6 Secrets to a Memorable ‘Flexcation’ – Working Remote on Vacation
If you can work remotely, and your kids have to attend school remotely, why not take a remote working vacation – a “flexcation” – and live remotely?
That’s the question many families are asking, and it’s led to a spike in getaway home rentals of two or more weeks. While there have been stories of families taking advantage of remoting by renting campers and hitting the road to live a nomadic lifestyle, the serious demand is for long-term vacation rentals.
According to research by VRBO, about half of families say they can work from anywhere, and they have more flexibility because of their kids’ school schedules. In addition, two-thirds of respondents say they need a change of scenery. (Who doesn’t?)
This combination has led to a surge in popularity for long-term rentals, where as long as the Wi-Fi works and everyone can hop onto the Internet when they need to, life is great.
What else is great about a flexcation? It can be cheaper than a usual summer vacation.
September signals the start of the “shoulder season,” the biannual part of year where it’s neither summer nor winter, meaning it’s not super-crowded or super-crummy. Because of the shoulder season, prices are down about 20% at beachfront destinations like Cape Cod, according to VRBO, and they’re predicted to get lower. So if you decide to flexcay later in shoulder season, you could get a really great deal.
If you decide to go totally remote, we have some ideas for making the most of a flexcation.
Find a place to go: Tools to Discover Coronavirus Travel Restrictions
How to work and school remotely on vacation:
1. Make sure the Wi-Fi works
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula sounds custom-made for a flexcation. The beaches are sandy, the water is cold, the colors are amazing. Just one thing mars this perfect picture: Wi-Fi coverage can be spotty.
Before making a flexcation reservation, make absolutely sure you have powerful, fast Wi-Fi that can accommodate multiple users. Ask the renter, and do your own research to double-check.
Unlike other vacations where the biggest downer is sand flies or algae bloom, bad Wi-Fi can defeat the whole purpose of a flexcation.
Also read: 7 Questions to Ask to Find the Best Family Travel Insurance
2. Make sure there’s something for everyone
If the whole family’s on vacation but only half the family is remoting it, what’s the other half of the family going to do? Make sure your destination has activities for the whole family, and they’re open.
Here are some ideas:
• Best Travel Apps for Finding Things to Do on Vacation
• What to do on Vacation in Orlando That’s Not a Theme Park
• Free Things to do on Vacation around the World
3. Make sure there’s plenty of space
In case you haven’t already learned, Zoom classes and Zoom meetings can get lowdy – that’s “loud” and “rowdy.” It’s probably not optimal to have the kids and mom back-to-back, each doing their own meeting.
Check the floor plan of your prospective rental, and look for physically separated spaces for the kids and the parents to do their work, and remember that basement Wi-Fi can sometimes get sketchy.
Also read: 5 Tips for Planning a Smooth Family Trip
4. Carve out fun time
All work and no play makes for a pretty doggone dull flexcation. The whole idea of a flexcation is to get out and flex your adventure muscles, so carve out some time every day – and big blocks of time a couple of days a week – for everyone to do fun stuff.
Let everybody in on the travel planning, whether it’s taking a road trip, doing something “educational” for the kids remote schooling, or just having some extended beach time.
Also read: The Best National Parks For Family Vacations
5. Be careful out there
We’re still in the midst of a pandemic, so when you do go out be smart. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often. Opt for carryout over dine-in. Avoid huge crowds.
One of the main objectives of your flexcation should be to not get sick, because being stuck inside away from home can be even more miserable than being stuck at home. Be safe.
6. Remember travel insurance
Your flexcation probably isn’t inexpensive, especially if it includes a long stay at a vacation rental. And, all sorts of unexpected things can happen – both before you leave your home and at your destination. From a sick family member to a storm making your rental uninhabitable, the unexpected can find you just as easily (or more easily) on a trip as it can in your own home.
Help protect your flexcation with Generali travel insurance. It can provide coverage for a variety of travel mishaps that can wreck a vacation, and it comes with travel concierge services that can help you find things to do in your remote home-away-from-home.
Getting a quote is simple and easy – just like the decision to take a flexcation.
After all, if you’re going remote, you might as well go all the way.
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