Digital nomadism as a form of travel: A phenomenological study of going on a workation

Abstract

The increased mobility of employed knowledge workers allows them to temporarily engage in leisure travel while working remotely, thereby experiencing the digital nomad lifestyle. This phenomenon is gaining traction due to the rising popularity and acceptance of hybrid work. This study revisits the relationship between digital nomadism and tourism, extending it to encompass a new form of travel in addition to lifestyle mobility. To enhance our understanding and describe the essence of this new travel form—going on a workation—we employ longitudinal analysis from a transcendental phenomenology perspective. Four key dimensions of going on a workation are identified and discussed in relation to travel research and stress theories.