schedule. When the work day is done, close your laptop and mentally prepare yourself to relax.
3. Travel with other remote workers. Perhaps you really need some solitude. However, if you live alone, scheduling a working vacation with friends who also work from home is a fabulous way to create some community while you work! You’ll have plenty of room to work in your vacation rental home. But you’ll also have friends to vacation with as soon as you officially log off work each day.
4. If you’re traveling with kids, choose your location wisely. Many vacation rental homes have kids’ playrooms or outdoor play equipment. Try to find a home with plenty of space for the kids to play while you work.
5. Book a long enough trip to balance and rest without feeling rushed. Going out to eat, exploring local tourist attractions, and getting the most out of your vacation rental home takes time. It takes even longer when you are working during your vacation, so try to reserve at least a week. This gives you time to settle into a routine and perform well at work while getting the most out of your vacation experience.
Book a Vacation Rental Today and Start Planning Your Remote Work Getaway!
If you’d like a vacation rental with a desk for your next remote working vacation, then consider Sandy Shores Lookout. The lakefront views are unforgettable, and there’s plenty of space. Another great option is Grand Landing #304. This is a condo in Grand Haven with a built-in slide for kids. If you’re looking for a larger rental, Park House offers eight bedrooms and a comfortable office on the main floor.
You can view our full list of short term rentals here. If you want to narrow down your search, simply check-in/checkout dates and a desired location in Michigan. Our escape artists are also here, seven days a week, to help you find the best rental for your needs. Use the blue chat icon in the corner of the screen to start a conversation and start planning your next great getaway.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter for regular updates on available vacation rentals in Michigan!
