The rise in popularity of the coworking industry has led to an evolution of how we work. Workspace models are changing, but so are members’ expectations of how they want to work, including during travel. The travel coworking niche (sometimes called destination coworking) is just that: people who frequently travel to work somewhere new for a limited time.
Longer than a typical vacation, travel coworkers often spend a month or more in a given location before moving elsewhere. This provides the chance to visit new cities and live temporarily in places that require more than a weekend to see, all while meeting like-minded professionals. Coworking spaces are ideal for employees who don’t need traditional office and desk space, whether they are entrepreneurs or merely part of a company that accepts remote and flexible work.
Companies such as Remote Year are simplifying the travel coworking process by creating programs that include transportation, workspace access, accommodations, tour guides and local area recommendations. According to Coworking Insights, the program receives more than 50,000 applications per year.
Other alternatives to Remote Year have also gained traction, such as co-living with a workspace, or simply finding workspaces that cater to travelers or temporary members. What are some of the pros and cons to travel cowork?
Building Connections
Travelers will meet many individuals who share common interests, are in the same stages of their professional careers and seeking connections while abroad and when the trip ends. Coworking allows for natural interaction on a professional and personal level, all while learning about the people and culture of the destination.
Reasonable Costs
Travel coworking has become more affordable as the concept has grown. When you think about all-inclusive vacations, they may require a significant payment up front, but there are major savings throughout the trip on food and drinks and entertainment. In that same manner, travel coworking packages provide so much in one bundle, that members end up saving on desk costs, supplies, city outings, transportation, postal services and more.
Go Anywhere, Anytime
At the end of the day, travel coworking is a luxury for avid travelers – people who want to see the world without giving up their day job. It offers the chance to visit places you previously thought you couldn’t afford, or you may not have even heard of. It’s all possible because there are coworking spaces throughout the world now that are thriving with local and international community. Compare work life in different cities, and then go out and be a tourist during downtime. It’s the best of both worlds.
Travel Difficulties
On the downside, travel complications are to be expected.  Air travel, new climates, different time zones and unique cultures all come with predictable challenges. You will experience delays at some point or another. Packing for an extended time without a permanent home is difficult. Communicating with others who don’t speak your language can be hard as well, although in the workspace that may be mitigated.
Comfort and amenities?
It is easy to take for granted the luxuries and comfort of living at home – knowing exactly where everything is from the minute you wake up to the minute you fall asleep, routinely commuting to and from an office. While you may choose to travel to major cities and work from the most modern of coworking spaces, there are also options to travel to places where advanced technology isn’t as common. Similarly, there is an adjustment period that comes with moving into a new workspace. By the time you adjust and start making things feel comfortable, it could be time to move on to the next stop.
Overall, travel coworking provides an incredible opportunity to enrich the lives of active, independent professionals. Not only do you experience a new way of life all over the world, but locals, in turn, learn about members who use shared workspaces in their own cities. As the coworking industry evolves, travel coworking will keep growing around the world.