The evolution of “work from anywhere” – and how South Africans can make it work all year round!
Once upon a time, you’d mark the change of season by stashing away your cozzie and heading back to work, waving goodbye to any dreams of adventure until next summer’s holiday allowance kicked in. But for South Africans in 2026, that old-school, calendar-defined approach feels as dated as dial-up internet.
Globally, the workcation market hit $4.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to soar to $16.7 billion by 2033. Work and travel are no longer polar opposites. Now is the age of the workcation, where Zoom calls and everyday life co-exist seamlessly with new places, new cultures, and an ever-unfolding sense of possibility – 365 days a year.
And if you think this is a niche trend, look closer to home. A remarkable 77% of South Africans say they’d be keen to combine work and leisure on their next trip, according to Flight Centre’s recent global survey.
“We expected hybrid work to change the travel landscape, but what’s really surprised us is just how quickly South Africans have made the leap. And it’s not just the young or the tech-savvy. We’re seeing everyone from small business owners to families integrating work and travel in ways that would have sounded radical five years ago,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa.
Why workcations appeal right now
Blame it on 2020’s lockdown cabin fever or the rise of hybrid work, but the things we want from travel (and life) have changed. Today, it’s all about wellbeing and a sense of agency, doing good work while still experiencing the world.
Recent studies, including 2025 research published by Maximiliane Wilkesmann and Mona Bassyiouny in the Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, reveal the strongest motivators behind workcations:
- Control over your time and environment.
- Boosted wellbeing.
- Novelty and inspiration.
“Our customers are blending work and travel to rediscover joy in both their jobs and their personal lives. The healthiest approach is often a rhythm – mornings for productivity, late afternoons for exploring somewhere new, evenings for real rest,” says Turner.
Destinations and hotels across the world have quickly realised that “workcationers” are the future of travel. What does this look like, practically?
- Purpose-built workcation suites: Larger desks, ergonomic chairs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and peace and quiet.
- Coworking lounges and social spaces: Not just for working, but for meeting like-minded travellers, too.
- Flexible long-stay options: Packages and rates built for people staying weeks or even months.
According to Turner:
“The best destinations are reimagining what it means to ‘host.’ It’s about helping guests feel productive, connected, and inspired. Honestly, we’ve seen plenty of guests extend their stays, or book a return trip, simply because their hotel made it so easy to work well and relax deeply.”
The workcation playbook
The success of a workcation hinges on creating the right environment (physically and mentally) to blend focus with freedom.
Practical ways to make it happen:
- Destination rules: Prioritise Wi-Fi stability, quiet areas, and access to grocery stores or laundries for longer stays.
- Mind your toolkit: Noise-cancelling headphones and a universal adaptor are as crucial as sunscreen.
- Get your tech sorted: Local eSIMs with hefty data bundles are a lifesaver. Don’t rely on patchy coffee shop Wi-Fi.
- Time zones can work for, not against, you: South Africa’s similar time zones to Europe, the Middle East, and major Indian Ocean hubs make global collaboration a breeze.
- Set boundaries: Plan “off” time for exploring. Don’t try to multitask your holiday away.
Destinations for every season
Digital nomad visas and remote work permits are now available in more than 50 countries, including some of South Africa’s top picks.
Some of our favourite workcation-friendly spots include:
- Mauritius: The one-year Premium Visa is a breeze, flights are short, Wi-Fi is strong, and the weather seriously goes the distance.
- Portugal: With a dynamic digital nomad visa and no time zone drama, you can work with ocean views and stroll pastel-coloured streets by night.
- Bali: Indonesia’s E33G Remote Worker KITAS lets you swap your office chair for a beachfront beanbag without missing a meeting.
- Namibia, Mozambique, Cape Verde: Close to home, lower barriers, and unbeatable natural beauty. Perfect for a change of pace (and climate).
- Unexpected local gems: South Coast, Drakensberg, winelands, or the Karoo – sometimes adventure is just a few hours from your lounge.
Rewrite the calendar & rediscover possibility
So, what’s stopping you from mixing things up? There’s a world of possibility within reach, no matter what the calendar says. Travel is no longer something that interrupts life or work; it amplifies and enriches both. And in 2026, that’s the attitude worth packing for your next adventure.
