“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 people working remotely, 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 workation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Booking a Gulf-front resort just might be the best type of workation accommodation. Resorts feature all the same comforts of home and the ability to establish a workspace, but you’ll also have easier access to vacation amenities. Swimming pools and lazy rivers, on-site restaurants, and beach chair rentals – if you’re not workationing alone, will give everyone else something fun to do while you’re pounding on the keyboard.
Taking small breaks from work is essential to maintaining productivity. Step through the sliding glass door 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!
Gulf State Park – the pinnacle of Alabama’s state park system – creates a 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 28+ miles throughout the park. Take advantage of the free bike share program to explore these trails or head out on foot for a leisure hike.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner – eventually, you’ll eat out. Seafood, of course, is the local staple and often made with fresh catch seafood directly from the Gulf. But you’ll also find an assortment of other great cuisine like barbecue, desserts, burgers, and bushwhackers. Time dinner just right, and you’re almost certain to catch live music filling the air with exuberance throughout the night.
The subtropical climate of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach makes it a year-round destination. The best times to visit for a workation are the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall. During those times, the local restaurants and attractions will be open, but you won’t have to wait long.
What is the best length of time for a workation? Weekend getaways are too short to establish a good routine, and weeks at a time lead to a dramatic shift in the balance. The Goldilocks Zone of workations is one or two weeks – just the right amount of time to set a routine, accomplish work goals, and enjoy a vacation.