Work From Goa!

2020 was the year of the great indoors; staying in was not a choice but a restriction for our own physical safety. This year will also be known for the great 'Work From Home' revolution. It built trust for the employers and an added commitment by the employees. The year also accounts for the reduction in our love for cities, as there was only so much that one could do in these confined areas.

2021 has been a significant game-changer though, with things opening up, travellers now have an opportunity to hit back on the roads and reply to the mountains, who always keep calling for some reason. Excellent connectivity across the country has made this opportunity even more lucrative. Now we don't have to wait for a vacation; we can always be on a workation ( even I am not very fond of this word, but got to use it as it's trending ).

My friends and I all have the luxury of working from anywhere, though lured we were not exactly confident if we could pull off both work and vacation at the same time. So we looked back at the famous quote "Sometimes it takes a good fall to know where you stand" and planned the easiest (?) trip known - a trip to Goa. 

We planned for only a week so that we fall only as much that we can stand up from! The one week to Goa was intended to explore Hostel stays ( Cheap stays ), Networking ( meet great people ), and have a good time ( Goa time ). So we explored mainly three hostels as per the highest trip advisor ratings.

Woke Hostel: A 160-year-old villa now converted into a hostel which is a comfortable place for digital nomads. It's at a center point from all major party beaches in north Goa; while this being an attractive point, it also is a curse as it's equally far from all the places we wanted to head for. 

Craft Hostel:  If you love art you will love this place, and If you love history, you will love this place even more! This house was originally owned and stayed in by people ( legends ) who brought the hippie culture to Goa; it proudly showcases photos of 'Eight finger Eddie and Joe Banana' who are said to be the first ones of the tribe. It is now owned by three artists who have created a vibe that makes you never want to leave the place.

I won't be sharing details of the third hostel as it does not fit into the workation genre. But hey, do check out this amazing co-working space called 'Clay' if you are among the ones who cannot work without a proper work desk.

We found this place a little late and so couldn't actually work from here, but everyone in the hostels we stayed were all praises about it, so maybe this is a place we will explore in our next visit!

It was fun working from Goa as we did not wake up tired to the thought of "what do we cook today for lunch?", but with the excitement of where are we going today for lunch, after office hours, and then for dinner! The Goan weather keeps you relaxed, and I don't need to tell you any separately that a happy person puts up the best work together!

COVID might have constricted our movement, but it has undoubtedly helped me appreciate the things I took for granted earlier. Now I dont travel just to rejuvenate; I travel with a bigger purpose. I travel more consciously about the environment, the local culture, and with the understanding that this world needs more kindness!

I am all ready to plan my next workation; what place will you be heading to?