The concept of remote work has been coming along for quite some time now. However, the pandemic increased the pace at which organizations transitioned to working remotely, following the norms of social distancing. For most employees, remote work meant working from home, especially in the initial months. It was only recently that the idea of workation came into the picture, helping people understand that remote work literally translates to working from anywhere. After working from home for a few months, many individuals came to realize that so long as they were productive enough, their location, once outside office, did not make much of a difference. 

That’s when workations became the new trend, in an attempt to restore the work-life balance, while working remotely. Additionally, there has increasingly been a trend among organizations to make work from home a permanent norm. Thus, individuals are now exploring ideas along the lines of work from mountains, work from deserts, etc. From contactless check ins to complete social distancing, most locations are completely safe and ready for your arrival. Let’s check out the top places for your workation!

Tracing the foundation of workation and working from anywhere

For most people in the working segment of the population, working from home has always been a dream. Then what prompted the need to actually work from somewhere like work from mountains other than one’s home? Also, how did the whole idea of a workation come into the picture? Well, we have always heard, “Too much of anything is bad”. That’s exactly what happened with work from home and how work from anywhere gained value.

• Break the monotony: Rejuvenate oneself and regain the lost productivity due to being boxed inside one’s home. 

• Focus on wellbeing: The new surroundings will refresh your thoughts and save you from mental and emotional stress and the opportunity to go for walks, treks and work towards your physical health.

• The new way to travel: Relocate your work for a few days, weeks or even months to a new place and break free from the city chaos.

Work from Mountains

Playground, Manali

Tucked between apple orchards, pine trees and big mountains, Playground offers several options for the digital nomads of today. In addition to having workstations and stay Plans Starting from 1 day to 50 days and extendable, they also offer adventures and hostel spaces. Dial them up for great adventure trips across Manali.

Plans starting from: INR 4,400 for dorm stay for 7 days 

Covid rules: All guests have to produce a COVID-19 negative test report issued no more than 96 hours prior to check in.

For more details, check this out

Work from Mountains, Uttarakhand

WFM is a collective of beautiful Mountain spaces in the serene land of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the form of Homes & Cottages. With a minimum commitment of 30 days of stay, all spaces offer working Kitchens and Caretakers to cater for your needs and essentials. Additionally, there is a guarantee of Internet connectivity through a 4 G connection at least

Plans starting from: INR 35000 per room per month for 2 people

Covid rules: All travellers need to get a Covid Negative Certificate just before they travel and upload the same on the Government website and get a travel pass. Having the Aarogya Setu App is mandatory. They have other rules w.r.t distancing and quarantine, which can be found here. 

For spaces in Uttarakhand, check this out

For spaces in Himachal Pradesh, check this out

The Hidden Burrow, Jibhi

Nested in the picturesque paradise, Jibhi, the Hidden Burrow is ideal for those who intend to work during the day and explore and meet the warm and friendly Himachalis during the evenings. Offering treehouse and treehouse hostels, the Hidden Burrow has dorms and sharing cabins for the new age remote workers. 

Reaching Jibhi: 

Bhuntar Airport near Kullu at a distance of 52 kms if you are travelling by air

Shimla railway station about 160 km away from Jibhi if you are travelling by rail

Buses/Cabs Delhi to Manali, Kullu and Bhuntar to Aut which have direct buses to Jibhi if you are travelling by road

For more details, visit here

Zostel in Coorg

Situated in the lap of nature, Zostel Coorg is a backpacker hostel that allows you to mingle with fellow travelers and remote workers over bonfires & hikes. They offer a variety of dormitories, rooms and tents for different working and adventure needs along with a cozy common room and the multi-cuisine cafe.

Plans starting from: INR 549 per night with different ranges depending on the dormitory or room type. You can check out the detailed pricing here.

Covid rules: Zostel has a detailed list of guidelines including social distancing norms, compulsory mask wearing, etc. and help resources for its travellers. You can have a look at the same here.

For more details, check this out

Alt Life Hostels – Dharamkot (Mcleodganj)

Alt Life is offering budget co-sharing spaces to help digital nomads meet new people, share stories and make friendships that will last a lifetime for your next workation. With a minimum booking for 14 days, so-working spaces, a cafe for about 70 people and a dedicated travel desk are all available to make your work from mountains seamless. They offer fast optic fiber internet speed (40mbps), work space (plug n work) and power backup for ideal working.

Plans starting from: INR 2500 per night for a minimum of 14 nights. You can check out availability and pricing for different stay options here.

Covid rules: Tourists must have to download the Aarogya Setu App on their Mobiles. They follow a set of safety measures to make the stay even better, have a look at them here.

For more details, check this out

Mud Hostels(Bunks) | River side | Jibhi | Rustic

Mudhouse hostels is a home for solo travellers, creators, art makers and now those looking to work remotely. The primary idea is getting back to the roots, living a basic mountain life, away from the city chaos most of us are stuck in since the pandemic.

Plans starting from: INR 750 per night. 

Covid rules: As an AirBnB property, Mudhouse is following strict cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing policies. You can check the detailed guidelines here. 

For more details, check this out

Gostops Rishikesh

Located in Rishikesh, goStops Rishikesh is an ideal workation location to work from mountains with a terrace and a shared lounge, as well as free WiFi. Close to Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, it offers rooms as well as recreational activities and is only 15 kms away from the Dehradun airport. They offer work away from home packages starting from 7 days.

Plans starting from: INR 270 per night, varying with the types of dormitories you select

Covid rules: These new working and living spaces come with best-in-class social distancing, cleaning and disinfection practices. They require regular tracking of the Aarogya Setu app as well as temperature monitoring.

For more details, check this out

Shalom

Shalom Packers offer hostels for the new age remote workers in the mountains of Mcleodganj and Rishikesh. These pocket friendly places for your workation offer multiple activities around the properties, common areas, free WiFi for uninterrupted work and much more. In addition, they also offer several treks to rejuvenate your weekends or days off. 

Plans starting from: INR 299 per night, varying with the types of dormitories you select

Covid rules: These new working and living spaces come with best-in-class social distancing, cleaning and disinfection practices. They require regular tracking of the Aarogya Setu app as well as temperature monitoring.

For more details, check this out

GlampEco

Nestled amidst the quaint little village of Hamta, is a 50-year-old traditional Himachali mud house. Rejuvenate your work day with hikes, walk alongside the river bed or find your spot by a waterfall. 14 km away from Manali bus stand, the place provides HIGH-SPEED Wi-Fi. Also, all phone networks have excellent coverage at the site.

Plans starting from: INR 2499 per night. 

Covid rules: As an AirBnB property, GlampEco is following strict cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing policies. You can check the detailed guidelines here. 

For more details, check this out

The Forest Edge, Tirthan Valley -1

Forest Edge is a quaint homestay and a popular workation location with all modern amenities in Sairopa, a village in the Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Plans starting from: INR 3500 per night. 

Covid rules: As an AirBnB property, The Forest Edge is following strict cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing policies. You can check the detailed guidelines here. 

For more details, check this out

Hilltop Cottage Workation, Naukuchiatal

Surrounded by misty mountains and lush greenery, the hilltop cottage workation is ideal to work from mountains. It comes with WiFi connectivity throughout the property, power backup, extension cords, etc. There are indoor workspaces with comfortable chairs as well as outdoor furniture if you want your office with a view of the mountains and the lake. They also offer thrilling adventure sports like kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking, nature walks and many more to tickle the adventurer in you. 

Plans starting from: INR 1400 per night. 

Covid rules: Covid guidelines issued by the State-Government will be followed.The place is frequently sanitized following all protocols to ensure maximum safety of all guests.

For more details, check this out

Hostel Cozy Beds, Kasol

Cozy Beds hostel is one of its kind, facilitated with 24 hours reception, free wifi, rooftop, common area, and restaurant serving continental and à la carte breakfast. Just 0.5 KM from Kasol bus stand at the starting of Kasol Market, it is your go to place to work from mountains. 

Plans starting from: INR 258 per night, depending on the room type 

For more details, check this out

Pink House Homestay

Another workation location in Kasol, Pink House provides accommodation with a restaurant, free WiFi, a shared kitchen, and room service. It is 68 KM away from the KulluManali Airport. 

Plans starting from: INR 519 per night. 

Covid rules: Quarantine protocols are being followed as per local government authorities. Shared resources in common areas are properly sanitized

For more details, check this out

Zostel Mussoorie

Zostel Mussoorie is high on solace, aesthetic charms, and having a good time with fellow backpackers and remote workers. 46 km from Dehradun & 11 km from the Mall Road of Mussoorie, it has colourful and cosy Hobbit House for a community kitchen, where you can eat or cocoon and work. 

Plans starting from: INR  799 per night. 

Covid rules: Quarantine protocols are being followed as per local government authorities. Shared resources in common areas are properly sanitized and social distancing norms are in place. Only those guests with safe status on Aarogya Setu app are allowed. Thermal screening is done at entry and exit points

For more details, check this out

Work from Beaches

Roadhouse Hostel, Anjuna, Goa

Roadhouse Hostel is nested amidst the ethereal beauty of the Anjuna beach and its neighbouring hub of German Bakery and Mango Shade to help you work away from home. They offer fully air conditioned clean rooms and dormitories with effective WiFi for the bunkers for a comfortable stay. 

For more details, check this out

Wanderers Hostel, Morjim, Goa

Nested in Morjim in Goa, the Wanderers Hostel is ideal for those who want to experience and work remotely from Goa without burning a hole in their wallets. They offer shared as well as ensuite rooms for all our bunks with complimentary use of WiFi and a snooker table.

Plans starting from: INR  399 per night. 

For more details, check this out

Hostel Micasa Hostels, Pondicherry

Micasa is an exclusive premium hostel for travellers and remote workers, located at the heart of Pondicherry. In addition to shared dorms and staying spaces, they also have common entertainment lounges for a pleasant experience. 

Covid rules: Following all Travel Advisories had been issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India

For more details, check this out

Zostel Goa Hostel, Calangute

Nestled in the heart of Calangute, Zostel Goa Hostel is an ideal spot from which to discover Goa and work remotely. Situated only 6.6 km from the city center, it offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, private check in/check out, daily housekeeping, laundromat, etc. 

For more details, check this out

Craft Hostel, Anjuna Goa 

Always bustling with solo travellers, backpackers, and remote workers alike, Craft Hostels is the place to go to for fulfilling your love for socialising, working remotely and meeting interesting people. From comforting home-cooked meals to free WiFi, they offer everything you might need for a fulfilling workation.

Plans starting from: INR  500 per night. 

Covid rules: As Zostel property, Craft Hostel is following strict cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing policies. You can check the detailed guidelines here. 

For more details, check this out

XOXO Hostel, Goa

Trusted by Zostel, XOXO Hostel is perfect for a budgeted lavish stay for those of you who love to meet people, work and party all in one. The workation destination offers free WiFi and other amenities you need to work remotely. 

Plans starting from: INR  680 per night. 

Covid rules: As Zostel property, XOXO Hostel is following strict cleaning, social distancing and mask wearing policies. You can check the detailed guidelines here. 

For more details, check this out

Le Holiday Inn, Pondicherry

Le Holiday Inn is situated in Pondicherry with an outdoor swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The nearest airport is Puducherry Airport, 6 km from the destination. 

Plans starting from: INR  850 per night. 

Covid rules: Quarantine protocols are being followed as per local government authorities. Shared resources in common areas are properly sanitized. Thermal screening is done at entry and exit points

For more details, check this out

WoodPacker Hostel, Pondicherry

Situated in the heart of Auroville town, The Woodpacker Hostel is close to the city centre and 2.6 km away from Auroville Beach. Offering WiFi, library, seating lounge and other work facilities, it seeks to offer a pleasant workation experience. 

Plans starting from: INR  658 per night. 

For more details, check this out

Work from Deserts

Treebo Hotel Raj , Jodhpur

The Treebo Hotel in Jodhpur can be a wise choice for those looking to work from desserts. They offer well-equipped rooms with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. For business groups, the hotel is ideal to hold conferences and meetings in their meeting / conference room. Bhagat Ki Kothi Railway Station is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 4.38 km. Jodhpur Airport is about 7.12 km from the hotel.

Plans starting from: INR 287 per night. 

For more details, check this out

Zostel Udaipur

Zostel Udaipur is a well-planned property as it lies right in front of the Lake Swaroop Sagar. It provides its guests with modern amenities ranging from high-speed Wi-Fi to even a gaming room for everyone to enjoy and have a pleasant workation experience.

Plans starting from: INR 399 per night. 

Covid rules: Quarantine protocols are being followed as per local government authorities. Shared resources in common areas are properly sanitized. Only those guests with safe status on Aarogya Setu app are allowed. Thermal screening is done at entry and exit points

For more details, check this out

goStops Udaipur

goStops Udaipur awaits you with private rooms and comfortable dorms for your next workation. Its comfy mini home theatre and library caters to all kinds of guests.

Plans starting from: INR 665 per night. 

Covid rules: Quarantine protocols are being followed as per local government authorities. Shared resources in common areas are properly sanitized. Only those guests with safe status on Aarogya Setu app are allowed. Thermal screening is done at entry and exit points

For more details, check this out

Nagar Haveli

24.1 km from the Dabok Airport, Nagar Haveli offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and free WiFi and a shared lounge. Additionally, all rooms are equipped with a desk and seating area for comfortable remote work. 

Plans starting from: INR 648 per night. 

For more details, check this out

Hostel Mantra, Udaipur

Hostel Mantra is a community of travellers, explorers, wanderers and now remote workers. It is a 300 year old Haveli (Heritage Home) converted into a backpacker’s hostel. 

Plans starting from: INR 353 per night. 

For more details, check this out

Gharana, Udaipur

One of the best budget homestays and workation destinations in Udaipur, Gharana offers comfortable rooms with amenities like air conditioner, television, Wi-Fi access and other basic amenities for a relaxing stay and work experience. It is at a distance of 20 km from Maharana Pratap Airport and 3 km from Udaipur Railway Station.

Plans starting from: INR 799 per night. 

For more details, check this out

Hide-In

Hide-In Udaipur opens in a 70-year-old building providing you a mix of traditional and modern architecture. It has dorms and private rooms with a rooftop restaurant which serves Indian and Contemporary food. Ideal for your next workation to work and relax at the same time.

Plans starting from: INR 518 per night. 

For more details, check this out

Moustache Udaipur

Moustache Udaipur is a sought after place for backpackers and new age remote workers. Located at a distance of 1.3 km from famous Pichola Lake, it offers complimentary wi-fi facility to all its guests for seamless work.

Plans starting from: INR 301 per night. 

Covid rules: COVID-19 guidelines for Food Hygiene is followed as per government guidelines. Social distancing measures are present in restaurant(s)

For more details, check this out

Keekoo Udaipur

Keekoo is an ideal workation destination for those who seek luxury on budget options. With amenities like a cafe, mini library, super comfy beds, private parking, hangout spots, lake view, and ofcourse high speed internet, Keekoo should definitely be on your work from anywhere list. 

Plans starting from: INR 479 per night. 

Covid rules: Sanitizers are available at all common places and Property Disinfection (Common area,Reception) are routinely conducted.

For more details, check this out

Beyond the Locations: Major Hostel Providers

We have tried our best to provide you with the top workation location to help you work remotely with efficiency and fun. However, if you want to go beyond the locations we have provided above, you should definitely check out the top hostel, dormitories providers that function pan-India and beyond. 

These platforms offer staying and co-working spaces with pocket friendly packages starting for a few days to a few months. You can even customize your packages and travel from one location to another without worrying about finding a place to work and stay. Some of the top hostel providers include, Backpacker Panda, Trippr World, Zostel, Hosteller, GoStops, MoustacheHostel, etc. They also offer packages and locations for group booking in case you are planning to take a workation with your coworkers or friends. 

Your workation checklist

Undoubtedly, you would be very excited if you are planning to take up this work from anywhere seriously. However, it is important to be safe and prepared. Here is a quick checklist that you can use to assess the places you are targeting to work from. Make sure that the location you select:

• Ensures strict disinfection and sanitization of all spaces
• Follows norms for personnel hygiene (especially those who come in contact with the guests)
• Follows safety protocols for food preparation (both where food preparation takes place and those who prepare it)
• Offer sanitized transportation (if you are using their cabs)
• Follow social distancing in common places/ dormitories
• Have dedicated workstations and high speed internet to ensure seamless work
• Have nice local places to explore around (preferably treks/places to walk)

Compare, check, book and enjoy!

It is always good to compare the different locations you have in mind and even do a bit of checking on different platforms for the locations you narrow down. Thanks to the online booking marketplace, you can check out several platforms before making your final booking. Some of the top providers that will offer you the best deals and combo packages include Agoda, Booking.com, Make My Trip, Goibibo, among others. 

Things To Carry: Don’t Forget

With social distancing norms in place, it is unlikely that you would be able to share some things with anyone, wherever you stay. Therefore, it is best to carry the following things for a pleasant workation: 

• 2 water bottle
• Raincoat / Umbrella 
• Toiletries (Toothpaste/Brush/Mouthwash)
• Hand wash/ Sanitizer/ Disinfectant Spray
• Charger (wired and portable)
• USB cable and AUX
• Spectacles and case (if applicable)
• Masks
• Plastic bags 
• Medicines 
• Oil
• Tissues
• Electric Kettle
• Sun screen
• Diamox for mountains 
• Gopro
• Torch
• Headpillow 
• First Aid
• Spoons/ forks
• Scissors / knife 

Tips to Make your Workation a Success: From our CMO

To help you get a personal touch of the workation locations, our CMO has been working remotely for the past few days from Alt Life Hostel in Manali.

Here are a few practical tips he has shared for the best of anyone looking forward to spending the next few weeks working away from home:

• If you’re planning to work from mountains or colder places where temperature is below 0 degree, ensure that you carry appropriate clothing and proper thermals which can sustain in sub zero temperature. 
• If you’re planning to live in a backpacker hostel, be ready for community living with some noise in common areas. You may need to take your meetings from your dorm or go outside to find a quiet place for calls if you need silence. 
• If you have a friend or travel buddy along with you, the best option is to get a room and work from inside the room. While this may be a little more expensive, it will give you a great deal of privacy and proper space to work and attend to meetings. 
• Be prepared to be mesmerized by snowfall in the mountains or amazing sunsets at the beach. You’ll need to focus on your work with amazing distractions of nature.

On the weekends, he turns into an explorer and can be seen wandering around nature’s best secrets. Here is a glimpse of the few places he has been exploring.

Working Away From Home: The New Normal

Undoubtedly, we are in the new mode of working i.e. work from anywhere. It is time to embrace this beautiful concept of a workation and make remote work rejuvenating, relaxing and more productive. If you have been working remotely from an offbeat location, do share it with us to explore. If you loved this list and any of your friends are planning a workation, don’t forget to share this blog with them!

The post 30+ destinations to set up your Workstation: A Guide for Remote Workers appeared first on Recro | Blog.