Workcations, where travellers work from abroad to extend their holidays, have become increasingly popular since hybrid work became the norm for many. According to an IWG study, Barcelona and Toronto are the world's leading remote work destinations ahead of cities such as New York, Beijing and Rio de Janeiro.
According to the same study, 88% of hybrid workers 'worked from anywhere' last year, while nearly three in five (57%) extended their holidays by working from abroad. To support this new working style, IWG has 3,500 flexible offices in more than 120 countries, giving companies and their employees access to an unrivalled global network and the chance to work from anywhere in the world.
Drawing on this extensive network, IWG, the world's largest operator of flexible and hybrid workspaces, compared 25 major cities against nine criteria. Cities were scored with a maximum of 10 points for climate, culture, accommodation, transport, food and drink, happiness, broadband speed and flexible workspace availability. As a result, Barcelona and Toronto were jointly named the best cities in the world for visiting hybrid workers, outperforming New York, Beijing and Rio de Janeiro.
Barcelona, known for its diverse cultural activity, stunning architecture and almost year-round sunny weather, remains a highly sought-after destination that attracts millions annually. In recent years, it has become a thriving hub for digital nomads seeking the perfect work and leisure combination for their workcations. The city's allure lies in its unique mix of sun, sea, sand and cosmopolitan atmosphere, along with its excellent transport system and relatively low living costs compared to other major European cities.
Toronto – on the other hand – scored highly for accommodation, happiness and flexible workspaces, making it ideal for working travellers. Canada's largest city offers a diverse experience for digital nomads, with over 25% of the centre covered in forests and an impressive 18% devoted to parks, providing ample green space to relax amidst the bustling urban environment. With a multicultural atmosphere, over 8,000 restaurants, vibrant neighbourhoods and an abundance of coffee shops and flexible workspaces, Toronto has appeal.
In third place is Beijing, which scored an impressive 57.5 out of 90. It scored exceptionally well in culture, accommodation and transport costs. Beijing offers visitors a stark contrast between historic neighbourhoods with ancient alleyways and futuristic financial districts adorned with towering skyscrapers and state-of-the-art technology – a mix of traditional and modern China. The city's global art scene, with numerous galleries and cultural venues, offers an extraordinary experience for travellers looking to experience China's rich heritage and contemporary innovation.
Hybrid work improves employee wellbeing
The IWG survey reveals workcations' growing popularity among office workers. More than two-thirds (67%) of workers believe they can work effectively from overseas, and a remarkable 71% say they would only consider a job that offered flexibility to work remotely at least part of the time. The survey highlights that improved work-life balance (76%) is the most cited benefit of working from anywhere. In addition, the ability to spend more time with friends and family abroad (52%), saving money by travelling off-peak (47%) and enjoying longer holidays (30%) were other key benefits mentioned.