The trend of "smart workcations" is on the rise as summer 2025 approaches, with more people seeking ways to blend work and leisure effectively. Economic concerns, crowded airports, travel disruptions, and a notable increase in lost luggage have led many to rethink traditional vacations. Instead, travelers are opting for domestic trips, nearby destinations like Canada or Mexico, or even staycations at home. This shift is also influenced by job instability and a significant drop in travel planning, which has reached its lowest point in 15 years.
Previously, "hushcations"—where employees secretly worked from vacation spots—were popular among younger professionals seeking flexibility. Now, the focus has shifted to "slow summer vacations" that prioritize stress-free travel, cost savings, and unstructured downtime. However, a recent Monster survey shows that most U.S. workers aren't getting enough flexibility or support to fully enjoy summer, with 84% lacking specific seasonal benefits and 64% struggling to maintain work-life balance. Those who do receive summer perks report higher productivity, highlighting the importance of flexibility.
Workcations are becoming mainstream, with nearly half of office workers having tried one. Many use workcations to improve their quality of life and manage burnout, with some even working from beaches or during flights. Given the reality of remote work, completely disconnecting from job responsibilities is often impractical. Instead, smart workcations aim to strike a healthy balance between work and relaxation.
Here are five key tips for planning a successful smart workcation:
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Limit Office Communication: Rather than cutting off all contact, set strict boundaries—like checking emails for just an hour a day—to reduce stress and prevent work from piling up.
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Take Control of Technology: Use custom ringtones to screen calls and minimize instant messaging. This helps avoid the expectation of being always available.
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Schedule Transition Days: Allow yourself a buffer day before and after your trip to ease into and out of work mode, reducing stress.
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Balance Activity and Rest: Alternate between physical activities and restorative breaks, such as pairing a walk with meditation, to boost both energy and relaxation.
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Delegate Responsibilities: Assign a trusted colleague to handle urgent matters and communicate your availability clearly to your team.
Avery Morgan, a workplace productivity expert, adds that maximizing productivity during a workcation involves:
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Working during quiet hours (early mornings or late nights) to avoid distractions.
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Taking advantage of travel downtime (like flights) for brainstorming and planning, even without Wi-Fi.
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Ensuring all tech essentials—chargers, adapters, headphones—are packed and tested.
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Identifying reliable work-friendly locations at your destination and having backup options.
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Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time to fully enjoying your trip.
Ultimately, the appeal of a smart workcation is the freedom to both relax and work efficiently. Changing environments—such as moving from a café to a co-working space, then to the beach—can refresh your mindset and boost creativity, making your summer both productive and enjoyable.