Marking over three years since the beginning of the pandemic, most of us have become accustomed to the working-from-home (WFH) hustle. Though the world has returned to a version of normalcy once again, the remote work trend has continued on at pace. For some, we prefer the buzz of an in-office environment, for others remote work offers an assortment of enticing benefits, such as the ability to jet off on a ‘workcation’.
Preply, a language education platform based in the US, conducted a recent study revealing the ultimate ranking of cities for indulging in productive yet rejuvenating workcations. With climate, environment, cost, safety, and quality of life serving as the key considerations for their rankings, Preply’s study produced some interesting results. Using both the study findings and FQ’s own favourite cities as reference, we bring you the ultimate workcation guide.
The study rankings
Preply’s Top 10 Cities for a workcation:
- Brisbane, Australia
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Nicosia, Cyrus
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Helsinki, Finland
- Vienna, Austria
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Ottawa, Canada
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Residents of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland might be feeling the urge to set sail a little less after learning their premium position on Preply’s list. Considered to be the 8th most desirable city to work remotely, Auckland scored highly for quality of life, and medium-high for cost, safety and climate. Taking the top position was Brisbane, who muscled out the competition thanks to its average annual temperature of 22 degrees and high quality of life. Alongside esteemed European cities like Lisbon, Reykjavik, and Vienna, as well as Ottawa and Taipei, the list celebrates the accessibility and vibrant cultural offerings that make Europe a sought-after remote work destination.
FQ’s top picks
Although we’ll never decline an invite to one of Europe’s many hotspots, there’s more on the FQ team’s list of considerations when dreaming up our ideal workation list. A spot of shopping between Zoom meetings? Yes please. A coastal walk to refresh our minds? We’re in. Striking the perfect work-life balance isn’t easy, but it’s certainly helped by a good selection of amenities.
1. Sydney
Contrary to its 17th ranking on Preply’s list, for us Sydney takes out the top spot. Known for its beautiful beaches, excellent coffee and endless array of shopping options, Sydney effortlessly blends cosmopolitan glamour with a relaxed coastal lifestyle. If grabbing a wine at The Rocks after work or taking a midday stride along the Bondi to Bronte walk tickles your fancy, then an extended stay in this vibrant city might be for you.
2. Copenhagen
For a city that fosters a sense of rejuvenation and inspiration, Copenhagen is another top choice for team FQ. Bike-friendly streets and picturesque canals make for an idyllic place to take your 11am coffee break, especially while getting a glimpse of the iconic Scandi street-style. With its progressive mindset, high-quality infrastructure, and welcoming atmosphere, Copenhagen is the perfect city to experience the harmonious blend of work and leisure while enjoying the unique charm of Danish culture.
3. Canggu, Bali
If a tropical work sanctuary sounds enticing, then Canggu in Bali might be the pick for you. With its laidback surf vibes and enchanting natural beauty, this idyllic coastal village offers the perfect blend of productivity and relaxation. Picture yourself basking in the warm Balinese sun, laptop in hand, as you tap into a world of inspiration amidst lush rice fields and beachfront views. You can fuel your workday with cheap yet delectable eats from trendy cafes, and after a hard day’s work, refuel your spirit with a sundown yoga session.
