Are you raring to go on holiday but you can’t leave work behind?

In the work-from-anywhere era, some hybrid and remote workers are skipping the all-important step of requesting paid time off. Instead, they’re taking their assignments with them on holiday in a new trend dubbed ‘workcation’.

The challenge for most working travellers, however, is whether their holiday destination offers a safe and conducive environment for working even when they’re on the go – especially if they’re catching flights, trains and buses in between tasks and bouncing between terminals and hotels.

Will they have a reliable internet connection throughout their journey? Will there be pit stops in case they have to pause from shuffling about and instantly jump on a Zoom call? Could their holiday destination ultimately become a second home should they shift to a digital nomad lifestyle in the long run?

The last question is top-of-mind for workers grappling with wanderlust.

More than 4 in 5 hybrid workers (84%) surveyed by flexible workspace company IWG admit they have extended – or at least considered extending – their holiday to work remotely from their dream location.

Read More: Riding the 'hush trip' trend – balancing work and wanderlust

Workcation – work-life balance at its finest?

Whether you call it workcation, bleisure or hush holiday, the trend of travelling while working has only gotten more popular since the shift to remote and hybrid work began. One thing is evident: those who go on workcation crave time off, but they also worry about missing out on work.

Survey findings from IWG also indicated workers’ growing preference for employers who welcome the idea of flexibility and mobility. For many, it’s an element of happiness at work:

75% of respondents believe freedom to work from anywhere uplifts their job satisfaction level

74% view work flexibility as a factor when considering a new job

“More and more individuals are embracing the idea of combining work with travel, whether it’s for a few days tacked on to the end of a vacation, or a few months as a digital nomad,” said Mark Dixon, CEO and founder of IWG. “This trend is set to accelerate further, and we will continue to see more and more companies embracing WFA policies to improve employees’ work-life balance and increase their attractiveness as an employer.”

The world’s best cities for workcation in 2024

If you’re eager to give workcation a try, IWG has again compiled its annual Work from Anywhere Barometer, a list of the best cities in the world for working travellers and digital nomads.

This year’s top 30 represent culturally vibrant contenders, with a total of six Asian cities making the cut:

• Beijing (4)
• Singapore (7)
• Jakarta (8)
• Mumbai (14)
• Manila (16)
• Hong Kong (19)

Singapore for its part is celebrated as a “global gateway” to Southeast Asia – suitable for those with an adventurous spirit and eager to explore the diverse region.

“Nicknamed the ‘Garden City,’ Singapore boasts a harmonious blend of urban development and verdant greenery, with its abundant green spaces providing respite from the urban hustle and bustle,” IWG noted.

“The ‘Little Red Dot’ also punches above its weight as a culinary and events destination, enhancing its appeal for both work and play. Singapore came in 7th for countries with the highest number of Michelin-rated restaurants per capita, and has hosted major events such as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour – the singer’s only Southeast Asia stop on her world tour.”

Read More: Bleisure travel: Is it a good idea to work while on holiday?

The best of the best – Budapest, Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro

The rankings were based on the following criteria: climate or the hours of sunshine per year, accommodation (average rent per month), transportation, subsistence, broadband, food, happiness, availability of flexible workspaces, cultural quality, and sustainability.

Overall, the top 30 cities in the Work from Anywhere Barometer include:

• Budapest
• Barcelona
• Rio de Janeiro
• Beijing
• Lisbon
• New York
• Singapore
• Jakarta
• Los Angeles
• Milan
• Amsterdam
• Marrakesh
• Warsaw
• Mumbai
• Berlin
• Manila
• Valletta
• Buenos Aires
• Hong Kong
• Paris
• Austin
• Copenhagen
• Brussels
• Sofia
• Athens
• Sydney
• London
• Toronto
• Podgorica
• Dublin

Read More: The world's most vacation-deprived workers

Budapest

For 2024, Budapest in Hungary bested 29 other cities.

“Securing high marks for transport and accommodation prices, broadband speeds, and availability of flexible workspaces, Budapest stands out as the top destination for hybrid workers in 2024,” IWG said.

The city is a feast for the senses. “Situated in the heart of Central Europe and set against the stunning backdrop of the Danube River, the Hungarian capital is famed for its classical architecture, attracting some 12 million international tourists per year. The city boasts over 200 museums and galleries, vibrant neighbourhoods, and ample green spaces, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads seeking a balance of work and leisure,” IWG said.

Barcelona

Barcelona is this year’s second-best workcation destination.

The city peaked at no. 1 last year but remains a “favoured spot for hybrid workers, offering a lively atmosphere, stunning architecture, and nearly year-round sunshine,” IWG said.

“The city has become a popular hub for those seeking a diverse work environment which combines sun, sea, and sand with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Spain’s wide-ranging digital nomad visa, along with Barcelona’s excellent transportation infrastructure and relatively affordable cost of living, ensures it remains a prime workcation destination.”

Rio de Janeiro

Sharing the spotlight with Barcelona at no. 2 is Rio de Janeiro.

“Home to the world-famous carnival, Rio is filled with nightclubs, restaurants, and extensive green spaces. Hybrid workers will benefit from a thriving digital nomad community, bolstered by local government investments to make the city more attractive for remote workers, including citywide 5G coverage and a new digital nomad visa,” IWG noted.

“Rio offers big-city amenities alongside world-famous beaches, hiking, and other outdoor attractions, making the city a memorable workcation destination for any hybrid worker.”