How to budget your workation

How to budget your workation

The rise of remote work has given birth to a new phenomenon called the workation. A workation is when you take your work with you on vacation. 

This can be a great way to save money while still being able to see the world. But how do you budget for a workation? 

Good question. It will help you in getting an overview. It may also assist you in not overspending.

Setting up a budget will help you to make choices. Maybe a week later you can benefit from reduced air tickets. Or switch to that other cheaper hotel in order to stay one extra night.

You can do that in a spreadsheet or a text document. Even a note on your phone can do the budget trick.

Make a list of things that you expect to pay for. Categorize it and calculate the total.

Then keep score when you travel so you can wrap up after your workation with the actual costs.

There are a few things you need to consider when budgeting for a workation. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why a workation in the Netherlands is a great idea: 

First, you need to think about your accommodations. Where will you be staying? Will you be renting an Airbnb or staying in a hotel? 

Finding the right workation hotel can be challenging. So many factors that you can take into account.

Next to finding the right location is the length of the trip. Will you be going for a few days only? Or a week? Maybe even longer?

The number of days is a huge factor in your total budget. Even the type of days (weekdays or weekend days) can impact the price.

TIP: Plan well in advance

If you’re going to be working remotely, you’ll need to make sure you have a quiet space to set up your office. Your hotel room might not be sufficient or suit your requirements.

Working in the lobby or coffee places can be great but they can be either busy or unavailable. Are they suitable for the type of work you will try to accomplish?

Take a look at some workspaces. Here you might be able to rent a desk for a day or so.

TIP: Check if you need to make reservations

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of food and drinks. If you’re renting an apartment you’ll likely have access to a kitchen which can help save money on meals. 

If there is no kitchen available then you will have to go out for your meals. The hotel may serve breakfast or even have a restaurant.

You can check this beforehand to get an idea of the costs of eating there.

Depending on where you want to go this factor could be the largest part of the budget.

Will you take the plane? Or drive your own car? How long are you planning to travel for?

It pays off to research cheaper flights or train tickets. Start as early as possible to save some money here.

You should also research transit options in the area before you go so that you can plan accordingly.

Can you go easy by public transport, or is there an Uber service? Bike rental can be a great option to go around.

You need to think about the cost of your actual work supplies. Do you need to buy a new laptop or printer before you go? Will you need to purchase any accessories? Or perhaps invest in that noise-canceling headphones.

When visiting a museum, a concert, or taking a guided tour, these costs count as travel expenses.

Before setting out you will probably have some idea of what you want to visit. Perhaps you will even research these activities and get an idea of these prices.

Take these into account. So your workation budget can be completed.

This may not be on your radar but make sure to check if you need some additional insurance.

Perhaps you will take extra work equipment or travel internationally.

Taking into account all costs that are mentioned here – you will have a good overview of what to expect.

Do you need to save some more or are you ready to go?

If you need to keep track of your expenses for your administration it is wise to separate the costs. Make one list with work-related costs. Make another list with costs related to the holiday.

Of course, it is sometimes hard to split the cost. What is really work-related? So find a division that makes the most sense to you.

TIP: Check with your employer for some sponsorship

Budgeting for a workation can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking into account the cost of accommodations, food, transportation, and work supplies, you can easily plan for your trip without breaking the bank. 

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next workation today!

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