Working on the Go: How Brits Are Combining Careers with Travel
Remote work isn’t just a temporary trend. For many in the UK, it’s become a new way of life. From students and young professionals to seasoned freelancers, a growing number of people are swapping office desks for co-working cafes, coastal apartments, and culture-rich cities around the world. With flexible work now more accessible than ever, it’s no longer a choice between career and adventure. Increasingly, people are finding ways to have both by working on the go.
The Rise of the ‘Workcation’
A workcation blends work with a holiday, allowing people to earn an income while exploring new destinations. Instead of using up annual leave for travel, remote workers are building movement into their everyday lives.
Some choose quiet countryside retreats in the UK, while others head overseas to places like Portugal or Hungary, where the cost of living is lower, and the lifestyle is more relaxed. With solid Wi-Fi, good time management, and a bit of planning, the work-from-anywhere lifestyle is proving both possible and popular.
“Remote working has opened up a whole new world for travel lovers who no longer want to choose between career and experience,” says one nomad traveller “It’s about balance, freedom, and designing a life that works for you.”
Students and Side Hustles on the Move
For students and recent graduates, this freedom offers a head start in shaping a more flexible career path. Many are turning to freelance work, internships, or remote placements that allow them to travel while earning money or gaining experience.
A recent feature on student side hustles from The Student Pocket Guide explores how university leavers are delaying traditional 9-to-5 jobs in favour of tutoring, freelance writing, and managing social media accounts while on the move.
While the lifestyle offers excitement and flexibility, it also requires self-discipline, clear routines, and the ability to switch between work mode and travel mode seamlessly.
Where to Work from in 2025
Whether you prefer a quiet beach town or a fast-paced capital, Europe and beyond are full of locations ideal for digital nomads.
A guide to the top digital nomad destinations by The Travel Pocket Guide highlights spots like Lisbon, Budapest, Chiang Mai and Tenerife, all offering good infrastructure, affordable living, and a strong remote work community.
With the right environment, remote workers can enjoy the best of both worlds: career progress and cultural immersion.
Staying Well While Working Remotely
Working abroad can be incredibly fulfilling, but it also presents challenges, especially when it comes to health, energy, and work-life balance.
In a recent Lifestyle Pocket Guide article, contributors explored how routines like time-blocking, minimal packing, and daily wellness check-ins can make a real difference.
It turns out that working from paradise isn’t always paradise, unless you’re prepared.
The Future of Flexible Living
From student freelancers to seasoned remote professionals, more people are choosing travel as part of their lifestyle, not just something saved for holidays.
This shift reflects a bigger change in how we view work. Success is no longer measured solely by titles or offices, but by freedom, fulfilment, and the ability to live life on your own terms.
