Among the myriad of perks that come with freelancing and running your own business are the freedom and flexibility to fly the coop on a whim. While not every vacation should be working vacations, it can be nice to get away even when there is still work that needs to be done.

How to Pick the Perfect Working Vacation Rental

Every individual freelancer has their own needs, both personally and professionally, but we can help you figure out what general amenities you should keep an eye out for when searching for your next working vacation rental. These are the top considerations you should keep in mind while you’re scouring the listings on VRBO and Airbnb.

Rentals for Creative Freelancers

The isolated artist seeking creative inspiration at a remote cabin in the woods may be a tired TV trope, but it is the artists and writers themselves who lend credence to this stereotype. The world-renowned painter Pablo Picasso once said, “Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” And would any of us know of Henry David Thoreau had he not sought solitude in Walden?

Creatives should take their remote work to truly remote locations every so often to seek out their muse, or to reset their brains— however you want to put it. A secluded mountainside Alaskan cabin could be the key that’ll unlock your writer’s block.

But if such a far-out venture seems a little far-fetched, creative freelancers should at least ensure that there is a private chamber at their rental that they can escape to, a private space where they can submit themselves to their creative thoughts. After a long day of nature walks and people watching, having a cozy room with a table, chair, and a lockable door is the best place to retreat to for a late-night creative work session. If you brought a partner or some friends along, let them entertain themselves outside in the common room while you get to work.

Rentals for Audio Producers

This is a subset of creative freelancers, but one with specific needs. Singers, musicians, and beatmakers need their own separate space, even moreso than other creative types. If you fall into this category, be sure to find a house for your next working vacation rental, preferably one where the nearest neighbors aren’t in earshot.

Without anyone around to complain or judge, you can let your creative energies loose. When looking for a place to stay, check the description or pictures for signs of a quality home entertainment system. It’s difficult to travel with hi-fi equipment, but there are a surprising amount of vacation rentals with decent stereo systems already in place— and that’ll save you some serious luggage space.

Rentals for Digital Nomads

Managing editors, digital marketing gurus, influencers, and life coaches need to stay connected to their team members and clients. Wherever you choose to travel for your next working vacation, reliable WiFi and cellular service should be your number one priority. You don’t want to have to drive 30 minutes to make a phone call or attend your Zoom meetings at a coffee shop.

Once that’s covered, plan out the experiences you want to have. As an avid content producer or social star, you’ll want to share your experiences as a digital nomad. Let this vacation become a source of conversation and inspiration. Make it memorable.

Rentals for Business Professionals

Piggybacking off of the needs of digital nomads, business professionals also need to stay connected, and you’ll likely also want to network in person at your destination. Maybe you’re planning to acquire a new client, be the bearer or recipient of consultation, or maybe you have a product to sell. Whatever the case may be, you need a meeting place.

That means along with the virtual requirements of a digital nomad, you’ll particularly want to locate a rental that is in close proximity to popular social gathering places, event centers, and office spaces. Similarly, you’ll also want to ensure that your rental itself has appropriate meeting space in case you want to bring a business associate by for a longer discussion. Your in-rental meeting room should have a sizeable table with several seats in a clean, well-lit, and inviting space.