Workcations are on the rise, with more and more travelers opting to work from international destinations to extend their vacations. This trend has gained popularity as hybrid work has become the standard work model for many professionals. According to a study by IWG, Barcelona and Toronto stand out as the world's leading telecommuting destinations, surpassing iconic cities such as New York, Beijing and Rio de Janeiro.

The numbers speak for themselves: 88% of hybrid workers said they "worked from anywhere" last year, while nearly three out of five (57%) took the opportunity to extend their vacation by working from abroad. To support this new way of working, IWG has established a network of 3,500 flexible offices in more than 120 countries, giving companies and their employees access to an unrivaled global network and the ability to work from anywhere in the world.

This extensive network enabled IWG, the world's leading operator of flexible and hybrid workspaces, to conduct a comprehensive comparison of 25 of the world's leading cities according to nine key criteria. The cities were evaluated and scored out of a maximum of 10 points in terms of climate, culture, accommodation, transportation, dining options, wellness, broadband speed and availability of flexible workspaces. The result was the joint crowning of Barcelona and Toronto as the best cities in the world for hybrid workers, far surpassing iconic cities such as New York, Beijing or Rio de Janeiro.

Barcelona, known for its intense cultural life, stunning architecture and sunny weather for much of the year, remains a sought-after destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. In recent years, it has become a thriving hub for digital nomads seeking the perfect combination of work and leisure during their workcations. The city's appeal lies in its unique fusion of sun, sea, sand and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, coupled with an efficient transportation system and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other renowned European cities.

On the other hand, Toronto stands out for its high ratings in accommodation, wellness and a wealth of flexible workspaces, making it an ideal choice for travelers. As Canada's largest city, Toronto offers a diverse experience for digital nomads, with more than 25% of its land area covered by forests and an impressive 18% dedicated to parks, providing ample green space to relax amidst the urban hustle and bustle. With its multicultural atmosphere, more than 8,000 restaurants, vibrant neighborhoods and an abundance of coffee shops and flexible workspaces, Toronto presents itself as an extremely attractive option.

In third place, we found Beijing, which scored an impressive 57.5 out of 90 in the evaluation. The city excelled in categories such as culture, accommodation and transportation costs. Beijing offers visitors a stark contrast between its historic neighborhoods with ancient streets and its futuristic financial districts adorned with towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. This fusion of the traditional and the modern makes the city a unique experience for those wishing to explore China's rich heritage and immerse themselves in contemporary innovation.

The IWG study reflects the growing popularity of "workcations" among office workers. More than 67% of employees believe they can effectively perform their work from overseas, and a significant 71% say they would only consider jobs that offer the flexibility to work remotely, at least part of the time. The study highlights that improved work-life balance (76%) is the most cited benefit of working from anywhere. In addition, the ability to spend more time with friends and family abroad (52%), saving money by avoiding peak hours (47%) and enjoying longer vacations (30%) are other key benefits mentioned.

‍