New travel businesses are making it easier for remote workers to live and work in other countries without committing to a long-term contract. According to a research published in March by The Harris Poll, “workcations” are on the rise, with 74 percent of Americans who work from home indicating they would consider taking one. Instead of selecting a hotel room near the beach, travel companies are luring workers to go further afield with international itineraries and lodgings tailored to their work schedules. By day, you’ll be at work, and by night, you’ll be exploring. Sojrn (pronounced “sojourn”) creates month-long vacations that allow remote workers to work in another country while learning about a topic relevant to the location. Travelers can learn about philosophy in Greece, wine in Italy, wellness in Bali, and Spanish skills in Colombia while keeping their regular job schedules. Tara Cappel, the firm’s founder and CEO, told CNBC that the company provides lodging and workspaces, as well as logistical items like SIM cards and airport transfers. Every vacation includes one weekly theme-based activity, with optional activities available if work schedules allow, she said. Month-long trips aren’t just for full-time remote employees, according to Cappel. They also assist office workers who are arranging annual remote work periods. “People aren’t going to be satisfied with going back to the way things were,” Cappel said, adding that they “will be more open to traveling differently and bringing their job with them if they can.” Sojrn’s month-long Tuscany wine journey costs between $3,900 and $5,800, depending on where you stay. Anna Richey is a writer. Sojrn began taking reservations in April. She claimed the Tuscany wine vacation sold out in six hours and the Bali wellness trip sold out in one weekend. According to Cappel, over 4,500 people are currently on the queue for visits in 2022. She said the firm is planning additional excursions for 2022 with themes like conservation in South Africa, culinary in Mexico City, fashion in Paris, and history in Rome to keep up with demand. Next year, the American company will also launch its first domestic excursion, a jazz tour of New Orleans. Staying in Europe on a flexible basis If a month is too long – or too short – to remain in one spot, remote employees can plan their own excursions using services like Floasis, a website that lists vetted hotels for remote workers. “As remote workers ourselves, we realized how stressful it was to discover unpleasant surprises when reserving a hotel,” said Kristina Kutan, co-founder and CEO. “That’s why each of our [locations] is thoroughly checked and certified by a remote worker.” The firm’s co-founder and chief commercial officer, Lola Casamitjana, said the remote work lifestyle was unavoidable. “The pandemic was just a catalyst,” she explained. “It was the kick that shattered the last barriers, demonstrating that… we were in desperate need of new, more rewarding ways to live and work.” Remote work stays start at 350 euros ($420) per week in this castle in Manche, France. Floasis provided this image. According to Casamitjana, the website launched last week after a year of planning, featuring listings for workspaces, inspiring environments, and groups for workers to interact with. Accommodations range from village houses and beach apartments in Europe and Morocco to a Portuguese winery, a French Château, and a Greek eco-farm. Most accommodations may be reserved for a night, a week, or a month, and some even include breakfast and yoga classes. “This year, we’re focusing on Europe,” she said, adding that her goal is to achieve 1,000 listings by the end of 2021. More alternatives for business travels Long before the pandemic, companies like Remote Year catered to remote workers. The organization, which was founded in 2014, offers one-week vacations as well as 12-month programs that span four continents. Unsettled conducts semi-structured work-travel trips with the goal of bringing together like-minded people. The duration of the trips varies from one to four weeks. Venture with Impact is a journey that combines employment, travel, and social good into one trip. Its week- and month-long trips are modest (four to ten individuals), and it combines participants’ skills and interests with needs in areas like Mexico and Thailand. Trips to Medellin, Colombia, and Lisbon, Portugal are on the agenda for 2021, though the precise dates have yet to be revealed online. WiFly Nomads is a training program for persons who want to live the “digital nomad” lifestyle. It teaches people how to become remote workers while also giving them a taste of the lifestyle. According to the company’s website, five-day workshops cost roughly $4,000 and are hosted in Bali. Because of the uncertainties around Covid limitations, the next program is expected to begin in early 2022, according to Kate Smith, founder and CEO of WiFly Nomads. In the meanwhile, the organization is offering 12-week online courses on how to get a remote work. “Those who don’t want to return to the office after working from home have been particularly interested in this,” she said. Continue reading
