How to Have a Successful Workation
in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
“Leave the work at home because you’re on vacation!”
It seems like a lifetime ago those words of wisdom were so very important. But with an ever-increasing number of remote workers and digital nomads, the idea of bringing work to the vacation is becoming more popular. It’s called a workation – and this is how to have a successful remote work getaway in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
How to Have a Successful Workation on Alabama's Beache
Set Work Goals Before You Arrive
The key to a successful workation is finding a balance between work and vacation. It doesn’t have to be a 50/50 split, but you should have specific work goals you want to accomplish before heading out on vacation. To establish that work-life balance and meet business deadlines, you need to set a routine. Determine your most productive time of day, block off that time for work, and then build a travel itinerary around it.
Find the Right Place to Stay & Work Remotely
Choose a Vacation Rental With Room to Work
A successful workation starts with the right type of accommodations. Consider booking a condo or renting a beach house with enough room to work comfortably and relax after logging off. You’ll have all the comforts of home and the ability to establish a dedicated workspace, such as using the dining room table, a private bedroom, or the most comfortable seat in the living room.
Consider a Resort for Built-In Vacation Amenities
Booking a Gulf-front resort just might be the best type of workation accommodation if you want work-friendly space with easy access to vacation amenities. Resorts feature all the same comforts of home and the ability to establish a workspace, but you’ll also be close to swimming pools, lazy rivers, on-site restaurants, and beach chair rentals. If you’re not workationing alone, those extras give everyone else something fun to do while you’re pounding on the keyboard.
Find a Laptop-Friendly Spot Beyond Your Rental
When you need a change of scenery, head over to a local coffee shop for a few hours. There are plenty of fantastic coffee spots across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, that are ideal for lighter tasks like answering emails, reviewing notes, or taking a work block. Most places offer Wifi, outlets, and table seating as well as signature coffees and baked goods. A few notable coffee shops that are best for remote work include Southern Grind, Anchored Coffee House, BuzzCatz, and Foam.
Make Daily Routines Easier
Use the Kitchen for Simple Meals
Eating out every meal can be costly, and for anyone balancing a busy workday, it can be time-consuming. Plan to utilize the fully equipped kitchen in rental units and prepare a few meals for yourself.
Save Time With Local Services
Go one step further in saving time by using a local grocery delivery service like The Beach Moms. This premier concierge service will shop for your groceries, stock the kitchen in your rental unit, and even help coordinate some of your vacation activities so you can stay focused on meeting business deadlines.
Take Breaks That Feel Like Vacation
Step Outside for a Quick Reset
Taking small breaks from your workspace setups is essential to maintaining focus and productivity. Step through the sliding glass door of your rental and plop onto the plush wicker furniture. A gentle breeze cools the air on the covered balcony. The motion of the turquoise Gulf water is almost hypnotizing. Okay, break time is overtime to finish your work!
Explore Gulf State Park Between Work Blocks
Gulf State Park – the pinnacle of Alabama’s state park system, creates a gorgeous natural boundary between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The park features a fishing and education pier, campground, Nature Center, and public beach access. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a series of paved paths and elevated boardwalks spanning more than 28 miles throughout protected nature preserves. Take advantage of the free bike share program to explore these trails or head out on foot for a leisure hike between virtual meetings.
Play Golf or Plan Family-Friendly Fun
Did you pack the golf clubs? Visit our local championship golf courses and stretch your legs with a game. Did you pack the family instead? Try one of the miniature golf courses for an evening of family fun on quirky courses with dinosaurs, waterfalls, and ice cream! Even better, take everyone to The Track Family Fun Park for mini-golf, go-kart racing, and an arcade, or head over to Waterville USA for an afternoon of water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools in the 20-acre park.
Get on the Water Between Workdays
Eager to get on that beautiful turquoise water? Boating, diving, and kayaking are excellent ways to explore the Gulf Coast. If you’d rather take it easy and let an experienced captain do all the work, consider a dolphin cruise.
Refuel With Seafood & Local Dining
Eventually, you will want to close your laptop and head out to explore the coastal cuisine. Fresh gulf seafood is a local staple, and raw oysters are locally harvested and delicious all year long. You will also find an assortment of other excellent dining options nearby, including open-air dining spots serving barbecue, burgers, desserts, and bushwhackers. Time your dinner just right, and you are almost certain to catch nearby live music venues filling the air with exuberance throughout the night.
Make Room for Work and Vacation on Alabama’s Beaches
A workation on Alabama’s Beaches gives you room to stay productive while still enjoying the moments that make a beach trip feel special. Choose the right place to stay, set a routine that works for your schedule, and leave space for good meals, Gulf views, and easy adventures between workdays. When you arrive, be sure to stop by the visitor center for local maps, expert planning recommendations, and information on upcoming community events.
Jason Barnette
For Jason Barnette, road trips are not just a passion, they are a way of life. Jason writes about his travels to inspire others to #GoForADrive. He started writing when he was 12 years old on a Brother typewriter his mom bought for him, and he’s been writing ever sonse.
