A workcation in the UK is when someone temporarily works remotely from a holiday destination, like a coastal town or in the countryside. For some, particularly those working from a campervan or narrowboat rather than somewhere mains-powered, this can mean living off-grid for a period of time.

It blends full-time work with travel, without having to permanently change residence or employee contracts, and is a break from the monotonous routine of going into work or being stuck in a home office. Instead, you can work somewhere new, and relax, unwind, and explore once you’ve clocked off.

Discover how you can plan a workcation trip with the perfect remote setup.  

Why are workations becoming popular in the UK? 

The rise of remote and hybrid working has made flexible travel more realistic for UK-based employees. Research from YouGov shows that people are planning to combine work trips with personal holidays to get a taste of workcation life, with over a third (37%) of remote workers expressing interest. 

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that home and hybrid working increased after the COVID-19 pandemic, and also reports improvements in work-life balance among those who chose to do so. Nearly half (44%) of all UK adults work from home in some capacity, according to a MyPerfectCV report. Some workplaces have adopted new policies to allow some people to work abroad, although tax and other legal influences make this a case-by-case basis. 

On top of this, the International Workplace Group (IWG) found 86% of workers felt reduced commuting time improved their work-life balance and that less time travelling created more flexibility. For some, that means testing life on the road or water.

Interest in mobile lifestyles has also grown. People are becoming more curious about location-dependent living, as searches related to ‘van life UK’ have increased in recent years, and platforms like TikTok host nearly 40,000 UK-based van life posts.

Not everyone may be inclined to jump into the deep waters of being a digital nomad, so a short-term workcation offers a taster of the remote living-working balance.  

What’s the difference between a digital nomad and a workcation? 

Workcations and being a digital nomad are similar but not the same. A workcation is temporary, meaning you keep your permanent address and routine, simply relocating for a short break and working away from home. A digital nomad does not have a fixed address, often travelling continuously and working across borders.  

Being a digital nomad also brings tax, visa and other legal implications as an employee, whereas for UK-based employees travelling within the UK, a workcation simply requires approval from your manager or the business.  

How to plan a workcation in the UK 

A successful workcation depends more on preparation than the best scenic views. There are four areas which matter most.

1. Check in with your manager or employer 

Even if you already work remotely and you have the allowance in your contract, it’s best to confirm any expectation around your working hours, your availability, if you’re likely to have any connectivity problems, and to confirm GDPR compliance. It’s also worth having a backup plan if your signal drops out when you have video calls. 

2. Choose a practical location 

You should decide whether you’ll be staying in one place for a period of time or if you’ll be moving every other day. You may choose to park up at a campsite with your van and travel cross-country, or perhaps you stay on a canal boat at one marina for a week at a time. 

Either way, you need access to cooking and washing facilities, to know the local parking or mooring rules, and to have a comfortable working area so you can focus. Don’t forget to look for areas with decent mobile coverage. 

3. Plan your connectivity 

To stay online and complete your tasks reliably on a remote vehicle-based workcation, you’ll need strong connectivity. This might be a 5G router, a mobile hotspot or a dual-network SIM. It’s a good idea to gauge how much bandwidth and download speed you need before you head off on your trip.

4. Ensure reliable power 

If you’re kitting out a campervan or moving onto a narrowboat for a while, living off-grid from mains power, you need to assess how much power you actually need. Many first-time workcationers underestimate the power they need, as you’re not just running a laptop and a light or two, you’ll also have:

  • WiFi or data connection
  • Phone chargers
  • Food appliances like a fridge or mini oven
  • Heating or fans 


And if you’re working for 7-8 hours, you’ll need a properly designed power system to handle that demand. 

This includes installing lithium leisure batteries or AGM batteries suitable for your setup so they don’t drain quickly, ensuring they have enough charging capacity, and choosing inverters that can withstand your power needs. 

If you’re upgrading a van or boat for remote working, think beyond your weekend usage. A full working day places consistent power usage on your electrical system, as you’ll be using multiple devices at once. Capacity planning with quality equipment all matters. 

Well-designed and professionally installed systems prevent interrupted workflows and protect your sanity when you want to soak up the views. 

Need expert guidance on a short-term off-grid workcation setup? 

Explore reliable off-grid power solutions with Onboard Energy for your next workcation, or speak with our technicians about what your next steps to remote energy should be. Our remote energy specialists have over four decades of experience in independent power systems. Call the team today.    

FAQs About Workcations 

Is a workcation legal in the UK? 

If you’re employed by a UK company, work within the UK anyway, and are planning to keep your permanent residence, there shouldn’t be any tax or legal implications. However, you should inform your employer or manager of your intention to work in a different location from your home address and consider any insurance changes if your vehicle or boat becomes a temporary workspace.  

Can I work from a campervan in the UK? 

Yes, you can work from your campervan in the UK provided you have employer approval, reliable internet access and a power system capable of supporting your daily workload.  

Do I need special insurance to work remotely from a van or boat? 

You may have to check your van or boat insurance policy to see if you need to notify your insurer about using it as a workspace.