6 amazing places to work remotely from this year

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There’s no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted a lot of 2020 plans. Our summer vacations to far-flung destinations have turned into road trips to local attractions. And for many of us, our kitchen tables have become our workspaces.

But, what if working remotely didn’t mean being stuck in your makeshift home office? What if you could continue to work from home, but get that vacation you’d envisioned having all at the same time?

There’s a silver lining in all of this craziness; you may not have to stay home. Working remotely means you can probably work from nearly anywhere!

We’ve put together a list of six of the best spots to work remotely from this year. So you can safely enjoy a change of scenery during the remainder of your time away from the office.

Barbados

What could be better than trading in your home office for the sunny island shores of Barbados? In light of the pandemic, the country is offering a 12 month Barbados welcome stamp. Visitors can apply through a short-term visa application and, if approved, will be allowed to live and work remotely on the island for one year.

The program allows stamp holders to come and go as they wish, meaning you’re not confined to Barbados once arriving. So it’s the perfect way for those who know they’re going to be working from home for a while to explore and experience something new, with the flexibility to leave at any time.

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley was quoted in the Jamaica Observer as saying, “Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been a tremendous challenge to people around the world, we believe it has also opened up opportunities.”

The people of Barbados want to share their island with visitors while helping their economy by bringing in tourists. The program is a win-win because it does just that, while also allowing you to live somewhere new and exciting. Known for their excellent beaches, rum and cuisine, you’ll be sure to have fun on your days off!

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Because of the large number of short-term leases available, fast internet speed and low coronavirus cases per capita, RentCafe named Santa Fe the number one spot for a work from home vacation.

A short term lease option could be perfect for those who want a month or two to get away. Santa Fe has amazing outdoor recreation areas. Visitors can partake in everything from hiking to mountain biking to wandering the streets and enjoying the Pueblo-style architecture. All of these activities allow you to maintain social distancing rules and guidelines still while enjoying a new place.

If you’re looking for a low-key, working vacation, Santa Fe is a great choice.

Honolulu, Hawaii

For a beach location that’s a bit closer to home for those living on the West Coast (and that you can get to without even needing a U.S. passport), consider Honolulu, Hawaii. Honolulu is chock-full of short-term rentals that are ideal for those craving waking up to the ocean sounds every day.

While flights to Honolulu can be a bit expensive, if you play your cards right (see what I did there?), you might be able to get to there on points and miles.

With a Chase Ultimate Rewards points earning card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can use the rewards you earn to book award flights on several different airlines, including Southwest and United Airlines. For tickets on United from the contiguous U.S. to the Hawaiian islands, you’ll pay around 22,500 United Airlines miles for a one-way saver award.

Be sure to check out our guide to using flexible points for flights to Hawaii.

Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

As coronavirus cases continue to steadily decrease in most of the northeast region of the United States, the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania could be a great place to sneak away for a few months.

With beautiful outdoor scenery and businesses like spas, casinos and restaurants beginning to open back up slowly, this spot could prove to be a beautiful place to work from home. A change of scenery to somewhere like the Pocono Mountains will do wonders for your productivity!

Colorado Springs, Colorado

There’s no place quite like Colorado. The breathtaking scenery, high internet speeds and low coronavirus rate make it an attractive option for anyone looking to switch-up their day to day routine. You could work from home in a short-term rental on the weekdays (and try not to get too distracted by the beautiful views likely right outside your window!). Then, on the weekends, adventure around this beautiful state.

Colorado has some of the best places to go camping in all of the U.S. With just a tent and some marshmallows for roasting, you’ll definitely be able to practice social distancing. And it’s certainly one place you won’t regret spending some time.

Richmond, Virginia

If a cityscape is more your style, consider taking a work from home vacation to Richmond. The city isn’t too big or overwhelming, but there is plenty to do. Richmond has incredible restaurants, a unique art and music scene and wonderful little shops to peruse. The summer months in Richmond bring great weather, and the city is full of Airbnbs for those looking for short term rentals.

Spend your weekends getting lost in the quaint streets of Carytown or sit outside on the lawn at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts happy hour Fridays. Just don’t forget your mask, of course!

Bottom line

Many of us are stuck in a rut, as we’ve been confined to our homes for the past few months. While working from home has its advantages — like the fact you can stay in your pajamas all day — feeling trapped can be detrimental to productivity and mental health.

The good news is, there are so many incredible places where you can work remotely from during the remainder of your time working from home. So you’ve got options!

Of course, it’s always important to be mindful of health and safety guidelines when you travel. But after spending a few months living and working in a new place, you’ll practically be one of the locals!

(Featured image by Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock)