These are seven distant destinations outside Europe that are popular among entrepreneurs and are well-suited for a productive period away from home.
1. South Africa: Doing business between ocean and mountains
South Africa may offer the most complete workation outside Europe. Especially Cape Town has developed into an international hub for digital entrepreneurs. You will find coworking spaces, a strong coffee culture, an international community, and reliable internet connections, all while overlooking Table Mountain or the Atlantic Ocean. The time difference with the Netherlands is minimal (in our winter, it is even the same), making calls and collaborations easy to schedule. Since English is the primary language, working here feels immediately accessible.
What makes this destination particularly interesting is the combination of productivity and mental space. After an intensive work week, you can easily head into nature, for example towards the Garden Route or for a safari experience in the interior. Those who want to know more can delve into a tour of South Africa to determine which region best fits work and relaxation. And for those who want to experience the true Out of Africa feeling, a fly-in safari in Africa is also an inspiring addition to a longer stay.
2. Curaçao: Focus in the morning, calls in the afternoon
Curaçao is attractive for entrepreneurs who want to combine their work with sun and tranquility and can flexibly schedule their agenda. Due to the time difference with the Netherlands (five to six hours depending on the season), your workday automatically shifts to the afternoon and early evening. This means you have time in the morning for sports, focused work, or simply a quiet start without notifications. Many entrepreneurs find this surprisingly effective: first deep work, then meetings.
The island is compact and manageable and has, especially in and around Willemstad, good internet connections. You can work concentrated from an apartment or quiet beach location and then quickly switch to relaxation. It is precisely this combination that makes it suitable for entrepreneurs who want to keep their business running but also consciously work on balance. Those considering a longer stay can check in advance what is possible during a trip to Curaçao and which region is most suitable for combining work and relaxation.
3. Indonesia (Bali): International community and low threshold
Indonesia, and specifically Bali, has been a staple among digital nomads for years. Places like Canggu and Ubud attract entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote teams from all over the world. Coworking spaces, networking events, and international communities are abundant here, making it easy to meet other entrepreneurs and exchange experiences.
At the same time, the cost of living is relatively low, and the environment is inspiring due to the combination of nature, culture, and creativity. The time difference with the Netherlands is significant, making clear agreements and asynchronous work important. For entrepreneurs who are not dependent on fixed office hours, this can lead to long, uninterrupted focus blocks.
4. Thailand: Affordable and structured work
Thailand combines low costs with comfort and a well-developed infrastructure. Chiang Mai is known as a quiet and affordable base for remote workers, while Bangkok offers a dynamic, international energy. In the larger cities, the internet is generally stable, and there are plenty of places where you can work concentrated.
The time difference with Europe requires planning, but many entrepreneurs consciously use it to structure their workday differently. Those who work largely independently or have international clients can work productively here in longer concentration blocks without constant interruptions.
5. Japan: Discipline and strategic recalibration
Japan is less suitable for a tropical workation and more a place where discipline and innovation come together. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you work in hyper-modern environments, while Kyoto offers tranquility and tradition. The Japanese focus on efficiency and attention to detail can be inspiring for entrepreneurs looking to sharpen their processes or recalibrate their strategy.
The time difference with the Netherlands is considerable, making this destination especially suitable for entrepreneurs who are temporarily less dependent on live appointments. Those seriously considering working here longer can delve into a tour of Japan to find a good balance between urban dynamics and tranquility.
6. Costa Rica: Doing business with an eye for balance
Costa Rica mainly attracts entrepreneurs who want to combine growth with well-being. The 'pura vida' mentality revolves around balance, nature, and conscious living. You will find eco-lodges, surf spots, and an increasing number of accommodations aimed at remote workers. The environment invites you to work concentrated in the morning and later in the day to explore nature.
The quality of the internet varies by region, so good preparation is essential. For entrepreneurs who value sustainability, impact, or personal development, Costa Rica offers an environment that brings work and lifestyle closer together.
7. Mexico: Creative energy and international dynamics
Mexico offers a mix of creative energy, affordability, and urban dynamics. Especially Mexico City is becoming an international hotspot with startups, designers, and tech entrepreneurs. The city has a good digital infrastructure and a strong international community. At the same time, there are plenty of places along the coast and in colonial cities where you can find peace.
The time difference with the Netherlands is similar to that of Curaçao, allowing your mornings to be free for focused work and appointments to take place later in the day. Those who want to combine different regions can delve into a tour of Mexico to choose a setting that fits both productivity and relaxation.
Mental prosperity with workation
For many entrepreneurs, the real value of a workation is not in the location itself, but in the mental distance from daily operations. By literally stepping out of your fixed environment, space is created to look at your business anew. Ideas get more time, strategy gets more attention, and your daily decisions become less automatic. A distant trip is therefore not an escape from your business, but often an investment in it. And those who travel more often would do well to manage costs and planning wisely, for example with these tips for traveling cheaper as an entrepreneur.
