Let’s be honest – 2020 has been a bit of a downer, and that’s putting it mildly. The silver lining is the interesting ways by which we’ve been learning to make our peace with the new normal. One of the new trends in 2020 is the concept of a ‘workation.’ As you might suspect from the name, it is, in fact, work + vacation. After all, there’s only that many zoom meetings and stay at home activities that you can do before you start wondering where the couch ends, and you begin! So why not plan a workation getaway in 2021?
With working from home becoming a way of life, the boundaries of our personal space and workspace have been all but obliterated. Workations that combine work and play can offer much-needed respite from being homebound. After all, when your work allows you to log in from home, ‘home’ can be anywhere the WiFi is! Hotels, including those in the luxury category, too are cashing in on this new trend with attractive workation packaged deals. So, for all those who’ve been dying to scratch that travel itch, we’ve gathered a list of the top 3 work from home getaways in the US that could make for pretty awesome workations.
1. Aspen, Colorado
Ski, work, repeat at this mountainside town nestled in the Rockies. One of the most famous ski resort towns in the world, Aspen is synonymous with glitz, glamour, and fantastic ski slopes. Aspen is a great place to visit any time of the year, with lovely blooms in summer and spring and a gloriously golden fall season. But it’s in winter that Aspen turns into a real wonderland with snow on all the trees and glimmering strings of lights sparkling through the town. Working in the bracing mountain air can only improve your productivity. Once your working hours are over, you can hit the slopes and try your hand at a slew of winter adventures. Aspen offers fun activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, winter birding, and ice fishing!
Travel to Aspen – The state of Colorado is planning to ease up on coronavirus restrictions. However, some places, including Pitkin County, which includes Aspen, do have travel requirements in place. Pitkin County requires all visitors to sign a traveler affidavit confirming a negative test result before their arrival (within 72 hours of arrival), quarantine there until receiving a negative test result, or quarantine for 10 days.
2. Kauai, Hawaii
Get a much-needed dose of sun, sand, and surf on this lush island nicknamed the ‘Garden Isle.’ Kauai has everything that you’d want from a tropical escape – flourishing rainforests, imposing cliffs, jagged peaks, verdant valleys, swaying palm trees, and golden beaches. Kauai is the perfect place if you want to work on an island paradise while enjoying outdoorsy fun like hiking, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and even golfing. You can also spend your weekends hiking across the cliffs that dot the island. You’ll get to enjoy the spectacle of roaring waterfalls, sparkling freshwater pools, and vividly colored flora and fauna.
Travel to Kauai – Hawaii has been open to tourists from October 15, 2020. Currently, you can now visit Kauai without a mandatory quarantine if you comply with certain conditions. You need to produce a COVID-19 negative test result by an approved Trusted Testing and Travel Partner, taken less than 72 hours before taking off on your flight to Hawaii. Kauai also offers voluntary tests for those who display symptoms on arrival. You also need to also register with the Hawaii Safe Travels program.
3. Palm Beach, Florida
The crystal clear waters and white sands of Palm Beach have been beckoning visitors for years. This year, why not make this your workation destination? Wake up to the sound of the waves in this irresistibly serene destination. Once you’re done with work, snorkel, and surf to your heart’s content! With its insanely gorgeous beaches and a wide choice of leisurely pursuits, you’ll have plenty of ways to spend your free time. Palm Beach is not only about the beaches, though. There are intriguing museums, galleries, theaters, gardens, and loads of shopping options for you to explore. Palm Beach is also a favorite hangout of the rich and famous. Who knows, you might even end up rubbing elbows with a celeb or two while you’re out and about town!
Travel to Palm Beach– The state of Florida has no travel restrictions in place currently. However, the Florida Department of Health advises residents and visitors to wear face coverings when social distancing is impossible.
Whether you’re looking for a distraction-free day-stay or a much longer working holiday, you can transport your home office to these destinations for a wonderful workation. So go ahead and make the best of the New Year! Don’t forget to keep your travels safe by booking your contactless parking spots through Way.com!
