What began as a temporary solution during the pandemic has become a lasting change, with millions of professionals now planning their lives around the possibility of working from anywhere. By 2026, workcations are mainstream. This new way of living is changing where travellers go, how long they stay, and what they look for in a destination.
Barclays’ Consumer Spend Report for early 2026 shows that UK consumers spent 2.4% more on travel in 2025, with the average person spending £1,455. This growth outpaced other spending categories, indicating that travel remains a priority even when money is tight. The report also found that only 28% of people would cut back on holidays to save money, putting travel ahead of eating out, clothing, and takeaways in importance.
This resilience is partly explained by the workcation phenomenon. When your laptop is your office, a long weekend in the Lake District can stretch into a fortnight. A trip to Portugal no longer requires annual leave. You simply work Lisbon hours in the morning and explore the Alfama district in the afternoon. The economics change dramatically when accommodation costs are offset by continued salary, and the psychological benefit of a change of scene can improve productivity rather than disrupt it.
Where remote workers are heading
The places workcation travellers choose are changing. Spain has seen a big jump, with flight bookings up 32% from last year, according to Barclays travel data. Portugal is close behind, with a 21% rise in flight bookings and a 16% increase in hotel searches. These classic sunny spots are now seen as places to stay longer, not just for short beach holidays.
This change is also clear in UK travel. Spending on hotels, resorts, and other places to stay in the UK went up 1.2% in March 2026. This may show that more people prefer staycations, mixing work and leisure without the hassle of going abroad. Coastal towns, countryside getaways, and historic cities are becoming more popular as travellers look for slower-paced trips that let them work and relax.
Airbnb data backs up this trend. In 2024, almost 20% of bookings were for stays longer than 28 days, indicating that more people prefer longer trips to short breaks. For workcation travellers, things like strong Wi-Fi, a good workspace, and proximity to shops matter more than a pool or a sea view. Booking.com found that over 60% of remote workers say the quality of the workspace is a key factor when picking a place to stay.
The practicalities of working from anywhere
Living the workcation lifestyle takes more than just a laptop and a good idea. You have to think about visas, taxes, and time zones. By 2025, more than 65 countries had established digital nomad or remote work visa programs, including Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Barbados, and Croatia. These programs aim to bring in skilled workers who contribute to the local economy without competing for local jobs.
UK citizens now have more choices. The Standard Visitor Visa allows some remote work for overseas employers, provided it is not the main reason for the visit. The Youth Mobility Scheme grants full work rights to eligible young people, and the High Potential Individual Visa is for graduates from top global universities seeking flexible work options.
Income requirements can be very different. European digital nomad visas usually ask for proof of monthly earnings between £2,200 and £3,500, while countries like Colombia or Brazil may only require about £600. Most programs also need you to have health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of where you will stay.
Building a sustainable remote work lifestyle
The romantic image of tapping away on a beach laptop ignores the practical challenges. Reliable internet is non-negotiable, and not every picturesque village provides fibre broadband. Time zone alignment becomes critical when your team operates on GMT, and you are based in Thailand. Many experienced workcation travellers recommend regional travel to maintain workable schedules, hopping between European cities rather than crossing continents.
Community is also important. Many remote workers say feeling isolated is the biggest downside, which is why digital nomads often gather in popular hubs. Places like Lisbon, Bali, and Barcelona are popular because they have coworking spaces, networking events, and strong international communities. For UK travellers considering a longer stay, these places offer both work opportunities and opportunities to meet people.
Money matters are just as important. Platforms like Highbet Casino show how important it is to understand things like currency exchange, transaction fees, and local rules. For serious planners, the main focus should be steady income, smart tax planning, and adherence to visa rules before considering lifestyle perks. The most successful remote workers see location independence as a career plan, not just a long holiday.
Looking ahead
The workcation trend is still growing. Barclays says that 20% of UK consumers plan to travel more in 2026 than in 2025. With ongoing global uncertainty affecting usual holiday spots, being able to move between places is more valuable than ever. Workcations give travellers this flexibility, letting them stay longer, change plans, or move somewhere new without losing income.
Now, there is real support for working from anywhere, with new visa options, coworking spaces, and places to stay built for remote workers. The real question is not if you can work from anywhere, but if you have the discipline to do it well.
