The Great Workation Reality Check: Do UK staycations beat overseas workations for freelancers in 2025?
The dream of sipping a morning coffee whilst answering emails from a Barcelona balcony isn’t what it used to be. European destinations are pushing back hard against overtourism. For example, foreign freelancers on workcations or holidays in Barcelona are being met with the unwelcoming squirt of anti-tourism water pistols, the protestors’ vice of choice. This is despite Barcelona being a market gateway hotspot in recent years for non-Spanish startups and remote-friendly companies.
Plus, rising flight and luggage costs, visitor caps, and new tourist rules can easily sour a dream workation. However, we haven’t given up on the overseas workation yet.
In this article, we highlight how overseas workcations stack up to those in the UK from costs, new tourist restrictions, taxes and fees.
Additional fees and fines for overseas workations
Europe’s most beloved destinations are grappling with “overtourism,” leading to a backlash from residents and governments. This translates into concrete measures that could impact your working holiday plans. However, destinations across the world are also upping taxes and fees.
Tourist taxes are mounting up for groups and families. These “small” daily fees add up quickly:
- Barcelona: Tourist tax for five-star hotel guests increased to €6.75 per night, totalling €47.25 per week.
- Venice (Italy): Has introduced a €5 day-trip tax to dissuade short-term tourists from overloading the city
- Santorini & Mykonos (Greece): The government announced a €20 levy for cruise ship visitors to Greece’s islands during peak summer
- Kyoto (Japan): Lodging tax for hotels will increase to a maximum of 10,000 yen (£52), ten times the current 1,000 yen cap. The city plans to implement the new taxes by spring 2026 (Kyodo News)
- Bhutan (The Himalayas): Visitors pay the world’s priciest entrance fee of US$100 daily to promote low-impact tourism
- Galapagos Islands (Ecuador): Tourists to the archipelago must now pay an entry tax of $200 (£155) for international visitors
- Bali (Indonesia): Bali has introduced a $10 (£7.70) tourist tax to deter unruly visitors.
- Seville (Spain): Seville plans to charge holidaymakers for Plaza de España entry to combat overtourism, with details still unclear
- Edinburgh (Scotland): Plans are set to introduce a 5% tourist tax on accommodation from 2026, aiming to raise £50 million annually
These costs, while seemingly small per day, can accumulate quickly, impacting a freelancer’s budget, especially if your income tap turns off when you’re not actively working.
Are new tourism rules limiting your experience?
Spontaneous exploration? Think again. New restrictions make it harder to experience a destination on your own terms. Popular destinations are introducing strict limits:
Restricted Access and Zones: To manage crowds, some destinations are limiting visitor numbers or restricting access to certain areas:
- Santorini & Mykonos (Greece): Daily cap of 8,000 cruise visitors on Santorini and an organised berth system in Mykonos.
- Machu Picchu (Peru): Visitors face a strict ticketing system to arrive within designated time slots to prevent overcrowding.
- Ibiza (Spain): Authorities have introduced new regulations limiting the simultaneous docking of cruise ships to no more than two at a time.
- Amsterdam (Netherlands): There are plans to limit river cruises, ban new hotels, reduce visitors by 271,000 annually, and cap overnight stays at 20 million.
- Menorca (Spain): Homeowners in Binibeca Vell have blocked access to private properties and asked tourists to visit only between 11 am and 8 pm to reduce noise.
- Barcelona (Spain): The city cut cruise dockings to seven and removed the 116 bus route to Parc Güell to curb peak-season tourism.
- Seoul (South Korea): Tourists can only visit between 10 am–5 pm in the “Red Zone” (Bukchon-ro 11-gil); violators risk a 100,000 KRW fine. Starting January 2026, chartered buses will be banned year-round in specified areas, with a trial beginning July 2025.
- Athens (Greece): The Greek Acropolis capped visitors at 20,000 in September 2023 and introduced time slot bookings to reduce footfall.
- Hallstatt (Austria): Measures were taken to discourage tourists by building wooden fences that block lakeside views.
- Trentino Alto Adige (Italy): Overnight guests are capped at 2019 levels to tackle overtourism, with pre-registration for attractions like Alpe di Siusi.
- French Polynesia: Annual tourist numbers are planned to be capped at 280,000, with local cruise lines taking priority over international cruise ships.
For freelancers who thrive on flexibility and immersion, these restrictions that have had to be put in place due to overcrowding can hinder spontaneous exploration and make it harder to truly experience a destination.
Tourist behaviour: new rules
Beyond access, some places are cracking down on “unruly” tourist behaviour:
- Amsterdam (Netherlands): Authorities have urged Brits to “stay away” due to antisocial behaviour during stag parties and pub crawls, with a warning video campaign
- Sardinia (Italy): Tourists invading the pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa face fines ranging from €500 (£428) to €3,500 (£2,993).
- Dubrovnik (Croatia): Visitors may face fines or charges for wearing swimwear outside of designated beach areas, particularly in the historic Old Town. This code aims to preserve cultural integrity and maintain public decency. Wearing bikinis, swim trunks, or being topless is generally prohibited in public spaces within the Old Town. Fines: Fines can range from around €150 (approximately £126-£129) to even higher amounts (€600-€700 or more) depending on the specific offense and location. Some reports mention fines of 1,000 Kuna (around €133) in the past.; plus rules about driving without permission, eating near monuments, or climbing city walls.
- Prague (Czechia): City councillors have decided to ban outrageous stag and hen group costumes, as well as nighttime pub crawls.
- Portofino (Italy): Tourists taking selfies in popular spots could face a €275 (£242) fine for causing congestion, with “no waiting” zones to prevent blockages.
- Rome (Italy): Rome is cracking down on bans for shirtless men, “love padlocks” on bridges, and snacking near attractions like the Trevi Fountain.
These regulations, while aimed at preserving local culture and quality of life, can create a less relaxed atmosphere for some visitors, potentially impacting the “holiday” aspect of a working holiday.
Post-Brexit visa headaches for UK-based freelancers
Gone are the days of rocking up in Europe with just your laptop. UK freelancers now need proper documentation for extended stays.
Digital Nomad Visas sound great, but…countries that offer digital nomad visas, come with strings attached. Proof of income, for one.
For example, the Italian Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum annual income of approximately €28,000, which is three times the amount needed to be exempt from Italian healthcare costs, according to Immigration Advice Service. This income must be from your remote work or freelance activities, not passive income sources like investments. Applicants must also demonstrate proof of health insurance and accommodation.
- Mandatory health insurance: Private coverage required
- Tax compliance: Navigate local VAT and quarterly filing requirements
- Application fees: Plus, lengthy processing times
Operating without proper permits risks penalties, visa refusals, or even being turfed out of the country.
Why UK staycations are winning for freelancers
Recent research shows UK staycations offer brilliant value, especially when you factor in hidden European costs.
Travel savings are massive: Skip expensive flights, visas, and hefty travel insurance. Petrol and train tickets cost a fraction of some international airfares.
Accommodation bargains: Places like Essex offer surprisingly affordable holiday parks and villages with quaint cottages, hot tubs child child-friendly activities and beaches to explore. Foodies also have a choice of Essex Michelin restaurants.
Free activities galore: The Isle of Wight boasts 134.6 free attractions per 100,000 people. That’s serious bang for your buck.
Tax perks: Self-employed individuals can claim some expenses on UK business trips. Whilst not all your holiday expenses might not qualify, understanding these rules helps when blending work with pleasure
Zero jet lag: Keep your productive hours without schedule disruption
Reliable connectivity: UK’s internet infrastructure is solid, especially in holiday hotspots. Many self-catering places now offer proper high-speed Wi-Fi
No language barriers: Order your morning coffee without Google Translate
Workation-ready accommodation: Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, and the Cotswolds are packed with properties offering dedicated desk spaces and reliable power
Support Britain whilst you work and play
- Local economic boost: Your spending directly supports UK businesses, from independent cafés to local producers
- Environmental wins: Massively lower carbon footprint versus international travel
- Hidden gems everywhere: Britain’s diverse landscapes offer coastal paths, rolling hills, historic cities, and peaceful woodlands. Lesser-known regions provide meaningful experiences without the crowds
- Pet-friendly options: Most UK accommodations welcome furry colleagues on your working holiday
Plan your freelance getaway
Financial Preparation
Build your holiday fund: Your income stops when you stop working, so plan accordingly. Start saving 6-12 months ahead. This may seem like a lot but the feeling of having your holiday already paid for allows you to relax.
Create an annual leave account: Set aside a percentage from each payment for guilt-free time off.
Client management
Communication: Give clients plenty of notice about your availability. Set clear expectations about email checking schedules.
Months in advance of your holiday, work on booking work for when you come back. Saving for holidays in advance and having work already booked is another stress buster for freelancers on holiday or even a workcation.
Technical setup
Test your connectivity: Research and call in advance Wi-Fi speeds at your chosen accommodation or local co-working spaces. You can always use your mobile phone’s Hotspot to work online, so factor in mobile coverage at your destination as well.
Pack properly: Ensure you’ve got all the necessary equipment for seamless remote working. This is especially the case when you travel abroad (i.e., plug adapters, mobile phone data packages, laptop sun shades).
Mindset matters
Define your purpose: Are you primarily working with some leisure, or holidaying whilst occasionally checking emails? Set boundaries for both productivity and proper relaxation.
European workations still sound appealing, but the reality is increasingly complex and expensive for UK-based freelancers. Between overtourism backlash, post-Brexit complications, and mounting costs, the European dream holiday is losing its shine.
For UK freelancers, determining whether a workcation in the UK or Europe is cheaper and less of a hassle involves weighing various factors:
Accommodation:
- UK: Prices can vary significantly. Rural areas or less popular towns might offer more affordable self-catering options. Cities like London are generally very expensive
- Europe: Eastern and Southern European countries (e.g., Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Albania, parts of Spain, Portugal, Croatia) generally offer a lower cost of living, including accommodation, compared to the UK. Cities like Sofia, Bucharest, Belgrade, and Budapest are frequently cited as affordable options for digital nomads. Even within Western Europe, some cities like Madrid can be more affordable than London
Cost of Living (food, transport, etc.):
- UK: Groceries for he most part can be relatively affordable, yet dining out and public transport in many UK cities can add up. Having on-site access to a hob, oven and fridge to prepare meals can be a great money-saver. Plus, no need for a designated driver as you’re already at your base.
- Europe: Again, Eastern and Southern Europe often present significant savings on daily expenses such as food, coffee, and local transport. This can be a win-win for those who don’t want to cook on a workcation.
Travel costs:
- UK: Travel within the UK, especially by train, can be expensive. Driving and fuel costs also need to be considered
- Europe: Budget airlines offer very cheap flights to many European destinations from the UK, especially if booked in advance. Now that E-gates are back, getting out of airport security is much quicker across participating countries and airports. Inter-city travel within Europe can also be more affordable by train or bus in some regions
Travel hassle & legalities:
Visa and Immigration:
- UK: No visa is required for UK citizens to workcation within the UK. This is the simplest option from a legal standpoint
- Europe (Post-Brexit): This is where it gets complex. As a UK citizen, you cannot freely work in EU countries anymore
Short Stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period): You can visit most Schengen Area countries (which includes most of the EU) visa-free for tourism. While some countries might permit incidental remote work during this period, it’s generally not advisable to make remote work your primary purpose, and receiving remuneration from a source within the visited country is typically prohibited.
Digital Nomad Visas: Several European countries (e.g., Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Romania, Germany, Iceland, Norway) have introduced specific “digital nomad” visas or residence permits. These are designed for remote workers who work for companies or clients outside of the host country. However, these visas come with conditions, including:
Minimum income requirements: These can vary significantly (e.g., Estonia requires €4,500/month, while Romania’s is around €1,100).
Application process: This involves submitting various documents, proof of funds, health insurance, and sometimes an interview. Processing times can range from weeks to months.
Duration: Typically valid for up to a year, with options for extension in some cases.
Tax Implications:
- UK: If you remain a UK tax resident (generally, spending more than 183 days in the UK in a tax year), your worldwide income is subject to UK tax
- Europe: If you spend a significant amount of time (often over 183 days in a 12-month period) in a European country, you may become tax resident there, even if you continue to work for UK clients. This can lead to double taxation, although many countries have double taxation treaties with the UK to prevent this. You’d likely need to comply with the tax filing requirements of both countries. Creating a “permanent establishment” for your UK business in a foreign country due to your remote work could also lead to corporate tax liabilities there
- Social Security: Social security contributions are typically due in the country where the work is performed, even if income tax isn’t due
Language Barrier:
- UK: No language barrier
- Europe: English is widely spoken in many European cities, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations, but a language barrier can still exist in less-touristy regions
Internet connectivity:
- UK: Generally reliable across most of the country
- Europe: Major cities in Europe typically have excellent internet connectivity, with some countries like Romania being known for particularly fast internet speeds
Staycation or Workcation abroad?
For most UK freelancers looking for a cheaper and less travel-hassle workcation, staying within the UK is generally the simpler and less complicated option, especially for shorter periods.
- Less hassle (UK): No visa or immigration issues, no complex tax residency considerations for short stays, no foreign language barriers, and familiar legal and healthcare systems.
- Cheaper (Europe, potentially): If your primary goal is to significantly reduce living costs and you are willing to navigate the legal and administrative complexities, then an exended workcation in a country like Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, or parts of Portugal/Spain could be considerably cheaper in terms of accommodation and daily expenses.
However, this is only truly “less hassle” if you are planning a longer stay and are willing to go through the process of obtaining a digital nomad visa and understanding the tax implications.
Have you found an ideal place to take a workcation in the UK or abroad? Share it with fellow freelancers in the article’s comments section or via our social media channels. (NO SPAM or Promotions please! These types of comments won’t be published.)
Interested in detailed information on what was covered in this article?
Further details on tourist taxes: Planning a Trip? These 7 Countries Are Raising Tourist Taxes in 2025 by travelobiz (27 March 2025).
Information on the general impact of Brexit on UK freelancers working in the EU: How UK freelancers can get a work permit in the EU: post-Brexit options explained” by Hightekers (19 June 2025).
Specific tourist behaviour regulations in Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, France, Italy, and Greece: Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, France, Italy, And Greece Dominate Europe’s Summer 2025 Travel Agenda With Harsh Public Behavior Rules And Elevated Security Restrictions by Travel and Tour World (23 June 2025).
Details for Italy’s digital nomad visa processing time: CHECKLIST FOR DIGITAL NOMAD – REMOTE WORKER” by VFS Global for Italy in the UK.
Information on allowable business expenses for self-employed individuals in the UK, particularly concerning travel and accommodation: Claim for business travel costs via Self Assessment” by GoSimpleTax (10 January 2025).
Data and insights on UK staycations, including top budget-friendly destinations: Hoseasons cites rise of ‘playcations’ for surge in active summer break bookings” by Travel Weekly (12 June 2025).
Information on co-working spaces in the UK, including specific cities: Working Holidays in the UK: Best Hotels & Co-Working Spaces for Digital Nomads by The Rare Welsh Bit and Find a coworking space in United Kingdom by Hubble On-Demand.
Details regarding pet-friendly workation options and top cities for pet-owning remote workers in the UK: The best locations in the UK for workers with pets by Remote (June 2022 data).
Spain Digital Nomad Visa requirements: Spain Digital Nomad Visa – 2025 Update by Citizen Remote (20 June 2025) and LONDON · CHECKLIST FOR DIGITAL NOMAD VISA by BLS International Spain Visa Application Centre.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) requirements: Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in 2025 by Imin-Portugal.com.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa requirements: Italy Digital Nomad Visa 2025 Guide by Get Golden Visa (22 April 2025).
Greece Digital Nomad Visa requirements: Greece Digital Nomad Visa: 2025 Guide” by Global Citizen Solutions.
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa requirements: Digital Nomad visa to Estonia in 2025″ by visa-digital-nomad.com.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa requirements: Croatia Digital Nomad Visa: 2025 Guide by Digital Nomad Tax.
Impact of Brexit on UK freelancers and the need for work permits in the EU: How UK freelancers can get a work permit in the EU: post-Brexit options explained” by Hightekers (19 June 2025).