The Workcation Index

1. Portugal

With no time difference to the UK, Portugal is an easy switch for remote workers. Great connectivity and a top 3 safety rating make it a great choice, too. It’s also one of Western Europe’s most affordable countries, with plenty of stylish AirBnBs and hotels to choose from.

Broadband speed: 139.93mbps

Sunshine hours: 7.6

Security ranking: 3

Portugal Holidays

2. Antigua & Barbuda

Imagine managing your inbox, meeting deadlines, never missing a conference call and doing it all from a sun-soaked Caribbean beach. Antigua & Barbuda’s reliable wireless connections, excellent amenities and comfortable climate (highs of around 30°C and almost 8 hours of sunshine a day) make it a dream temporary office.

High °C: 29.8

Sunshine hours: 7.7

After work drinks: £1.50

Antigua Holidays

3. Barbados

You won’t need a virtual Zoom background if you’re working right from the sand in Barbados. The Caribbean favourite offers all the remote working essentials - faster than average internet and cheap pints for after work drinks. Plenty of sunshine and world-famous beaches don’t hurt, either.

High °C: 29.9

Sunshine hours: 8.2

Average price to stay: £1,040.16

Barbados Holidays

4. Spain

Spanish workcations really do feel like holidays thanks to comfortable temperatures and lots of sun. Don’t worry about missing meetings with extremely reliable Wi-Fi available, and the hour time difference making scheduling a breeze. The super short-haul flight means you don’t even need to take leave to make the move - all the more banked for the summer months.

Broadband speed: 169mbps

Sunshine hours: 7.6

Healthcare world ranking 7

Spain Holidays

5. Austria

Vienna’s plentiful coworking spaces, strong internet connections, high levels of safety, happy local population and vibrant cultural scene make it an extremely livable destination for remote workers looking for a change of scene. It’s a great cycling city too, so you can spend lunch breaks exploring instead of slumped in front of the TV.

Happiness rating: 6.998

Healthcare world ranking: 9

Security world ranking: 4

6. Japan

Another one of the safest countries on the list known, Japan is a perfect destination for remote workers wanting to immerse themselves in a new culture and get work done. It's also a great destination for foodies as they can enjoy all the variety of Japanese cuisine as well as explore the cuisines of nearby Asian countries as well.

Broadband speed: 150.27mbps

Healthcare world ranking: 10

Security world ranking: 9

7. New Zealand

New Zealand has been all over the news in the past year due to its handling of the pandemic, which may attract many looking for a safe getaway. And with such a long way for travellers to go, a workcation could be the best way to stay for a long enough stay to enjoy its luscious landscapes outside of office hours.

Broadband speed: 141.98mbps

Happiness rating: 7.325

Security world ranking: 2

8. UAE

Extend your Dubai holidays for a truly luxurious workcation in the sun. The emirate has excellent Wi-Fi, plenty of accommodation options and no shortage of gourmet restaurants for a working lunch. Plus, with a 4 hour time difference you can either get a headstart on your colleagues back home, or enjoy a lie-in and still make your 9am meeting - best of both worlds.

High °C: 33.4

Sunshine hours: 9.6

Happiness rating: 6.687

Dubai Holidays

9. Netherlands

Although on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of the cost of an average stay, the Netherlands boasts a high score on Wi-Fi as well as hosting many co-working spaces to make sure your work doesn't suffer while you still get to enjoy a bike ride along the canals or in the countryside during your lunch hour or free time.

Broadband speed: 136.21mbps

Healthcare world ranking: 17

Security world ranking: 21

10. Australia

Australia’s Work and Holiday visa for under 30s is the ultimate digital nomad licence. The country’s cosmopolitan cities offer excellent Wi-Fi and remote working facilities, and your work/life balance will be bolstered by Australia’s high levels of happiness and year-round sunshine

Sunshine hours: 7.7

Happiness rating: 7.337

Security world ranking: 13

11. Norway

Excellent Wi-Fi for reliable video meeting connections, a strong healthcare system plus relatively affordable living spaces make Norway an attractive prospect for remote workers. There’s also the unique Svalbard remote work visa, which has no official expiry date and offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience for true digital nomads on the archipelago.

Broadband speed: 153.51mbps

Happiness rating: 7.49

Healthcare world ranking: 11

12. Czech Republic

Prague’s comfortable temperatures and excellent transport links have made it a real hotspot for digital nomads in recent years. It’s a great place for after-work relaxation with lots of culture, bars and parks to explore. And during the workday you’ll find good Wi-Fi and plenty of quiet work spaces for getting your head down.

Security world ranking: 8

Average price to stay: £932.40

After work drinks: £0.75

13. Costa Rica

For a break from the rat race, destinations don’t come much more inviting than Costa Rica. Digital nomads here will find pleasant weather year-round, beautiful beaches and more than reasonable living costs. Plus, you’re guaranteed to be working with a smile, since Costa Rica is one of the happiest places in the world.

High °C: 27

Happiness rating: 7.321

After work drinks: £1.01

14. Germany

Germany boasts great internet connectivity, lovely warm summer months, and vibrant cities makes it a good place to set up for an extended holiday. And for those looking for an even longer term workcation, Germany offers specific visas for freelancers if you want to make a longer-term WFH setup.

Broadband speed: 113.19mbps

Security world ranking: 16

Average price to stay: £1,242.04

15. Greece

Greece is fast becoming one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads, with a new visa offering a 50% tax break - so half your salary remains income tax free. If that’s not incentive enough, you’ll also be working in comfortable year-round temperatures and benefitting from living costs cheaper than much of Western Europe.

Sunshine hours: 7.8

Healthcare world ranking: 14

Average price to stay: £1,072.82

16. Denmark

Coming up second in our broadband ranking, Denmark is a great option for remote workers. Cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus have growing tech and digital scenes, so you’re sure to find plenty of cool work spaces and excellent cafes. Other benefits include a high security/safety rating and just an hour’s time difference to the UK.

Broadband speed: 185.36mbps

Happiness rating: 7.578

Security world ranking: 5

17. Croatia

Croatia’s famously photogenic Adriatic coastline makes for the perfect video call background, while secure Wi-Fi connections and affordable living mean it’s simple to settle in. A new dedicated digital nomad visa was launched in January, too, making relocation admin simple.

Security world ranking: 26

Average price to stay: £1,061.05

After work drinks: £1.63

Croatia Holidays

18. Finland

Stuck in a bit of a rut? Voted the happiest country in the world three years in a row, Finland is clearly the place to go to escape any workday blues. It’s also got reliable Wi-Fi so you’ll cut down on all the stress of cutting out during Zoom calls, and it’s rated highly for security so you can relax and get your work done in peace.

Happiness rating: 7.828

Security world ranking: 14

19. Mauritius

Shut your laptop at the end of the working day here and get straight to sunbathing, hiking, snorkelling, wildlife spotting and islet hopping. Rated highly for security and famous for its sunny shores, Mauritius beats working from your sofa every day of the week.

High °C 29.4

Sunshine hours: 7.9

Average price to stay: £904.68

Mauritius Holidays

20. Iceland

An extremely cool destination in every sense of the word, Iceland came out on top for security in our ranking. Digital nomads who secure a visa as part of the Work in Iceland programme can enjoy the Arctic country’s famously beautiful views, happy culture and great Wi-Fi, all without having to waste any holiday allowance.

Happiness rating: 7.317

Healthcare world ranking: 15

Security world ranking: 1