Best Work Space While Traveling

Friday, June 8, 2018

Arguably, one of the best perks of working remotely is the ability to travel the world and explore new places, foods, and cultures along the way. But at what point does remote work stop being glamorous and turn into a bit of a headache? Finding the best work space for travelers is a must.

If you’ve ever had to scour your hotel for a quiet nook to take a call or trudged from café to café in search of free WiFi to make a deadline, then you know all too well what we’re talking about.

That’s why I’ve rounded up my best work space while traveling list so you can compare them before hitting the road (and all from the comfort of your own couch!). 

From luxury resorts to coworking offices and everything in between, this is your guide to staying productive and on track regardless of where your travels may take you.

Large Resorts

If your desire is a luxury work space, then you can't go much better than a resort.

Let’s start from the top and work it to the bottom, shall we?

When it comes to luxury work spaces, a large resort is the best work space for you. Whether you’re scoping out the lobby at the Four Seasons in Mumbai or crashing poolside at a wellness resort in Costa Ricainfo-icon, you can usually find everything you’re looking for in these luxury resorts... if the price is right.

Read more: Best Philippines Beach Resorts

Here’s the thing: large resorts are all about profit, and they don’t usually jump at the chance to give up their amenities for free. That said, there are a few ways you can “hack it” when it comes to these gorgeous spots without coughing up several hundred dollars a night:

  • Hack #1: Pop a Squat in the Lobby

You know those cushy couches and secluded corners that surround the front desk? They’re not just for guests! Resort lobbies are a delightful place to settle in for a few hours and are absolutely, positively free to use! The only down-side to this work spot is possible noise, so be prepared to relocate if the decibels get too high.

  • Hack #2: Ask About Day Passes

It took me years of living in one of the largest cities in the world to figure this one out, and it is a total game changer: day passes. Believe it or not, most resorts offer day passes to their pools, beaches, and even business centers for a small daily fee! From rooftop pools to private, white sand beaches, I’ve tried em’ all and let me tell you: I’m never going back to my home office again.

  • Hack #3: Cozy Up in the Resort Lounge or Bar

Similarly to the hotel lobby, most resort lounges and bars are open to the public during regular business hours. Sure, you may need to order a cocktail (or two!) every couple of hours to keep the bartender happy, but when did that ever make for a bad work day?!

Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels have much more less rules than resorts, and are much more welcoming to non-guests.

Next up, boutique hotels. For the longest time, I didn’t even know what a boutique hotel was, let alone hang out in one; now, this could be my best work space to write!

Remember all of those rules and restrictions I mentioned at the larger resorts? Yeah, not so much of an issue at boutique hotels.

In my experience, these smaller hotels are much more welcoming to non-guests, and some have even made special effort to make me comfortable for the afternoon! That said, avoid making too much small talk with the concierge or cute bartender if you’re working on a deadline.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts offers a magical vibe that feels like a home... if you're staying as a guest.

Ever since my fiancé and I got engaged, we have become complete B&B people. Call me cliché, but there is just something truly magical about staying in a comfy room similar to the one you back home and being treated to a four-course breakfast feast the next day…

Bed and Breakfasts is a best work space if you are a paying guest. Unlike some of the other spots we’ve discussed, B&B owners tend to keep close tabs on their guests and won’t look too favorably upon intruders (which, as a guest, you will appreciate…believe me). 

So the next time you’re traveling and want to change it up a bit, try searching for a local B&B. You’ll love the at-home vibes and calming charm!

Hostels

Hostels can be cheap work spaces, but aren't the best places to get your work done.

What travel list would be complete without hostels? Every nomad and semester abroad student’s best friend, hostels are the cheapest way to see the world without couch-surfing or pitching a tent.

Read more: Find Location Indepentent Work Online

That said, hostel is not the best work space to get some work done. In my experience, hostels are crowded and loud (neither of which lends itself to productivity), and WiFi connections can be dodgy at best. My advice? Grab your bag and find a place to work outside of your hostel accommodation for the afternoon!

Cafés and Restaurants

What's better than working remote in a distant country and trying out their local cuisine?

There is a reason to why you see so many people camped out at Starbucks or local cafés on their laptops: convenience. 

Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, student, or web designer, there is something genuinely romantic about setting up shop in a bustling restaurant where local flare and caffeine are only a stone’s throw away.

Public Parks

Nature sparks creativity, and that's why it's one of the best work spaces around.

This has to be my best work space by far. During the warmer months, you can bet at least 80% of the time that I’m writing from a public park or outdoor space.

Nature sparks some of my best writing, and it is pretty easy to find a decent spot with so many cities around the world offering free WiFi in their urban green spaces!

Coworking Offices

Coworking spaces are ideal for those who want an on-the-go office. Another benefit is that you can meet like-minded professionals that could spark your creativity.

Coworking offices are a best work space for anyone working remotely that needs the comforts of a traditional office-on-the-go. Think about it, do you really have room for a standing desk, printer, and scanner in your nomad backpack? We didn’t think so…

With options varying from day passes to week-long or month-long memberships, coworking offices offer something for every type of remote worker. With so many coworking offices popping up all around the world, you can bet that there will be at least one of these nifty spaces in the closest biggest city!


Well, there you have it! From luxury beaches to coworking offices, you have the inside tricks to finding the best work space no matter where your travels may take you. Bon Voyage!

Elizabeth Murray freelance content writer at aSabbatical.com
Traveling is about expanding your mindset and challenging every custom, tradition, and way of life you thought you knew.