(and why it all started with moving halfway across the world)
Let’s get one thing out of the way:
A workcation is not about working from a beach in Bali or sipping cocktails with your laptop by the pool.
It’s about something much simpler and far more sustainable. It’s about allowing yourself to experience more of life without having to pause your freelance career.
As a freelance translator, localization specialist, and bilingual copywriter, I’ve been taking workcations regularly for the past few years. I’ve worked from big cities and small villages, from mountain towns and seaside cafés, from coworking spaces in Lisbon to rented apartments in the Alps.
And honestly? I’m better at what I do because of it.
In this article, I want to share how workcations have improved both my work and my well-being — and why I think more linguists should consider taking one (even if it’s just for a few days)
From “What the hell is this”… to “This is the only way”
When I started taking workcations, it wasn’t because I saw people on Instagram working from hammocks.
It was because I’m an immigrant.
I’m originally from Argentina, and I moved to Italy in 2021. My world shifted completely — not just geographically, but professionally.
In my previous corporate life, travel only happened during PTO. Discovering new places required full disconnection and careful planning. But when I moved to Europe and became a freelancer (married to a remote worker, no less), I realized my circumstances had changed — and so had my options.
At the same time, I also knew that as a new solo freelancer, I couldn’t afford to take two or three weeks off every time I went back to Argentina.
So the only way to make it work… was to literally work through it.
That’s how my first real workcation started, not as a lifestyle experiment, but as a necessity.
And strangely enough, it became one of the best decisions I’ve made in my freelance career.
How workcations have made me a better professional
1. They’ve improved my productivity.
When I’m on a workcation, I’m much more intentional about how I use my time. If I know I want to spend the morning sightseeing or having a long lunch, I’ll schedule deep work sessions in the afternoon and I’ll actually stick to them.
There’s no endless scrolling or dragging tasks out for no reason. There’s work time, and there’s non-work time — and both feel more fulfilling.
2. They’ve boosted my creativity and clarity.
This is especially true for linguists who also work with content — UX copy, marketing translation, transcreation, etc.
Changing my surroundings gives me a fresh perspective. Whether it’s watching how people interact in a new city, getting exposed to different rhythms, or simply walking unfamiliar streets, something shifts in the brain. I notice different things. I ask better questions. I write and translate with more nuance.
Even for my more technical or legal translation work, that mental clarity makes a difference.
3. They’ve taught me how to be more adaptable.
Let’s be honest: sometimes the Wi-Fi is slow. Sometimes the coworking space is too loud. Sometimes the café says “laptop-friendly” online… but staff gives you that look when you open yours.
Over time, I’ve become more resourceful, more flexible, and less attached to “perfect conditions” — all useful traits for freelancers, no matter what your work is.
What a workcation isn’t
Let’s bust a few myths while we’re here:
- It’s not a vacation where you happen to check your email. A workcation is planned — you make space for both work and rest.
- It’s not about working 10 hours a day from a hotel room. The point is to balance productivity with exploration, connection, or even just downtime.
- It’s not only for influencers or digital nomads. If you’re a freelance linguist with a laptop and an internet connection, it’s possible.
Sometimes, a workcation can be as simple as going to a different city for a long weekend. Working from a coworking café in the mornings, and spending your afternoons visiting friends or walking around the local market. You don’t have to go far or spend a lot to feel the shift.
Tips for your first workcation (from someone who’s taken many)
If you're thinking about trying a workcation, here are some tips that might help:
1.🕐 Play with time zones to your advantage.
If you’re working with clients in a different time zone (like I often do from Europe with teams in Latin America or the US), use your mornings for activities, and work in the afternoons and evenings. Block that time in your calendar. It makes a big difference.
2.💻 Research your work setup ahead of time.
Find coworking spaces or laptop-friendly cafés in the city where you’ll be. I love using apps like Croissant, which lets you access dozens of coworking spaces with one subscription.
Pro tip: Look up your café of choice on Google Maps, scroll to the reviews, and search for the word “laptop”. It’s a quick way to see if others have successfully worked from there — or if the vibe is more “no screens, please”.
3.🧠 Be realistic with your energy.
Don’t plan museum visits, boat rides, and two client meetings on the same day. Treat your workcation like a real balance — it only works if you’re kind to your schedule and honest about your capacity.
📬A note to my past self
If you allow me, I’d like to talk to the 2021 version of me (new to Europe, nervous about freelancing, wondering how to make it all work) so I can tell her this:
You don’t have to choose between your career and your loved ones.
You can visit home without putting everything on hold.
You can build a career that fits around the life you want — not the other way around.
You just have to get a little creative with your calendar… and believe that flexibility isn’t a luxury, but a tool you’ve earned.
🎒Want to take your first workcation?
I’ve created a simple checklist of essentials (tools, gear, and small habits) that help me stay productive while working remotely from anywhere. If you'd like a copy, feel free to message me and I’ll be happy to send it over!
And don't forget to register for the International Translation Day TV event, where you can learn more about workcations and be as productive as possible while enjoying the benefits of being a freelancer!
