It’s clear that, post COVID, the travel industry witnessed a trend for holidaymakers to enjoy longer trips away. There were a number of reasons behind this. For one thing, as soon as travel was possible again following the pandemic, there was plenty of pent-up demand to escape on holiday. Secondly, the fact that more people were able to work remotely, meant that travellers were choosing to extend their stays abroad. Rather than ditching the laptop for a week or two weeks, they would bring it with them and eek out their holiday for a few extra days, staying in touch with work whilst they were away. Certainly, one of the most commonly asked enquiries amongst potential guests for our holiday villas in Italy in the last couple of years has been the speed of the WIFI connection. Thirdly, when travel was possible after the pandemic, there was a period when going abroad brought with it a whole host of extra testing requirements which cost both time and money. Travel definitely temporarily became more stressful and holidaymakers wanted to ensure that the trip would be worth the added hoops they had to jump through the get there… which translated yet again into longer stays. And, last but not least, whilst many sadly suffered financially as a result of the pandemic, there was another distinct group that actually found themselves a little more flush with cash which they put towards a longer trip away. This is the group that had perhaps unwillingly saved on leisure activities that they had temporarily no longer been able to enjoy during lockdown – a night at the theatre, for example, or an evening meal at a restaurant with friends.
This trend for longer stays doesn’t seem to have abated. With fixed costs of travel definitely higher than pre pandemic, now, more than ever, it makes sense to try and extend the time you can spend on holiday. And with a new working model firmly set in place, the move to blending a traditional vacation with a ‘workcation‘ seems to be set to stay. A workcation is typically enjoyed by a new type of traveller – a digital nomad who no longer needs to work in a fixed location but can essentially work anywhere as long as it’s quiet and has good internet!
We’ve already shared an itinerary for spending 4 weeks in Italy which allows you to explore Italy from top to bottom. This already has an emphasis on slow travel… on not rushing around trying to see everything but instead in taking a more relaxed pace to travel, allowing you to discover those hidden, off the path destinations as well as ticking off the big bucket list things to see and do in Italy.
However, there is another option on how to spend 4 weeks in Italy and that is not to tour around at all but instead to stay in just one place. This is certainly more conducive to those heading on a workcation, who, with work to do, perhaps don’t have the time to be touring around. There is much in favour of staying in one place too. For a start, you’ll usually be able to secure a heavily discounted rate on a self catering villa in Italy for a stay of this length. It also allows you to truly live like a local, absorbing yourself in the local culture and way of life.
But we’re also clear that not all our villas in Italy may be suitable for an extended stay. For us, for a villa in Italy to be suitable for a workcation, it must boast a number of key features. We have already mentioned the necessity for a good WIFI connection. Also important are other practical considerations such as having a suitable desk space to work on. With the possible exception of a workspace for writers, we also think that the location should be peaceful but not too remote. After all, if you’re working you can’t afford the time to take long drives out to top up on supplies when you need them. And last but not least, we also think that your villa should be an inspiring place to work.
Here are just three great options of villas in Italy which are perfect for a workcation and which tick all these boxes. Of course, Bookings For You have plenty more suitable properties so if these don’t whet your appetite enough to want to spend 4 weeks in Italy, then do get in touch with us. We’re more than confident that we’ll be able to find the perfect villa in Italy for your workcation.
This Umbria villa is situated in the heart of our very favourite town in Italy – Spello. For us, it definitely ticks all the boxes. It may only have 1 bedroom, but the living space is spacious, providing more than ample room for two people to comfortably work together. For those all important coffee breaks and work lunches, head out onto the private courtyard terrace which enjoys the most incredible views over the Umbrian countryside beyond, providing more than enough inspiration for whatever project you’re working on! And if you do run out of coffee during the day, just head onto the charming cobbled streets of Spello to the nearby cafe to top up on caffeine levels!
This Italian Lakes villa ticks many of the same boxes as The Courtyard in Spello. The open plan kitchen, dining and living area provides the perfect workspace, with dual aspect windows letting in loads of natural light. The mature gardens beyond also provide plenty of inspiration to get your work done! There may not be a staff canteen on site, but we think you’ll agree that Lesa’s restaurants are a far better option for a bite to eat at lunch!
Our final example of the perfect apartment in Italy for a workcation is this stunning Florence apartment. It provides a quiet and peaceful place to work despite being situated in the popular Oltrarno district of the city, described by Time Out as the ‘Florence’s coolest neighbourhood.’ This is packed with some of the best restaurants and bars anywhere in Florence so whenever you decide it’s time to clock off for the day, you’ll be out enjoying yourself in no time! You can chose to work in the open plan living and dining room or in the study area. Or, if you find the fresh air inspiring, why not enjoy your conference calls in the comfort of your private courtyard terrace.
If we have inspired you to enjoy a different view from your office for a while, do get in touch with the team at Bookings For You. We’d love to help you find the perfect villa in Italy for your workcation.